Vicky Smith
Managing Editor
@pinkwritinglady
Two members of the Cameron University social fraternity Sigma Tau Gamma are the recipients of the first ever $250 Sigma Tau Gamma Book Scholarship.
The recipients, selected from over 100 applicants, are Tyler Williams and Nathaniel Stewart.
Freshman mechanical engineering major Joved Serrano, the chapter president, said the chapter received the funds for the scholarship from Sigma Tau Gamma’s national headquarters in Missouri.
“Our CEO Steve Latour felt that it would be a great idea for the active chapter to … start giving back to the university,” Serrano said. “[The scholarship helps raise awareness] to people about who we are and about what we do.”
The motto of Sigma Tau Gamma is to build a generation of noblemen, and in turn, the men can make a positive impact on Cameron University and the Lawton community.
Serrano, who joined the fraternity to enhance his college experience, said his participation in Sigma Tau Gamma has made his transition from high school to college much smoother.
“You have to be more independent here,” he said. “[Being in the fraternity] definitely motivates you to keep up with your homework. All the upperclassmen are here to help, too.”
When Serrano was in high school, he was the Battalion Command Sergeant Major in JROTC. He said he applies those acquired leadership skills to his current position as president of Sigma Tau Gamma.
Junior business management major Robert Champ, the safety and standards adviser for the active chapter and president of the alumni association, said in addition to gaining the skills and courtesies of noblemen, members of the fraternity learn how to give back to the community.
“Each semester, they do about 500 hours of volunteer service,” Champ said, “and that’s normally just between eight to ten guys. Each of the guys put in a lot of extra work each semester.”
According to Champ, one major volunteer project on the agenda for the fraternity members is the Polar Plunge. Last year, they raised $801 for local charities at the event.
“This fall, we’re actually going to be starting our Polar Plunge drive a little early,” Champ said. “Starting in September, we’re going to start receiving donations to raise money for the Polar Plunge, which goes for Special Olympics in Southwest Oklahoma.”
Champ said students who are interested in joining Sigma Tau Gamma can attend the informational, which will be held from 1-4:30 p.m. on Sept. 9 in the Buddy Green Room.
At the informational, students will listen to Chapter President Serrano discuss the formal aspects of the program, including academic, financial and volunteer service requirements.
For more information about the chapter at Cameron, visit the Sigma Tau Gamma Facebook page. For information about the purpose of the fraternity, visit http://sigmataugamma.org/.