Sig Ep recognizes 'Balanced Man'

The Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity is looking for a balanced man -- not a tightrope walker or someone who eats foods from the four food groups, but a man with a balanced life. The fraternity awarded the fourth annual Sig Ep Balanced Man Scholarship award last night recognizing freshmen who display any combination of academic, leadership and athletic excellence. The award's purpose is to commend the top three finalists as representatives of tomorrow's well rounded and balanced leadership community, said College sophomore Carter Bell, the Balanced Man Scholarship Chairman. Wharton freshman Armen Simonian was awarded first place and received a check for $600 at yesterday's ceremony held at the Sheraton University City Hotel. "I am shocked and a bit overwhelmed, but yet very honored," the varsity baseball player said. "Everyone here is equally qualified. I don't think any one of us stands out above the others and I wouldn't be surprised to hear that they picked the winners out of a hat." Tim Jandovitz won second place and received a $300 check and Kevin Davis won third place and a $100 check. The event was attended by 29 of the 34 finalists and 50 of the Sig Ep brothers. "This scholarship displays a different image of the basis of Greek life," Bell said. "Sig Ep is trying to recognize people that are all-around outstanding and possess great leadership qualities. "We are trying to build balanced leaders who will rise to all occasions in tomorrow's society," he added. Finalists were selected based on an application as well as two interviews conducted by several Sig Ep brothers, Bell explained. Ninety of the 180 applicants continued on to the semi-finalist stage where the second interview was conducted and the finalists were chosen. Monetary awards were compiled from money donated to the Penn Delta Foundation alumni board as well as money budgeted from local chapter funds. "As a freshman, I was impressed with this award, with the fraternity, and with what they were looking for in a winner," College senior and Sig Ep brother Ray Esquieres said. "I think it's great to recognize incoming freshmen and their past achievements." Anson Asbury, a member of the Sig Ep alumni board and a chapter counselor at Temple University, spoke to the finalists on the importance of seizing opportunities and reaching goals. "Destiny is a question of choice, not a matter of chance," he said in his speech. "Destiny is the next benchmark. Understanding change and destiny, and waking up every day under this realization is potential." "Penn is very competitive and is composed of many qualified men. Finalists for this award definitely comprise a crowd that stands above the crowd," Bell added.

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