Sig Ep awards scholarships to 'balanced' freshman students

Recognizing a broad spectrum of leadership qualities in academic, community service and athletic programs, the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity honored three male freshmen last night with a prestigious award. In the banquet hall of the Sheraton University City at 36th and Chestnut streets, 32 anxious freshmen men gathered for the eighth annual Balanced Man Scholarship Awards Banquet. After opening remarks from members of the fraternity, Wharton freshman Jerome Greco won the $1,000 first prize, Wharton freshman Travis Belden garnered the $600 second prize and College freshman Jeremy Duskin won the $250 prize, all for their leadership qualities in academic, community service and athletic programs both in high school and during their first semester at Penn. In addition to rewarding the "best of the best" of the freshmen class, the Balanced Man scholarship purports to "show [the freshmen] what the fraternity system is about" and let them "see the benefits of joining a fraternity," said Balanced Man scholarship co-chairperson Aaron Tidman, a College sophomore. The other 29 finalists were also recognized at the ceremony, where they received certificates for the award, which was funded by alumni donations. After multiple rounds of interviews, brothers of the fraternity selected the three from an applicant pool of 400 freshman males. Sig Ep President Erik Doebel, a Wharton senior, said the applicants were outstanding. "People who go to Penn are automatically going to have high GPAs and strong academic records," he said. "The scholarship recognizes someone who has the ability to go out and have fun, too? to be a social person who is confident and is not afraid to get involved in the activities that are important to him." Greco, who was on the football, wrestling and lacrosse teams in high school and is currently in the Navy ROTC, said he "felt great that [the fraternity members] had enough faith in [him] and [his] abilities" to select him as the top winner of the scholarship. But he also stressed that the interview process gave him the opportunity to acquaint himself with upperclassmen and the fraternity. "[The upperclassmen] got to show me the ropes and give me advice," Greco added, noting that the transition from high school to college often can be difficult socially. And Belden, who played varsity football and basketball in high school and is a member of the Penn varsity football team, said the application process "opened up a new pathway" to him. He now plans to rush Sig Ep in the spring. "There was a lot of talent in that room and to single me out among these guys was definitely an honor," he added. Duskin, a member of the freshman heavyweight crew team, also said the honor is two-fold in its benefits. "I just feel honored that they recognized me as a well-rounded person," he said. "Coming in and having the Sig Ep brothers treat me well has been a wonderful opportunity for me socially." The evening's guest speakers included assistant Penn football coach Dan "Lake" Staffieri, former Sig Ep Alumni Board President and 1965 graduate Conrad Eberstein and Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell. Members of Sig Ep recognized Eberstein for receiving this summer the Order of the Golden Heart Award, the highest award that can be bestowed on an alumnus for his service to the fraternity and the community.

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