The men of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, more commonly known as Sammys, are part of the only international fraternity on campus. This international status is due to several chapters in Canada. Although recognized internationally, the Inter Greek Council (IGC) does not recognize Sigma Alpha Mu. The absence of school recognition is due to the fact that there currently is a cap on the number of Greek organizations.
Founded in 2001, this fraternity has 33 active brothers and three candidates - students in the process of joining the fraternity - this semester.
"Our fraternity was founded as an organization to promote a balance between community service, scholarship and social events," said senior Neil Campbell.
The Sammy house is located a bit of a distance from campus, at the end of Orchard Street.
You may have noticed the brothers of Sigma Alpha Mu on Orchard Street selling hot dogs on Thursday nights. These hot dogs are being sold to raise money for Relay for Life. In addition to the money from hot-dog sales, they have raised over $200 for Relay for Life through can and bottle drives on weekends. Sigma Alpha Mu brothers have also adopted a section of I-390 and have volunteered at the H.O.R.S.E Rescue animal sanctuary.
Community service chair Gary Cole, a junior, summed up the fraternity's ideals, saying, "We love helping out the community, that's why we joined this organization."
Sigma Alpha Mu prides itself on brotherhood. Every week, a majority of the fraternity takes some time out of their busy schedules to gather at Letchworth Dining Hall to eat together. Athletically, Sammys are just as active. Besides having two or three intramural teams every semester, they gather together Saturday mornings for regular football or softball games.
Two years ago, one brother of Sigma Alpha Mu found out how strong the bonds of brotherhood are in the fraternity. Then-freshman Kevin Oill was born with a heart condition called Long QT Syndrome that he was unaware of at the time. While in one of the townhouses, he went into cardiac arrest and collapsed onto the floor at the feet of several of his brothers. Fortunately for Oill, two of the brothers present were members of Geneseo First Response and came to his aid. It goes without question that the two brothers, Matthew Carr, a junior and GFR Lieutenant of Operations, and Jon Berardi, junior and GFR Captain, saved his life that night.
"It's a true testament to brotherhood," remarked GFR crew chief Charlie Bueche, also a Sammy.
Sigma Alpha Mu is a fraternity growing in leaps and bounds, and they are currently working closely with the school to achieve official recognition.