Fraternities Doing Philanthropy: SAE At DePaul Going Against The Social Stigma | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Fraternities Doing Philanthropy: SAE At DePaul Going Against The Social Stigma

SAE fraternity at DePaul University cheers up boy after spinal surgery.

82
Fraternities Doing Philanthropy: SAE At DePaul Going Against The Social Stigma
Sam Smith

When most people think of fraternities, this stereotypical image of college boys hosting huge parties, with ample amounts of red cups, comes to mind, thanks to the many American movies that glorify fraternities. No one really associates images of gentlemen coming up with an idea to raise the spirits of a teenager, less than a week after a major spinal surgery, with homemade signs and a custom fraternity hockey jersey.

On Jan. 23, Delta-Pi Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity at DePaul (SAE), visited Luke at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and showed the values of brotherhood in SAE, as well as what it means to be a gentleman.

Dennis Spanos is a sophomore who came up with the idea for SAE to visit Luke after his surgery. Another SAE chapter, at UCLA, that visited a cancer patient inspired Dennis to involve his chapter in visiting Luke. Unlike the UCLA SAE chapter, DePaul’s SAE chapter had a more personal relationship with the patient they visited.

Luke is Dennis’ neighbor, as well as his boss’ son. Dennis is over at Luke’s house all the time, and Luke even looks up to him as a brother. Luke was born prematurely and has cerebral palsy. Dennis has known Luke for 16 years and has seen him in and out of surgeries, but this time it was different.

“This surgery is definitely unique. Luke’s always had surgeries going on, but with this one he will never be able to move his spine,” Dennis said. He knew that Luke was going to need all the support he could get and decided to involve his brothers.

When Dennis brought the idea to his SAE brothers, they responded with enthusiasm.

“I immediately thought it was a fantastic idea, we all thought it was, and seeing the smile on Luke’s face when we arrived at the hospital made it so worth while,” Sam Smith, SAE brother, said.

Luke was surprised to see Dennis and his fellow SAE brothers, and his reaction was unforgettable to the brothers.

“I will always remember the joy on Luke’s face when he saw how many people who he had never met came to see him,” William Angelos, SAE brother, said.“It was the greatest feeling I have ever felt.”

This act of kindness is not the only philanthropy that SAE at DePaul has done; one of SAE’s rituals is based upon a creed by John Walter, about being a True Gentleman. They follow this value by philanthropy events like the weeklong Miss Paddy Murphy event that raised money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, as well as participated in DemonTHON. They hosted a Dropping the Puck on Cancer even with another DePaul fraternity, Sigma Chi, on Feb. 20, where they raised money for the American Brain Tumor Association.

Although some members did not join the fraternity for philanthropic reasons, this particular visit may have changed that.

“When I joined SAE I looked at it as a social club 100 percent, and that’s completely why I joined, but when this idea was brought to my attention that completely changed. I now realize that this is something that not only SAE should do but also everyone who can should. Recently, we all decided that we needed to do things like this more often,” said William Angelos.

SAE‘s visit to Luke has shown what it really means to be a brother, by having Luke feel a part of the brotherhood. SAE’s philanthropy has helped people look beyond the red cups and formal wear, to lessen the social stigma that many people brand Greek life with, and see the change they have made in one teenager’s life.

Luke’s first words since undergoing the spinal surgery were “thank you, SAE.”

To watch the video of SAE surprising Luke, click here.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180221
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7275
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452500
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23292
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments