One of Ohio Nu’s best events is the retreat that occurs in August. The retreat, planned by the Vice President of Member Development and Vice President of Programming, is a way to get the brothers all together to bond and motivate them to start the Fall semester in the right direction. It’s three days that take place at a camping site with activities such as sports, hikes, bonfires, and group sessions going on. Due to the pandemic situation and member safety, Ohio Nu decided to make this year’s retreat virtual; the first time this has happened. Taking place from August 7th to August 9th, the retreat went ahead successfully which will be recapped below.

Day 1: Our Member Development Vice President Zander Saunders kicked things off by explaining the agenda for the three days. From there, we transitioned into a Sound Body yoga event coordinated by our very own Louis Iaquinto. The chapter then went into discussion over what an ideal SigEp means to them. They went over steps on how to achieve that ideal image. Brothers were then split up into their groups according to the Balanced Man Program to talk to their coordinators. Here, they could tell the coordinator what they were looking to learn or improve on whether that be in SigEp or in their lives. Making an appearance was the new Ohio Nu Chapter Counselor David Hale. He introduced himself to the chapter along with his mindset for the following semester before sharing his own stories about SigEp. 

Day 2: A Sound Mind activity ran by Jesse Prado started off the day. The activity consisted of brothers discussing their biggest achievements and losses in their college career so far. For the brothers, it allowed each one to really learn more about one another’s experiences that made them into a better person. Furthermore, the former Regional Director Jimmy Miller and the new Regional Director Vish Gopalakrishnan. Vish introduced himself, as well as his cool hobbies and his SigEp history, then began his presentation with Jimmy. They informed everyone on an important aspect that takes every brother’s help if they want to be a successful chapter. It was a talk that left the whole chapter more inspired to help out for this upcoming Fall semester. Everyone was involved in the conversation, so even Vish and Jimmy learned something from the brothers.

Day 3: Louis made a reappearance to go over a Sound Mind activity concerning meditating. David shared insight into his own meditation techniques that have helped him since 2012 to give the brothers an idea on the positives it can bring you. Next, the Chapter President Hunter Kiper presented a shared vision presentation. The shared vision is made up of points that the whole chapter should be striving to accomplish including the goals of each executive board member. The floor was open to brothers to suggest anything they feel should be added to the points since it does represent the whole chapter. A final surprise was awaiting everyone. Martin Barnard, recently graduated Ohio Nu brother, got in contact with a Renaissance brother in Ric Sweeney to join and talk about ritual. Ric, having countless experience with everything Sigma Phi Epsilon, mentioned the importance that ritual should mean to everyone. Ric went on to explain that it should be seen as something special every time one has the opportunity to see it because the bonds made there are as close as it can get. Retreat was finally capped off with a great message from Zander and Hunter to go get this upcoming semester by the horns because the future is in the chapter’s hands.

Ohio Nu would like to give a huge thank you to David, Jimmy, Vish, and Ric for being a part of our retreat and sharing meaningful messages to the brothers. It helped to make this virtual retreat so much more special. The chapter cannot wait to implement all the advice received from you all. Thank you once again!