CA Gamma Academics On The Rise

by Marshall Olin, ‘09

The academic endeavors of the Cal Gamma Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon have recently taken a major step in the right direction.  Despite boasting highest fraternity GPA on campus six out of the last nine quarters, the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon were happy to welcome Chris Albert to live at the Hofmann House in order to aid them in their academic endeavors as the new Resident Scholar.  Originally from Norwalk, CT, Chris attended the University of Connecticut and graduated with a degree in Political Science in 2001. His academic honors include Magna Cum Laude and being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.  Fraternally, Chris pledged the CT Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon in Spring 1998 and as an active member of CT Alpha served as Guard, Chaplain, and Risk Manager.  After graduating he served SigEp further as his chapter’s counselor from 2004-2007. Chris’ experience however is not limited to academia; Chris enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in 1999 and graduated from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina. Chris was activated in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on January 19, 2003.  In Iraq he led a team of marines and returned with the rank of Sergeant and ended active enlistment in August 2004. 

Currently, Chris is a PhD candidate in the Department of Political Science here at UCSB.  On top of this time commitment, Chris still finds the time to be a resource and advisor to all of the Brothers of the Gal Gamma chapter in three distinct ways that benefit all regardless of major or interest.  First, Chris has made the Hofmann House library his domain, filling it with study resources, as well as holding office hours weekly or by appointment for counseling purposes to promote and foster academic success.  During finals week, he has even set up a snack/stress-relief table to offer studying SigEps with whatever they need to make finals go by more smoothly.  Secondly, Chris has brought a level of academic enrichment to the house by using his standing at the university to have professors in diverse fields to come and give small talks to the chapter and the potential new members focused on the steps it takes to succeed in their respective fields.  Lawyers, Accountants, Doctors and many other professionals have spoken at private sessions for Cal Gamma SigEps regarding their respective fields and backgrounds.  Finally, Chris has a program in which he stresses Post-Graduate success by identifying internship opportunities as well as identifying and supplying resources that will aid in scoring high on graduate entrance exams including the LSAT, MCAT, GRE, GMAT, and PRAXIS.  Chris has created working relationships with tutoring companies such as Princeton Review and Kaplan to give SigEps huge discounts on classes for these graduate entrance exams.  On top of all that, he also holds individual workshops upon request for resumes, job applications, and interviews.  The academics of the Cal Gamma Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon have been impressive for the last decade, and with the increased attention and recourses that Chris Albert brings to the table they should continue to be on the rise.