To get some hands on experience in a topic many brothers are interested in, SigEp took a trip to the Weyerbacher Brewery in Easton, PA. Weyerbacher is a microbrewery specializing in Belgian-Style Ales, but also produces a wide array of other brews.

The group of SigEp’s learned a great deal about the brewing, distributing, and tasting process. Upon arrival, we all gathered around the tasting bar to begin the process of trying all of Weyerbacher’s current selections. Through sipping and analyzing 12 different beers, we learned a great deal about the characteristics that make beers unique from the different brewing and aging processes to the ingredients that compose the brew.

After our sampling was finished, we got to partake in a tour of the brewing facility. Our guide walked us through the entire brewing process from ingredient selection to bottling and capping. Some of the more interesting things we learned are that nearly all grains used in beer brewing are imported from around the world because the American grain market is devoted almost entirely to bread production. We also learned the differences among draughts, bottled, and bottle-fermented beers and some of the chemistry behind these processes.

All in all, this tour was a fun, informative trip and personally opened my eyes to many new types of beers that I never would have considered trying before.

- Written by brother Tyler Tobin

The Pennsylvania Epsilon chapter recently hosted their Balanced Man Scholarship dinner on Sunday, November 13, 2011. This scholarship embodies the Balanced Man Ideals: Gentlemen, Athlete, Leader, and Scholar.  This year over 60 freshman applicants applied for the award.

Beginning in October, the applications were reviewed, and 25 interviews were given to potential candidates. During this process those who interviewed the candidates looked for those who truly exemplified the Balanced Man Ideals.  After the interviews were finished, 18 of the applicants were invited up to the chapter house for an informal dinner with the brotherhood. This provided an opportunity to get to know the applicants on a personal level (whereas the interview was on a professional level). The following week the Balanced Man Scholarship Dinner was hosted in the Iacocca Dining room on the fourth floor of the University Center. This was an opportunity to reveal those who won the scholarship in front of other candidates and their families.

This year, the third place scholarship was given to Tyler Lewski. He demonstrated excellent leadership, and is in the I.D.E.A.S program (combined Engineering & Arts) and is studying to become a profiler. The second place scholarship was given to Theodore Bogdanski. He stood out from the rest due to his extensive résumé that included an Eagle Scout project that contributed over 800 hours of community service! The first place scholarship was awarded to Patrick McGuire. This candidate truly embodied what a SigEp is, and encompassed all of the Balanced Man qualities. Overall this was a great success, and another way in which Sigma Phi Epsilon continues to preach excellence throughout the campus.

- Written by brother Brandon Salzman