The Balanced Man

Quest to Greece Scholarship

Rick Thompson and Matt Matlack in front of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece

Sigma Phi Epsilon's Balanced Man Quest to Greece gives young undergraduates from all over the country a chance to experience the roots of our fraternal system and the origins of its philosophy.

In 2000, when SigEp was about to turn 100 years old, Brother Mathew Matlack (CC '00) decided that a group of SigEps should travel to Greece to learn about the roots of our fraternity's philosophy. Through his position as National Director, he was able to sell his concept to the head of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation, Chuck White. As a result, in the summer of 2001, six undergraduate SigEps picked from around the country voyaged to Greece on full study-abroad scholarships, guided by three alumni mentors. In Greece, these young SigEps learned about Ancient Greek history and philosophy, visited famous buildings, sculptures and theaters, and walked the paths that great men like Socrates and Plato walked so long ago. Brother Rick Thompson (SEAS '02) went as one of the six undergraduates and Brother Matlack went as an alumni mentor. The trip was such a success that the Educational Foundation approved it to become an annual scholarship, and any sophomore or junior brother can apply to be a part of it.

Read Rick Thompson's reflections on the Quest to Greece

Want to go to Greece? Download the application for the Quest in PDF format