With the beginning of a new decade, SigEp Massachusetts Iota elected a new executive board, and Richie Racanelli (Management & Leadership ’22) began his term as our chapter’s Vice President of Recruitment. Succeeding our old VPR, Adam Pell (English ’21), Richie knew he had a big responsibility to fill. “I was ready for the challenge” said Richie when asked if he had any idea what laid ahead for him as the new head of recruitment. And recruit he did.

Being a Jesuit institution, Boston College does not officially recognize fraternities on campus. With this being said, our chapter faces different challenges than other chapters do across the country. Where other SigEp chapters fight for recruits over rival fraternities, SigEp Massachusetts Iota is heavily burdened with the “frat” stigma that results from many undergrads who place fraternities in a negative light due to unfair stereotypes. Richie recognized this issue, and therefore launched his recruitment platform with great emphasis on brotherhood for life beyond college. While there are many clubs at Boston College that involve bonding and development, SigEp is different in that brothers will remain connected after graduation, something you cannot find in any other organization here. Moreover, Massachusetts Iota alumni have the incredible opportunity to connect with SigEp brothers nationwide. Richie said when spreading the word to PNMs, he mentioned “a network of brothers, who are available as a lifelong resource.” What other club can give you that?

Our rush events for the Spring 2020 semester included three unique opportunities to meet PNMs, with an additional business formal info session. And who else gave the presentation but Richie, who took it upon himself to portray our beloved fraternity in its purest form. With the help of former Chapter President Jake Morgan (Finance ’20), the presentation further enticed the last round of PNMs to pursue our chapter. Now that rush week has drawn to a close, Richie was able to reflect on his experiences. Richie noted that “being in a position of power, at the head of recruitment, was really a great learning experience for me. I know that the challenges I faced during recruitment develop skills such as marketing strategy that will be essential in the professional field.” 

After a great Spring rush, Richie is enthusiastic about our chapter, and his position as VPR, going forward. Richie said that “after a good Spring 2020 class of Sigmas, I can only imagine the possibilities for 360 recruitment, and the Fall 2020 class going forward.”