On March 21, 2026, fifteen years of anticipation culminated in a defining moment. Inside a room filled with brothers, families, and university leaders, Sigma Alpha Epsilon officially welcomed back the Michigan Delta Chapter at Western Michigan University. The chartering was not just a return. It was a revival of purpose, tradition, and brotherhood.
For Eminent Archon Justin Oviatt, the moment was the culmination of months of effort and hard work.
“It took a lot of patience and persistence to complete the tasks that we were provided with,” Oviatt said. “You need to have guys who are dedicated to the process and who have the same outlook as you. Brotherhood plays a big part in this because it allows you to constantly push your brothers to be better while helping the chapter grow and progress.”
That commitment was evident throughout the evening. Chapter officers were installed, pledging to lead with integrity and humility. More than 40 young men were initiated, guided by alumni advisors and volunteers who had invested their time and belief in bringing Michigan Delta back. As each new brother crossed the threshold into membership, the significance of the moment settled in.
“The ritual truly touched me and my brothers,” Oviatt said. “I got the chills as we wrapped up the initiation ceremony, knowing we were officially full brothers. A lot of my brothers told me they felt so much different about the fraternity and that something clicked for them while learning the ritual.”
The ceremony itself was rich with symbolism. The presentation of the Chapter Gavel, Chapter Flag, and Anointing Vessel served as a reminder that while Michigan Delta’s return marked a new beginning, it was also part of a legacy that spans generations of SAE brothers.
Alumni advisors and volunteers guided the Ritual to initiate members into the Michigan Delta chapter.
Eminent Supreme Deputy Archon Jim Skaggs (Oklahoma State ’78) reinforced that idea in his keynote address, speaking to the enduring need for connection and purpose. In a world that often feels divided, he noted, organizations like SAE provide something increasingly rare: a true sense of belonging.
The evening recognized those who made this all possible. The commitment of these award recipients has been the bedrock of Michigan Delta’s return:
- Order of the Phoenix: Justin Oviatt (Western Michigan), Jaxson Vincent (Western Michigan), Donald VanKoevering(Western Michigan), and Samuel Zandstra (Western Michigan).
- Order of the Violet: Jana Blanchard, Sarah Henson, and Lily Ruiz Flower Sanchez.
- Alumni Milestones were celebrated for 25-year and 50-year members, including those who received the:
- Order of the Lion – Andre’ Fairbanks (Adrian ’95), Tobias Roberts (Western Michigan ’94)
- Order of Minerva – Chuck Tafel (Western Michigan ’94)
- Shield of Brotherhood – Jim Curry (Western Michigan ’83), Dave Eick (Western Michigan ’72)
Donor support has been instrumental in providing these young men with the resources to live as True Gentlemen each day. As Skaggs noted in his message that evening, the impact of this brotherhood reaches well beyond the college experience, something clearly reflected in the commitment of donors, alumni, and volunteers who played a vital role in this new era for Michigan Delta.
Newly initiated members of Michigan Delta hold the SAE flag with alumnus Larry Wittkop (Western Michigan ’63)
For Alumni Advisory Board Chairman Tobias Roberts, the night represented something larger than a single event.
“A chapter has been born, a brotherhood created, and a vision realized,” he said. “The event was incredibly well organized. We had a great alumni turnout. The students were incredibly excited. I can’t tell you how incredibly inspiring it is to get to go to an event like that and how much fun it is.”
As the celebration came to a close, the focus shifted from what had been accomplished to what lies ahead. For Oviatt and his fellow officers, chartering the chapter was only the beginning.
“Being the Eminent Archon, my main goal was to get us chartered,” he said. “For the upcoming year, I am hoping to help Michigan Delta reach new milestones in recruitment and continue striving toward becoming a great chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.”
Fifteen years later, Michigan Delta is once again writing its story. Built on persistence, strengthened by brotherhood, and guided by those who believed in its return, the chapter now looks ahead with momentum and purpose.
Congratulations to the new members of Michigan Delta at Western Michigan University!
