SAE fights for zoning at State College, PA

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SAE fraternity readmitted into IFC


By Jen Winberry
Collegian Staff Writer
After a year of meetings, board hearings and appeals, the members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) now have a place to call home.

At the beginning of the semester, the members were allowed to move back into the fraternity's house, located at 200 E. Beaver Ave, after the Interfraternity Council (IFC) readmitted the group on a probationary status.

"We are thrilled to be back in the house and have an active schedule again," said SAE President Josh Macuga (senior-business). "We did not condone the behavior of the two individuals involved, and they were removed from the fraternity."

In January 2001, the fraternity was removed from the IFC for violations including sexual assault, drug charges, misallocation of Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon funds and the use of chapter money to purchase alcohol.

A State College Zoning Hearing Board ruling handed down in August 2002 forced the fraternity to vacate the house, which it had called home since 1925.

SAE chapter adviser Kerry Small is also glad to have the members back in their house.

"The guys have waited patiently and everyone is excited to be back," he said. "We just want to move on and put this whole experience behind us."

The IFC would also like to get on with business as usual.

"We're glad that they've moved back into the house," IFC president Steve DiOrio said. "SAE went through the entire process of appeals and readmittance and has become a part of the IFC again."

Questions about the fraternity and the wrongdoings of their members still occasionally surface.

"Our disagreement with IFC was that we felt that the sanctions on the entire fraternity were excessive, extending far beyond what original IFC prosecutor intended," Macuga said. "In the end, unjust punishment was served, and it is time to move ahead."

The fraternity has not had any problems with fall recruitment despite their past troubles.

"When recruiting guys, questions have arisen about the past situations, but SAE has had an incredible interest from freshman and sophomore men so far this semester," Macuga said.

The IFC is confident that it made the right decision in readmitting the fraternity on the probationary status.

"We don't anticipate any future problems," DiOrio said. "I've been in contact with them, and they are exemplary people."
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This is one of the most beautiful houses at Penn State, where there are a lot of great houses, and I'm glad the guys can move back in.