Page 2 - The Rhomer - Spring 2015

ΣΑΜ ΣΑΜ ΣΑΜ ΣΑΜ ΣΑΜ Chapter News Elan Melman Editor’s Note: Representing the chapter Chapter Spotlight as Spotlight is Elan Melman. From the hometown of Buffalo Grove, IL, Elan is a sophomore majoring in molecular and cellular biology with a minor in chemistry and nutrition. His interest in medical school is supplemented by his hospital volunteer work. Elan also volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and with FIMRC. Our current President of chapter, Elan has also served as recruitment chair with a successful 27 pledge members being recruited. Part of the James Scholar Honors Program, Elan is the frst generation American in his Ukraine family – a beneft of which yields his ability to speak fuent Russian. A boxer of 3 years, Elan was part of Chicago golden gloves, and continues to stay in shape with Elan in Haifa, Israel with a new friend. the sport today. Read on to fnd out more! What led you to join Sigma Alpha Mu? in Ukraine, and my father boxing while I had a few older friends from high school serving in the Marines, in Ukraine as well. who were living in the house when I was a It was only right for me to follow the family freshman. I went over to the house my frst tradition. After playing football for 4 years, day on campus and loved it from that moment. I decided to stop playing football and fully invest in preparing for the Chicago Golden While serving as recruitment chair what Gloves boxing tournament. was your key to success? In my opinion, the key to the success of What type of volunteer work do you enjoy most? our Fall ’14 rush was the team work between the recruitment chairs; each person did their Of the various volunteering activities I assigned duty and beyond. I personally participate in weekly, my favorite is being looked for recruits who I thought would be a mentor through an organization called Big a good ft for the house, and someone who I Brothers Big Sisters Champaign. Seeing would want to represent the fraternity for the the impact I have on my mentee’s mood, next 4+ years. motivation, and behavior is very rewarding. How did you develop an interest in How did your Birthright trip make an Elan (pictured right) and his childhood friend, Serhiy Halyas, boxing? impact on your life? before a formal event. They boxed together for two years. I am a 3rd generation boxer in my family. My trip to Israel really sparked my interest in of embracing my religion. My trip to birthright My grandfather boxed while growing up Judaism, and made me realize the importance was also a factor in joining a Jewish fraternity. Home Improvement Meet Our Actve Brothers Rho Chapter 2015. ΣΑΜ The new basketball hoop at the house. The 2018 Rho Pledge Class.