Q2 2025 ePulse

Hello Brothers,

As we look to the end of the second quarter of 2025, we look take this opportunity to look at our calendar, offering us an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past months and to set our sights on the exciting initiatives ahead.

Building on a Strong Foundation

The first part of 2025 has been a testament to the enduring spirit and dedication of our alumni community. We've seen remarkable engagement in our recent Senior Welcome Event and the Muller Classic, which have not only fostered stronger connections but also provided invaluable opportunities for organizational growth. The enthusiasm with which many of you have stepped forward to support the event and to join the events is truly inspiring and is the bedrock of our association's strength.

A particularly heartwarming aspect of this quarter is the continued influx of new alumni joining our ranks. To all our newest members, I extend a heartfelt welcome! You bring fresh perspectives, new energy, and diverse talents that will undoubtedly enrich our association. I encourage you to participate in our upcoming events to make the most of your alumni experience.

We are particularly excited to announce and highlight some key upcoming events that promise to be fantastic opportunities for camaraderie and connection:

• Annual Fall Golf Outing: Get ready to hit the links! Our highly anticipated annual Fall Golf Outing is in the planning stages and promises another day of friendly competition and networking. Keep an eye out for details on registration and the chosen course.
• Ramble at a New Venue: Our beloved 63rd Muskrat Ramble event will be held at an exciting new venue this year! We're confident this fresh setting will provide an unique experience for everyone. More information on the date and location will be shared very soon.
• The Turkey Bowl: A cherished tradition, the Turkey Bowl will once again bring us together for some spirited competition and pre-Ramble cheer. Start gathering your line brothers and running drills.

I urge all members, old and new, to remain actively involved. Your participation, whether through attending events, volunteering for a committee, sharing your professional insights, or simply staying connected, is what makes our association thrive. Let us continue to build upon the rich traditions of Sigma Epsilon while embracing the opportunities of the future.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our shared vision. I look forward to seeing you at the events in the coming months.

Fraternally,

Mike O'Connor, TEP 75
SEAA Board Chairman 2025

It was a busy semester for the Sigma Epsilon chapter of Tau Epsilon Phi, on our way to welcoming 5 new brothers. We started the semester with ‘Meet The Greeks’ during Rutgers’ Welcome Week, which gave us a great chance to meet potential new members. Rush week came soon after, starting with our semester-ly ‘Pizza Night’, which has been hosted at Little Slice of NY for almost 3 decades. We
then hosted ‘Networking Night’, which gave our interests the chance to interact with current brothers and alumni. Rush week was capped off with our ‘Bowling Night’, and after which, 5 new members accepted their bid into pledging. And after a long process, ΤΕΦ class 116 was welcomed into the halls of brotherhood, now forever a brother in Sigma Epsilon history.

Sponsored by Discount Pools and Supplies

Woods

Brian Dengler, TEP 109

n New Jersey, controlled burns are a vital tool employed by the Forest Fire Service to manage forest health and reduce wildfire risks. These burns are meticulously planned and executed under specific weather conditions to eliminate excess trees and plants that can exacerbate wildfires. By conducting these burns, the state aims to lower the intensity of potential wildfires, protect lives and property, and enhance the resilience of ecosystems. The practice also aids in habitat management, pest control, and nutrient recycling, contributing to the overall ecological balance of New Jersey's forests.

This practice is shown essential after the recent wildfire that devastated 15,300 acres of woods in Ocean County nearly a month ago. Without getting into the story/victim blaming, this situation could’ve been easily avoided. Even the smallest delinquent or natural fire can lead to devastation across nearly the entire state. For this reason, burns are conducted, generally taking place between October 1 and March 31, when plant life isn't growing as green. With the exception of some protected areas, a large majority of the pine barrens are sectioned off and maintained to limit the amount of damage that can occur. In 2024 alone 25,000 acres were involved and records show the practice by the Lenape until the 18th century. 

On one of my previous backpacking trips to the Batso and Mullica River in the Pine Barrens we trekked through miles of completely burnt trees. This was in the winter, a few weeks after they did a burn. We had wandered off the unmarked path and stumbled upon a burn zone along one of the sandroads. Seeing the vastness of such burns is really eye opening and upsetting but it is ultimately effective. So knowing this you’d want to hike depending on the season. Going in the “offseason” you see bare and burnt trees, but in “green season” it is less noticeable due to everything being in bloom. I totally recommend experiencing the Pine Barrens in both times so you can see how the ecosystems thrive through the preemptive measures they are put through to spare an extreme loss of property, forest, and all forms of life. 

Greetings from your 2025 SEAA Ramble Master, Awall “The Claw” Waller.  We are looking into something very different and exciting for Ramble 2025, which will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025.  We are still in the planning stages and need to finalize, but I think you’ll all be happy with what we are looking to put together for this year.  It’s a big departure from years past.  What I "know" you’ll be happy about is that we are looking to get ticket prices for this year well below the $100 mark, to encourage more brothers to attend and to avoid breaking the bank for those that do. 

Excited to make the official announcement soon and in the next edition of the e-Pulse.  Anticipate our multimedia announcement for Ramble 2025 in the coming weeks.  Until then, have a great summer and always consider safety first when grilling hot dogs.

Sponsored by Spiegel Properties

Tsang's Stash

Austin Tsang, TEP 81

Start Time 4:10pm
End Time 5:15 pm
Today we’re reviewing the Wunderlust made by Roma Craft Tobac in the robusto vitola (5 x 50 – reminder that the smaller number is the length of the cigar in inches and the larger number is the ring gauge or circumference of the cigar). The Wunderlust debuted in 2016 exclusively for the European market – particularly the German market. The reason for the avoidance of the American market was due
to the undisclosed filler of the cigar, which upon my visit of the Roma Craft Tobac headquarters located in Austin Texas, confirmed that it contained Cuban seed. The rest of the cigar’s make up, fortunately, was disclosed to the public – it boasts an Indonesian binder and a Brazilian mata fina (cigar wrapper made from dark, sun-grown tobacco leaf primarily from the Bahia region of Brazil) binder. It is made at the Fabrica de Tabacos NicaSueno in Nicaragua and retails for 8 Euros each or 320 Euros for a box of 40.
To keep the review as unbiased as possible, all research was done after we finished smoking the cigars. We both used a punch cutter and 5 flame torch lighter to keep the review consistent. The prelight smell is milk chocolate and hay which makes me immediately start to salivate. The construction of the cigar is solid – no soft spots, nice and veiny (like Jesse’s dick). The prelight draw is nice and open, 70%
comparable to the Padron that Jesse and I love to chase, and we got some notes of earth and hay. We don’t know the year of production, but based off the color on the cellophane and the once white second band (Roma Craft makes it interesting by using 2 cigar bands stacked on top of each other on a handful of their production lines – the Wunderlust’s band is made up with a light blue band on top of the white band) on the cigar, we know there is some age on these sticks. We are curious as to what happens when the cigar undergoes further aging (all cigars on the market undergo a certain amount of aging once they’re rolled) that causes the cellophane and even the cigar band to change color.
Upon lighting, the draw has tightened up just a little, but not enough to affect the quality of the smoke. The sweet chocolate flavor has disappeared with some white pepper notes replacing it, but the hay is consistent. As I puff further in, the pepper is ramping up (with some rest in-between each puff), so it’s sitting more at the red pepper flake level of heat. The ash taps off nicely at about the 1-1.5 inch mark.
The ash is light gray in color so it is very likely that the tobacco used for the cigar was grown in rich, nutrient-dense soil.
We take a brief intermission on the cigar review here to discuss the ridiculousness of the secondary market markup. As stated above, these cigars cannot be sold in the US (completely ridiculous), so you have to know some over in Europe or find a dealer willing to ship it over to you. The conversion rate from Euro to US Dollar as of today (5/16/25) is 1 Euro to $1.12 US, so 8 Euro equates to $8.96, but Jesse
paid $15 each for these cigars, so roughly a 6 dollar markup per cigar.
I like to change up the time where I attempt the retrohale whenever I smoke – it’s an attempt to see if there is any change earlier or later in the smoke. The retrohale for the Wunderlust is a little harsh, definitely brings a tear to the eye, but we are enjoying the pepper on the palate.
We approach the 30 minute mark and we’re about halfway through the cigar. There has been no change in body or flavor, but that doesn’t bother us as the cigar is providing that nice punch in the face in strength/body and flavor. What’s interesting is we think the Cuban tobacco actually “weakens” the
overall smoke, as Cubans are known to smoke their cigars all day long (I’d be curious to see if the Wunderlust compares to their Neanderthal line if they did not include the Cuban tobacco). We’ve smoked a few of these over the years, and found out (from above) why this cigar is not able to be sold in the US, but the smoke does not boast that “Cuban twang” that the true Cubans are known for. There was no noticeable change to the cigar for the remainder of the smoke – the burn line and
construction remained impeccable through the end.

Rating
Construction 8
Burn 8.5
Flavor 7
Strength Medium/Full
Overall 7.83

Final Thoughts: The overall smoke was fantastic, and again this is not the first time we’ve smoked this cigar, so we knew what to expect. It adds an intricate flavor difference compared to your normal Roma craft offerings. This is not a cigar we would recommend for beginner smokers, or people who prefer a mild smoke. For someone who enjoys Cubans and wants a strong smoke, this would be a great go to, if you can get your hands on them.

Muller Classic

Austin Waller, TEP 81

The 2025 Muller Classic took place on the Athletic Fields of Rutgers-Camden on Saturday, April 26th.  The Alumni, joined by a couple elder undergrads and a rando whose name I do not remember (but he was very nice and left it all out on the field) routed the Undergrad squad by a score of 18-2 in a rain-abbreviated five inning affair.  The star of the show was the entirety of Alumni offense, who batted around in the majority of their five turns at-bat.  High velocity line shots rained down like the fire of 1,000 suns on the overwhelmed Undergrad defense.  Luckily they had proper gloves this time thanks to the generosity of Robert Spiegel’s military command.  We salute you, sir, and your band of hearty men.  The Undergrad offense put little pressure on the Alumni defense, failing to get a rally going for the majority of the game.  The shutout was only broken up late in the game when the fina decision was no longer in question.  Heavy downpours hit the field during the 5th inning, with both teams agreeing to call the game there.

All in all, another great turnout for the Muller Classic after a few years of COVID-induced lack of attendance.  We look forward to next year’s match!

Sponsored by Chascsa Agency

Planning Ahead: Boiler Replacement Proposed for 228 Cooper Street

This summer, the Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association is exploring a proactive capital improvement to safeguard the future of our chapter home at 228 Cooper Street: replacement of the house boiler.
While the current unit is still functioning, it's clear that it’s on its last leg. Rather than wait for a mid-winter failure, the Board believes now is the time to act. A modern, energy-efficient system will provide more reliable heat and reduce the likelihood of costly emergency repairs.
The estimated cost of the new boiler is $13,000, and the Board will vote on the expenditure during our June meeting.
To support this important upgrade, we are asking our alumni and friends of the house to consider making a donation toward the boiler fund. Every contribution—large or small—will help us take this step toward preserving the comfort and safety of the house for years to come.
To contribute, please make checks payable to 228 Cooper St LLC and send them to:
Real Estate Committee SEAA
PO BOX 554
Collingswood, NJ 08108-0554

In the meantime, we are pleased to report that the house is expected to maintain seven residents during both the summer and fall semesters, keeping our occupancy stable and engaged with the undergraduate chapter. Thank you for your continued support in keeping 228 Cooper Street a safe and welcoming home for the next generation.

Fundraising Committee

Kenneth Chann, TEP 81

Thank You for Making the 2025 Senior Welcome Graduation Party Unforgettable
To Our Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association and Brothers, what a celebration! On behalf of Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the 2025 Graduation Party a truly memorable event. From our graduating seniors and their proud families to our loyal alumni and generous volunteers—you made it all possible.
Held at the TEP Mansion in Camden, NJ, this year’s party was more than just a send-off—it was a reminder of what makes Sig-Ep TEP so special: lifelong brotherhood, shared tradition, and the power of community.
We celebrated not just the achievements of our 2025 graduates, but also the strong foundation of support that continues to carry our fraternity forward.

Highlights from the Event
- Recognizing our graduates: Allan Ashenfelter, Dylan Gattini, Tanner White
- Inspiring speeches from alumni and undergraduate leaders
- Great food, photos, and moments of laughter and reflection

Special Thanks & huge shoutout to:
- Our alumni donors who helped fund the event
- The planning committee and volunteers who made everything run smoothly
- The graduates’ friends and families who shared in this celebration and continue to support our brotherhood.

As we welcome the Class of 2025 into the next chapter of their Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association journey, we’re reminded that the end of college is just the beginning of a lifelong connection. We are proud of each and every graduate, and we look forward to seeing them return as alumni—mentoring, giving back, and keeping our traditions alive.
Thank you once again for making the 2025 Graduation Party a celebration worthy of our brotherhood. Here's to the future—and to many more memories together.

P.S. Want to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram account tep_seaa or Facebook group Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association for the latest news and updates. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Sig Ep The Last

Ted Stubbins, SigEp Spring 1967

June 10, 2025 8:00 PM
Meeting of the SEAA Board of Trustees, On-line

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Fall 2025
4th Annual SEAA Charity Golf Outing

October 19, 2025, Time TBD
Meeting of the SEAA Board of Trustees, In-Person
Annual Meeting of the Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association to follow, In-Person

November 16, 2024, Time TBD
Turkey Bowl Alumni v. Undergrad Flag Football Game

November 22, 2025, Time TBD
63rd Muskrat Ramble

Keep an eye on our Facebook & Instagram for updates on events between now and the next E-pulse in May of 2025

The goal of this newsletter is to be a resource for all alumni; for not only the  business of SEAA but also the social connection of our social fraternity. To that  end, more diverse content is better. Do you have a hobby that you want to write  about? I bet another alumni wants to hear your opinions on it. Did something  worth announcing happen in your life that you want to tell us all about? Do you  want to advertise your small business? In the same vein, if you have feedback  about the E-pulse, then we want to hear it. Just like with interesting content, an  enjoyable reading experience reinforces the purpose of this newsletter. We  want to engage with you all.  

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