Two Sigma Phi Epsilon Brothers Named Inaugural Recipients of Donald J. McCleary Memorial Leadership Endowment Fund Scholarship

TAMPA, FL – July 26, 2025 – The Sigma Phi Epsilon Chicago Society announced today that William Rice of the University of Lynchburg and Josiah Peters of Moravian University have been selected as the inaugural recipients of the Donald C. McCleary Memorial Leadership Endowment Fund Scholarship. The newly established scholarship honors the legacy of Donald C. McCleary, a distinguished past Grand President and Order of the Golden Heart recipient who dedicated his life to advancing progressive causes, education, and social justice.

The scholarship recognizes undergraduate Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers who exemplify McCleary's commitment to championing progressive causes while embodying the fraternity's cardinal principles of Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love, with particular emphasis on supporting and promoting inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community.

William Rice: Advocate for Social Justice and Community Health

William Rice, a 24-year-old triple major in Criminal Philosophy, Intelligence Studies, and Political Science at the University of Lynchburg, has distinguished himself as a passionate advocate for social justice and community health initiatives. A member of Sigma Phi Epsilon's Virginia Omicron chapter, Rice currently serves as Vice President of Membership Development and previously held the position of Vice President of Programming.

Rice has spearheaded critical public health initiatives, including advocating for Narcan access across Lynchburg and working with state delegates and senators to voice changes for social services reform. As President of the Community Sustainability & Service Alliance, he has led Narcan training seminars on campus and is currently petitioning the city for public use Narcan emergency boxes.

McCleary Leadership Scholar William Rice. Virginia Omicron.

"Throughout life I have been through many challenges but have remained positive and strong for the bigger goal of ending human suffering," Rice said. His commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy includes educating his fraternity brothers and campus community on misconceptions about the LGBTQ+ community and serving as a mentor to younger GBTQ+ members.

In addition to his advocacy work, Rice is a certified EMT who volunteers with Wintergreen Fire & Rescue and owns VA Insight Services. He maintains a 3.44 GPA while pursuing his triple major and plans to attend law school to further his impact on legal reform and social justice.

Josiah Peters: Nursing Student and Mental Health Champion

Josiah Peters, a sophomore nursing student at Moravian University, has made significant contributions to both healthcare and LGBTQ+ advocacy. A member of Sigma Phi Epsilon's Pennsylvania Beta Alpha chapter, Peters serves as Vice President of Programming, Social Chair, and Gold Star Chair while maintaining a 3.66 GPA.

McCleary Leadership Scholar Josiah Peters. Pennsylvania Beta Alpha.

Peters created an annual mental health awareness week at his high school designed to reduce stigma around mental health issues and conducted research on mental health understanding among his peers. His commitment to healthcare extends beyond academics—he works as a Patient Care Partner at Lehigh Valley Health Network, providing direct patient care and support.

As an openly gay member of his fraternity, Peters has taken on a unique leadership role in promoting inclusivity and safety. His chapter elected him to serve on the Sigma Phi Epsilon Risk Management Committee, recognizing his ability to create comfortable and safe environments for all members.

"I believe that people have the right to be and love who they want to be," Peters said. "I do my best to educate my brothers and others around me about understanding topics and adversities members of my community face, and also by showing them how my community can actually benefit others."

Peters has completed 275 hours of community service and has been recognized with multiple awards, including the 2024 Greek God award and the 2023-2024 Outstanding New Member award.

Honoring Donald C. McCleary's Distinguished Legacy

The Donald C. McCleary Memorial Leadership Endowment Fund is named after the esteemed past Grand President and Order of the Golden Heart recipient, Sigma Phi Epsilon's highest honor for distinguished service. The fund provides annual support to undergraduate leaders dedicated to championing the progressive change Brother McCleary spent his life advancing.

McCleary's distinguished service to the fraternity and his unwavering commitment to progressive causes, education, and social justice advocacy established him as a transformational leader within Sigma Phi Epsilon. The scholarship specifically seeks to support undergraduate brothers who demonstrate similar values ensuring that McCleary's legacy of progressive leadership continues through future generations of Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers.

"I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our generous donors for making this scholarship award possible for our brothers," Rice said. "Their support reflects the values we uphold—Virtue, Diligence, and brotherly love—and I'm proud to benefit from their generosity."

Peters echoed this sentiment, stating, "I am incredibly grateful to SigEp, the donors, and the scholarship committee for their generosity and support. Your investment in my education and future means the world to me, and I truly appreciate the opportunities you've helped provide."

About the Sigma Phi Epsilon Chicago Society

The Sigma Phi Epsilon Chicago Society serves as a vital resource for GBTQ+ undergraduate brothers, alumni, and volunteers within the Sigma Phi Epsilon community. Through social events, fundraising, professional networking, community service, and mentorship programs, the Chicago Society sustains a supportive GBTQ+ network that advances both individual members and the broader mission of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

The society's establishment of the McCleary Memorial Scholarship represents its ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders within the fraternity and ensuring that all brothers have the resources and support they need to succeed academically and personally.

For more information about the Donald J. McCleary Memorial Leadership Endowment Fund Scholarship or the Sigma Phi Epsilon Chicago Society, please contact sigepchicagosociety@gmail.com or visit http://www.sigepchicagosociety.com.