Here - Sigma Alpha Epsilon 78th John O. Moseley Leadership School

THE STORY of the school’s 78 years
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by Brandon E. Weghorst, Associate Executive Director
Though we may take it for granted now, Leadership School
had been dismissed as a lofty idea that was unrealistic during
the Great Depression. But as you will read, Moseley took
a chance—and silenced his critics when he did.
At a time when Americans still hadn’t gotten back on their
feet from a life-altering event called Black Tuesday, John
O. Moseley conjured up a vision of hope. He didn’t take
criticism well, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer as he
pitched the idea for what he called the Summer Camp and
School of Instruction. “But, John, we’re in a depression,” so
the story goes. Still, John O. figured if he was going to break
through the barrier of “can’t do’s,” he’d have to put his reputation
on the line. “We have here a schoolhouse,” he said to
Fraternity leaders. “Why not have a school”
Nearly 60 alumni living in Oklahoma City, all of whom were
close personal friends of then Eminent Supreme Archon
John O. Moseley, get credit for having made possible the
1935 School of Instruction for Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
The Oklahoma alumni had heard Moseley talk of his dream
of holding such a gathering of chapter leaders, which would
be devoted entirely to the discussion of chapter-management
problems and the exchanging of ideas and experiences
with regard to solutions. So on the evening of January 21,
1935, when the alumni gathered at the University Club of
Oklahoma in Oklahoma City to honor the election of Moseley
to ESA, it was only natural that his dream should come up
for discussion with steps promptly taken to make it a reality.
Moseley believed that funds could be provided to pay for
the cost of four men from each of the 12 provinces, especially
if they lodged at the Illinois Psi-Omega house. Individuals
would only be required to cover their own travel expenses.
When Moseley gave his estimate of the cost of underwriting
the school, the alumni subscribed $275 in five minutes,
headed by a subscription of $50 from Ben Allen Ames. Eventually
the men subscribed a total of $355 toward the fund,
enough to pay for the selected undergraduates from each
province.
Province Mu Archon Charles Barker secured housing for the
delegates. The Illinois Psi-Omega chapter enthusiastically
agreed to host this revolutionary program. Then, Barker made
negotiations with Northwestern University to house and feed
the rest of the delegation. Attendees stayed at Goodrich Hall
with furnished meals at the Goodrich Grill for $9.50 per man
from Sunday through Friday. The first school of instruction included
116 undergraduates from 76 chapters.
Many of the delegates attended seminars based on scholarships,
tuition gifts and donations from alumni. Every section
of the country was represented with undergraduates coming
from as far away as Maine, Florida, Washington and California.
The alumni faculty consisted of the Supreme Council,
two Past ESAs, three province officers and two chapter
advisers. Furthermore, the curriculum included inspirational
speakers and roundtable discussions, with numerous informal
gatherings addressing the current issues at hand. Titles
of the seminars included “Minerva and College,” “Material
for Use in The Record,” and the “Meaning of the Ritual.” Men
enjoyed the social gatherings, which included swimming in
Lake Michigan and softball.
At closing banquet on Friday night, the attendees passed a
resolution making the event and annual affair for the Fraternity.
In the years that followed, Sigma Alpha Epsilon found a
formula that worked. Delegates arrived in Evanston on
Sunday, stayed either at the Illinois Psi-Omega house or
in other university housing, attended various sessions on
specific topics and enjoyed each other’s companionship
during breaks and down time. Then, the school culminated
on Friday. The first Leadership Schools took place much
later than they would now, normally in late August or early
September. A big part of the social aspect focused on
either competitive sports or a dance. In those days, much
like convention, the Fraternity often arranged for brothers
to meet blind dates, and women would show up in droves
for such events. Moseley believed in helping the young men
prepare for the experience, evidenced in his letters. For
example, he wrote, “The wardrobe required will be distinctly