Gay, allied fraternity honors community allies and leaders State Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, transgender activist Donna Rose among recipients

Tempe, Ariz. - July 23, 2007 - Sigma Phi Beta Fraternity honored two community members with awards this weekend. Arizona state representative (District 15) Kyrsten Sinema and nationally-recognized transgender activist Donna Rose were presented with the community ally awards at the fraternity's national convention on Saturday.

"Donna and Kyrsten have both been a tremendous asset to the fraternity over the years," said Sam Holdren, the fraternity's president and chairman.  "Their expertise and advice has helped us establish our identity as a leading queer organization as well as leader in diversity within the Greek community."

Sinema, now serving in her second term in the Arizona House of Representatives, has served as the Arizona State University (ASU) chapter's advisor in the past and has volunteered her time with ongoing support to individual members of the fraternity.  Rose, who serves on the national board of the Human Rights Campaign - a national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights organization based in Washington, D.C. - has been extremely helpful in the development of the fraternity's national policy on gender, a nondiscrimination policy opening membership to transgender men.  The policy is setting precedent within the national Greek community. 

Several member awards were also presented at the weekend convention.  Alumni Matthew Nelson and Nathan Arrowsmith were presented with the Leadership and Service Award.

"Matthew and Nathan have demonstrated great leadership and have donated countless hours to the organization," said Holdren.  "As a board member, Matthew has helped to develop infrastructure and has managed the relations between the ASU chapter and the board.  Nathan, a recent graduate of ASU, served as the ASU chapter president and was recently appointed to the board of directors."

The ASU chapter was presented with the chapter of the year award.  The ASU chapter has received the highest grade point average of all the ASU fraternities, donated thousands of dollars to community organizations, and was recognized with the Philanthropy and Community Service Award at ASU's annual Greek Awards Ceremony.

About Sigma Phi Beta Fraternity

Sigma Phi Beta Fraternity, a 501(c)7 nonprofit corporation headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, is a gay and allied college fraternity operating within the traditional Greek system.  The fraternity formed in July 2005 as a "national" organization when the founding chapter at ArizonaStateUniversity, which has been in existence since 2001, elected to create a parent organization. The purpose of Sigma Phi Beta Fraternity is to build character in gay, straight bisexual and transgender male college students though social and meaningful activities that will empower them in their future endeavors, while upholding the bonds and true meaning of brotherhood.