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Bro. Dr. Mike Baslee, one of the most committed brothers in our Fraternity, has been spotlighted as the Alumni brother of the month for Western Region.

Bro. Baslee, born and raised in San Diego, CA, is currently a member of Phi Beta Sigma Chapter located in Los Angeles, CA. Bro. Baslee has served as the Region's 3X immediate past Dir., of Education and is currently serving as the Dir., of Social Action. We could go on and on about his accomplishments within the Western Region and the Fraternity, however, for this article we want to focus on his recent work.

Last month his grassroot project, "Sigma Cares About Detroit," raised $4,546 in two weeks via Go Fund Me at SigmaCaresforDetroit. The funds raised were used to deliver food to the homeless at Gleaners Community Food Bank, Rescue Mission Ministries, and a handful of other local shelters that aid in caring for Detroit's most vulnerable citizens.

Brothers from around the country were so impressed with Bro. Baslee's vision that the project ended up raising $1,546 more than the initial goal. "Culture for Service, Service for Humanity” was in full effect that morning! Even though other responsibilities and obligations prevented me from registering for the Conclave, I still have two good arms and legs to help put in the work; especially in my city, with, and for my people. This experience made it abundantly clear to me that no matter how rough you think life is going, someone else is having an rougher time. I looked at those men's faces today and I could see each individual had his own story, his own battle that he was fighting. I'm incredibly thankful and appreciative of Mike Baslee putting this project together," stated Bro. Kevin L. Cobb Sr.

If that wasn't enough, he also wrote an amendment to Institute Wellness as a Fourth Stand Alone International Program Area at the 2017 Conclave. And even though the amendment wasn't approved, it became the conversation of focus shortly thereafter.

Bro. Baslee's skills and talents have not only been recognized by the fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Omicron Rho Zeta Chapter, recently named him Educator of the Year.

Bro. Dr. Mike Baslee currently holds five separate degrees including a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. Mike became a member of our wondrous band in the Summer of 1994 through Alpha Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Inland Empire Metro Area and will be celebrating his 24th Sigmaversary today. When asked about how he maintains his level of focus, dedication, and commitment to Sigma, Bro. Dr. Mike Baslee summed it up with a few simple words: "Staying committed to the cause does not just happen... it takes work and a conscious effort. I plan to be with it forever!

Three For The Founders...
Most treasured memory in Sigma?

"1. The most treasured moment is now; it is a composite of all I have had the pleasure to experience as part of the Brotherhood in the past years, the phenomenal ways in which I get to serve and fellowship currently and the possibilities of even greater adventures in the realms of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service to come."

Hardest thing about being a member of our wondrous band?

"2. The hardest thing about being a member is accepting that Sigma owes me nothing and I owe Sigma everything I have to give, especially what I promised upon initiation. But I have consolation in the fact that if I share myself completely, Sigma will reward me as no other commitment could with a lifetime of loving brotherhood, proud Service to Humanity, and cherished memories that will make me rich in Joy and Satisfaction."

What piece of advice you would give to a collegiate transitioning into an alumni chapter?

"3. My statement to an undergraduate brother matriculating to an Alumni Chapter is you owe it to your beloved undergraduate chapter to be involved in Sigma at increasing levels of responsibility and influence. You are the Legacy of that chapter to Sigma and the world and simultaneously, you are the paragon and protector for all who come through after you; if you fall away you hasten their departure from the frat and the demise of your chapter.

Follow Bro. Dr. Mike Baslee on his personal Instagram