OU’s Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity president has become the first member of his chapter to win the opportunity to take a trip to Greece and learn what it means to be Greek.

Matthew Deimund, finance and accounting junior, applied to go on a trip called the “Tragos Quest to Greece” that is open to only Sigma Phi Epsilon sophomores and juniors. Deimund said he is excited about going to Greece in the summer since many members apply and only a selected few can go.

“It’s an honor to be selected out of several 100 applicants,” Deimund said. “I’m humbled by the opportunity.”

Deimund said the trip includes going to several famous historic sites including places where philosophers like Socrates and Plato have talked. According to the Sigma Phi Epsilon Web site, members will discuss the Socratic method of teaching at Agora where Socrates taught.

Deimund said there are some sites he’s really looking forward to visiting, including Olympia — the first site for the Olympic games — and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus.

Deimund said he completed an application on the organization’s Web site. He said the judging committee looked for is leadership, chapter involvement and on-campus involvement. He said the application included an essay that asked questions about the importance of Greek culture and how Greek values are still relative today.

“I basically said Greek ideals are based on truth, virtue and brotherly love,” Deimund said, “Those are things that are timeless.”

OU Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Alumni Board President Mark Fish said it’s great to see Deimund be able to go on the trip. He said Deimund is a high-quality person, a tremendous student and a role model.

Fish said it’s the first time anyone from the OU has earned the opportunity to go.

“There’s a lot of leadership and philosophical ideals that can benefit an individual and a fraternity,” Fish said.

Deimund said he thinks the trip is a wonderful and unique opportunity to learn more about the values all fraternity brothers are expected to internalize and apply within their community.

“It’s neat that a fraternity seeks to instill these values to help build balanced men that are leaders in the world’s communities,” Deimund said.