Study abroad experience with fraternity enhances perspective for Northwest student

A Northwest Missouri State University student traveled to Greece this summer to learn about Greek philosophy, governance and arts.

Max Kneib (center) recently traveled to Greece as a participant in the Tragos Quest to Greece program, a 10-day study abroad experience with undergraduate members of Sigma Phi Epsilon throughout the United States. (Submitted photo)

Max Kneib, a senior animal science major from Raymore, Missouri, participated in the study abroad program in June as the president of Northwest’s Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity chapter. He has served as the chapter president for two years and is involved in the Order of Omega honor society, Delta Tau Alpha agricultural honor society, Pre-Vet Club and the Bearcat Golf Club.

Knieb said he was humbled to have been selected to participate in the travel experience and gained perspectives that he can apply at Northwest.

“This trip taught me so many lessons that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life,” Kneib said. “By studying Greek philosophy and understanding how those lessons tie into modern day life changed my perspective a lot. It not only made me want to improve my lifestyle but also taught me many valuable skills that I can implement in leadership positions within my chapter and the Northwest community.”

The Tragos Quest to Greece program is a 10-day journey with a select group of undergraduate members of Sigma Phi Epsilon from throughout the country, accompanied by alumni mentors and university faculty. The experience is designed to enhance the ways participants view the world, their fraternity and themselves through the study of how Greek philosophy, governance and the arts influences everyday life.

The Quest scholars visited ancient historical sites such as Athens, Delphi, Nauplion and Olympia and walked the streets where the Socrates and Aristotle taught. Kneib was selected as one of 17 undergraduate students to join the travel experience from a pool of more than 13,000 members.

Max Kneib (second from left in the front row) is pictured with his travel group at the top of the fortress of Palamidi, overlooking the Argolic Gulf. Kneib was one of 17 undergraduate students selected to join the Greek travel experience with Sigma Phi Epsilon alumni mentors and university faculty. (Submitted photo)

Each participant prepares for the trip by reading books and selections as part of a curriculum that covers ancient Greek philosophy and culture. The scholars discuss the Socratic method of teaching in the Agora where Socrates taught, hold athletic competitions in the original Olympic stadium and study the fraternity’s ritual in Delphi after learning about the Mysteries of Eleusis. The learning continues in Greece with daily discussions based on scholarly readings and personal experiences.

Kneib learned many lessons in Greece but one stuck with him.

“‘Eudemonia,’ which roughly translates to ‘a lifetime pursuit of obtaining knowledge and betterment of self’ – the importance of living a balanced life that will help me tackle the challenges life can throw at you,” Kneib said. “It also taught me to slow down and experience life and not just sprint through it. I think the many lessons I learned have helped transform my mindset into a positive and productive mindset that pushes me to better myself.”

The trip is funded by a grant from the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation made possible, in part, through the generosity of Sigma Phi Epsilon alumnus William G. Tragos and his wife, Lilli. Tragos is co-founder of the TBWA worldwide advertising agency and a former Grand Chapter President of the fraternity. 

Established in 1901, Sigma Phi Epsilon provides leadership and development programs for 12,000 undergraduates on nearly 200 college campuses across the United States. Northwest’s chapter was founded in 1980.

“The program provides an opportunity for self-discovery,” said Sigma Phi Epsilon CEO Brian Warren. “It challenges participants to see the world through a different lens and return to their respective campuses ready to leave a lasting and positive legacy.”