As the spring semester comes to a close at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the Nebraska Beta chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon is proud to celebrate the achievements of our graduating seniors. This week, we are shining the spotlight on Kyle as he transitions from the undergraduate chapter into the ranks of our alumni network.

Alumni Spotlight | Continuing the Mission: Meet Kyle Cottone

As the Nebraska Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon celebrates its historic return to the University of Nebraska at Omaha, we are incredibly proud to highlight our recent graduates who laid the groundwork for this new era.

Meet Kyle Cottone, a founding class member whose deep investment in the chapter during his final undergraduate semester has set a powerful example for the brothers following in his footsteps. Kyle isn’t going far, though. He is transitioning into his role as an alumnus while continuing his journey right here at UNO.

The Next Chapter & The UNO Connection

For Kyle, graduation doesn’t mean goodbye to Omaha or the Mavericks. This fall, he enters his second semester pursuing a Master’s Degree in Athletic Training at UNO, having already jumped headfirst into his graduate coursework this summer.

Reflecting on how the city shaped his education, Kyle notes that the Omaha environment offers something unique compared to traditional college towns.

“My experience in Omaha was much more mature and focused on furthering myself as a professional, rather than being a continuation of my upbringing as a youth,” Kyle shares. “I think being a student in Omaha has prepared me for my career exceptionally well.”

That maturity is already translating into his personal goals. Alongside a demanding graduate schedule, Kyle is spending his summer focused on a quality-of-life health milestone: hitting his target weight of 190 pounds, a goal he is well on his way to achieving.

Turning Philosophy into Practice

Every SigEp member is asked to define what the fraternity’s values mean in their daily life. For Kyle, a man of faith, his defining undergraduate moment arrived at the Balanced Man Scholarship Banquet, where he was given the honor of reading the prayer for the chapter and guests.

“That moment meant a lot to me both as a man of faith and as a new member of the fraternity being entrusted with that honor,” he reflects.

Though his time as an active undergraduate member was brief, the impact was profound. Kyle credits SigEp with sharpening his ability to build meaningful relationships. “I can confidently say that my membership in this fraternity greatly improved my ability to talk with people that I do not know on a personal level… it provided the exposure in order to hone that skill.“

The Alumni Transition: Paying it Forward

Because Kyle is remaining on campus as a graduate student, he is in a unique position to bridge the gap between the alumni network and the undergraduate chapter. He plans to hit the ground running as a mentor to the younger brothers.

“I am in a privileged position to be able to help the undergraduate brothers,” Kyle says. “Whether that be through UNO-related questions or general life inquiry, I would like to help the younger brothers as a way to pay the chapter back for my experiences.”

His advice to the incoming freshman class of brothers? Slow down and take it all in.

“Allow yourselves to enjoy the moments that you experience in this fraternity. I would have joined this fraternity sooner if the chance had been available to me. Though I was not in for long, the experiences I had were among the most valuable for me at UNO.”

The Lightning Round: Leg Days & Clear Consciences

o wrap up his spotlight, we asked Kyle to leave the undergraduates with a few insider thoughts:

• The Signature Move: Kyle leaves behind a legendary, albeit solitary, tradition. “Although nobody ever joined me despite my offers, leg day after chapter meetings were a bit of a ritual for me. The chapter ought to learn the value and discipline of a late-night leg day on a Sunday night after chapter.”
• The “Secret” to Success: Kyle’s ultimate piece of advice for a stress-free fraternity experience isn’t a secret at all: “Just pay your dues on time. It feels good to pay dues within the first couple of days they are open, and it helps you enjoy other fraternity activities stress-free.”

You can learn more about Kyle’s successes and future by connecting with him on LinkedIn.

Congratulations, Kyle! We look forward to seeing your continued leadership on campus as a graduate student and a valued Nebraska Beta alumnus. HFF!

Are you a Nebraska Beta alumnus looking to reconnect or mentor recent graduates like Kyle? Visit our Alumni page to see how you can get involved today.