From his earliest days as an undergraduate officer, former National Chaplain Rev. Raymond “Ray” Ackerman, Oklahoma ’77, has made an enduring impact on Sigma Phi Epsilon. No matter the role, his special combination of humor, humility, empathy and confidence made him stand out as a leader.

At the time he was elected president of Oklahoma Beta, the chapter was experiencing a rebuilding phase. He unified brothers around the ideals of brotherhood and integrity, themes Ackerman would continue to emphasize when he became a volunteer. Under his leadership, the chapter was soon setting the standard on campus for philanthropy. Building on the foundation he helped set, the chapter would go on to earn Buchanan Cups in 1979, 1981, 1983 and 1985.

Decades later, his Oklahoma Beta brothers still remember the example he set. While discussing his influence, they described Ackerman as “a barometer for honor, character and truthfulness, which mirrors our cardinal principles.”

After graduation, he worked for SigEp Headquarters as a regional director, and once again, his innate people skills came into play. He was instrumental in guiding the chapters he served to meet or exceed their recruitment goals.

It was only natural that after concluding his time on the Headquarters staff, Ackerman would volunteer for the Fraternity. He spent many years serving as an AVC member and chapter counselor for Oklahoma Alpha and his home chapter of Oklahoma Beta. As a member and later chair of the Ritual Task Force, Brother Ackerman kept the importance of the Ritual in the forefront. His focus on maintaining high standards helped SigEp grow while remaining relevant to young men, even as cultural norms shifted.

In 1996, Ackerman was appointed National Chaplain by then-Grand President Gary Griffith, Texas-Austin ’70, and he remains the longest to serve in that role. When he presented Ackerman the Exemplary Service Award in 2018, Griffith held him up as a role model for the undergraduate leaders in the audience. “My hope,” Griffith said, “is every undergraduate chaplain will be that strong, guiding hand who sets a shining example for the brothers in his chapter and students on his campus.”

As National Chaplain, Ackerman served as a comforting presence while presiding over the necrology ceremony that honors brothers who have passed away. He also paid tribute to deceased brothers through email messages that memorialized their contributions to the Fraternity.

Beyond these solemn acts, Ackerman shines as a beacon of light, not only as a volunteer for the national Fraternity and a mentor to brothers in his home chapter, but also to communities of faith as a Catholic priest.

In 2021, Ackerman was inducted into the Order of the Golden Heart, SigEp’s highest honor, in recognition of his decades of service as a volunteer and many contributions to the Fraternity. But what he has given to SigEp goes far beyond any award or title. Ackerman’s exuberant faith continues to inspire all who know him to follow in his path of belief and brotherhood.