Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, 524 Locust Lane, is offering several scholarships to freshman and sophomore men who exemplify the qualities of their "balanced man" ideal.

President Matthew Ontell, the fraternity's regional director, calls this a combination of a sound mind and body.

"It means not just getting good grades, but also trying new things and getting the most out of your college experience," he said.

After a review of the chapter's fraternity members last spring, Sigma Phi Epsilon is getting back on track. About 55 of the fraternity's 75 members were expelled from the organization for what the fraternity's national spokesman called "a culture of excessive partying."

Now Sigma Phi Epsilon has about 50 active members, a resident scholar and educational speakers from the campus and the community.

The latest announcement of a balanced man scholarship for male Penn State underclassmen is another way the fraternity is trying to rebuild ties to the community.

This is a move the whole greek community should embrace. Ever since the greeks' initiative for "a return to glory," we have seen more lofty rhetoric than action.

Interfraternity Council (IFC) President Ben Jabara said the IFC is "proud of their new attitude toward greek life" and will support the rebuilding effort in any way it can.

The IFC should try to encourage other fraternities to follow Sigma Phi Epsilon's example, and the Panhellenic Council should also follow that trend.

However, the fraternity could look into resolving a few fundamental problems in the scholarship program.

The amount of the funds, which were contributed by anonymous donors, will not be revealed until they are presented to the winners in the April. If someone wants to spend time and effort on this scholarship application, he should at least know the amount of the award.

But any effort in which the historically distant greek community tries to build a better relationship with the community is a step in the right direction.

Other IFC fraternities should take note.