Ohio State SigEp Alumni

Sig Ep Homecoming - "Lounge-gate"

2010-11-09T21:41:00.007-05:00

Our last alumni Homecoming event was quite a success.

We had our first annual "Lounge-gate" at the Sigma Phi Epsilon Lounge which we sponsor at the new Ohio Union. It was a great chance for all to see the new Union and our Lounge. Since the game was at noon, we held a Breakfast Brunch catered by OSU with an open bar. It was very apparent that Ohio Gamma Sig Ep's were "in the building". We had over 50 in attendance for the "Lounge-gate" with alumni ranging from the class of 1949 to the class of 2009.

On Sunday of Homecoming weekend, we held our Annual Meeting and OSU provided an official dedication ceremony for the new lounge. Once again we had over 50 in attendance.

This turned out to be such a nice event that we plan to hold a "Lounge-gate"each year at Homecoming. So when you make your plans to return to OSU for Homecoming you can be sure there will be an alumni event on campus.

"Away" Game Party at Roosters - Nov. 20, 2010

2010-10-26T17:59:00.002-04:00

The OSU Homecoming weekend was a big success but you have another opportunity to join with your fellow Alumni and undergraduates. We are planning for an "away" game party at Rooster's at 3370 Olentangy River Rd. November 20, for the Iowa game. This game could well determine the National Championship for the Bucks and for sure the Big Ten Championship. We will begin assembling 30 minutes before game time. Food and beverages will be available for individual purchase throughout the game. Please RSVP by emailing Mike Lockwood at mlgobucks@roadrunner.com. Any questions please call Mike at 330-273-4344 or Jeff Dubois at 614-481-7579.

Go Bucks!!

Ohio Gamma Alumni Homecoming - Oct. 23 - 24

2010-08-31T21:31:00.012-04:00

Ohio Gamma Alumni Homecoming

October 23 & 24, 2010

(Sig Ep Lounge - 3rd Floor Ohio Union facing High Street)

With the opening of the new Ohio Union and our sponsorship of a Lounge in the Union, we have a series of events scheduled for Ohio Gamma Alumni during Homecoming weekend, October 23 and 24, 2010.

Instead of our annual tailgate, we have planned a "Lounge-gate" to allow you to see the new Ohio Union and our Lounge on Saturday before the game. There will also be a Dedication of our Lounge on Sunday, October 24, 2010. The new Ohio Union was built at the site of the old Union 1739 North High St.

Saturday, October 23

9:30 a.m. Brunch in the Ohio Union - Sig Ep Lounge. The Brunch includes the following menu with an open bar for your favorite pre-game beverages.

Sliced fresh fruit and berries, Bagels and cream cheese, Scrambled eggs, Waffles with berries and warm syrup, Cheese blintzes with berry compote, smoked bacon and sausage, Breakfast potatoes, Assorted yogurts, fruit juices, coffee and tea.

12:00 p.m. OSU versus Purdue

Sunday, October 24

10:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast - Sig Ep Lounge - Ohio Union

Fresh fruit and berries, Assorted cereals, Mini bagels and cream cheese, Scones and muffins, Fruit smoothies, chilled fruit juices, coffee and tea.

11:30 a.m. Dedication of Lounge & Annual Meeting

12:00 p.m. Tours of the Ohio Union

Please plan to attend one or both of these events by sending your reservation to John Waggoner, 7373 Frasier Rd., Westerville, OH 43082 or email to waggonj55@aol.com or call 614-523-2777 and indicate:

Your name __________________ Email _______________________

___ I will attend both events

___ I will attend the Saturday event only

___ I will attend the Sunday event only

___ I will bring a guest_____ Guest name ______________

Please RSVP by: October 4, 2010

Note: Dress is casual for both events. The buffet and continental breakfast are sponsored by the AVC so there is no charge for either event.

2010 Sig Ep Golf Outing - August 7, 2010

2010-06-21T22:43:00.005-04:00

Brothers

To continue one of the traditions that we started in our Centennial Year, the annual Ohio Gamma Sig Ep Golf Outing will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2010. The event is open to both Alumni and Undergraduate Brothers. We had a great time last year so you will not want to miss the event this year. The outing this year will be at the Royal American Links, 3300 Miller Paul Rd., Galena, OH 43201.

We are planning a four man scramble event followed by beverages and dinner in the Club House. If you have particular Brothers that you would like to play with, please indicate their names on the response form under comments. If you don't have a foursome, we will set up pairings based upon skill levels. The Golf committee does reserve the right to adjust the teams to insure a balance of skill levels. We will assemble at Royal American at 12:30 p.m.(range is included in the green fees), arrange the teams and tee off by 1:30 p.m. with a shot gun start. Dinner will follow golf and begin around 6:00 p.m. Maybe golf is not your thing; if so, please join us just for dinner.

Cost: Golf - $50 per person includes green fees, cart, driving range and prizes. Dinner - $30 per person includes food, soft drinks, tax and gratuity - cash bar available. Both - $80 per person. Special: Buy Mulligans!!! The day of the event at $10 per man, maximum one per Brother (or submit with your evetn fees). Just might help your team with the event. Excess funds will be donated tothe Ohio Gamma Foundation.

We hope that you will be able to attend and look forward to seeing you. You can register by visiting the OSU Sig Ep Alumni website at http://alumni.osusigep.com/rsvp where you can be linked to the Golf response form and can submit payment online. If you prefer, you can print and complete the Golf response form and mail it along with your check payable to the Ohio Gamma Foundation to Mike Lockwood, 280 Brookshire Oval, Hinckley, OH 44233. Due date for responses is July 23, 2010 please.

Additional details will be sent to those responding by July 31, 2010 via email with directions and final arrangements for this event.

Any questions, please email or call one of the Alumni Golf Event Committee members below:

John Waggoner '70
waggonj55@aol.com
614-523-2777

Mike Lockwood
mlgobucks@roadrunner.com
330-273-4344

Columbus Clippers Baseball Game - June 12, 2010

2010-05-07T13:31:00.003-04:00

Our first Alumni event for 2010 is a Columbus Clippers Baseball Game on Saturday, June 12 at 7:05 p.m. against Norfolk. Game tickets are $10 for reserve seats and $7 for Senior (over 60). The tickets are along the third base side. We have 20 regular tickets and 10 senior tickets - first come, first serve. This event is open to alumni and undergraduates and dates or wives are welcome. If we have a greater response to the event, we will purchase more tickets but you need to get your responses in by May 21, 2010 by emailing me (MLgobucks@roadrunner.com) or calling me (330)-273-4344. Please provide me your name, email address, cell/home number and number of regular or senior tickets requested.

Prior to the game, we have a room reserved at O'Shaughnessy's, 401 N. Front St. in the Arena District from 4:45 - 6:45 p.m. for dinner and/or drinks. You need to come to O'Shaughnessy's to pick up your ticket and to pay me. Each participant will be responsible for their own food and beverage bill. O'Shaughnessy's is within walking distance to Huntington Baseball Park.

So Join us for a fun evening and renewing our friendships once again.

Mike Lockwood ' 66

Alumni Relations Chairman

Sig Ep's Savor Bucks Victory over Penn State

2009-11-17T21:33:00.007-05:00

Once again when the Sig Eps join together to cheer on our Buckeyes, then victory is assured. Alumni and undergraduates meet at Rooster's on Olentangy on Nov. 7 and over food, beverage and loud roars watched the Bucks demolish the Nittany Lions 24-7. From Robin & Jan Schmidt '56 and John Petro '59 to alumni from the 60's, 70's and 80's to the hopeful pending graduates of 2013, the assembled group enjoyed the festivities and the game. With 3 TV's in front and 1 TV in the back, no one missed any of the action. We even had time to socialize while shouting for every Buckeye touchdown.

After the game, it was determined since we have successfully had the Bucks win in 2008 over Wisconsin at the Centennial Banquet and now over Penn State in 2009, that a new Sig Ep tradition has been born. Annually we will schedule an away game alumni event to cheer our Buckeyes on to victory every year. Our thanks to Brother Jeff Dubois '66 for making the arrangements with Roosters for this years event.

On now on to victory over Iowa and on to the Rose Bowl.

Go Bucks!!!

PSU v OSU 3:30 PM November 7

2009-10-26T17:48:00.001-04:00

On November 7 we will be getting together at Rooster’s 3370 Olentangy River Road to watch
the Penn State game with alumni, friends and undergrads. (It’s an away game!) There is no charge for the event, just pay for your own food and drink. We have a room reserved with four TV’s.
Game time is 3:30pm. Should be a great time to see old friends, meet some undergrad brothers and see this game.

If you are planning to come, please email Mike Lockwood at mlgobucks@roadrunner.com or call
him at 330-273-4344. We just need to give the restaurant a count. Hope to see you there!

Also, if you have not yet sent in an annual contribution to help fund our
communication expenses, please send your gift to The Ohio Gamma Foundation, 1567 Northcrest Ave. Columbus, OH 43220. Checks can be made payable to the Ohio Gamma Foundation.

Upcoming Events 9-23-09

2009-09-23T15:06:00.001-04:00

We will have our Annual Alumni Homecoming Tailgate for 3 hours before and 2 hours
after the Minnesota game on Homecoming Saturday, October 24th. The location is the same as
before in the Northwest Garage (A) on the rooftop or one floor below if it rains.
The Garage is actually the second one back from Tuttle Park Drive and the entrance is on Ives
Drive, which is just to the northeast of the stadium. The Garage in front is called Tuttle Park
Garage. The Northwest garage is just behind the Tuttle Garage. For brothers without tickets, the
Chapter House will be open (with refreshments) to watch the game on the big screen TV.

Also on November 7 we will be getting together at Rooster’s 3370 Olentangy River Road to watch
the Penn State game with alumni, friends and undergrads. (It’s an away game!) There is no charge
for the event, just pay for your own food and drink. We have a room reserved with four TV’s. Not
sure when game time is but we will just be there about one hour before and during the game.
Should be a great time to see old friends, meet some undergrad brothers and see this game. If
you are planning to come, please email Mike Lockwood at mlgobucks@roadrunner.com or call
him at 330-273-4344. We just need to give the restaurant a count. Hope to see you there!

Upcoming Alumni Events- Updated 9/10/09

2009-08-04T17:14:00.003-04:00

To continue one of our “new” alumni traditions begun two years ago, we will have our Annual Alumni Homecoming Tailgate for 3 hours before and 2 hours after the Minnesota game on Homecoming Saturday, October 24th. The location is the same as before in the Northwest Garage (A) on the rooftop or one floor below if it rains. The Garage is actually the second one back from Tuttle Park Drive and the entrance is on Ives Drive, which is just to the northeast of the stadium. The Garage in front is called Tuttle Park Garage. The Northwest garage is just behind the Tuttle Garage. For brothers without tickets, the Chapter House will be open (with refreshments) to watch the game on the big screen TV.

On Sunday October 25, 11am, we will hold the annual meeting and election of officers for the Alumni Corporation and the Ohio Gamma Foundation. Coffee and donuts will be served at the House starting at 10am. Please plan to join us if you are in town as all alumni are eligible to vote at the annual meetings.

View the Penn State-OSU away game on Nov. 7, 2009. We will be gathering at Roosters, 3370 Olengtangy River Road with alumni, undergraduates and friends. There is no charge for this event, just pay for your own food and beverages. We have a room reserved with four TV's. Not sure when the game will begin but we will be there about one hour before, during and maybe afterwards to celebrate a victory. Should be a great time to see some old friends, meet some undergrad Brothers and see the game. If you are planning on coming, please email Mike Lockwood at MLgobucks@roadrunner.com or call him at 330-273-4344 so that we can give the restaurant a count. Hope to see you there and Go Bucks!!

The next time you get the chance to visit the Chapter House, be sure to take a look at the new “Alumni Corner”. There you will find a plaque acknowledging all the donors who have contributed at the Circle of Brotherhood level ($2500+), and the Bob Barnett Alumni Service Award plaque. The undergrads are always glad to show you around anytime you are in town. Just ring the doorbell and someone will give you a tour!

The Foundation and the Alumni Corporation board members look forward to seeing you at an event soon.

Alumni Golf Outing Aug 1, 2009 - Results

2009-05-31T19:53:00.006-04:00

The 2009 Sig Ep Golf Outing at Royal American Links was concluded on August 1, 2009. We had a good turnout of 24 Alumni and 7 Undergraduates who are pictured above. The Golf Scramble was highly contested with 8 teams vying for honors. First Place with a score of seven under goes to the Bob Barnett '71 Team whose members include Mike Roberts '71, Ken Misener '71 and Jim Crossley '70. The old guys still have it. However, an official protest has been filed since Barnett and Crossley were on the winning team in 2008 as well. Sig Ep Sam has been enlisted to conduct a thorough investigation into any score card adjustments or excessive use of mulligans to insure a competitive environment for all future golf outing. Second place at six under went to the Jock Taylor '10 and his three Man Team of Dave Dressler '11 and Howard Bender '55. Third Place resulted in a three way tie at five under but the winner was determine by the lowest putts and the Jim Allshouse '76 Team won with his Brothers Mark Hallam '79, Steve Zimmer '77 and Dave Hyre '76.
We also awarded three individual skill awards for Longest Drive on #6, closest to the Pin on #12 and Longest Putt made on #18. John Hussong '94 won both the long drive and closest to the Pin (how did he do that?) Howard Bender '55 was awarded the longest putt after another controversy of not having available a pencil to write his name on the flag but with sworn affidavits from his team mates, he won.
Golf was followed with dinner in the club house with several additional Brothers joining the festivities enjoying food, beverage and conversation.
Thanks to all who participated and whether you won or not, the Sigma Phi Epsilon Ohio Gamma Foundation did win because the proceeds from this event netted an additional $600.

Ohio Gamma Enjoys Carlson Leadership Academy Recognitions

2009-03-30T00:50:00.004-04:00

Carlson Leadership Academy

The Midwestern Carlson Leadership Academy was held Feb. 6-8, 2009 in Chicago, Ill. Over 600 undergraduates and alumni were in attendance. Sig Ep Chapters from Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Dakotas were represented. Ohio Gamma was well represented with 21 undergraduates participating plus one alumnus, Mike Lockwood. These Academies consist of a series of small group leaning sessions and discussions with your undergraduate peers and typically lead by an Alumni and/or senior undergraduate on various aspects of fraternity operations, e.g. recruitment, financial, programming, membership development, Chaplain, and President. The Alumni Volunteers also met in small group sessions to discuss and share successes with volunteer recruitment, Board operations, alumni relations activities, alumni newsletters and fundraising events.

Numerous awards were distributed during the Academy. Ohio Gamma won the 90+ Manpower Award and the Phi Beta Kappa Wheelhouse Award for a Chapter GPA in excess of 3.15 – fall quarter was 3.36. On the alumni side, Mike Lockwood was selected the District 13 (Ohio) Volunteer of the Year Award for 2009 for his work on the Centennial Committee for Ohio Gamma’s 100the Anniversary Celebrations during 2008. Mike was recommended by the Undergraduate Chapter and selected from a group of Alumni Volunteers for the Ohio Sig Ep Chapters by Marcus Robinson, the District Governor for District 13. Mike was most appreciate of this honor but wanted to make sure it was shared by all of the members of his 2008 Centennial Committee.

Alumni Board Meeting Minutes from January 22, 2009

2009-02-10T00:05:00.003-05:00

Alumni Board Meeting
January 22, 2009

Attendees:

Jeff DuBois, Bob Jennings, Ken Butler, Don Stenta, John Barta, George Gornall, John Waggoner, Brad Griffith, Bob Barnett, Sean Mittelman, Tom Vetter, Scott Dudis, Jim Oliver

Undergraduate Update
Recruitment
i. Current manpower- 110
ii. Winter quarter- goal of 30 new members, 19 new members so far
iii. BM Scholarship banquet was very successful
Communications
i. Undergrad website has been completely revamped
ii. New member packets have been developed to be given to new members
iii. Chapter evaluations were completed to let the E-board know the chapter’s opinions
Finance
i. Curiosity about the parlor fees have been expressed by anonymous members
ii. Ken to create a summary of expenses for anyone interested
iii. Alumni board and UG to meet with OSU to discuss budget for upcoming year- 1/28
Member Development
i. Sound body fitness tests coming up- 1/24
ii. Sigma and Phi challenges progressing well
iii. Epsilon challenge helping members transition from college to the professional world
iv. 16 members attending Carlson Leadership Academy in Chicago
v. Upcoming issue of Journal will feature chapter profile on house
vi. Information is being compiled on undergraduates looking for alumni mentors
Standards
i. Autumn Quarter 2008 chapter GPA: 3.36- ranked 3rd
ii. 14 brothers on academic probation
Other announcements
i. Sean has been hired as a new regional director
ii. Scott honored at the Balanced Man Scholarship Banquet as Balanced Man of the Year
iii. Regional recruitment seminar hosted by at OSU- 1/24- 15 chapters attending

Advisor Report- Don
Rich Hollingsworth Retirement
i. Rich would like more information on what would be required from him in becoming a Renaissance Brother
ii. Various AB members will take Rich to lunch in the near future to discuss in more detail
Alumni Contact Information
i. Kay Baker- OSU Alumni Association- was contacted about looking up SigEp alumni contact information
ii. Kay is able to compile all registered information if we supply a list of names

House Issues
Stair treads are coming off
Water damage needs to be revisited with OSU
Ice machine is broken again

Alumni Board Business
Fundraising with undergrads- UG’s would like to partner with alumni to have “call party” for donations
Winter formal- UG’s would like to continue joint winter formal with alumni- winter 2010
Insurance discount- UG’s will incorporate program either WI or SP quarter to qualify for discount

Ohio Gamma Foundation
Now over $400,000 including pledges
Next AB Meeting- 2/26/09- 5:30pm

SigEp Original Artwork for Sale

2008-12-29T00:51:00.005-05:00

Janet Waggoner (wife of John "CJ" Waggoner '70) completed an original watercolor of our previous chapter house at 154 Woodruff and our current house at 1943 Waldeck. Our Foundation is now making these prints available for sale to all brothers.

Prints sell for $100 each and will fit into a standard 16"x 20" frame. For each print purchased, $65 will be applied as a donation in your name to the Ohio Gamma Foundation. These prints are a unique form of SigEp memorabilia and are available for a limited time. You can request your print by emailing CJ at waggonj55@aol.com any time!

OSU SigEp Brothers Celebrate 100 Years!

2008-10-16T17:02:00.005-04:00

The celebration 100 years in the making was the "Most sensational alumni event in our chapter's history" according to Brother Dennis Kaps '03.

Nearly 300 brothers and guests gathered in Columbus over the weekend of October 3-5, to celebrate our first century of Ohio Gamma SigEp, and to look forward at the future. Ohio Gamma Alumni met on Friday night in the hospitality suite of the DoubleTree hotel in Worthington, Ohio. Among the distinguished guests present was Grand President Steve Shanklin, who said some kind words about the fraternity's future and how great an asset Ohio Gamma is to the SigEp nation.

On Saturday morning we joined for the strategic planning committee session discussing the use of our current funds, and our future intentions for raising more money. The discussion was led by Strategic Planning Committee Chairman, George Smith '63, and Bob Barnett '71, Chairman of the Ohio Gamma Foundation. Much conversation revolved around the future of housing and scholarships, the tangible byproducts of fundraising.

We proceeded to the chapter house at 1943 Waldeck Avenue, for house tours, lunch, and campus tours. Many alumni were pleasantly surprised by the pristine condition the house is in without the "old-time luxury" of having pledges! The undergraduates also prepared an Alumni Reaffirmation Ceremony which they held at the Indianola Church, across from SigEp. Alumni were reinvigorated with SigEp Pride and reminded of the special qualities of the ritual.

Finally, the Brothers, Alumni Brothers, and guests of honor joined together at the DoubleTree Hotel and Banquet Center in Worthington, Ohio. The banquet began with an address from emcee John "CJ" Waggoner. CJ was followed up by Sean Mittleman (undergraduate President), Dr. Rich Hollingsworth (VP of Student Affairs), The Honorable Archie Yeatts (Past Grand President), and finally Bob Barnett (Ohio Gamma Foundation President.) The speeches recalled memories, shared inspiration for the future, and called all brothers to action so we can move into our second century. To help jumpstart that, the brothers in attendence who graduated between the years 2000-2008 made a joint donation of over $20,000 to the foundation!

The event concluded with dancing and watching the Buckeyes beat Wisconsin on the big screen TV. Brothers are looking to get together on a regular basis for regional events to keep up the spirit of brotherhood that has built up for the Centennial Celebration!

Chapter Initiates Alumni Member: Adam Burden, OSU Class of 2005

2008-03-09T22:43:00.006-04:00

Every couple years, the Ohio Gamma SigEp undergraduates make the decision to honor a volunteer for the fraternity by inviting him to join Sigma Phi Epsilon. The Renaissance Brother Ritual has been performed for several brothers including Chapter Advisor, Dr. Don Stenta '02, OSU Alumnus Ibi Krukrubo '05, Father of past president Scott Phillips Sr. '03, and now OSU Alumnus Adam Burden. Adam was chosen by the undergraduate chapter to become a brother as an alumnus in early 2008.

On February 29th, Adam was initiated into Sigma Phi Epsilon the same way that brothers have been initiated in the past. The ritual role of President was performed by Scott Phillips Jr '05, The role of Chaplain performed by Brad Griffith '04, and the role of Vice President performed by Dr. Don Stenta '02, who was also a Renaissance Brother Initiate.

Adam is a 2005 graduate of The Ohio State University and is currently working for OSU in Student Affairs as Coordinator of Student Involvement. During his undergraduate years, Adam majored in both Math and Political Science. Additionally, he was involved with numerous student activities—ranging from Club Volleyball, to Sphinx Senior Class Honorary, where he served as president, to a University Ambassador. He was also a member of the 2004 Homecoming Court.

In 2007, Adam graduated from OSU with a Masters degree in Higher Education & Student Affairs. Having experienced OSU as both a undergraduate and graduate student, scarlet and gray truly runs in his veins. His passion for OSU also extends to the cultivation of tomorrow’s Buckeye graduates as he serves as an advisor to the Beanie Drake Scholarship Board and Bucket & Dipper Junior Class Honorary. Beyond his love for OSU, Adam, always with a trick up his sleeve, is also an accomplished magician. With his numerous accomplishments and love for Ohio State, Ohio Gamma is delighted to welcome into our brotherhood!

Thanks to Christopher Alvarez-Breckenridge '05, for his contributions to this article.

Queen of Hearts Alumni Ball

2008-02-10T22:06:00.000-05:00

On February 9, 2008, Ohio Gamma alumni joined the undergraduate chapter for their Winter Formal and Queen of Hearts Ball at the Columbus Zoo. Over fifty-five alumni and spouses or guests attended along with the many undergraduates and their dates.

Lead by Mike Lockwood, master of ceremony, the Centennial Committee presented us with a fifteen minute presentation on the history of Ohio Gamma from 1908 through the 1960s. The presentation included pictures of the first "Script Ohio," the history of SigEp houses through 1970 and even pictures of then District Governor John Hartman partying with the "Gamma Boys" in the 1960s.

John "CJ" Waggoner, president of the alumni board, then paid honor to our eldest alumnus in attendence- Carl Abell ('49). Brother Abell, with his wife Sherry at his side, was honored for five minutes as CJ spoke of his experience in SigEp. Carl joined SigEp in 1944, but had his membership interupted by his call of duty in World War II. Carl graduated in 1949 and moved back to his hometown of Medina, where he still owns and operates a dairy farm and ice cream museum. We greatly appreciated Carl and Sherry making the trip for this event.

Chapter President Michael Repasky then visited the microphone to announce the recipient(s) of the 2008 SigEp Sweetheart honor. The undergraduates chose Liz Warren for chapter sweetheart, daughter of Bob Warren ('71.) Liz is the president of the Pan Hellenic Association (PHA) and is a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. The Alumna Sweetheart chosen was Gretchen Smith, wife of George Smith ('63.) Gretchen was both suprised and honored as we sang her our sweetheart song that she was long overdue to hear.

The night concluded with dancing and socializing for the undergraduates and alumni alike. We look forward to seeing everyone during our next three events:

May 10 - Alumni Baseball Game
August 2- Golf Outing and Pig Roast
October 3-5 Centennial Weekend Celebration and Gala

Contact Mike Lockwood (mlgobucks@roadrunner.com) to RSVP for these events.

Alumnus Shares His SigEp Pride with Chapter Leaders

2008-02-04T15:08:00.000-05:00

as told by: Doug Hange '05

(pictured: Hange left, and Mike Repasky right)

Over this past Thanksgiving holiday, I had the distinct pleasure of having dinner with two of Ohio Gamma's finest. Those two brothers were Nathan Weber and Mike Repasky. Both have been long time friends and are now leaders of the fraternity. I took them to dinner at one of my favorite Ohio State establishments, Eddie George's Grill on High Street. The guys shared with me the many great things the chapter was accomplishing, such as increasing their chapter GPA towards a 3.5 average, winning athletic championships, and branching out to have social gatherings with different sororities such as the Kappas and the DGs. I was very proud of the guys for helping to increase the chapter count to over 90 plus quality men who believe in the principles of virtue, diligence and brotherly love. More importantly, they have found men who strive to be leaders, gentlemen, scholars and athletes. A great Ohio Gamma, Dennis Kaps, once said, "You must recruit men greater than yourself." I honestly feel this discipline has been followed during recruitment. Nate and Mike gave much of the credit to fellow brother Ryan Dressler, who was VP of Recruitment. They also informed me Ryan had been chosen by SigEp Nationals for a Regional Director position after graduation.

I challenged the gentleman that evening at dinner with one task. I asked them to continue to work on a mentoring program with alumni. I feel that is one piece of the pie that would be beneficial to the chapter and alumni. Unfortunately I no longer live in the Columbus area as I live and work for the Ford Motor Company in Orlando, FL, but I still like to keep in touch with my fellow brothers. I wish them all the best of luck in 2008 and look to hear many great things that make me proud every day to say I'm a Sig Ep.

Alumni Board Meeting - January 2008

2008-01-29T15:03:00.000-05:00

The Alumni Board's quarterly gathering for January 2008 was attended by:
President: John "CJ" Waggoner '70
Treasurer: Ken Butler '70
Facilities Mgr: John Barta '70
Webmaster: Brad Griffith '04
Mentoring Chair: Christopher Alvarez-Breckenridge '05
Secretary: Scott Phillips Jr. '05
Foundation President: Bob Barnett '71
and a dozen undergraduates...

The meeting was very efficiently run by CJ, who is now operating in his second term as President of the AB. The finances of the chapter, which we cannot post publicly on this site, are in better standing than ever. We learned about the new standards of physical fitness being put into effect for the undergraduates that includes a one-mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and one-legged squats. Flexibility is also a key aspect of the fitness testing. High GPAs and good fitness in our Ohio Gamma chapter certainly personify the Balanced Man.

The rest of the meeting can be summarized in bullet points.

Alumni Programming is looking forward to the Queen of Hearts Ball on February 9th.
Alumni Communications is currently producing the February version of the Ohio Gamma Red Door Newsletter completing three years of timely publications!
Chapter Standards reported a GPA of 3.29 for Fall Quarter which placed 3rd among fraternities and was shy of the 3.5 goal.
Chapter Recruitment reported a current membership of 95 brothers including 19 men who just joined in January.
Alumni Mentoring is beginning an aggressive campaign to pair alumni with undergraduates in need of community mentoring to help them grow and prepare for post-college life.

Next meeting TBA

Brotherly Love in the Big Easy

2008-01-25T01:00:00.000-05:00

As told by Scott Phillips Jr - '05

About 18 months ago I created this list of things I want to do in life. I hesitate to call it a "bucket list" as I don't really plan to kick the bucket any time soon, but you get the idea. Long story short, I made this commitment that I would be present for OSU winning a National Football Championship. I tried in 2007, but fate was not on my side. So in 2008, I gave it a shot again, and while things AGAIN didn't turn out as I wished with the game, I had one experience I wish to share to start our SigEp blog.

First let me say that the whole reason I even had a chance to get to this game was because my brother (our brother) Christopher Alvarez-Breckenridge got me a seat. I know there's a million friends he has out there, but he knew how much it meant to me to get the chance to go. His generosity was a great act of brotherly love.

Then came perhaps the most random act of brotherhood I've experienced in a long while. I was walking through Christopher's hotel, when I ran into a couple brothers, Matt Potts '04, my big brother Mike Zion '04, Mike White '04, and Mo Gupta '03. We talked for a little while and they quickly found that the buddy whose place I was supposed to stay at that evening was not answering his phone leaving me "homeless" in New Orleans for the night (bad metaphor, I know.) Without hesitation, the guys gave me their address, room number, and promised me a place to crash for the evening. With the exception of Mike, I hadn't seen these guys in a long time and within minutes of re-connecting, they had me staying on their couch that night. With all the chaos on the streets that evening, it was really nice to be able to hang out and share my misery of a second straight loss with some great brothers. How many friends from your office or your rec league softball team would take care of you like they did me? If we're similar people... not many. Mike even woke me up at 6am so I could make my flight on time even though no one else had to be up until after 8. You just don't find friends like that... only brothers. Thanks, brothers, for reminding me that our bonds are "true friendship" and for "helping any worthy member of SigEp." Thanks for living up to our oath.