Sigma Phi Epsilon - Oklahoma State University

PRIDE IN OUR PAST, ENSURING OUR FUTURE: THE CAMPAIGN FOR OKLAHOMA ALPHA D arrell Pulliam '84 joined Oklahoma Alpha Chapter with his friends from high school with the goal of finding a home away from home at Oklahoma State. They found just that, and Darrell became especially close to pledge brothers Steve Diehl '84 and Brad Bellinger '84. "We worked our way through engineering school together as a team," Darrell said. "Not sure we would have made it without each other's support!" Together, Darrell and his brothers made memories through Sigma Phi Epsilon that would last a lifetime. "Going on trips together are my favorite memories of my undergrad SigEp years," Darrell said. "Some that stand out are new member trips, lake trips, and camping in the rain." To this day, Darrell and several alumni brothers from his era hold an annual lake reunion at locations like Texoma, Grand, Tenkiller, and Broken Bow for a long weekend together. This year marks their 40th annual reunion with the same group of brothers. In 2016, Darrell found the opportunity to give back to the brotherhood that has provided so much to him over the years. Darrell, along with a few brothers from his era, joined the Alumni Volunteer Corporation during a transitional period. The AVC team of 2011-15 dedicated themselves to launching Pride in Our Past, Ensuring Our Future: The Campaign for Oklahoma Alpha and were able to get 60% of the funds raised. "We saw ourselves as the closers to the campaign," Darrell said. "The brothers before us did an outstanding job of getting it started, and it was our job to finish it strong." Darrell and Mike Reddout '85, along with the rest of the AVC team, determined that the project of building a new chapter house was feasible in the spring of 2016. At that point, they developed a plan they called "The End Game" and rolled it out at the T-Bone McDonald Golf Tournament. Their plan was a success, and active brothers moved into the brand new chapter house in 2018. Darrell is particularly proud that the new SigEp house is the only Greek house on Oklahoma State's campus that isn't a "three–story, red-brick square with white columns". Darrell said. "It was important to us to stand out from the crowd and be the first to do something different." Now that the new chapter house is complete, Darrell has had time to reflect on the legacy he, and the current AVC, have left behind at Oklahoma Alpha. "Once you reach the "fall" stage of life and your children begin their life journey, you begin to think about leaving a mark on the world," Darrell said. "We saw the opportunity to replace our old 'Motel Sep ' to give future brothers a better SigEp experience, and we took it." The timing of the construction of the chapter house was also important to Darrell, as his son, James "Jake" Pulliam '19, was able to be part of the first group of brothers to live in the new facility. Darrell encourages his fellow alumni to consider calling an AVC member to see how they can make an impact on SigEp's future at Oklahoma State. "There are many volunteer opportunities that don't require being a full-time AVC member," and recommends you contact one of the AVC members to see how you can help. With strong SigEp recruiting classes the last 6-8 years and the construction of the chapter house, Darrell is proud to say that SigEp has never been in a stronger position in the Greek community than it is today at Oklahoma State. Outside of his involvement with the AVC, Darrell is a financial analyst for an electronics firm in Tulsa. He migrated from business consultant to financial analyst after getting his MBA to have a finance background along with his engineering degree. If you would like to learn more about how you can make an impact on Oklahoma Alpha, Darrell can be reached at dkpulliam@hotmail.com. Brotherly Love, Opportunity, Legacy Darrell Pulliam '84 on the Importance of Giving Back to the Brotherhood I n August 2000, I moved into the SigEp house at Bowling Green State University (Ohio Kappa) as a bright-eyed 22-year-old, first year graduate student. Twenty years later, as I officially retire as a volunteer, I look back with nothing but sincere appreciation and gratitude of having been at the right place at the right time to connect with SigEp. For those who may be asking, "Who's this lady and how did she end up at Oklahoma Alpha?" Fair question! I'm an Altus, Oklahoma, native; Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduate; and proud Alpha Chi Omega. For post-graduate school, I worked at Ohio State, finding myself as a SigEp house mom and the Balanced Man Steward. In 2008, I moved home to work at UCO, where I still work, in student engagement. Upon arriving to OKC, I reached out to both Oklahoma Alpha and Beta. To my luck, Joe Rolston '86 replied and connected me to Shane Crawford '99. Shane quickly brought me on board as the Balanced Man Steward. I served as the chapter counselor from 2009-15 before stepping away to have my son (and future SigEp!), Rex, and taking over as AVC treasurer. I often joke as a fraternity house mom that I have, "Seen it, stepped in it, smelled it, walked in on it and broke it up." While true, I have also had the beautiful experience of being a front row supporter to hundreds of fantastic young men. Chapter, exec, standards, membership reviews, hanging out, intramural games, one-on-one conversations, text messages, Carlsons, Conclaves and everything in between made for memories and stories that last a lifetime. In particular, I have to thank the following men who vouched for this old lady volunteer over the years: Shane Crawford, Gary Bridwell '74, Brent Foster '97, Mike Reddout '85, Todd Donavan '86, Trey Lewis '08, Aaron Cromer '16, Trevor Davenport '14, Bryce Crawford '13, Chas Schoolcraft '14, Kyle Krieger '15, Brian Rosebrook '15, Levi Close '17, Alex Pfeifer '18, Blake Giles '19, Dylan Harden '20, and all the exec and standards boards each year. In addition, I have to thank Vicki Brown, my tag team partner with the chapter for many years. While I am officially stepping down, it is hardly a goodbye. After two decades, I am a lifelong FOSPE (Friend of Sigma Phi Epsilon) who will come out of retirement to be Rex's house mom in 2033! Next to him, Sigma Phi Epsilon is the love of my life. Thank you for trusting me with your fraternity. It's been my honor. With Gratitude, Kay Robinson kayrob1977@gmail.com A Lifelong Friend of Sigma Phi Epsilon Kay Robinson Steps Down as Longtime Volunteer K ay R ob i n s on a n d h e r s on , R ex .

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