Sigma Chi - Montana State University

FALL 2022 the Beta Rho Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity Montana State University FEATURES: Unexpected Bonds - 2 • Reaching for New Heights - 3 • Meet Our Fall "Better Call Paul" Winner! - 4 • Alumni Updates - 4 Y ou will see in the report from Consul Bobby Beers '24 on page 3 that we are blessed with an outstanding group of young men who are doing their utmost to live the values of Sigma Chi. Among other honors, Beta Rho Chapter has been selected as the Outstanding Chapter at Montana State University and the Big Sky Province Chapter of the Year. We, as alumni, have much to be proud of in the continuum of the brothers of Beta Rho over the past 10 years. Their commitment to being among the best in the Greek system is paramount, and their pledge selection process is doing a fabulous job each year. To support this successful chapter, the alumni of Beta Rho have committed to renovate the 60-year-old chapter house. At this point, we have approximately $1.3 million available to start construction. The construction committee has agreed on the design concepts for Phase 1 (principally the dorm side of the house), and our architects have produced a "contractor package" of drawings and specifications to present to contractors in the area. Selecting a contractor is not without its challenges. The Gallatin Valley area is one of the hottest new-construction areas in the country, our project has a tight, three-month maximum timeline (May 15 to August 15), and there are only a few contractors who have the resources to complete this complex job in a short period. We should know by the end of this year whether we have a contractor and what the approximate price might be. We know that there has been significant construction cost inflation across the country (and particularly in the Bozeman area), so we will be managing this situation closely. It is NOT too late to send an additional contribution to help in the renovation of this historic property. Please make your check payable to "Beta Rho of Sigma Chi House Company" and mail it to: Rick Dissly 6651 Leyland Park Dr. San Jose, CA 95120 The brothers thank you for your support. In Hoc, Norman C. Achen '65 norm@normanachen.com Where We Stand UPDATE ON THE CHAPTER HOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT D uane Ray '00 pledged Sigma Chi in September 1996 after being recruited by Bernie Ellingson '57, and was initiated in February 1997. As an undergraduate, Duane held many offices, including Quaestor and Consul. As Consul, he led Beta Rho to the first of three consecutive Peterson Significant Chapter awards, the first three-peat in Beta Rho's history. While attending Montana State, Duane met Mike Dunn, Utah State '75, past Grand Praetor of the Big Sky Province and later Grand Quaestor. At the 1999 Grand Chapter, Duane met Ken Kvalheim, South Alabama '76, Grand Praetor of the Alabama Province. Due to Ken and Mike's influence, Duane developed a desire to become involved with the fraternity at the international level. He graduated from Montana State in 2000 with a degree in computer engineering. Upon graduation, Duane served as a Balfour Fellow at Beta Rho Chapter for two years, helping the chapter improve its academic standing. He organized the Big Sky Province Conference in 2001. In March 2003, he assumed the responsibilities of Grand Praetor of the Big Sky Province and was formally elected to the role in June of that year. Since that time, Duane has overseen the largest Province in Sigma Chi, both in number of chapters (currently seven chapters and one colony) and in geographical area (covering Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alberta), traveling thousands of miles a year to and from these chapters. Accompanying Duane on many of these chapter visits, as well as mentoring him throughout the years, Loren Butler, Idaho '61 has provided unmatched guidance and support. Duane has also served as the Dean of the Praetorial College. During his tenure as Grand Praetor of the Big Sky Province, six of the seven chapters have won Peterson Significant Chapter awards with five chapters winning multiple times. Internationally, Duane has enjoyed helping chapters improve accountability and Ritual. As a member of the inaugural class of Ritual peers, Duane has been certifying chapters ever since. He was part of the Ritual team for Boise State's installation and a BLTW initiation, the latter being the largest attended initiation in Sigma Chi's history. For the reinstallations at San Diego State and Tennessee, Duane served as the Assistant Ritual Director. Duane has participated in multiple Sigma Chi chapter membership reviews throughout the U.S. He has been a member of BLTW faculty and has been appointed by the Grand Consul to multiple committees, including Pledge Education and Chapter and Membership Accountability. Duane resides in Bozeman, Montana, with his lovely wife, Carly, and three beautiful daughters: Charlotte (5), Nora (2) and Ella (11 mo.). He is employed as a Software Engineer for Oracle. Active in his church, Duane also spends time assisting at his family farm in Big Sandy, Montana. The following excerpts were taken from the letters of recommendation nominating Duane for this honor: Duane Ray '00 Inducted into Order of Constantine (Continued on page 2)

• Cover