Sigma Phi Epsilon - Kansas State University

The Hoop of Steel Kansas Beta | Kansas State University | Fall 2023 S ince the spring edition of The Hoop, we have seen even more positive changes at Kansas Beta. A strong new member class of 21 arrived on August 14, which we expect to increase to 30 in spring recruitment. Our larger new member classes in recent years have given us diverse, high-quality brothers, including several from out of state! This summer, we returned from SigEp Conclave with affirmation of our Chapter's growth this past year. We received detailed feedback on a few items from our Buchanan Cup application, which will help us prepare to win our ninth Cup in 2025. That will also be a big year for SigEp, as our Fraternity celebrates its 125th anniversary and Conclave returns to Tampa. All told, Kansas Beta is on a path that should make you a proud alumnus. You may recall that, several years ago, we embarked on a campaign with three objectives: • Pay off remaining bank debt from the 2004 renovation. • Establish a reserve fund for ongoing and capital maintenance projects. • Increase the funds available for scholarships. The campaign raised approximately $350,000 in pledges—with half of the amount pledged still outstanding. We thank all who have contributed, but we need more alumni to give what they can to support these goals. So far, we have used a small portion of these funds for our debt, with other funds increasing scholarships and aiding Chapter House cash flow; this is especially important with increased recruitment numbers and a full house expected soon. The single largest maintenance project to address this year has been the restrooms. The two original restrooms were last touched in 1991, followed by the two smaller ones during the 2004 renovation. The AVC decided to move forward with an estimated bid of $175,000 for the improvements, securing a small, short-term loan. (In the spring Hoop, I asked for donations toward this project and received a number of $500 checks—thank you!) As the project evolved, projected costs increased due to upgrades that will last longer and reduce maintenance costs. We also decided to address the dilapidated plumbing and ventilation issues by upgrading the system in each bathroom. Each room and hallway received a new coat of paint, and the door hardware was updated throughout the facility. You can see the progress in the restroom photos below. These updates have addressed our home's long-term viability, and now we need to complete the project by paying down the debt. I am once again, with humility, asking alumni like you to help with these efforts (but to cover the restroom project in particular). Whatever amount you feel you can spare is appreciated—but do you remember the parts of our ritual where you are told to "drink deep?" Well, it's time to do that with your pocketbook by "giving deep." If we all participate, we can not only knock out this project but enhance the dollars to support other objectives of Kansas Beta. A gift of $1,000 from every alumnus who reads this article, and a word-of-mouth campaign for those who don't, would go a very long way. It's time for some of the fruits of your labor to return home, where many of us established the values we now live by. Please mail your contribution directly to: Sigma Phi Epsilon Alumni P.O. Box 427 Manhattan, KS 66505 If you want to make a recurring automatic payment or if you are considering a larger gift, we can accommodate those; just reach out to me directly at dirkdaveline@gmail.com. If you are interested in mentoring a SigEp undergraduate, please check out the "Volunteer" page on our website at kansasstate.sigep.org/ support-our-chapter/volunteer, or contact me or Chapter Counselor Lucas Renz '18 at luke. renz27@gmail.com. Fraternally, Dirk Daveline '87 AVC President dirkdaveline@gmail.com Our Home Makes Progress HOW YOU CAN KEEP IT GOING 1 2 3 I hope to see many of you for our Alumni Weekend starting on Thursday, October 19. See the back page for details. Thanks for your support and love of Kansas Beta.

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