Sigma Alpha Epsilon - University of Montana

SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON The Long Road to Membership Kurt Ingold '14 Finds a Home in Montana Beta K urt Ingold '14 entered Bucknell University in the fall of 1961. He immediately knew he wanted to join a fraternity, but Bucknell had a deferred recruitment system wherein freshmen were recruited the entire fall semester and bids were made at beginning of the spring. After meeting the men of Pennsylvania Zeta, he chose the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at the school, completing the pledge training. "When I pledged, I was looking for a fraternity with members who had the same general philosophy of life that I did—fellowship—oriented, outgoing people who share activities and responsibilities, are leaders, and get things done. The True Gentleman statement generally fits what I believe." At the end of his sophomore year, Kurt transferred to the University of Delaware, marrying his wife, Jeanette, in 1965, and graduating in 1967. At that time, the school did not have an SAE chapter (although there is one now), so he was unable to activate as an undergraduate. After graduation, Kurt completed the Army Engineer Officer Candidate School and served a year in Vietnam, eventually moving to Montana and working for the university. Kurt taught accounting as a graduate assistant and became a CPA until retiring in 2012. During those years, he was coowner of a series of CPA firms, earned the Certified Financial Planner® professional designation, was board chairman of Big Sky Bancorp (a Montana Savings and Loan association), and has been active in numerous professional, civic, and professional organizations. she was the academic advisor to the Montana Beta SAE chapter and she asked if she could have one of the alumni contact me and I concurred." John Greener '79, president of the Montana Beta Alumni Association, got in touch with Kurt, inviting him to a Founder's Day dinner in 2011. "It was good to reconnect with the fraternity and, after a while, John mentioned that it was possible to activate non-undergraduates in certain and special circumstances. Accordingly, I was activated on November 13, 2011. Since activation, I've been involved in the Montana Beta Alumni Association and serve as treasurer of the Sigma Alpha Building Corporation," Kurt said. Considering that he never resigned as a pledge, it would appear, at least in spirit, that Kurt's pledgeship that started in 1962 ran just shy of 50 years. Even so, when asked about the campaign, he cherishes what his time in SAE has given to him. "I encourage all of our alumni to make an effort to reconnect. The personal characteristics that made a person a friend in the past generally are the same today. For the campaign, return something to SAE and help ensure the fraternity will be available to future generations." Kurt and Jeanette live in Missoula, Montana, and have two children. In his spare time, Kurt plays old-time piano music solo or in various groups performing about once a week. He is also active in the Missoula Rotary Club (its local foundation), the Missoula Chamber of Commerce, and is a director of a private foundation. You can contact Kurt at kingold@montana.com. At a Christmas party a few years ago, Kurt mentioned to a business partner's wife that he had pledged SAE but never activated. "It turned out Jim Willits '64: SAE for a Lifetime (Continued from page 1) Jim has served in multiple roles and gained valuable work experience from each, but he still credits living with the older brothers in the chapter for helping him mature and gain valuable life experience. "In running my own company, and the values that Montana Beta instilled in me, it felt good to be able to put in an honest day's work. I learned how to live, be social, and be a leader through Montana Beta," he said. "I had a great education at the University of Montana, but I learned those life lessons through the fraternity." When asked about the capital campaign, Jim mentioned his inspiration to contribute came from the hard work and dedication of Dick Ford '64, John Greener '79, Jim Mountain '81, and many others who put countless hours of their time in, ensuring the success of the Preserving a Lifetime of Brotherhood campaign. "After they saved the house in 2003, their work has been priceless. Unfortunately, I have not been as personally involved as I would like because of other involvement, but I feel it is my honor to give because of their commitment," Jim said. "I know I am who I am today because of the University of Montana and Sigma Alpha Epsilon." One of Jim's fondest memories is the Sigma Alpha Epsilon summer reunions where he enjoys catching up with his brothers. "Many of my brothers from Montana Beta are my best friends today. I look forward to Homecoming every year to see them again," he said. "It is my wish that the future young men of Montana Beta are afforded to the same opportunities that we all had to have lasting bonds such as these. If alumni do not step up to bat, then we will be depriving them of that special experience." Jim lives in Fort Benton, Montana, with his wife, Caroleen. They have two grown children and are enjoying life with three grandchildren. When not working at Benton Pharmacy, Jim enjoys searching for gold, raising flowers, reading, and community involvement. You can contact Jim at james@fortbenton.com. PAGE 3

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