Sigma Alpha Epsilon - University of Montana

Spring 2014 Newsletter

Montana Beta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity at the University of Montana

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Beta Beat Sigma Alpha Epsilon s University of montana Spring 2014 the Campaign for Montana Beta Preserving a Lifetime of Brotherhood New Beginnings in Store for Montana Beta Completion of Capital Campaign Sets the Course for the Future O ur campaign for Montana Beta, Preserving a Lifetime of Brotherhood, ended December 31, 2013. Although final results are not in yet as we continue to receive pledges and donations, I would like to thank everyone who supported the cause. We officially began the campaign with a lofty goal of $1 million in October 2008—probably the worst timing ever. In spite of this, we were optimistic based on our initial pledges from a few alumni. To date, we have now raised nearly $650,000. This comes from an extremely generous pool of alumni (134 of 728) and friends. Even though our formal campaign has ended, that doesn't mean our needs have been met. We still have to pay off the mortgage, help with maintenance for the house, and be able to provide scholarships. Our current focus is to raise funds to send five or six members to SAE Leadership School next summer. One of the ways you can help meet our goals is by making Montana Beta a beneficiary in your will or trust. We are aware of three alumni who have committed to this. Please let us know if you have done the same. Moving forward, we will continue to issue semiannual Beta Beat newsletters. We plan to include more information on the active chapter, more personal alumni news, more photos from alumni activities, and more ways to get involved. If you have a great story about your time at 1120 Gerald that you think others would like to hear, photos from recent alumni gatherings or your days as an undergraduate, or simply want to let us know what you're up to, please feel free to share with us. We welcome your suggestions. Send all information to the Montana Beta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, P.O. Box 3343, Missoula, MT 59806. We also hope that more of you will participate in our Homecoming activities this fall on the weekend of September 26. Be sure to join us for parade watching and a golf outing. This event is a chance to meet up with your friends and brothers and to meet the members of the chapter. And don't forget the pancake breakfast! Thank you again for your support of the campaign and your ongoing support of Montana Beta. In the bonds, Dick Ford '64 Campaign Chairman (925) 876-8625 / dickford94596@gmail.com T he Sigma Alpha Building Corporation has chosen SAE Financial & Housing Corporation (F&H) to be the property manager for the Montana Beta chapter house. Sigma Alpha Building Corporation, or simply House Corporation to some, is the legal entity that has owned our property at 1120 Gerald Ave. since its acquisition in the 1930s. F&H is the separate corporation dedicated to supporting chapter housing throughout the SAE realm nationally. Beginning in early 2013, the House Corporation board of directors began considering a change in direction for property management. Since reopening the house after the major renovation, we contracted a local property manager with expertise in commercial, apartment complex and single-family rentals. Over the years, it became apparent the common living environment of a fraternity house created unique requirements. At the request of the House Corporation board, I approached F&H Associate Executive Director Greg Somers, Michigan State '98, for assistance. Greg has been to Missoula several times on behalf of F&H. Their advice and encouragement to Montana Beta and the House Corporation during the renovation and capital campaign has been a great help getting the chapter back in residence and up on its feet. The timing of that call was perfect. F&H owns and manages chapter houses for six different SAE chapters, including Washington Beta at WSU in Pullman. Working under the motto "A house for every willing chapter," Somers said F&H had explored additional ways to assist chapters and local housing corporations. Assuming the property manager role for a locally owned chapter house seemed like a natural next step. The 157th anniversary convention gave Eminent Archon Tucker Finley '14 and I the opportunity to meet with the F&H board and all of its staff members to work out the details. With the exchange of fraternal handshakes all around, the deal was sealed (although the lawyer in Greg made sure we had a signed management agreement as well). Phil Holst, University of Iowa '97, F&H director of alumni relations and chapter operations, was dispatched to visit Missoula early in fall 2013 to help sort out on-the-ground logistics while F&H Finance Manager Jonathan Sharp, Millikin Univeristy '10, worked in Evanston to establish the administrative procedures. Special recognition goes to Missoula House Cor- poration board members Kurt Ingold '67 and Max Boese, Willamette University '62 and Mon- tana Beta Alumni Association President John Greener '79 for helping facilitate this transition. Visit www.saefandh.com and notice a familiar picture in the slide show of chapter houses. In the bonds, Jim Mountain '81 House Corporation President jrmountain@aol.com / (973) 632-4713 House Corporation Partners with SAE F&H

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