Sigma Alpha Epsilon - University of Montana

PAGE 4 the beta beat T he annual Homecoming festivities at the University of Montana are steeped in pageantry and tradition. It is a week of reunions among the various colleges and campus organizations that include luncheons and dinners, arts fairs in the UC, pep rallies, and singing on the steps of Main Hall on the oval. The highlight of Homecoming week is the Grizzly football game and the Homecoming parade. Since 1927, SAE has been right in the mix of all the activities and our own traditions have emerged within those of the University. Over the years, through the peaks and valleys of membership levels, the SAE actives have always mustered the energy and support to get an SAE float entered into the parade, perhaps the most special UM Homecoming activity as it relates to our SAE chapter. For many, many years, the annual Homecoming parade in Missoula has been a big deal. Making its way from downtown heading south on Higgins Avenue over the bridge, the parade takes a big left turn onto University Avenue on to its triumphant conclusion at the UM campus. Thousands of folks line the route to watch entrants from all walks of life in the UM and Missoula community. There are marching bands, floats, students, dancers, gymnasts, fiddlers, singers, scouts, 4-Hers, horses, politicians, dignitaries, bagpipes, and Shriners on mini-bikes present, all adding their unique touch to the parade we call our own. Our chapter house at 1120 Gerald has provided a gathering point for many on Homecoming Saturday. For years the SAE actives have served coffee and donuts to alumni and family during the parade, but in 2003, the Montana Beta Alumni Association hosted a hot buffet breakfast that has become a favorite tradition. Through bright sun, rain, snow, bitter cold, and wind, the SAE Homecoming breakfast has warmed the hearts and bellies of SAEs, their families, and friends on the big lawn at 1120 Gerald. Homecoming 2007 was host to a huge 80th anniversary celebration of SAE at Montana that featured a banquet, open house, breakfast, golf tournament, and fly fishing. There is talk that it is time to do a big event again one of these years. Since then, we generally have an annual golf outing that is organized by Brothers Gary Gullard '65, Bob Clark '66, and Tom Barnett '79. Each year, a few brothers find themselves wetting a fly line on our famous trout waters. But always, the line is long and the food is delicious at the Saturday morning breakfast before the parade. Come join us this year, September 26–28, and enjoy all the traditions time has given us at Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Phi Alpha! Homecoming Tradition Remains an Important Part of Montana Beta Scott Griffiths, John Greener '79, Bill Griffiths '80, and Jim Mountain '81 on a fly-fishing trip during Homecoming weekend. Neil and Van Blakely '83 attempt to catch some fish during Montana Beta's Homecoming weekend. Ron Cole '81 drives a ball down the fairway during a Homecoming alumni golf outing. Marilyn and John Olsen '62 at last year's Homecoming breakfast. Tom Brown, Oregon Alpha '69, Kurt Ingold '67, and Don Cowles '67. Dan McGuire '81, Doug Banks '79, Scott Johnson '81, Kevin Pritchard '78, and Ed Fisher '82 enjoy breakfast before Montana's Homecoming parade.

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