Sigma Alpha Epsilon - University of New Hampshire

new hampshire beta chapter Tom Johnson '75 ConneCTs CulTures Through soCCer SAE a Catalyst for Robert Hicks '55 Fighter Pilot Career W ith a bachelor's degree in psychology, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hicks '55 had thoughts of a career in criminology as he graduated from the University of New Hampshire. In his own words: "that didn't happen." Instead, he has spent nearly 50 years traveling the world and serving as a fighter pilot with the U.S. Air Force. His career includes 240 combat missions, 1,325 combat hours, jet time of 3,500 hours, two distinguished flying crosses, 12 air medals, and three meritorious service medals. With 13 years overseas, Bob spent time in Germany, England, Thailand, and Saigon. Now retired after 28 years with the Air Force, plus 20 years as the husband of an active duty Air Force colonel, Bob looks back on his days at SAE as the beginning of his military service. With all members involved in mandatory ROTC and several going on to pilot training, the similarities of personalities were a motivator as Bob began his career. "I believe the fraternity gave me a kick-start to get on with my career. There is some correlation in being in a fighter squadron of 40 to 50 men and a fraternity of similar numbers. I believe the University and SAE gave me a much broader perspective of what post-school life would be like." But, it wasn't all work as a member of New Hampshire Beta; Bob developed friendships and honed other skills. "New Hampshire Beta had a great diversity of talent and personality. We were the singing fraternity on campus and gave walking serenades at least monthly throughout the sorority row and ladies' dorms. Our leader was future Ph.D. of music Buzz Emerson '55." Proms, serving as EA, co-ed house parties, the experience of living with 40-plus other guys and sleeping on the deck added to Bob's New Hampshire experience. Today, Bob is still a loyal supporter of SAE, living in Goodyear, Arizona, with his wife, Col. Sue Ann Olsavicky (U.S.A.F. ret.). He has enjoyed golf for more than 50 years and now spends time fishing and reading. He can be reached at goodgrief10@aol.com. W hile his primary focus was on athletics when he transferred to UNH, Tom Johnson '75 found another outlet as he met teammates and other athletes who were members of SAE. The diversity of talents and interests drew Tom in and the fraternity provided an opportunity to develop new skills outside the classroom and off the soccer pitch. "There was a wide range of brothers in SAE and I found that, in contrast to a dormitory, our advisors let us sort things out. A variety of folks with different perspectives on house duties and social activities, coming together to get things done, was a tremendous maturing process for me." It was the men in the house as well as the alumni who came back for gatherings like Homecoming who impacted Tom in those years. "There were some very strong and confident personalities during the years I was there and the things we dealt with formed strong bonds. Some of the most interesting socials we had included alumni visiting who had been World War II veterans. To hear the stories of the old boys talking about what the house was like in the '40s and '50s—along with business and their experiences—when you're 19 or 20 years old, that makes a difference." Having the experiences of SAE along with a degree, Tom left college and played soccer in Canada and Colorado. As he finished his career as a player in the late 1970s, the soccer boom in America was beginning and, through a UNH connection, Tom found himself with an opportunity to work for Dr. Pepper as they began using soccer as a marketing vehicle. For the next 20 years, Tom worked with Dr. Pepper and other companies to run parents, coaches, and player camps in the U.S. He organized, staffed, and coordinated camps, clinics, and tournaments around the country. "Never underestimate the kind of doors you can open with the connections you make. Running soccer programs didn't even feel like a real job, but I found great enjoyment in it." Today, Tom runs Atlantic Crossing, an endeavor that takes girls and boys into a dozen different countries to experience new cultures through soccer. Through training and matches, teenagers are able to improve their skills and take on responsibilities while learning to work with others. You can see more at www.atlanticcrossing.org. Tom makes his home in Lee, New Hampshire, and invites any brothers from his class who are passing through to stop by. He can be reached at info@atlanticcrossing.org. ALUMNI NEWS Robert Dillon, M.D. '45 finished his schooling at the University of Maryland, College Park in June of 1949 after enlisting from 1941-43. He married his late wife, Helen, in August of 1948. Robert retired in 1986 and now enjoys going to the casino in Cripple Creek, Colo. He resides in Colorado Springs, Colo. Robert Hagen '49 belongs to a singles club, veterans club, and democrat club in his retirement community in Roseville, Calif. He stays busy with activities and group travels to Lake Tahoe and San Francisco. He will be 90 years old in 2015. Dom Ross Jr. '54 was very impressed with the chapter updates and property renovations. He encourages New Hampshire Beta to "keep up the good work." Robert Rusch '60 retired in 1997 as the vice president and director of international flavor development and marketing for Givaudan. He (Continued on page 4)

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