Sigma Alpha Epsilon - University of Montana

BETA BEAT Sigma Alpha Epsilon s University of montana fall 2014 THE Montana Beta Moves Forward I t has been quite a ride. Over the last 10 years, Montana Beta has gone from nearly closing its doors to a viable fraternity on an upward trajectory; we have had as few as five active members and as many as our current 41. I just returned from Missoula and the UM Homecoming. It was so exciting to see the changes at 1120 Gerald. The enthusiasm I saw among the members was contagious. With 19 new members, Montana Beta is on very firm ground for the first time in a decade. Grades have improved to over a 3.0 GPA, there is an improved live-in membership, more involvement in campus activities, better intra-fraternity cooperation, and a stronger Greek system in general. This would not have happened without alumni support and encouragement. The consensus among most of us at the SAE events held during Homecoming was that finishing the kitchen has been a huge success, and was one of the main turning points in a successful recruitment. Our cook, Tara Nicholson, has gotten rave reviews from the brothers about the meals she has prepared and has kept the kitchen on budget. She has also done double-duty as house director, a job that involves watching over house activities, attempting to keep the brothers in line, and be a person they can go to when they need someone to answer their questions. One project that was completed over the summer was the repair of the chimney—something that hadn't been done for quite some time. Thanks go out to Brother Max Boese, Willamette University '62, for his work on getting this job completed. I would also like to give kudos to our House Corporation: President Jim Mountain '81, Vice President Ron Cole '81, Secretary Max Boese, Treasurer Kurt Ingold '67, Director Bob Haynam '65, and several former board members Dave Hafer '64, Tom Ross '62, Tony Wertz '65, and Ken Lawrence '63, for their time and energy devoted to keeping the fires burning. Also, we shouldn't forget all the time and energy that John Greener '79, Montana Beta Alumni Chapter President Max Boese and Chapter Advisor Scott Johnson '81 have devoted to helping the chapter in so many ways on an ongoing basis. I would hope that when you see these men, you also give them a big "thank you Brother for what you do." Our efforts will continue as long as there is a Montana Beta because we care, and alumni involvement is necessary for the chapter to succeed. If any of you are interested in joining that effort, please let us know. We thank all of you for your support. In the bonds, Dick Ford '64 (925) 876-8625 dickford94596@gmail.com C harles Hood '61 was a faculty member of the UM School of Journalism for 26 years and served 10 years as dean. He earned his doctorate in American studies from Washington State University and became a widely respected expert on Sen. Mike Mansfield's life and career. Charlie was a reporter for the United Press International in Helena and a reporter and editor at the Lewistown Daily News, Great Falls Tribune, and the Missoulian. Together with fellow distinguished alumnus Charles S. Johnson, Charlie won a National Headliner Award in 1975 and earned recognition from the American Medical Association for a special report about drug use in Montana, co-written with the late UM broadcast professor Phil Hess. A leader in promoting international education, he organized several international events at UM and served as exchange professor at Kumamoto University and exchange scholar in journalism at Toyo University in Tokyo. In his retirement, Charlie created a journalism exchange between UM and Charles University in the Czech Republic, worked for the Prague Post, and copyedited for the International Herald Tribune in Paris. He volunteered as a writing coach and mentor for journalism students at UM and served on the advisory board of the Montanan. Charlie entered Chapter Grand on October 12, 2013. Additional reporting by The Montanan. Remembering Loyal Brother Charles Hood '61 In this issue: A Q&A with Donald Krumm '64 - p.2 Montana Beta Gives Back - p.2 SAE Maintains Strong Footing - p.3 House Director Brings New Dynamic - p.4

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