Sigma Alpha Epsilon - University of Montana

SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON PAGE 3 Ron Cole '81, Dan McGuire '81, Dick Ford '64, John Greener '79, and Scott Johnson '81 Refurbishing the crest before Homecoming this fall. Spencer Lawton '16 shows his SAE pride. SAE wives Maureen Ford, Caroleen Willits, and Vikki Mysse enjoy the Pancake Breakfast this fall. Brothers at winter formal. Scott Johnson '81 and Dan McGuire '81 I have strong sentiments of heartbreak, disappointment and anger as a result of the actions of a few foolish and ignorant fraternity brothers in Oklahoma. I joined SAE in 1976 at the University of Montana. My fraternity experience taught me a lot about people and myself during my college years. In many respects, joining the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity helped me prepare to be a better member of my church and my community as an adult by developing leadership, communication and organizational skills. SAE provided a hearty blend of social, educational and philanthropic experiences, all enriching the lives of the members and the greater UM community. Membership in groups is an important piece of the social fabric in all cultures and social systems. There are all kinds of people who have joined a wide and diverse variety of organizations over the many hundreds of centuries of human history. Belonging to these kinds of groups enrich and strengthen the lives of the members. It is a basic part of community at the very essence of humanness. Throughout history, all types of organizations—be it collegial, religious, fraternal, trade or social—have had rogue membership in relation to the ideals of the group. It is hoped that most of these groups have the fortitude and structure to purge the bad, embrace the higher ideals and move forward. I think people can look back at any number of groups, clubs or fraternity experiences with fond memories and gratefulness for the positive environment those groups offer to their members. So, too, some can look back and feel the pain and disappointment of unmet expectations. A member has the responsibility to do their part to advance the group forward. I pray lessons of tolerance and acceptance will come from this sordid episode. I am grateful and remain proud of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Phi Alpha! John R. Greener '79 President, Montana Beta Alumni Association (815) 459-0099 Embracing Higher Ideals An Alumni StAtement on the incident At oklAhomA John Greener '79 has been a continuous force and an advisor in the revival of Montana Beta. This is what he had to say about the incident the day after.

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