Sigma Alpha Epsilon - Michigan State University

Gamma Phone michigan Gamma Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon • michigan state University SAE Oklahoma Does Not Reflect Character of Michigan Gamma B y now you know of the appalling actions of some University of Oklahoma SAE members, who are neither True Gentlemen nor brothers. How many negative adjectives apply to such behavior? Racist, repulsive, horrid, intolerant, entitled, insensitive, and disgusting are but a few that come to mind. Moreover, the renegades at Oklahoma insult our African- American True Gentlemen at SAE Michigan State where we reject racism. The actions of some now ex-SAEs at Oklahoma in no way reflect the character of Michigan Gamma where the chapter is highly diverse. For decades, we've had African-American True Gentlemen, and we face stiff recruitment competition from top ranked African-American fraternities. Right now, Michigan Gamma also counts Asian, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, Jewish, and Hispanic brothers as True Gentlemen who are building on our 88-year tradition. Our 100+ active members more than mirror the makeup of the Michigan State student body. How do we recruit and select our members? We always seek True Gentlemen either based on who they are today or how we think they will learn and grow. We look for academics and activities, and we always seek new brothers who can make Michigan Gamma even better. We seek quality, and we reject any form of discrimination. It's the old corporate bromide of wanting to recruit individuals who are better than you are. I know these facts because I'm privileged to have spent a large amount of time at 342 N. Harrison working hands-on with the undergraduates in recruiting and other matters. In the last six years, I've personally met more than 3,500 potential members. It's pleasing to watch Michigan Gamma outperform the chapter we knew back in the day. SAE Michigan State is the antithesis of a handful of bigots at Oklahoma. More important than all the bragging statistics we can cite is the plain fact that Michigan Gamma walks the True Gentleman talk in seeking and embracing anyone who embodies our high ideals. We repudiate behavior such as that at Oklahoma, and our actions prove it. If you'd like to talk, please call. Or, please contact our chapter EA, Matt Thornburg '13, at (517) 416-2666 or thornb36@msu.edu. You have every reason to be a proud Michigan Gamma. Phi Alpha, Greg Somers '98 Michigan Gamma Alumni Association President (773) 590-1056 /gsomers@sae.net (Continued on page 4) Alumni News Chapter Eternal Bruce H. Leavitt '49 entered Chapter Eternal in May 2014 in Lansing, Mich. William F. Minard '49 entered Chapter Eternal in October 2014. He was always proud of being an SAE. Peter C. Dickie '53 entered Chapter Eternal in January 2013. Until his death, he spoke fondly of his days at Michigan State and the fun he had as a brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Alumni Update James R. Bull '41 is a 95-year-old Army veteran. He worked in a department store for three years, cooked for the Grand Rapids school system for 15 years, and then ran a greenhouse and flower shop for 25 years until his retirement. James was married for 71 years, and his wife died a year ago. He lives in Grand Rapids, Mich. Robert M. Brezsny '46 has worked for Phillips Petroleum Co. in Borger, Texas; Perless Cement Co. in Detroit, Mich.; Bessemer Cement Co. in Bessemer, Pa.; Giant Cement Co. in Philadelphia, Pa.; and California Portland Cement Co. in Colton, Calif. He is retired and lives in Redlands, Calif. E-mail: felandbob@verizon.net Robert G. Harris '56 was founding president at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kan., the second president at Middlesex County College in Edison, N.J., and president at McHenry County Community College in Crystal Lake, Ill. He lives in Fenton, Mich. E-mail: rharris595@aol.com Cameron MacMillan '56 was motivated by Michigan Gamma because of the lasting brotherhood. He lives in Vero Beach, Fla., with his wife, Amy. E-mail:camtaken@ bellsouth.net Robert C. Gasser '57 planned a MIGA lunch in Florida in mid-March and is planning an October 2015 cruise for MIGA alumni from New York City to Montreal. He lives in Huntertown, Ind. E-mail: tinysan@aol.com Robert B. Swanson II '60 notes that his grandson, Robert B. "Bobby" Swanson IV, was initiated as a brother SAE at San Diego State

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