Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/605787
Page 3 L ooking back on the last few months, I'd like to report on a number of activities undertaken by the Alumni Chapter. Our annual spring luncheon was held in April at The Knolls, which is owned and operated by Brother George Boosalis '71. Since our attendance was below expectations, we took the time to discuss how we could potentially encourage more participation on a regular basis. The ideas generated will inform our planning for 2016. If you haven't been a regular attendee, give it a try. The time together with brothers is invariably stimulating. Our reception at Zipline Brewery in June was a big success with 23 alumni attending. We all enjoyed high-quality brew styles on tap and received a private tour from owner Tom Wilmoth. It was gratifying to be with so many enthusiastic brothers, while supporting a locally owned and operated business. Zipline, by the way, had just taken over the number-one position of local beer sales in the Lincoln area. Brother Trey Pittenger '01 organized the third-annual Summer Showcase at the Lincoln Country Club in late June. This event gives us a chance to showcase the undergraduate Chapter to rushees and their parents. Forty-five attended, including five sets of parents, seven potential candidates, Brothers Pittenger, Jimmy Millar '15, Tom Sorensen Jr. '87, and me, along with Tom's wife, Vicki, and daughter, Macy. The speakers for the evening were Magister Ky Veney '17 and Ky's mother, Mailani Veney, Trey Pittenger, and me. Five of the seven candidates made the commitment to pledge Sigma Chi that evening. This exceptional annual event has continued to grow in numbers, enthusiasm, and results each year. Thank you, Trey! Our Homecoming event for 2015 took place on Friday, September 25, as the Huskers hosted Southern Mississippi. The pledge classes of 1968 through 1978 had a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reunion at The Nebraska Club. The event brought together many who hadn't seen their pledge brothers for years. The scheduled part of the event ended at 7 p.m., but many stayed well beyond to catch up with Sig brothers. Several then enjoyed a late evening dinner following the reception. Alumni in attendance were: Rob Robinson '78, Rocke Loken '77, Tom Cherry '78, Scott Trofholz '78, Mike Thesing '77, Bob Decker '79, Jeff O'Connell '79, Steve Norman '79, Steve Isaacs '77, Jim Reinhardt '82, Rich Patten '83, John Larsen '79, Steve Collins '78, Mary Kristy, Ann and John Selzer '74, Linda and Bill Shreve '75, Kathy and Jack Shultz '74, Todd Frazier '74, Molly and Tim O'Holleran '74, Jack Lawless '74, Neal Merchen '73, Jeff Lilyhorn '75, Scott Bendler '74, Neal Haskel '74, Dave Blank '74, John Cockle '72, Mark Smitheram '73, George Boosalis '72, Doug Varvel '73, Tom Herzog '73, and John Stalder '71. On Saturday, September 26, the Chapter House was open for informal tours for visiting alumni. Many enjoyed viewing the Chapter's Homecoming lawn display, honoring U.S. veterans (photo on page 5). Capping off our autumn season, the Alumni Chapter also hosted an October 24 luncheon at the Lincoln Country Club. Alumni brothers invited our undergraduates to recognize their efforts for the first Peterson Award win since 2002. Forty attendees heard from Alex Moore '15, former Consul, who spoke about the journey since 2012 and receiving the Peterson Award this summer at Balfour Leadership Training Workshop. Alumni received feedback from our students on the progress being made at 1510 Vine Street and their intent to build on the Peterson Award as they move forward in 2016. The alumni officers provided updates on the status of the successful capital campaign and shared a recap of the events in 2015. As your Alumni Chapter President, I make a sincere request to all of my alumni brothers to send in your annual dues. While it may seem that the dues are small in amount, your $50 goes a long way in supporting Alpha Epsilon, and allows us to stay connected through these newsletters published each spring and fall, as well as underwrite the Summer Showcase event for the undergraduate Chapter and Homecoming. I believe the majority of our brothers missed the dues notice in the 2015 spring newsletter. We need your support, brothers! Please take a moment to write a check and send your $50 in the enclosed envelope. It is a small, but important, investment in the future of Alpha Epsilon. In hoc, Curt "Woody" Denker '77 President, Greater Nebraska Area Alumni Chapter cdenker@pinnbank.com GREATER NEBRASKA AREA ALUMNI CHAPTER UPDATE Friday night's dinner had a large turnout and was enjoyed by all alumni and guests in attendance. Doug Varvel '73, Mark Smitheram '73, and Neal Haskell '74 reunited at Homecoming to cheer on the Huskers with their pledge class. Molly O'Holleran and Jack Lawless '74 Kathy Shultz and Jeff Lilyhorn '75 Todd Frazier '74 and Jack Shultz '74