Sigma Phi Epsilon - Oklahoma State University

PRIDE IN OUR PAST, ENSURING OUR FUTURE: THE CAMPAIGN FOR OKLAHOMA ALPHA Alumni Volunteer Corporation Welcomes New Leadership A Fond Farewell to Gary Bridwell '74 I t was with mixed emotions the Alumni Volunteer Corporation accepted the resignation of Gary Bridwell '74 from his positions as AVC President and capital campaign chairman. Many of you know Gary, and know what a phenomenal brother, businessman, leader, and Cowboy he is. Gary led the AVC beginning in 2010 and under his leadership, the AVC gained new volunteers, began a relationship with Pennington for our alumni relations, started the capital campaign, and received several alumni awards for excellence in finance. In the last few years, the AVC and Oklahoma Alpha have achieved a more than 95% collection rate. Gary resigned to work more on his business, Ditch Witch, and we all wish him the best of success. Filling the position of AVC President is Todd Donovan '86. Todd's son, Matthew '19, is a new member of Oklahoma Alpha and while Todd has a very personal connection to our chapter, he is no stranger to volunteering with SigEp. Before becoming AVC President, Todd served on the AVC from 1994-1999 while in graduate school. In addition, he has served as the chapter counselor for Kansas Beta Chapter (Kansas State) from 1999-2005, and is the current chapter counselor for Colorado Gamma (Colorado State), a role he has been in since 2005. We are also happy to welcome Mike Reddout '85 to the board in the position of capital campaign chairman. Mike also has a personal connection with the chapter, having two sons, David '17 and Garrett '19, who are current undergraduate members. He is excited to keep the campaign moving forward to secure a new facility for the future of Oklahoma Alpha. The AVC thanks Gary, Todd, and Mike for their faithful service to Sigma Phi Epsilon. W hen you think about the many life milestones you've had— graduation, your wedding, children being born, new jobs—who is it that you remember sharing them with? For many of us, the answer is our Oklahoma Alpha brothers. That is certainly the case for Todd Donavan '86 and that is why he chose to serve as Oklahoma Alpha Alumni Board President. Despite living in Colorado, serving on the AVC board has provided Todd the opportunity to reconnect with many of his brothers. "While I had not spoken with several of my brothers for some years, it was like we never missed a beat. Our friendships are deep and enduring." He enjoys seeing these friendships mirrored in the experiences of his son, Matthew '19, who is an undergraduate member of Oklahoma Alpha. Todd is not a stranger to serving on an Alumni Volunteer Corporation. He has volunteered continuously with SigEp since 1994. "Through the years, I have gained far more from working with the young men than I can ever repay. It is wonderful to see these guys grow into young men with all the skills to be leaders in our communities." Though Todd has enjoyed working with other chapters across the country, he is eager to be involved with Oklahoma Alpha again. "Oklahoma Alpha offers a great opportunity for me to give back to my home chapter. I've been to seven conclaves where I was able to see how other chapters operate. Ours is one of the best SigEp chapters in the nation and my drive is to ensure that we continue to give the best experience possible." Part of providing that great experience is having a modern, competitive facility for our undergraduate brothers. "After seeing the Kansas State SigEps renovate their chapter house, I was determined to help my home chapter move in the same direction," shares Todd. "Oklahoma State has one of the most competitive Greek systems in the nation. To sustain the success that we have had, we need to have a modern, safe, competitive facility." That is why Todd encourages his brothers to support the Pride in Our Past, Ensuring Our Future campaign today. "Our members deserve to live in a facility that reflects their success." Today, Todd and his wife, Tammy, and their daughter, Emma, live in Fort Collins, Colo., where he is a professor of marketing at Colorado State University. "I love the fact that my job gives me the opportunity to work with young, energetic students every day." You can connect with Todd at todd.donavan@colostate.edu An Opportunity to Give Back Why Todd Donavan '86 Supports OK Alpha Todd Donavan '86 with his son, Matthew '19, at Matthew's initiation.

• Cover