Sigma Alpha Epsilon - University of Illinois

Alumnus Artist Displays Work Across the Globe F or as long as he can remember, Thomas Rose, University of Wisconsin, Madison '60 has been making things—art, sculpture, photography, friends, and memories. His journey with ΣAE began at the University of Wisconsin, where he met enthusiastic brothers and had his first experience in a socially connected group atmosphere. He later transferred to the University of Illinois to pursue his art major and became involved with Illinois Beta, enjoying the involvement the chapter had on campus and in the Champaign community. With an artistic profession, Tom's world revolved more around the idea of individual imagination rather than group efforts, and for that reason many artists are dismissive of Greek life. However, Tom sees his time in ΣAE as an enjoyable and important learning experience. Illinois Beta taught him the importance of manners and how to communicate ideas while understanding opposing viewpoints—skills he believes the active chapter utilizes. "I'd like to see ΣAE as the place to be," he said. "It's important to be gentlemen. Manners matter." As a visual artist, Tom's work has been displayed in exhibits expanding the world, including China, Korea, Italy, France, and Sweden. In the United States, Tom has had work shown in The Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., the Whitney Museum downtown branch, the Clocktower and Socrates Sculpture Park in New York, and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and Frederick R. Weisman Museum in Minneapolis, Minn. Additionally, Tom has taught art classes at the University of California, Berkeley; New Mexico State; and recently retired after 40 years at the University of Minnesota. "The secret to success is persistence and perseverance. It's knowing who you are and finding the confidence to take the risk," he said. "I've done a lot of work with theater, dance, choreography, and architectural design; I've dipped my fingers into a lot of things and found that sometimes a lot of it is the willingness to say 'yes' to interesting opportunities." Throughout the years, Tom has enjoyed working with artists from all parts of the world. Most recently, he and his colleagues set up a graduate program for a student to travel to Asia for exploratory research. For Tom, this was his chance to create something that was self-sustaining for the university. Tom and his wife, Mary, have two daughters, Sarah and Jessica, and live in Minneapolis, Minn. Tom can be reached at rosex001@umn.edu. illinois beta chapter T he brothers of ΣAE welcomed the fall semester with high hopes. In the spring, the chapter made great strides as they increased their overall GPA and were nominated for Most Improved Chapter in the country. In addition to those two great achievements, the chapter has also been involved with philanthropic work. Last spring, Illinois Beta had its annual Paddy Murphy week. The week consisted of sororities putting together teams to compete in a blow-up obstacle course as well as a beach volleyball game. During Paddy Murphy week, the chapter was able to raise $2,550 for the Crisis Nursery. Football Players Join illinois beta On top of the chapter's excellent philanthropic work this past semester, the brothers of Illinois Beta recruited some athletes! There are two new football players, Austin Roberts '18 and Chayce Crouch '18. Austin is adjusting perfectly to the new coaching staff. This summer, he made the switch from linebacker to fullback, where he has been thriving at the position and shares the starting position. Chayce is a junior and backs up senior quarterback, Wes Lunt. In addition to these new members, Tito Odenigbo '18 has been holding it down on the defensive side of the ball, where he also shares the starting position and registered a sack against Murray St. in the first game of the season! Illinois Beta outdid themselves once again during recruitment this fall! The chapter initiated 34 new members, and they are proving themselves to be quite the True Gentlemen. For additional information on the chapter, please visit www.illinisae.com. If you would like to donate old memorabilia from the chapter house, please contact me. In the Bonds, Michael Clewlow '19 Alumni Chairman (847) 295-9537 michaelclewlow@yahoo.com Illinois Beta Continues to Improve Undergraduates Raise Academic, Philanthropic Efforts Alumnus Creates Illinois Beta History Website T om Sollenbarger '63 has created a website, www.tomsollenbarger. com, which contains a wide cross section of ΣAE memorabilia. Tom has collected historical documents and photos to feature on his website, and invites alumni to share any Illinois Beta history with him at tomgilbert94949@ yahoo.com. If you are interested in Illinois Beta's historically significant chapter house, please visit Tom's website to explore our great legacy.

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