Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Michigan

page 3 John Thomas '57 Named Winnetka/ Northfield, Ill., Man of the Year J ohn Thomas '57 was recognized as the Winnetka/Northfield, Ill., Man of the Year at the 40th Annual Recognition Lunch on April 6 in the Winnetka Community House for his extensive and ongoing public service over the past 25-plus years. John has served on local government elective and appointed boards as well as many pro- bono boards. He has been, and is, active in aiding others with addiction challenges and aiding rehabilitation programs for those recovering from addiction. John began his tenure of public service chairing the 1999 Caucus Parks Committee and then the 2000 Winnetka Caucus Council. He then served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and is now doing his third stint on the Winnetka Planning Commission. John was a Winnetka Parks Commissioner from 2005-09 and returned for a second term in 2011. He is now in his third term from 2015-19. John chairs the Parks and Beaches Committee and is the representative both to the Winnetka Planning Commission and to the Winnetka Caucus. He also lives an active life of service outside of civic affairs. John was on the board and the executive committee of the Northern Illinois Girl Scouts. He was president of United Way-Winnetka/ Northfield and board member of United Way-North Shore. Currently, he is an active member of the Winnetka-Northfield Rotary Club and serves as president. John is also a longtime board member of the Winnetka Youth Organization (WYO), serving from 1986 until 2005 and rejoining again in 2010. He has chaired the WYO Board several times along the way and his leadership has been instrumental in the organization's growth in programs and services for local teens. John is an incredible asset to his community and all the organizations that are lucky enough to have him as a member. T he Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity at the University of Michigan has had yet another great year. This spring, Michigan Alpha partnered with the St. Baldrick's Foundation to coordinate its annual head-shaving event in April. Soliciting donations from friends, family, and local businesses, we were able to raise more than $50,000 to support pediatric cancer research, surpassing our goal of $50,000. Philanthropy on the Forefront Moving into the fall semester, Michigan Alpha began its philanthropic efforts early by coordinating Blacktop, an all-day charity basketball tournament held at the chapter house. Michigan Alpha was joined by nine other fraternities, each of whom donated toward Michigan Alpha's fundraising efforts for the 2017 St. Baldrick's event. The event was a big success, and SigEp prevailed as the ultimate tournament champions. Chapter Achievements Michigan Alpha fared extremely well during the Interfraternity Council Awards Ceremony and took home awards for chapter administration, membership development, and recruitment. With respect to recruitment, Michigan Alpha had a great fall recruitment cycle and welcomed 22 new brothers into the chapter. Hailing from states including Michigan, California, New Jersey, and Florida, the new members bring in a great variety of perspectives and experiences. Brothers Develop as Leaders Additionally, SigEp is thrilled to usher in representation within the Interfraternity Council at the University of Michigan. This spring, former chapter president, Henry Adams '17, was elected as the Interfraternity Council president, and former vice president of recruitment, Seth Miller '17, was elected as the vice president of internal affairs on the council. Focused on the Future Moving forward, Michigan Alpha is excited about what the future holds. This winter will mark a new chapter for Michigan Alpha, as an election cycle will usher in a new executive board. Additionally, the chapter is looking forward to seeking involvement in more Interfraternity activities and advancing its member development program. Michigan Alpha is in a great position to extend its position as a premier chapter on the University of Michigan campus. HFF, Andrew Vogg '18, Chapter President (630) 740-9404 asvogg@umich.edu SigEp Michigan Alpha celebrating its first place victory at the inaugural SigEp Blacktop, a 3-on-3 philanthropic basketball tournament. The proceeds from this tournament will go toward the chapter's annual St. Baldrick's Foundation fundraiser in spring 2017. Eric Ngan '18 has his head shaved at the fraternity's annual St. Baldrick's Foundation fundraiser. The fraternity surpassed its goal, raising over $50,000 for pediatric cancer research. Michigan Alpha Emphasizes Philanthropic Efforts, Gains Leadership Experience More Than $50,000 Raised for St. Baldrick's Foundation CHAPTER ETERNAL Harold "Hal" B. Coleman '46 entered Chapter Eternal on September 27, 2015, in Peoria, Ariz., of acute myeloid leukemia. Hal attended the University of Michigan until WWII interrupted his schooling. In the military as a combat infantryman, he earned three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, a Silver Star, and a Presidential Citation. After the war, he completed his education and earned a master's degree in math and physics, as well as an MBA and a Ph.D. Hal was an aerospace engineer, specializing in missile and space guidance and aviation systems. He designed the guidance rockets for the Apollo Space Craft and developed systems for air to surface missiles, cruise missiles, and other defensive missiles. In the early '70s, Hal began working with the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration; he worked with these government programs for 29 ALUMNI UPDATE (Continued on page 4)

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