Sigma Phi Epsilon - Oklahoma State University

PRIDE IN OUR PAST, ENSURING OUR FUTURE: THE CAMPAIGN FOR OKLAHOMA ALPHA U pon joining Oklahoma Alpha, Jerry Dow '86 appreciated how a "redneck" from Perry, Okla., like himself could mesh so well with a group of brothers from all over the country. "Oklahoma Alpha gave me a kick in the pants and the motivation to step up my game. Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by competitive folks who represented a new world outside Perry, Oklahoma," he said. When Jerry was asked to donate to Oklahoma Alpha's capital campaign, he was happy to participate, knowing how much a new chapter house would have meant to him when he was an undergraduate. As the long-awaited chapter house becomes a reality, Jerry was excited to see Oklahoma Alpha break ground this summer. "I'm excited about the new chapter house," he said. "Houses don't build themselves. Brothers builds houses. We all need to help. Any amount will help us reach our goal and we are now closer than ever before." All of Jerry's favorite memories during his time at 1121 West 4th Avenue involved his pledge brothers and how well they gelled together: brothers like Jeff Sharp '86, Scott Smith '86, Thomas Morley '87, Mark Grimes '84, Joe Rolston '86, Todd Donovan '78, Lincoln Ward '87, and Gregg Delozier '85, just to name a few. All had a positive impression on Jerry's undergraduate years. "Some of the friendships I made last to this day and the sense of belonging will last forever," he said. Jerry went on to get his master's degree from Northwestern University in Chicago and has had a great career, working at some of the world's largest marketing organizations like Leo Burnett. Jerry has also managed some of the world's best brands such as Maytag, Jenn-air, Kraft, and Pella, led global marketing for United Airlines, and was chief marketing officer for National and Alamo car rental and, most recently, Suddenlink Communications. Earning a degree in advertising, he shared classes with Garth Brooks. "I'm sure Garth remembers me," Jerry said. "Luck plays a big role in your ultimate success, but luck will not find you if you don't put yourself where luck can find you." Jerry and his wife, Sarah, have triplet sons: Grant, Parker, and Elliott. He likes all things mechanical and his latest project was a bobbed BMW motorcycle. Jerry lives in St. Louis, Mo., and can be reached at jdnorthwestern@gmail.com. Building the Brotherhood Jerry Dow '86 Supports Oklahoma Alpha's New Beginning I'm excited about the new chapter house. Houses don't build themselves. Brothers builds houses. We all need to help. Any amount will help us reach our goal and we are now closer than ever before. G rowing up in Stillwater, attending OSU seemed like the natural thing to do for Robert Breedlove, M.D. '69. In high school, he was invited to several SigEp functions and grew to like the group of men in Oklahoma Alpha. When it came time to pledge, the choice was easy. Robert knew Oklahoma Alpha was the group of men he wanted to be a part of. "We had some great bonding experiences at athletic events, initiations, and rituals," he said. "You get to know your brothers as well as you know your family. Experiencing everything with them is priceless. I wouldn't trade my years there for anything." Robert has owned a private dermatology practice for nearly 40 years and his Stillwater office is half a mile from the chapter house. Being so close to campus, Robert has seen the multi-million-dollar mansions other fraternities are building and believes Oklahoma Alpha needs alumni support to accomplish the same feat. "I know the active brothers are in need," he said. "I am who I am today partially thanks to Sigma Phi Epsilon, and I think it's my duty to pay it forward." During his undergraduate years, Robert lived in the chapter house across the street that now homes members of Alpha Tau Omega. Although his roots are not planted at 1121 West 4th Avenue, Robert visited the chapter house for meetings during his time as alumni board president and occasionally throughout the years. "In the last 10 years, half a dozen $8-10 million chapter houses have been built and they look incredible," Robert said. "Come to find out, most are done from one huge donor and I think that Oklahoma Alpha has yet to find that diamond in the rough. I'm sure someone out there could be that one special donor." As Oklahoma Alpha broke ground this summer, contributions of all sizes can still help the chapter reach its $2 million goal. Like many campuses across the U.S., Greek houses are not the only competitive housing options undergraduate students have to choose from and OSU has also built their own student living facilities. "In order to compete and get the 18- and 19-year-old students to live in your structure, you have to be attractive," Robert said. "OSU has built their own housing with amenities and it's like staying at a hotel." To Robert, life is a social experience and college offers people the chance to find their place in the world, learn how to get along with others, and grow independence. Add in Greek membership, and the opportunities for growth are multiplied. Robert's own years at OSU and Oklahoma Alpha helped teach him about the real world and he continues to use these skills as a dermatologist, writer, traveler, and sporting official. "I'm a strong believer that college is a socialization process more than an education process," Robert said. Each week, Robert submits a column for the Stillwater News, and this year, he enters his 51st year as an athletic official, making him Oklahoma's record holder for longest officiating career. Robert and his wife, Debbie, have three children, Michelle, Allan, and Robbie, and one grandchild. Throughout the years, Robert and Debbie have traveled to 88 countries, with hopes of making it to 100. The couple lives in Stillwater, and Robert can be reached at dermrefmd@aol.com. a diaMond in the rough Robert Breedlove, M.D. '69 on Alumni Impact and the Future of OK Alpha

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