Sigma Alpha Epsilon - University of New Hampshire

new hampshire beta chapter Shining a Spotlight on Brother John H. Smith '50 Why did you decide to join Sigma Alpha Epsilon New Hampshire Beta? Well, I returned back to the University of New Hampshire after my time in the Navy. Fortunately, I already had some good friends in New Hampshire Beta, so it just felt like it was the place for me. It had the camaraderie I was looking for, which made my time there an unforgettable experience. How were you involved in the chapter and on campus? I really didn't have too much time to dedicate to being an officer in the chapter because I was involved in other areas on campus. I coached freshman lacrosse and football, which took a lot of time out of my semesters. I was only at New Hampshire for a little over two years, and back then, some people reconnected right away and some didn't. I was the latter. It was more than 50 years before I got involved in different committees and groups associated with the university. But through that service, I have been awarded the Alumni Association Meritorious Service Award, the CEPS Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Hubbard Award. I was also on the Milne Society, the President's Council, a founder and chairman of the CEPS Alumni Society, and the Alumni Association General Awards committee. Have you been able to stay connected with chapter? Several times over the years, and it has been great to see how the chapter has changed. I have also made some gifts over the years to the chapter to help them with their various needs and projects. What advice would you give undergraduates or younger alumni early in their careers? It is important to just stay connected with the fraternity and the university. Young folks who graduate today aren't that different from me and the students I graduated with. It is easy to get your diploma and forget about the place that gave you the tools to start your careers. Same goes with the fraternity too. I was fortunate enough to reconnect, but it took 50 years to again get involved with the university. What do you believe is the single largest reason for New Hampshire Beta's success? The chapter had some serious problems in the past and had to leave campus, but with the help of some alumni, it came back and has now developed into one of the best fraternities on campus today. I hope they continue to recruit students who have established goals in life. Many students lack direction, but I don't get that sense from the brothers at New Hampshire Beta today. What achievements are you most proud of in life? I am proud of my work as a test and development engineer, especially my work on jet and liquid rocket engines. I eventually started and owned my own valve company that designed and manufactured valves for submarines. I worked strictly with ship yards and the government. What are some of your hobbies or things you do in your free time? Since I retired, I sail most every day and stay connected with the university. I have season tickets for hockey and football and attend most of the home games. If you would like to get in touch with John, he can be reached by e-mail at jsmit26@aol.com. We are always looking for ways to enhance our GPEP score. We were unable to reach benchmark last year, so to remain a recognized organization on campus, we must reach benchmark this semester. To combat this, we decided not to aim for benchmark; we are aiming for bronze/silver, and settling for benchmark. We are currently on pace to hit that; however, we must still do the work, which also ties into the incentive program mentioned. Although it sounds like all business at NHB, we make sure to mix in a few smiles along the way. I'm proud of our chapter for all the work we have done, and we are finally seeing the results. My greatest accomplishment, I hope to be remembered for, is turning the house around and keeping us on track. We have a couple of great candidates running for EA after me, and we are really excited to see what they can accomplish. In the Bonds, Brendan Morrison '19 Eminent Archon bfm1003@wildcats.unh.edu New Hampshire Beta Looking to Improve (Continued from page 1) You Can Make an Impact on New Hampshire Beta Join the Alumni Advisory Board Today I am pleased to extend an opportunity for you contribute in a meaningful way to the New Hampshire Beta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon by becoming a member of the chapter's Alumni Advisory Board. I'm asking for an investment, not of money, but of your time that will pay dividends in the development of the True Gentlemen that make up your chapter. The Alumni Advisory Board members are the key alumni volunteers responsible for providing leadership, guidance, and support to the collegiate chapter, ensuring the chapter's strong health, and continued growth. The Alumni Advisory Board and its member training are organized around the 12 core areas of chapter operations: There is no set number of members on an Alumni Advisory Board and you do not need to live in Durham or the surrounding area. With today's technology, all you need is a desire to have a positive impact on a group poised to grow and do great things on the University of New Hampshire's campus and in the Durham community. By volunteering on the Alumni Advisory Board, you will help enrich the lives of the chapter members and make the chapter stronger. Please contact us if you would be willing to serve on the New Hampshire Beta Chapter Alumni Advisory Board. We look forward to hearing from you! Fraternally, Jake Showalter, Ohio Rho '98 SAE Financial & Housing Corporation, Alumni Development jshowalter@sae.net (216) 407-0508 • Chapter Management • Leadership • Service/ Philanthropy • Alumni Relations • Recruitment • Ritual • Health and Safety • Housing • Member Education • Scholarship • University/ Campus Relations • Financial Management

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