Sigma Alpha Epsilon - University of Illinois

illinois beta chapter W ith the fall 2017 semester over, Illinois Beta lived up to its tradition of strong recruitment numbers. Our fall class consisted of 38 new members who continue to exemplify strong traits of leadership and brotherhood. They have been a solid addition to the previous foundations of our junior and sophomore members, and we anticipate continued success moving forward. MEMBERS PARTNER WITH FIRE DEPARTMENT TO ASSIST CHAMPAIGN COMMUNITY This October, Illinois Beta members worked with the Champaign Fire Department to install more than 75 smoke alarms in 140 mobile homes within the community. The event was coordinated as an effort to install alarms for and educate as many families as possible throughout the six-hour volunteering effort. Members were split into groups of five and partnered with a firefighter as they moved from home to home throughout the Shadowood neighborhood in Champaign. Our members had a chance to learn more about fire safety from the department while also volunteering. This was a fantastic opportunity to give back to those in need and potentially save lives in the case of a fire. FENCE PROJECT COMPLETED During the spring, we saw the membership rally around the creation of a fence for the backyard patio area. That project was completed this semester. The result has exceeded expectations and opened up numerous possibilities for social and philanthropic events in the new area. Members can regularly be found in our new fenced-in area whenever the weather permits. As the newest addition to the house, this will continue the upward trend of members living at 211 E. Daniel for as long as possible and maintaining strong numbers of live-ins. We hope to build off of our success with patio furniture in the near future and a professional paint job for the fence. This new area presents strong opportunities for house-based events going forward. Yours in the Bonds, Jack Lenihan '19 Eminent Archon jackblenihan@gmail.com IllInoIs Beta MakIng strIdes In recruItMent and PhIlanthroPy New Fenced-In Area Allows for Future Activities at the Chapter House Reflecting on Friendships Made through Illinois Beta Philip Hinderberger '65 on How SAE Spring-Boarded Him into Campus Involvement B efore stepping foot on the University of Illinois campus, Philip Hinderberger '65 knew he wanted to join a social fraternity that was active on campus, and Illinois Beta caught his eye. "ΣAE was my first choice, and when I got a bid, my heart leaped," Phil said. "University years are a time for transition to adulthood, and it certainly was in my case," Phil said. "By pledging ΣAE, I was offered a chance to be part of a dynamic organization that helped me get involved in many aspects of university life. It was an eye-opener to learn from the older brothers how many ways I could participate in both fraternity and university life." Phil was involved in several campus activities, worked at a campus clothier, the Midway, and the Wigwam, and he spent a lot of time and effort in leadership roles within Illinois Beta. As a freshman, Phil was chairman for the Paddy Murphy dance, an annual social event. The chapter elected him social chairman his sophomore year, which ultimately led him to become Eminent Archon. The brothers really left a lasting impression on Phil. "We had a diverse group of guys in the Illinois Beta Chapter with strong views on current issues that touched our generation like freedom of speech on campus, civil rights, and the war in Vietnam. We had several brothers and friends on campus serving in Vietnam or headed that way, so the war and their welfare were uppermost in our minds," Phil said. "To show our support for them, the chapter started a campus-wide blood drive that really caught the attention of the student body, administration, and the public at large. The blood drive was strictly a humanitarian effort to show our support for the troops bearing the burden of carrying out foreign policy set in Washington." Eventually the idea spread to campuses around the country, bringing positive recognition to the men in the Illinois chapter. After graduation, Phil spent a year in Vietnam as a Marine Artillery Officer, and when his three-year enlistment was up, he attended the University of San Diego School of Law, graduating magna cum laude. He spent the next 36 years as a corporate attorney in San Francisco. In his spare time, Phil enjoys golf and is involved in several professional and community organizations. He and his wife, Clara, a Little Sister and Alpha Gamma, live in Mill Valley, California. They celebrated their 50th anniversary this year and have two sons, Kirk and Brent, and two grandchildren. Phil credits Illinois Beta for giving him a lifelong group of friends. A dozen or so like Phil migrated to California. Jack Freckmann '65, Bill Northlich '65, and Vince O'Brien '66 also live in the Bay Area. They get together occasionally and maintain an email group with their other ΣAE friends to share personal news and views on current events. As for his outlook on the future of Illinois Beta, Phil said, "I hope the chapter continues to prosper by attracting a wide range of guys who can work together, play together, and experience the unique traditions that make Illinois Beta special."

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