Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Colorado

It's all about us. We're together. We're a team. That's who we are. We're doing this together." The Orange Bowl committee finally agreed with the Buffaloes and the rest, as they say, is history. What We Can Learn From Bill In an era where peer pressure makes it difficult to stray from harmful tradi- tions and become leaders of the "new norm," it is important that with the implementation of our substance-free facility program we stand, shoulder to shoulder, and force the change. Fraternally, Allen Robie '83 THE FLATIRON Shoulder to Shoulder A Lesson on the Importance of Brotherhood T he Chapter brothers were honored to host University of Colorado alumnus "Buffalo" Bill Harris '63 at a recent Chapter meeting. In challenging times and periods of change, Bill's speech reminded all of us the importance of sportsmanship, togetherness, and brotherhood to help us through those tough times. Who Is "Buffalo" Bill Harris? As an undergraduate in the early '60s, Bill played half-back for the Buf- faloes. He was one of only five African Americans on the football team. During this era, most schools were still racially segregated, so when CU was invited to the Orange Bowl, the bowl commit- tee required Bill and his fellow African American teammates to stay in a sepa- rate hotel from the rest of their team. "We're Doing This Together" The entire team stood up in opposition to the Orange Bowl committee, shoul- der to shoulder. In support of his fellow Buffaloes, a freshman teammate, John Meadows, declared, "This is about us. D uring the time that Ken Roth '85 was a young man on the University of Colorado campus, Colorado Alpha Chapter of Sig- ma Phi Epsilon grew from 37 guys to 120. Within that group, however, Ken found more than a home for the next four years—he found a true brother- hood. "There was a unity that grew out of a few basic things we all had in common," he recalled. Ken has spent the majority of his career in writ- ing, editing, marketing, and communications. He has also enjoyed a position as an operations manager at an architectural firm. Now, he finds it fulfilling to help younger generations navigate their career paths. "It's rewarding to help younger colleagues, not only to identify good and bad decisions, but to en- courage decisions that come from their hearts." From Colorado Alpha, Ken took with him the mind- set of excellency that is SigEp. "Excellent examples, an excellent network, and excellent peers," Ken ex- plained. "We shared opportunities, experiences, and the core value of diligence as we were discovering Bill Harris '63 during his college years as a football player at CU. Members at Chapter listening to "Buffalo" Bill Harris' story about his experiences during the 1960s at CU. WISDOM, SUCCESS, AND EXCELLENCY What SigEp's Membership Means to Ken Roth '85 the working world together." He believes in the Fra- ternity's commitment to the growth of the individual with the support of the brotherhood. Funnily enough, the two brothers who invited him to the SigEp Chapter House, Mark Brune '85 and George Dew '84, as well as the friend he made be- fore recruitment was even over, Matthew Fiehn '83, continue to be Ken's closest friends. Chris Bit- tman '85 has also been a rock of support and good company, as have Bill Tucker '85, Matt Shelton '86, Steve Hoffman '87, and Randy Teschner '86. Ken has volunteered to help chapters beyond Colo- rado Alpha at various times, including time spent as Alumni Board President at George Washington University (D.C. Alpha Chapter). His experiences while an undergraduate are why he continues to give back. "If we don't play our parts when we have the chance, the opportunity might not be there for those to come," Ken shared. The spirit and sense of ca- maraderie is what makes SigEp so unique, and Ken advises current and future members to take advan- tage of the Fraternity and the valuable life lessons. "Know the difference between your opinions and your beliefs," he shared. "Define wisdom, success, and even membership for yourself." You can connect with Ken at ken@rothskeller.net.

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