Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Oregon

p. 2 OREGON BETA HEARTBEAT F raternity life can connect and shape men in ways they never could've predicted. Such was the case for three brothers from the Oregon Beta graduating class of 1958: James Carter '58, Richard "Dick" Allen '58, and Allen "Swede" Gummer '58. "I felt like an outsider when I got to Eugene; an interloper," Jim recalled. "But with the help, friendship, and guidance I got from SigEp, I became a 'whole' person and was prepared to live a confident, self-assured, and happy life." Dick joined for similar reasons as a "naïve 17 year old," enticed by the Chapter's strong sophomore class and emphasis on scholarship. Swede credits his SigEp and college experience with teaching him to interact with diverse groups of people with many different backgrounds. STRONG FIRST IMPRESSIONS "There was a notable difference in the atmosphere at the SigEp Chapter House," Jim said of his recruitment week. "The guys there seemed more genuine and mature. They seemed happy to show interest in me and take time getting to know me." Jim appreciated the opportunity to room with different brothers each semester, which helped establish long-lasting friendships. "I enjoyed the many competitive interfraternity and campus-wide events and sports, and singing with our guys was always a high point." "Freshmen were required to live in the dorms, so moving into the Chapter House was a cher- ished goal," Dick said. "Rooms were assigned by seniority, everyone slept on the sleeping porch, and eating meals together and singing songs was always enjoyable." Swede received a pre-arrival welcome letter from the Chapter president as a freshman, and that strong first impression continued during recruitment. While he visited several chapters that week, "none held a candle to the friendliness and interest in me that SigEp did." UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES When asked what advice they had for the active Chapter, the brothers spoke of academics and friendship. "Keep in mind how blessed you are to be attending a fine school," Jim said. "You have a great opportunity to learn and grow intellectually, and the friends you make here and now will enrich you for your entire lives." Swede, who has his three sons and two of his grandsons as Oregon Beta brothers, recalled the advice he gave them: "Be a good friend to your SigEp brothers; most of them will be the closest friends you will ever make in your life." They each stay in touch with a number of brothers to this day. Dick had several brothers in his wedding, and Jim has hosted some of the more adventurous alumni who find their way up to New England and Maine. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Dick went on to work with the Sigma Phi Epsilon National Fraternity in Richmond, where he met his wife of 59 years. Now living in Portland, he has enjoyed a successful medical career, was elected chairman of the AMA's Senior Physician's Governing Council in the last year, and enjoys playing banjo, singing in a men's choir, and skiing. Jim enjoyed a 30-year career as a partner in a New York ad agency and has been a practicing minister since 2010. He enjoys playing tennis and writes a regular column for the newspaper he previously owned. Swede spent more than 45 years as an international businessman and has enjoyed golf, skiing, hunt- ing, and many other hobbies in his travels. "SigEp has played a large and meaningful role in my life," Dick said, "and I would hope that others will enjoy their experience as well." "A big thank-you to my SigEp brethren," Jim added. Swede agreed fondly, "I have always treasured my ΣΦΕ membership and continue to treasure the brothers I have had." Balanced Men last Generations Class of 1958 Brothers Reflect on Formative Oregon Beta Years From left: Paul Keefe '57, Jim Carter '58, and Darrel Brittsan '57 met for dinner in Raleigh, N.C., and shared stories about their SigEp experiences. Darrel and Jim served as Chapter president in 1957 and 1958 respectively. Richard "Dick" Allen '58

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