Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Oregon

p. 2 OREGON BETA HEARTBEAT M embers of the class of 1969 hosted a reunion at the Mt. Hood Resort from September 20-21. Reunions are important when brothers are scattered across the country all leading busy lives. As time goes by, it's harder to remain connected with the brotherhood. This is why Roger and Pat believe reunions are so important. They give brothers a chance to maintain contact and continue these long-standing relationships. During the reunion, brothers enjoyed reconnecting, sharing their stories, and reliving their favorite memories in the Chapter House. "We didn't have a formal agenda, so I decided we should engage everyone by calling on brothers to stand up and answer questions about their lives," Roger said. "It always ended with a humorous twist." Pat recalls brothers of the late 1960s taking great pride in their singing. Under the leadership of Larry Ross '68, Oregon Beta won first place in the Men's Living Organization Spring Sing competition in 1968 with their rendition of "Today." "At the reunion, Brother Ross brought us together for a series of traditional Fraternity songs," Pat said. "There is something special about reliving 50-year-old musical memories with old friends, and to my old ears we sounded better than ever!" Both Roger and Pat joined Sigma Phi Epsilon because of the genuine, bright, and welcoming nature of the brotherhood. These same traits have kept them connected all these years later. "The quality of the brothers was and remains, by far, the most important, single reason for keeping in touch," Pat said. "They were, and are, intelligent, honest, and reliable." Roger shared similar feelings, "The brothers I have been around during my days at 1000 Alder are all well-grounded, goal oriented, and ready to have a good time together. They are really great guys to know!" The bonds of Oregon Beta's brotherhood truly do last a lifetime, and both Roger and Pat remain close friends with their Fraternity brothers. They hope more classes will decide to host reunions in the future, as it is one of the most engaging ways to keep in touch with the brotherhood. THIS IS MY DEAR OLD FRATERNITY, ALL MY LIFE THROUGH Roger Gould '69 and Pat Kuzmer '69 Share Their Thoughts on the Class of 1969 Reunion and Their Time with Oregon Beta Roger's favorite SigEp memory: "The whole experience was so good, but I do fondly remember the day I joined. I had attended the recruitment session, left the house, and walked about half a block before deciding SigEp was the house for me. I went back and walked into the living room, which was full of members discussing the recent session. As I announced my intention to join, the whole room stood up and gave me a loud, warm welcome. It was a great start to my time at Oregon." Pat's favorite SigEp memory: "During the winter term of our senior year, a brother from our class lost his father. Within hours, four of us piled in my mother's station wagon and made the 10-hour drive to Oakland, Calif. We arrived late on a Friday night and located the SigEp house at Cal Berkeley. We talked our way in, slept on the floor, cleaned up, and arrived in time for the Saturday afternoon funeral service. Following the funeral, we spent time with our brother and his family. It was important to us to provide support during a difficult time. And, it was clear that this gesture was appreciated." Brothers from the classes of 1968-70 reunite at their reunion. Congrats Grad Congratulations to those who recently had sons and daughters graduate, especially those becoming alumni of the University of Oregon! Go Ducks! Matt, son of Mark McGonegal '88; Alex, son Brian Stewart '82; and Sarina, daughter of Nace Menashe '74, all graduated this past June, Class of 2019! Veteran Updates Roger Gaffey Jr. '58, retired commander, surface warfare officer, U.S. Navy, remembers singing in the All-University Sing competitions and getting mill raced for pinning your sweetheart! Wendall Vaughn '59, retired U.S. Navy, remembers Swamp Stomp festivities and painting the OSU door the proper color. We thank both gentlemen as well as all our brothers and their family members for their military service. A Lifetime of Service Several members are still very active in their local communities, including Russell Taggard '66, who serves as board president of the Astoria Golf and Country Club and chairman of the Seaside Public Library Board. What's Your Story? Thank you to those who have updated your records and submitted some of your favorite memories of your time at Oregon Beta. Here are a few of those highlights! (Continued on page 4) Send in your news for a chance to be featured!

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