Sigma Phi Epsilon - Purdue University

"My focus moving forward will be serving on SigEp's Alumni Volunteer Committee, as well as offering assistance in providing young people the opportunity to achieve their personal and professional goals," he shared. "It is important to stay in touch with the brothers with whom you shared the collegiate experience. I have really enjoyed the reunions targeting the natural rolling 4-7 year grouping of brothers. Social media has enhanced those opportunities as well as email blasts." After graduating with a management degree in 1965, Ted reenrolled as a freshman in engineering. However, he admittedly couldn't handle the higher math classes and switched gears in the spring of 1966. Due to a metal plate in his arm used to set a broken bone, he was rejected by the Navy and the Army, so he began working for his family business as manager of construction products and services. His father focused on machinery design and manufacturing, which motivated Ted to start Benchmark Metal Products in 1971, a broker of metal fabricating products. In 2005, Ted sold part of Benchmark to focus on fabricated steel and has remained active in trade organizations, served on various local, regional, and national boards, as well as negotiated construction craft labor agreements, represented Wabash Valley contractors on fringe benefit funds for about 40 years, and co-founded Ironworker's Local 439 Education Program. He's also involved in the Community Theatre of Terre Haute, has been a Purdue season ticket holder, is vice-chairman of the Advisory Council of Purdue's Bowen Large-Scale Testing Laboratory, and is a member of the John Purdue Club—he received the Diamond P Award for his support of Purdue Athletics. Ted and his wife, Lynn (1969 Purdue graduate), live in Terre Haute. He enjoys golfing, traveling, keeping up with daughter, Lisa (Kevin) Priest, in Denver and son, David, in Northern Indiana, and consulting in his chosen business sphere. Connect with him at tedhazledine@ benchmarksteel.com. Ensuring the Future of SigEp and the Balanced Man Program at Purdue EDWARD T. "TED" HAZLEDINE '65 SHARES HIS SUPPORT OF CAPITAL CAMPAIGN From the heart SIGMA PHI EPSILON 3 L ike many 18-year-old college freshmen, Ted Hazledine '65 was interested in being part of a group of young men with whom he could share his college experience and develop friendships. SigEp turned out to be the place where he felt most comfortable and where he made lasting memories with his Indiana Alpha brothers. As a group, Ted and his brothers matured into adults at the fraternity through social activities and by focusing on their academics. "Learning to be part of a team was part of the process," he said. Today, Ted remains a part of the SigEp team at Purdue and has shown his appreciation for his formative experience by supporting The Campaign for Indiana Alpha—A New Beginning. "I'm a strong supporter of college Greek organizations and believe the Balanced Man Program to be one of the truly excellent activities available to college-age young men," he stated. "It's important for alumni to recognize the value of such a program." As an alumnus, Ted still upholds SigEp's values of virtue, diligence, and brotherly love and has great faith in the Balance Man Program. "Reestablishing Indiana Alpha to one of the leading organizations on campus is important if for no other reason than the Balance Man Program," he said. "Parents should be made more aware of the potential in this program for the growth and development of their sons as citizens. The Balanced Man Program offers the educational experience simply not available and likely not experienced during the formative years up to college in any of the various activities usually pursued growing up. Sports, band, Scouting, etc., are important but none of them provide the development of understanding the overall scheme of leadership and the collaborative process." As an alumnus, Ted understands how SigEp helped him reach his fullest potential at Purdue and encourages more alumni to step up to the plate and pay it forward for their fraternity experience. "We have a unique opportunity to incorporate the Balanced Man Program into life's lessons, which will enhance the value of SigEp to society in general, Purdue University, and the overall quality of the brotherhood, individually and collectively. That's a win-win we should strive to achieve by supporting the return of Indiana Alpha to Purdue," he stated. "Participation in the Balanced Man Program to the fullest will round out the collegiate experience of formal education, fraternity, and related activities resulting in a citizen armed with the life skills capable of meeting any challenge as they embark on the next chapter in their life." The Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts Program recently begun by Purdue has attracted the attention of colleges throughout the country as an opportunity to revitalize the role of the humanities in general education and the Balanced Man Program can complement and enhance that program even for students enrolled in the traditional STEM disciplines. While at Purdue, Ted had a great time with his brothers while simultaneously being shaped into the man he is today. Some of his favorite undergraduate memories include Indiana Alpha's Grand Prix victory, University Sing, traveling to Michigan to go skiing with brothers and to Florida for spring break, as well as the general fellowship and bonding that is such an important part of the fraternity experience. Intramural sports, house social events in concert with other fraternities and sororities, and participations in campus organizations were all part of the positive environment.

• Cover