Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Oregon

ΣΦΕ EARTBEA H T UNIVERSITY OF OREGON s SIGMA PHI EPSILON Oregon Beta FALL 2020 Greetings, brothers and friends of Oregon Beta, You should have received a communication this summer informing you that the undergraduate Chapter of Oregon Beta has been suspended by the University of Oregon for three years following repeated violations of the Student Code. Primarily, this involves the improper use and distribution of alcohol. As a valued partner in higher education, we want to again emphasize that both the Alumni and Volunteer Corporation of Oregon Beta as well as leadership of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Grand Chapter support the University's decision. We are tentatively scheduled to return to campus during the fall of 2023. At that time, alumni will be supported by SigEp Headquarters staff to recruit the new founding members of the Oregon Beta Chapter, extending invitations of membership only to those men of high character who fully embrace the Balanced Man ideal. Oregon Beta will return, and we will be better than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on college campuses across the country, making this a very difficult year for all of Greek life in general. For example, SigEp Regional Directors are not traveling this year and Carlson Leadership Academies will not be held, having been replaced by virtual officer training sessions that occur on a monthly basis. Many fraternity and sorority homes are either closed or operating at a far reduced capacity while requiring the implementation of a number of local, state, and federal guidelines. This not only complicates the ability to operate a chapter house, but is also putting financial strains on the local alumni groups. We are fortunate in that we have leased 1000 Alder from October through July 1 to Hyland Construction Company, who will use the first floor for office space and the parking lot to park workers' cars for a large project they are doing on Franklin Boulevard. This will allow us cash flow relatively flat vs. expenses, something many of other Oregon Greek houses will struggle to do with the ongoing challenges. During these next three years, the major goal of the AVC will be to address long-term housing for the undergraduate brothers following our return to campus. Although we all have fond memories of our time living in the Chapter House, the current structure has become outdated and no longer fits the needs of today's college student. We are also now surrounded by property owned by Bushnell University (formerly Northwestern Christian University) and on a bit of an island within all their buildings. We are exploring two options, the first being a significant renovation of the house at 1000 N. Alder. The second option is the construction of an entirely new Chapter House at a different location. We have formed a committee led by Mike Sullivan '85 that includes Pat Latimer '68, Dan Stalie '88, and Brian Bell '07 to explore these two housing options for our return to campus. Decisions will be made in the near future. In addition, we have also recently completed a phase I feasibility study to determine if a capital campaign could occur to offset the costs related to the housing project and to build an educational endowment for the new Oregon Beta. We've just received a significant first contribution from the estate of Joe Rooney '59. Even without an active Chapter at Oregon for a couple years, the AVC will continue to meet, operate, and function. We will also continue to publish a biannual alumni newsletter focused on celebrating the stories and achievements of our many, many great alumni. We want to hear from you! What can we do to better serve the needs of our many generations of Oregon Beta brothers? Do you still regularly get together with your SigEp brothers? Would you be interested in volunteering in some capacity? Please send us your stories and your photos! If you have any questions or comments related to Oregon Beta's operations, please do not hesitate to contact me. Fraternally, Todd Ruberg '82 AVC President ruberg1@yahoo.com COVID-19 and Greek Life Alumni Volunteer Corporation Weighs Future Housing Options

• Cover