Sigma Alpha Epsilon - University of Illinois

ILLINOIS BETA CHAPTER Maintaining Balance Charles Reifsteck '80 Reflects on Lessons Learned with Illinois Beta O ne thing we can all appreciate in this challenging year is that flexibility is key; this year's Phi Alpha Golf Outing (PAGO) outing was no exception. After the proper diligence by Brother Greg Martin '76, Naperville's Springbrook Golf Course was selected as the venue. Turnout for the 2020 PAGO event was respectable with 14 alumni, two friends of Minerva, and five undergraduate brothers in attendance. The actives were a great addition to this year's PAGO, and we appreciate the fact that they made the trip to Naperville to join in on our annual tradition. Although Brother Martin was a last-minute scratch due to illness, Brothers Douglas Fink '77, Gregg Werner '77, and Tom Jepsen '76 stepped up to kick off and coordinate the festivities. As in years past, the event was a best ball scramble with additional awards for longest drive, longest putt, closest to the pin, and lowest team score. The longest drive this year went to Brother Werner, and closest to the pin went to Brother Brett Heinrich '83. Brother Heinrich also sank a 12-foot putt on the 18th hole to secure the longest putt award, propelling his team (with Brothers Tom Dillavou '82, Jeff Ostrowski '79, and Jerry Gust '76) into the winner's circle with the lowest team score. It was great to see everyone, and we appreciate the flexibility everyone displayed in making this year's 2020 PAGO fun and memorable. As we continue to see over the years, the ΣAE roots run deep. If you haven't attended a PAGO event recently, we strongly encourage you to put it on your calendar for next year. We look forward to another great event next year in Champaign-Urbana. Brothers Reconnect at Phi Alpha Golf Outing Brothers young and old enjoyed reconnecting at the 2020 Phi Alpha Golf Outing. C harles Reifsteck '80 was encouraged to go through the fraternity recruitment process and check out Illinois Beta Chapter by his older sister who was a Little Sister of Minerva at Sigma Alpha Epsilon. "I still remember Brother Jay Rasmussen '77 giving inspirational speeches during rush," Chuck said. "Steve Ebert '78 and Mike Nelson '78 were the guys who spent time with me, and I immediately liked both of them. Being marched off to mandatory study hours at the library by Monroe McWard '79 helped build a camaraderie among all my pledge brothers" During his time as an active member of Illinois Beta, Chuck built lifelong bonds with his brothers as they navigated college together. Chuck was an architecture major, which was a very time demanding area of study. "I had to learn to balance the demands of my major while still having a good time," Chuck said. "That balance still helps me to this day." On top of learning to balance his priorities, Chuck also gained valuable leadership skills while serving terms as pledge trainer and chaplain. Chuck earned his bachelor's degree in architectural studies in 1980 and his masters of architecture in 1982, both from the University of Illinois. After college, Chuck worked in St. Louis, Missouri, before making his way back to Central Illinois. "The firm I started working for in Urbana eventually closed their office," Chuck said. "Out of naivety, I started my own practice in 1987 and have been with it since." Today, Chuck's 15-person architectural firm is based out of Champaign. Living and working in Champaign, Chuck can attest that the campus has grown significantly over the years. "While there have been a lot of changes, many things on campus remain the same," Chuck said. "This always brings back instant memories." His favorite memory is when he met his future wife, Lisa, at an exchange with Alpha Chi Omega in the living room of the chapter house. Chuck loves trading memories with his fraternity brothers at the Phi Alpha Golf Outing and Phi Alpha Basketball Outing whenever he can attend. "I've renewed friendships through these events with many brothers, including Brett Heinrich '83, Doug Fink '77, John Epifanio '82, and Tom Dillavou '82," Chuck said. "Others I have stayed in touch with through email or Facebook." Chuck and Lisa live in Champaign, Illinois, and can be reached at creifsteck@rr-arch.com. Eminent Archon Jared Kurland '23 (914) 330-4393 jak1818@gmail.com Eminent Deputy Archon Shai Rajpurkar '24 Health and Safety Chairman Milan Patel '23 Eminent Warden Joe Fox '23 Steward Alexander Pappas '23 Treasurer Cavin Armour '23 New Member Educator George Geroulis '23 Social Chairman Sean McNeely '24 Recruitment Chairmen Jaden Katz '23 (224) 688-4333 jkits24@yahoo.com Nik Johnson '24 (217) 954-8385 nikjohnson025@yahoo.com Connor Ryan '24 (630) 456-3506 ccryan625@gmail.com Philanthropy Chairman Luke Raes '24 Eminent Recorder Ben Barad '24 Public Relations Chairman Owen Jacobs '24 Alumni Relations Chairman Kurt Weis '24 Scholarship and Service Chairman Mitchell Pfefferman '24 House Manager Kevin Enright '23 Chapter OffiCers

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