Sigma Nu - University of Washington

GAMMA CHI 5 F or Brian Allen '75, going through the fraternity recruitment process was an easy choice. Brian comes from Anacortes, Washington, a small city on Fidalgo Island, and was sold on the idea of joining a fraternity by some of his older friends. "ey told me this was a great way to transition to the big-city lifestyle," Brian said. "ey were right; my first class in Kane Hall had more people in it than my entire high school graduating class!" Aer meeting with brothers Mark Funk '74 and Tom James '74, he was sold on Sigma Nu. "Mark helped connect me to a network of Sigma Nu alumni in my hometown," Brian said. "Tom was the Recruitment Chairman at the time, and we developed an instant bond given his intellect, humor, and leadership skills." e chapter house had been shut down a few years before Brian pledged in 1974 due to complicated circumstances. e 13 returning brothers ran a remarkable recruitment effort, however, that led to Brian's pledge class of 31 being welcomed into the brotherhood. "By the time I graduated, we had the house up to nearly 70 members," Brian said. "I have always had a sense of pride that we helped bring something good back from the brink. I think that sense of building something that has lasted stuck with me throughout my life." As an active member of Gamma Chi Chapter, Brian enjoyed living in the chapter house with his brothers and having Tom as his first roommate. roughout his time at the university, he enjoyed Husky football games, recruitment functions, exchanges, meals, and the limitless hangout sessions with his brothers. It wasn't all fun and games, however, as Brian was elected by his peers to become the chapter's pledge trainer. He also ran the chapter house for two summers and served as a weekend cook. "ose are some meals brothers are still trying to forget," Brian joked. All in all, Brian is grateful to Sigma Nu and his brothers for helping him become the man he is today. "I think about being part of Sigma Nu as one of those really lucky things in my life," Brian said. "I believe that two of the most important things influencing who you will become include the people you surround yourself with and the ability to seize opportunities when they present themselves. Sigma Nu put me around great people and gave me countless opportunities to grow and accept responsibility early." THE GOLDEN YEARS Brian Allen '75 Reflects on His Time as an Active Member of Gamma Chi Chapter Aer graduating with his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Brian began working for a mid-size American company in Seattle where he engineered controls systems for buildings. Five acquisitions later, he found himself running the Northwest U.S. offices for Siemens Building Technologies Group, having never actually changed companies. Aer 20 years, Brian le to buy one of Siemens smallest competitors in 1998. His company, ATS Automation, now has offices in many western states with clients across the country. As CEO, Brian uses many of the lessons he learned as a Sigma Nu. "It's hard to overstate the impact of quickly acquiring a supportive living environment, close friends, and a fun environment at a time in your life when everything is new and changing," Brian said. "Sigma Nu gave me a stable base and an opportunity to grow when it really mattered." Brian's support for Sigma Nu has not waivered since his college years, as he has returned several times to speak at the chapter house about his business experiences. He has also taught a number of interviewing classes to undergraduate brothers. "Walking the halls of the chapter house is always a memory-jogging experience," Brian said. As an employer, he has had the fortunate position to hire and work with several Sigma Nu alumni over the years. Today, Brian lives in Kirkland, Washington, and still loves getting together with his Gamma Chi brothers. "It's an amazing thing to come together with people I lived with 40 years ago and feel a strong bond as if no time had passed since our last meeting," Brian said. "ere are a number of alumni brothers who I still count among my closest friends, including Tom, who stood with me at my wedding." If you would like to connect with Brian, he can be reached at briana@atsinc.org. Brian Allen '75 and his family in Pasadena, Calif., in 2018 when the Washington Huskies made the Rose Bowl.

• Cover