Sigma Phi Epsilon - Oregon State University

OREGON ALPHA'S FUTURE InvestIng In OregOn AlphA's Future W hile we're all working to rebuild ourselves and our lives in various capacities, we want to update you about our chapter, operations, and campaign. e undergraduate members have successfully adapted to the many challenges created by COVID-19. ey are working hard to maintain and advance Oregon Alpha, and you can read the details in their report on page 4. ank you to those who committed to phase one of the campaign and have/are fulfilling your financial commitment. Payments have now covered 91% of pledged gis. Our plans for the upgrades and remodeling of our chapter house have been delayed. Made with professional guidance, our overture to the university and Arnold Way neighborhood was poorly received. ey expressed no interest in our plan to develop the property as either an activity/basketball or parking area. Alumni also questioned the size of the project and its complexity. Soon, COVID arrived, and we found alumni energies focused on ensuring the chapter's viability, both financially and fraternally. It is our intention to share with you a revised house and property plan in Fall 2022 that reflects changes driven by COVID, neighborhood realities, and the refinements suggested by many. A group of alumni are planning to begin this process in the Spring. We continue to act to maintain SigEp's standing as the premier fraternity at OSU. To financially accomplish this plan, it requires the help of all our alumni. Pre-campaign analysis confirmed alumni appreciation for the significant contributions Oregon Alpha makes in our lives—which also holds true for the undergraduates today. We've each benefited from our time at Oregon Alpha, and we anticipate continued support from you as we move forward. We're grateful for alumni who've already stepped up as leaders in this campaign. Your patience is appreciated as we prepare for the next steps of the renovation of our property and the endowment of schloarship and leadership programs. You'll be hearing more and be provided with greater detail on how your gi will ensure Oregon Alpha continues to be a special fraternity experience. Fraternally, Gavin Brown (91-1389) AVC President gavinbrown@comccast.net (503) 519-9321 Ken Maddox (75-962) Campaign Chairman k1maddox@comcast.net (541) 954-1171 Chapter House Upgrades and Operations (Continued from page 1) Interior Painting is fall, the living room, dining room, library, stairs, and hallways were painted professionally providing a bright, fresh look. New Carpet New carpet was placed throughout the public areas of the chapter house, including in hallways, stairways, and the library. A big thank-you to Matt (04-1742) and Ryan (06-1841) Bechtold and their business Contract Furnishings Mart, as they help the chapter and its flooring needs. Chapter Piano e chapter's Steinway Grand Piano, circa 1870, was replaced this summer with a very-lightly-used Boston Grand (Boston part of Steinway). Why? Aer nearly 150 years, the piano was well-used. With the help of Craig Lehman (69-831), a local piano specialist, Susan Klein, assessed our options. Repair of the Steinway was projected to exceed $75,000 while the Boston Grand, with delivery, was $18,500. Importantly, the piano is enjoyed. Operations COVID has had significant impact on the financial operations of the chapter and AVC. With the chapter house closed for Spring 2020, operating with 33 men living in throughout 2020-21, and beginning Fall 2021 with 37 members (and increasing), cash flow has been tight. With attention to operating costs and use of reserves, however, we have squeaked by while still improving the property. e chapter has responded to the many pressures and restrictions successfully. Our plan is to be at full occupancy next fall, which will provide needed resources for the future. e chapter house looks good. Next issue, we will share in more detail the work accomplished by Brothers Lehman, Achterman, Cutsforth, Cook, and Maddox, including specifics on the first floor bath upgrades and other improvements.

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