Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Oregon

ΣΦΕ EARTBEA H T UNIVERSITY OF OREGON s SIGMA PHI EPSILON Oregon Beta SPRING 2022 S ixty-two years ago, 1000 Alder Street became the new home of the Oregon Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon after relocating from a house previously occupied on 11th Street. It was the fall of 1960; this new house was the best fraternity structure on campus—a colossal structure standing three stories tall with a basement, the most parking, and a large yard for outdoor recreation adjacent to the (then) clean and flowing Mill Race. The house remained one of the finest among the University of Oregon's fraternity community over the next decades, a testament to the great planning and design as well as the quality of the construction that went into the building. Literally hundreds of SigEps over the next 60 years have built the bonds of brotherhood with one another at the Oregon Beta house. We all have fond memories and formed lifelong friendships, and it all happened under that roof. Brothers, now is the time for us to restore 1000 Alder Street to make it clear once again that it is the best fraternity house at U of O. We need a Chapter House that will be a recruitment asset, a place where SigEps want to live and take pride in keeping up the property and where parents are happy knowing their sons are in a clean and safe environment that allows them to reach for their academic and life goals. As we've reported here previously, the Alumni Volunteer Corporation of Oregon Beta has been A New Chapter for the Oregon Beta House Alumni Volunteer Corporation Prepares for the Future diligently studying and considering our options in advance of our Chapter returning to operation in fall of 2023. As a board, we were left with two major options: either sell 1000 Alder Street and relocate to a different property or fund a major renovation that would be needed prior to the return of the undergraduate Chapter. This former option was largely considered, given how Bushnell University (formerly Northwest Christian College) has now acquired all the property surrounding the Chapter House. Ultimately, after much work and deliberation, the final decision was made to stay. The Chapter House remains a great location with several Greek organizations in the neighborhood, and we believe we can be good neighbors with Bushnell and benefit from how well they take care of their properties. We also believe that a revitalized 1000 Alder Street gives us the best chance to have both the superior house and a major recruiting asset on campus. We need all SigEp alumni to help during this very important time in Oregon Beta history. While the bones and infrastructure of the facility are still in rather great shape, the house needs a significant remodel/restoration before we can reoccupy. With the plan to commence the rechartering of Oregon Beta during fall 2023, we envision being in full operation—with a completely remodeled and fully housed 1000 Alder Street—by 2026. This will be a tremendous accomplishment that will bring great pride as we celebrate our 100th anniversary that year. There will be much more to come regarding this exciting endeavor. Our first step will be to identify architects and designers to help us envision and reimagine the modern fraternity home and produce renderings we can share and evaluate. Please, let us know if you'd be willing to help us in any way on these initial steps! Finally, I invite all of you to a Portland-area alumni get-together and happy hour hosted by the Oregon Beta AVC. Mark your calendars now for June 10 at 4 p.m. at the Buffalo Gap Saloon and Eatery on Macadam Avenue. Let's see which initiation class can get the most brothers to attend! I hope to see many of you there, and as always, if you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of our outstanding Oregon Beta AVC members. Fraternally, Todd Ruberg '82 ruberg1@yahoo.com

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