Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Oregon

SIGMA PHI EPSILON p. 3 Expanding UO's Business Law Program Ron Greenman '68, a senior partner with Portland's Tonkon Torp law firm, and Linda Greenman recently made a significant contribution to the University of Oregon's business law program. Their donation will enable future generations the opportunity to pursue careers in business law. Thank you, Ron and Linda! The following are excerpts from a letter penned by Mike Thore '67, including his recollections of the house, his brothers, and life after school. In the fall of 1964, I walked through the red door at 1000 Alder, not realizing that my life was about to change. I was met by a young man who said, "Hello, I'm Rich Gassman '68 from Myrtle Point. The brothers have heard about you, and we think you should join our fraternity." Rich continued, saying, "Come with me, I want you to meet Randy Burchfield '67 and Rick Bonniksen '67, our recruitment and social chairmen." Randy and Rick were charming, smooth, and slick—in a good way— and said all the right things that this "Alaskan hick" was eager to hear. Next, Rich introduced me to Terry Clarke '67 (my future Big Brother) and the remarkable Larry Allison '66. I was overwhelmed by their interest in me. Rich's pledge formula was working toward the finale. I swallowed the hook of Rich's charming recruitment plan when he offered to introduce me to the president, Roger Qualman '66. It was Rich's actions that sold me on the brotherhood at 1000 Alder. Rich, thank you for sharing your time—the most thoughtful gift of all. In November of 1964, the house was closing for Thanksgiving break. I had no place to go and could not afford a flight back to Alaska. It was my first Thanksgiving away from home, and I was feeling a little homesick. Enter Rich, who told me, "Mike, you are coming with me to Myrtle Point. You'll feel right at home with my family. They are expecting you." I hesitated, as I was struggling with my calculus class and was way behind in homework. I felt I should stay and spend the break in Deady Hall at the math help sessions. Rich responded, "Myrtle Point is a beautiful place. My brother, John, is a math major, and he'll get you caught up. Mom is a great cook, and my dad will make you laugh." His family did, and when Rich asked me to return to Myrtle Point for spring break, I didn't hesitate to spend five days watching Rich's high school play in the Oregon Class B tournament. Rich, thank you for making a difference. It's not what we have in our life, but who we have in our life that counts. In the summer of 1968, Rich and I were in Eugene, Oregon, enrolled in graduate classes. We had big plans: we were going to the Mexico City Olympics and planned to start our teaching jobs—Rich in Oregon and me to Africa with the Peace Corps. The same day, we were blessed to receive an official looking letter. It read, "Welcome, you have been selected for induction into the Armed Forces of the United States. You are to immediately report to the nearest Armed Forces Center for your physical examination and preparation for service." We appealed and explained our plans, which were immediately rejected with, "You are welcome to teach in Africa after you complete your service to the U.S. Army and the next Olympics will be in Munich in 1972. You will love serving in Germany." Rich was sent to Germany and spent two years serving as a communication specialist. I took a much longer path with the military. We can always depend on some friends to make the best, instead of the worst, of whatever happens. Rich, thank you for always seeing the silver lining. In late January, Rich was diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer and passed away two weeks later. Rich, thank you for all that you have done. If I could have but one wish, it would be to live as the sort of friend to others that you have been to me. Thank you for the memories. Over time, brothers might forget exactly what you said and did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. What the Brotherhood Means to Me Honoring Brother Rich Gassman '68 Rich Glassman '68 with his Volkswagen.

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