Sigma Phi Epsilon - Purdue University

A surprise family legacy! Raymond Larson '22 as a freshman, sitting on the steps of the SigEp house. Tim Larson '77 did not know he was following in his grandfather's footsteps until his grandmother gifted him Raymond's pledge pin. SIGMA PHI EPSILON 3 Robert E. Samsen '51 – May 28, 2022 Darrell A. Wright '64 – July 19, 2019 Michael R. Kenworthy '77 – 1997 T hroughout life, Fred "Flash" Lash '66 often looks back to determine where he grew most as a person. It seems clear that a lot of those times were during his years at 690 Waldron Street in West Lafayette, Indiana. "I felt as if my brothers always had my back and proved to be the kind of friends one rarely acquires in life," Fred said. "Establishing close bonds with others really made a difference in my life." Those close bonds have only grown stronger as the years go on. In October 2021, a reunion was held with a large group of '60s brothers and their wives. The group included hosts Maggie and Dana Smith '66, Karen and Tom Bryan '66, Steve Derrick '66, Eileen and Gary Evans '67, Lucy and Dick Peacock '66, Ann and Ken Miller '66, Lynn and Ted Hazledine '65, Candy and John Hunter '65, Kathie and John Oelslager '66, Ann and John Treat '66, and Fred and his wife Donna. "It was especially memorable as we sat together, reminiscing about our years in the house," Fred shared. "It seemed as if we had picked up where we left off without all the time in between. I guess having true friends is like that … time and distance never seem to matter. The laughter went on late into the night with, 'Just one more story,' before retiring to our rooms." Brother Dana and his wife Maggie made great lodging and dining arrangements in advance for everyone at the Whitaker Inn Bed and Breakfast north of campus. Their reunion consisted of songs written and performed by Hobie Crumpacker (aka Steve Derrick), as well as afternoons spent golfing and touring the Samara (the Frank Lloyd Wright- designed home in West Lafayette). They also enjoyed visiting the Memorial (or Gateway) Arch. "Benchmark Fabricated Steel, the company of Brother Ted Hazledine '65, collaborated with the contractor, architect, and engineer to fabricate and erect the arch," Fred said. "We, as Ted's brothers, are very proud of this." While the location of the next brotherhood event is to be determined, Fred has no doubt there is bound to be another—it's just too much fun not to! One consideration discussed during their visit last October was that, perhaps, the location should be shifted each time to visit other venues and sights. During their reunion, they were not able to meet with the active brothers since they don't currently occupy the beloved house; however, they were briefed about the progress being made and that their GPA is very impressive. It is nearly impossible to assess the complete status of our fraternity because of these difficulties; however, there exists a vast amount of movement toward not only reoccupying the house, but also doing a lot of remodeling and putting numerous improvements into it before that reoccupation occurs. "A major fundraising campaign is in full swing, and those brothers who have not yet given are strongly encouraged to do so," Fred urges. "We would certainly encourage all brothers to seek information regarding this colony that will be our future at Purdue and, one day, reside in the finest fraternity house at Purdue." Fred and his brothers look forward to giving Indiana Alpha brothers the opportunity to create the bonds they've made during their time as undergraduates. You can connect with Fred at fredanddonnalash@verizon.net. After the reunion, we were saddened to learn of the passing of Kathie Oelslager—she will always be with us. Bond of Brothers '60s Alumni RecAp TheiR lATesT Reunion—And hopes foR moRe! Taken during our reunion in October, all of us gathered under the Memorial Arch (or "Gateway Arch") with the grand old Student Union Building in the background. From the heart Chapter Eternal I f you have an alumni reunion story like the '60s group, we encourage you to share it with Indiana Alpha brothers. Send any submissions and photos to our consultant at alehr@penningtonco.com for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter. Do You Host Similar Reunions with SigEp Brothers? WE'D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT THEM!

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