Sigma Phi Epsilon - Oregon State University

S IG MA PHI EPS IL O N t O R EG O N AL PHA CHAPT ER t O R EG O N S T AT E U NIV ER S IT Y SUMMER 2022 ARETE CONVERSATIONS A Special Addition to Oregon Alpha A s a result of the efforts of Brother Chris Sarles (87- 1257), the chapter hosted its first Arete Conversation with Mike Powers (07-1885). Mike shared his Oregon Alpha days and professional and family experiences. After Mike's comments, James Cross '24 said, "Mike's comments were so applicable and clear. Guys expressed their appreciation and respect for Mike's counsel. And it was neat to hear of Oregon Alpha's contribution to his life." Many of you are familiar with Oregon Alpha's tradition of inviting special guests to visit with the chapter, including John Wooden, Ralph Miller, Wynonna Judd, Bill Tragos, and in the Fall of 2021, Mark Kuske (05-1793). The selection of the Greek word Arete surfaced following conversation about Oregon Alpha's purpose. Arete conveys the notion of excellence expressed in the fulfillment of purpose or function: the act of living up to one's full potential. The Arete Conversations are designed to do just that. Chris took our sporadic experience of guest speakers, crafting a consistent schedule of alumni and others, and provided a model for select guests to share their perspective on successful living. Conversations of inspiration, intellectual stimulation, insight, and values are the focal point. Our undergraduate brothers consistently request an opportunity to visit with adults about their life experience; particularly how success in life is defined, how to implement their plan, and what steps to take now. Scheduled speakers next year are Mike Fritz (88-1334) in the Fall and Darron Trobetsky, Indiana Univ. Pennsylvania in the Spring. While the Oregon Alpha Arete Conversations are focused on undergraduates, we intend to invite alumni and parents to join the events on a limited basis. Mike Powers (07-1885) kicks off the Arete Conversation series with Oregon Alpha. S igEp's Exemplary Service Award recognizes alumni who have invested more than 20 years, actively and substantially, to SigEp. Local Volunteer & Past President Jay Conroy (74-929) (chapter president, volunteer) wrote in his letter nominating Steve for the Excelsior recognition: I have known Steve for 50 years, from the date he joined Oregon Alpha in September 1971. His work in the chapter, his work as a board member and board president over the last 20 years, and his personal love for the Oregon Alpha Chapter all combine to hugely satisfy the award's criteria of significant, positive, and productive support for the chapter. Words that describe Steve in the setting of Oregon Alpha—passionate about its character, well-being and success; very hardworking at whatever job or project he has taken on; a huge mind/gift for detail and follow-through to completion; positive and a team player with other alums and with chapter leadership and members as well; very serious-minded, but a great sense of humor and humble in working with both alums and active membership; honest and straightforward, totally reliable; simply a major key to Oregon Alpha's success over these decades. A story is told of Steve's visit to the chapter house, where he met the chapter president and a member of the Headquarters staff who was also in town. Upon his arrival, Steve asked the chapter president, "Why are there leaves on the floor of the living room?" The staff member later reported back to Headquarters, highlighting his Oregon Alpha experience. There is so much right with the facility that Steve can question why there are leaves on the floor. Steve's attention to detail, about doing all the little things well, has left an impact at Oregon Alpha far wider than the cleanliness of the living room floor. With Steve, it's a family thing too. His father, Don Cook (50-423), was chapter president from 1948-49, and his son, Aaron Cook (04-1740), also served as chapter president. His family has supported Steve in his many efforts with SigEp. The Cook family was also a leading contributor to the capital campaign. Many a chapter officer recalls times with Steve. Jamison Shields (17-2268) noted: Steve helped reset and carry forward the expectations of Oregon Alpha. There was never a conversation or explicit instructions of what the AVC and Steve expected of the chapter, but rather it was understood by the intensity of care and commitment from Steve in his role as AVC President. He treated chapter leaders as men. When missteps occurred, he wanted to know how the issue would Oregon Alpha Thanks Steve Cook (76-969), Recipient of Sigma Phi Epsilon Exemplary Service Award (Continued on page 2) Steve Cook (76-969), AVC President, 1991-2021.

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