Oregon Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon, University of Oregon
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1484557
E very Oregon Beta brother leaves a legacy, whether it's through friendships made, an impact on the Chapter, or changing SigEp as a whole. When a brother enters Chapter Eternal, it calls for fellow alumni to reflect on their legacy and remember the memories shared through their fraternal bonds. Beloved brother Brian Bell '06 formed his legacy through his unwavering support of others. The support first began at home through close connections with his sisters, and Brian bonded with friends like Joseph Swift '06 throughout high school years. The two friends became fraternal brothers through SigEp, the same Fraternity that Brian's father, Doug Bell, Lewis and Clark '68, had joined as an undergraduate. Brian's brotherly dedication earned him the role of Chapter president for two years, a position he filled admirably as he strengthened Oregon Beta bonds and placed an emphasis on academic progress. Brian led the Chapter while he studied business administration, and after graduating, he found work as an underwriter for U.S. Bank. After college, Brian moved into the "Salmon House" with friend and college roommate Tyler Nishitani '06, along with a couple other college friends. Brian soon began dating his eventual wife, Katie, and they bought their first home together in 2009 with hopes to start a family. After being best man for some brothers, a groomsman for a few others, and officiating two brothers' weddings, Brian's turn finally came around. On August 11, 2012, he and Katie tied the knot. "Brian was well respected and liked by all the brothers. There was even a year we unanimously canceled presidential elections because the Chapter wanted him to stay as president and knew no one would be better for the job. During his time at Oregon, he helped mold members into men, he always led by example, and the Chapter strengthened through his leadership. Brian was a great example of a Balanced Man; he was a brother that we all strived to be more like every day. He will be forever missed." –Joe Swift '06 Dedicated and hard-working as always, Brian climbed the ladder within U.S. Bank while he earned a master's degree in finance from the University of Portland. Soon after, he and Katie found their dream house on the Sandy River. It was the perfect home for them to raise children in, and Anderson was born in February 2016. Their family expanded again in June 2018, when they welcomed Sullivan into the world. While Katie worked night shift at Providence Portland's labor and delivery department, Brian took on his new "night-shift dad" obligations with a similar approach to leading Oregon Beta. Fraternity life and family life were quite different, but Brian was still responsible for something bigger than himself. To nobody's surprise, Brian was a natural fit for the job. The Bell family was shaken by Brian's colon cancer diagnosis, but he fought hard during those 22 months he lived with the illness. At a time of physical weakness, his spiritual strength was at an all-time high as friends and family supported Brian's fight. A group of roughly 120 supporters for the "Get Your Rear in Gear" 5K fundraiser for colon cancer awareness gathered at Mount Tabor, raising $12,000 while they walked and ran in support of Brian. As Oregon Beta president, Brian rallied brothers together and showed traits of an honorable leader. In his time of need, friends and family were there to answer Brian's call and rally around him. Brian always brought out the best in others and was a loyal companion throughout his life, always there to uplift spirits. "My friendship with Brian began when I met him through the fraternity during my freshman year. From the moment I became close friends with him, I could tell he personified true leadership qualities as myself and his Fraternity brothers always looked up to him and sought his advice. Brian embodied all the qualities of a Balanced Man well before Oregon Beta implemented the program during our time in college. Brian always led by example and consistently had everyone's full attention without demanding it. Brian was simply the best." –Mike Williams '06 Brian may be remembered as a brother and leader in SigEp, or as a coworker-turned- executive through his career, or as a husband and father by Katie and their family. No matter your connection to Brian, one thing is certain: our brother's legacy will be forever remembered. OREGON BETA HEARTBEAT p. 2 A BROTHER FOR THE BETTER Remembering Brian Bell '06 Brian and his family. Brian and friends spending time together in Seattle.