Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Colorado

A sense of belonging is what many brothers are looking for when they pledge Colorado Alpha. Mike McLain '71 found his place on campus as a SigEp, and his Fraternity connections have remained a cornerstone of his life well beyond college. COLLEGE ENDEAVORS Mike's parents were both members of Greek life, and Mike's mother was a driving factor in his consideration of Fraternity recruitment. Between Mike's freshman year roommate and a close friend from his pledge class, those early connections have stood the test of time and are a testament to the SigEp experience. "I was paying 100% of college expenses but felt belonging to a group was important as an out-of-state student," Mike said. He and his two closest friends studied hard together, pushing one another while enjoying Fraternity life. Mike even served twice as pledge trainer, helping new members understand the SigEp experience he cherishes so much. CAREER VENTURES After college, Mike had a career in sales and marketing that started with Trane. He later pivoted to telecommunications, becoming vice president and general manager for a satellite company. When that company was sold, Mike began commuting from D.C. to London to lead global marketing. "[My] number one accomplishment: building very successful sales teams," Mike mentioned. Much like working with pledges, Mike learned the importance of being open and honest with the group he's leading. "Everyone worked together, like the SigEps, to become better." FRATERNAL REUNION In 2001, Mike had the opportunity to rekindle many SigEp connections by organizing and hosting a 30-year anniversary for his class' graduation. With over 75 alumni and 150 attendees in total, the gathering came together organically through alumni networking and the desire to reconnect. Mike was recently working on a 50-year gathering prior to his wife's passing and the pandemic halting plans, though he hopes to revisit the idea soon. Through reunion events, Mike aims to ensure alumni connections remain as strong as the bonds he has retained with friends Herb Kroehl '70, Paul Kelly '71, and his best man Dick Tyler '72. PERSONAL LIFE In his spare time, Mike enjoys golfing throughout the week. One of Mike's sons lives in New York, while another son, daughter, and six grandchildren live in California. He tries to take one trip per year out to California to spend time with his family. To this day, Mike's ongoing involvement with fellow alumni continues to give him a sense of belonging as a SigEp. You can connect with Mike at mnmclain@hotmail.com. Key Friendships Forever To Lead Like Bear Why the Willenbrock Fund Matters to "Captain Jack" Millar '84 O ne word comes to mind when Jack Millar '84 thinks about his Colorado Alpha years: "Leadership." Specifically, Jack learned about peer leadership in SigEp, a practice reinforced by his Army career. Sometimes, one person would supervise their peers even though they all had the same rank. "Colorado Alpha taught me that your title doesn't matter—you need the respect of your peers," Jack said. "You can get up and bark orders, but ain't no one gonna listen if you don't have their respect. I'll always be grateful to SigEp for that lesson." It was more than enough reason for Jack to serve on the AVC for several years, and he is forever grateful to fellow volunteers such as Jeff Willie '83, Jay Lipe '81, Tom Hall '81, Chuck Stegmann '81, Amy Drach, and Alan Robie '82 for their service. He's also passionate about the Willenbrock Fund due to its namesake, the late Kevin "Bear" Willenbrock '81. "Bear had 'silent leadership,'" Jack explained. "When he wanted something done, he didn't yell at people or flaunt his authority— you did it out of respect for him. I stayed in SigEp because of men like Bear." Recruitment is competitive in today's environment, but Jack believes scholarships from the Willenbrock Fund can bring in future leaders when Colorado Alpha comes back to the university. That's why he hopes as many alumni as possible will donate, regardless of the size, to prove to SigEp Headquarters that our Chapter has the backing for a strong return. "With more men like Bear, we'll be in a much better position," he said. "Then those young leaders will serve their brothers well on the AVC." Jack may have earned a snappy nickname (Captain Jack) from SigEp, but that label isn't important to him; the brothers who molded him are. His proudest SigEp moments are the accomplishments made alongside his pledge class. Jack lives in Leavenworth, Kansas, and can be reached at cptjack79@icloud.com. "I look back and remember all the enjoyable times we had. We learned a lot about getting along with a wide variety of people, and no 'I' in team." Mike McLain '71 on the Value of Alumni Connections Page 3 "I hate asking for money, but I don't hate this because it's for Bear," he said. "I will personally call every single person who donates and thank them for supporting Colorado Alpha."

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