Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Maine

Page 3 E very SigEp Chapter has a beginning, and the start of a new Chapter requires young men willing to step up to grow a brotherhood. When presented the opportunity at the University of Maine, Douglas Johnson '51 was glad to serve as Maine Alpha's first president. The Founding Days Douglas' undergraduate studies spanned 1944-48, just as the United States began returning to normalcy after World War II. Douglas lived in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Alpha Tau Omega houses at times in his college career, experiencing a bit of the fraternity lifestyle but never accepting invitations to join. When discussion within Douglas' friend group began about a new Fraternity Chapter on campus, Sigma Phi Epsilon was chosen due to the absence of hazing. Maine Alpha was installed just prior to Douglas' graduation, and he was elected president as the only senior in the group. Life Beyond College After graduation, Douglas began working for the Lumber Mutual Fire Insurance Company in Boston. A new SigEp Chapter was forming at MIT, and Douglas was invited to live in the Chapter House while serving on the alumni board. "I went through the learning experiences of buying a house, making budgets, getting organized, hiring a cook, remodeling a structure, and all the things that go into Fraternity operation." Later in his career, Douglas' work travel allowed him to visit SigEp Chapters in Tennessee and New York. From alumni board participation at MIT and Washington University to serving as district governor in Missouri, Douglas did whatever he could to stay closely involved with SigEp after college. "I am still on the outside, but I think SigEp's emphasis on education and clean operation is very worthwhile." Douglas' Outlook Today Keeping up with SigEp's active brotherhood today, Douglas is quite pleased with the progress he has seen over the years. He appreciates the goals Headquarters has set for SigEp Chapters nationwide, and Douglas enjoys seeing Maine Alpha thrive in academics and community outreach. As one of the last remaining brothers from his generation, Douglas represents Maine Alpha's humble beginnings at the University of Maine. You can connect with Douglas at drj1me@yahoo.com. Welcome, NEW Members Jacob Bently '26 | Vassalboro, Maine Lucas Boucher '27 | Winslow, Maine Andrew Cormier '27 | Winslow, Maine Brayden Duguay '27 | Mexico, Maine Bryce Dyer '27 | Waterville, Maine Colby Hanlon '27 | Smithfield, Maine Caleb Marquis '27 | Winslow, Maine Aiden McSweyen '26 | Hope, Maine Jared Newgard '27 | Winslow, Maine Noah Rushing '27 | Vassalboro, Maine Zachary St. Pierre '26 | Biddeford, Maine Outgoing Chapter Officers President John McLaughlin '24 VP Programming Kyle Lee '24 VP SigEp Learning Community Drew Delaney '25 VP Finance Gavyn Leighton '25 VP Recruitment Nate Davis '25 VP Member Development William Brown '25 VP Communications Jake Lunedei '25 Chaplain Kayden Kirouac '25 Executive Vice President Isaac Piette '25 Congrats to Our Soon-to-Be Graduates! Ethan Cassidy '24 Mechanical Engineering Anthony Fabrizio '24 Secondary Education and History Kyle Lee '24 Accounting John McLaughlin '24 Mechanical Engineering Ryan Shorette '24 Electrical Engineering Technology Douglas sailing on the Mediterranean near Tel Aviv. The First Chapter President Douglas Johnson '51 on His Role in SigEp Growth "I guess you could call me a developer, though I came into all these situations after they had started. But I was there for their completion."

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