Sigma Alpha Epsilon - University of Wyoming

3 BEING TRUE TO ΣAE Colin Keeney '71 on Lifelong Brotherhood I n 2000, when Colin Keeney '71 stepped in as chapter advisor, Wyoming Alpha was down to one active brother on the rolls as alumni desperately tried to save the chapter. "We received tremendous support from the ΣAE national office, from Province Eta, and the WYAL House Corporation, but the following five years were challenging," Colin recalled. "For me, the payback was getting to know and work with the most tremendous group of young men I will ever meet. And now, we are all brothers in the bonds!" Those challenging times reaffirmed Colin's experience with the brotherhood as a student: Sig Alphs tended to be self-directed, even willful individuals. When he went through formal rush (now recruitment), tours of every house were mandatory. He found Sigma Alpha Epsilon to be more relaxed during their tour, and the members seemed to share something in common—something he later realized was brotherhood. "Sustaining brotherly bonds and supporting an active chapter often requires a great deal of interpersonal negotiation in search of common outcomes," Colin said. "I'm convinced that this is excellent preparation for success in the outside world." Aside from the unforgettable Bushman's Ball, some of Colin's best Wyoming Alpha memories stemmed from the mundane: simply spending an average evening together. "Put another way, we didn't necessarily have to have something going on to enjoy ourselves." Because ideals and commitments don't have a shelf life, Colin believes brotherhood has no expiration date. This was clearly demonstrated in April at Wyoming Alpha's Hall of Fame gathering. "When you're a brother in the bonds, you will always have a seat at our table. (You might need to help fix a leg on that table before you sit down, but… )" Colin retired from the University of Wyoming, where he chaired the Faculty Senate; he also served the state as director of the Wyoming Writing Project. Colin and his wife enjoy their retirement by traveling together, and he enjoys playing music for an audience when the opportunity arises. Their daughter has found success as a ballerina and professional aerialist. ("Frankly, I had nothing to do with either of those pursuits, but I think we raised a pretty spunky kid.") Colin lives in Laramie, Wyoming, and always enjoys getting together with brothers! YO U CA N R EAC H C O L I N AT LU P O @ U WYO . E D U . Gene Baldwin '48 resides in Newcastle, Wyo. He retired from ranching in 2020. Email: davidesho@gmail.com Jim Larson '67 is still working at almost 79, but he plans to retire soon. Jim lives in Joshua Tree, Calif. Email: jlarson@hdprg.com Denny Gallegos '77 has been retired for 10 years from the Union Pacific Railroad. He spends his time playing golf multiple times per week and attending his grandchildren's sporting events. Denny lives in Redlands, Calif. Email: pappyray53@gmail.com Kenneth Brown '81 is still taking court- appointed criminal prosecution cases, sitting occasionally on the municipal court bench, and doing some substitute teaching. He lives in Torrington, Wyo. Email: ktbrown58@gmail.com Nick Metzler '87 has been married to his wife, Tracy, for 35 years. They have raised four children, with the youngest currently studying construction management at the University of Wyoming. Nick is a real estate broker and consultant, and he has lived in Steamboat Springs, Colo., since graduation. Email: nmetzler@thegroupinc.com Tom Phelan '05 serves as Eta Province president, chapter advisor, and a member of the house corporation. He lives in Centennial, Colo. Email: btphelan@gmail.com What are your favorite memories from Wyoming Alpha? President Nick Turner '14 Vice President Steven Schoeber '12 Treasurer Tom Phelan '05 Secretary Paul Ogle '12 House Corporation Board Alumni News "After several years of coming in second to PIKE at Greek Week, in 2004, we became the overall winners—also beating them at flag football." –Tom Phelan '05 "Playing poker until 4 a.m. Being head hasher with the only key to the kitchen. Bushman's." –Mike Martin '73

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