Sigma Phi Epsilon - East Carolina University

Page 2 How did you get involved with the founding process, and what were some of the biggest challenges? Ronny: Greek life was "the thing" at most colleges in the '60s, and East Carolina was no exception. I was approached by some upperclassmen about founding a new fraternity, and after researching more fraternities, I decided Sigma Phi Epsilon was for me. Establishing a new fraternity from the ground floor sounded like a great college opportunity; it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The challenges did not disappoint, but the colony grew rapidly. National was a big help in educating us in SigEp's ideals and how to recruit. In about three months, we successfully moved from a colony to a chapter. It was like starting or growing a business venture—something I went to school to learn about. Woody: I wasn't a founding member, but when I was there, we had two houses and a member shortage. I went to the Dean of Men to offer the back house up for rent to male incoming students; we filled it with 22 renters. We proceeded to screen the guys and pledged all 22 that fall. It was by far the most on campus, and we got the cream of the crop. That one event saved our chapter. Many from that era went on to have sons as legacy brothers. Both of my sons became SigEps—one at ECU and the other at Clemson. How did becoming SigEp brothers help shape you into the men you are today? Woody: The lessons from my fraternity years carried on into my professional life. Rush was like marketing and sales: we had to put our best foot forward and convince the best men to join us. Fraternities were at a pretty low membership at the time, due to the war in Vietnam. THE EARLY DAYS Brothers from the '60s Share North Carolina Kappa Memories Ronnie: We learned how to judge characters, to live in close quarters with each other, and to respect differing opinions and ideas. In short, we bonded in a way that has lasted a lifetime. During my career, anytime I met a fellow brother, we almost instantly had compatible personalities and desires to help each other. What are some of your favorite memories from your undergraduate SigEp years? Woody: I loved the camaraderie of the brothers. We truly depended on one another and made lasting friendships. Running the house was like running a restaurant: we hired a cook, bought materials, and managed a budget. This probably helped me build my business in later years. Ronnie: Homecoming was always special. When we were young, it was a great chance to meet the brothers' families and significant others. Later, we returned as alumni to share experiences and advice. The rituals and initiations were very meaningful. The most important event in my SigEp life was the initiation of my son, Marty '91, into NC Kappa. As brothers prepare to move back into the chapter house, what are your hopes for the future of North Carolina Kappa? Ronnie: I wish the new brothers the good times, the meaningful bonding with each other, and the success that we experienced. College seems like a long time until you leave and realize how short it really was. I hope they leave a legacy that will make all of us proud. Learning to participate as a member in college is great, but the real satisfaction comes later when you can be proud of what you left for the next brother. Woody: I imagine this process, from rechartering to moving back, has had its challenges, and I wish the brothers well. Is there anything else you'd like to add? Ronnie: Being a founding father taught me unbelievably great lessons—more than I know how to express here. Woody: I would strongly recommend that college students enter the Greek system. The growth I experienced became more valuable to me than the classroom. You can connect with Woody at whogg@erawoodyhogg.com and Ronnie at ronnie@purplemile.com. Ronnie Helms '64 Woody Hogg '67 With SigEp's return to 505 E. 5th Street coming up, we spoke to two alumni about their years in the early North Carolina Kappa Chapter. Ronnie Helms '64 was a founding member, and Woody Hogg '67 pledged SigEp in the spring of 1964.

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