Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Cincinnati

Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future Sigma Phi Epsilon • Ohio Theta Chapter • University of Cincinnati Chapter Expansion Project Receives Commitments of More Than $943,000 • Construction Scheduled to Begin Spring 2014 • Your Pledge Will Be the Difference for Ohio Theta I t is vital that we, as alumni, contribute time, energy, and financial resources to our fraternity. Our gifts are an investment in the lives of our active members and the future of Ohio Theta. We thank all the alumni who have already contributed, as those gifts will directly impact our undergraduate members. This historic project will enhance the productivity and viability of Ohio Theta for generations. The project includes: • Renovating the kitchen and all appliances (currently underway). • Replacing the heating and air-conditioning system for greater efficiency and temperature regulation. • Providing ample study space, including areas for individual and group study, and wireless Internet access throughout the house. • Replacing plumbing and electrical systems to accommodate the increased size of the house. • Increasing occupancy from 34 to 48 members. • Adding off-street parking, as required by the city for additional capacity. • Enhancing the residential learning center with a 145-person chapter room where a university accredited class can be taught. We must focus our efforts and ensure the same opportunities provided to us will be available for future members. We want to make sure Ohio Theta stays strong, and we know you want to see that as well. In order to accomplish this, we must provide a competitive facility that will accommodate future growth while also attracting the best and brightest young men. Ohio Theta needs your support now more than ever. Reaching our fundraising goal will allow us to begin construction on the entire project and empower the undergraduate chapter with the tools they need to continue to be successful. We would like to see our overall participation really grow, and hope you'll get on board with the campaign. Please do what you can to close the gap to our goal and raise our participation so we can ensure the future success of SigEp at the University of Cincinnati. We look forward to adding your name to our donor list. New tile flooring provides a modern look to Ohio Theta's kitchen. With your support, we can have one of the premier facilities at the University of Cincinnati. Fraternally, Campaign Chairmen Phil Shepardson '68 (513) 621-2100 pshepardson@beckman-weil.com Dan Komnenovich '74 (214) 458-4599 dkom9151@me.com Bud Robeson '68 Encourages Brothers to Help Ohio Theta by Giving Back B ud Robeson '68 came to the University of Cincinnati campus and pledged SigEp in 1963. He felt that he fit in and was comfortable with the brothers. After being introduced to the fraternity by his older brother, Jim '59 (former grand national president), Bud was a natural fit at Ohio Theta and, after 50 years, he still feels this way. "We were always a close, but diverse, group of young men," Bud said. "Ohio Theta felt like my home away from home." After going through recruitment and initiation, Bud served as pledge trainer, treasurer, and secretary for the chapter, gaining valuable leadership experience that would serve him well in his career. "Being in the fraternity gives you a collection of men that will be your closest friends for the rest of your life and an arena to develop confidence and leadership opportunities. I was fortunate enough to have that experience, and for that, I am thankful." He also remembers Garland Parker '37, the longtime university registrar who was the faculty advisor to Ohio Theta at the time. "Garland kept us on track. I remember my conversations with him, and he really set me up personally, as well as the active chapter, for success," said Bud. "His commitment to the chapter was truly something special." When asked about the capital campaign, Bud encourages Ohio Theta alumni to think back on their fraternity experiences and see if they can put a value on them. "I believe in the fraternity system as the premiere way for our undergraduates to gain confidence and leadership. I enjoyed the challenges and the diversities of what SigEp had to offer, and I believe future men at the University of Cincinnati should be allowed the same opportunities that I had. In making a contribution, we can perpetuate Ohio Theta so the tradition of SigEp remains strong for future generations." Bud hopes alumni will visit the university when they have a chance and make an effort to meet the undergraduates and see the condition of the house. "The house needs work; the tiles are the same as in the 1960s when I was there. We need to give our undergraduates the right kind of physical environment for academics, recruitment, and success." Visiting the school annually with close friends Phil Shepardson '68 and Jerry Ose '67 reminds Bud of the connection he has not only with the University of Cincinnati, but also Ohio Theta. "We should remember that we are not just SigEps while in school, but for life. Reconnecting with the chapter gives you a chance to renew friendships, make new friends, and meet a group of outstanding young men who are the next generation to share the same oath and ritual we all have. If you are not a part of it, I encourage you to do so. You are truly missing out." Bud and his wife, Adele, a Theta Phi Alpha at Cincinnati, reside in Williamsburg, Virginia, and have three children and five grandchildren. Bud serves as associate dean for the faculty of the Mason School of Business at the College of William and Mary. Bud still finds time to cook new dishes and enjoys preparing his signature beef bourguignon. He and his wife have visited Napa Valley on wine tours and enjoy touring the wineries in Virginia as well. Bud is also involved with his local community, serving in multiple areas. To connect with Bud, contact him at bud.robeson@mason.wm.edu. "In making a contribution, we can perpetuate Ohio Theta so the tradition of SigEp will remain strong for future generations."

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