Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Oregon

Sigma Phi Epsilon Alumni Update Chapter Eternal Trenton W. Huls '55 entered Chapter Eternal July 29, 2012. "He had a fun‑loving personality and a wonderful family. Trent had a fulfilling life." Trent is survived by his wife of 56 years, Doris Ringgenberg Huls; daughter Carrie Thomas Dubert; son Steven; and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by son Trenton Scott Huls. Oregon Beta brothers Alan Oppliger '54, Darrel Brittsan '57, and Paul Keefe '55 gathered in Raleigh, N.C., on March 12 for lunch and an afternoon of reminiscing. Bonds of Brotherhood stand the Test of Time U ndergraduates are told over and over that being a member of a Fraternity is not for college days alone; it is a lifetime bond. That couldn't be truer for brothers Darrel Brittsan '57, Paul Keefe '55, and Alan Oppliger '54. The three have reconnected over the years through SigEp cruises to Alaska and Long Beach and various vacations. "What I learned from those cruises is that it is a lot of fun to renew those old friendships," Darrel said. "Now a lot of us still communicate via phone and e-mail. There are many alumni events for SigEp alumni that I encourage anyone to attend. It's amazing to see the relationships we formed in the Fraternity flourish when you feed them a little bit. They become as good as they ever were." Most recently the brothers met for lunch and an afternoon of reminiscing in March in Raleigh, North Carolina, where Paul lives with his wife, Angelica. Paul hosted a similar get-together for the three brothers in 2008 when Alan and his wife, Jayne, visited after being in Boston for the marathon and were traveling to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. Darrel, who lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, drove in for the events. The three were highly involved in campus activities while attending the University. Alan served as chapter president in 1953-54. He was on the Oregana yearbook staff and was also involved in campus politics. Paul worked on the staff of the Oregon Daily Emerald and became managing editor his senior year. In 1953 the two teamed up to compile the Pigger's Guide, the campus directory for students and faculty. At least five other SigEps served on the staff. Darrel served as ASUO student body president in 1956-57. The three were honored to be inducted into Friars and the senior men's honorary. Darrel's last trip to campus was to celebrate his 50th class reunion. "We stayed at a hotel across the street from the Chapter House. When I was in school we had a band called the Dixy Land Ducks. Three of us from my class got together and went to the Chapter House to resurrect the band and several of the members came down with instruments to play with us. Later we brought over slides to show the guys. I really enjoyed getting to know the members; they were a great group of guys," Darrel said. My one piece of advice," Paul said, "is to update your contact information so you never lose your contacts with the national organization and Chapter. Throughout my career a lot of my assignments were overseas and Latin America, so it was difficult getting back. It helped me still feel connected to receive updates on the Fraternity and Chapter." The three have proven that bonds of brotherhood last throughout the years no matter what path life takes after graduation. Keith E. Johnson '68 entered Chapter Eternal on July 12 in Kentfield, California. Brother Larry Ross '68 shared the following words about Keith: "Brothers fortunate to spend time with Keith in recent years recognized the pain and suffering which he endured. Despite those challenges and reflective of his personality, Keith celebrated each new day and was never one to complain. Innumerable times during our five‑decade friendship, Brother Johnson told me how much his Oregon Beta Fraternity experience helped shape his life. Keith dearly loved SigEp and his brothers at that shady place on the old millrace. I will remember Brother Johnson as a strong family man who gave selflessly to others. Vivid personal memories include Keith preparing our Odin's Orgy feast somewhere in the Fall Creek woods in 1966, and spearheading our annual joint functions with the Alpha Phis and Gamma Phis to share Halloween treats with sick and injured children at Sacred Heart Hospital. As was his way, Keith performed each of these acts—and countless others—without fanfare or expectation of personal recognition. The heart of Sigma Phi Epsilon beats deeply with the passing of yet another of our Oregon Beta brothers, Keith Eric Johnson." Alumni News Ronald J. Johnson '51 has lived in Honolulu for 57 years and has traveled all over the world. E‑mail: slwilson00@aol.com Lawrence S. Hobart '53 is publishing a book, "Basalt City", that tells the story of the KKK in Oregon in the 1920s when the Klan supported a statewide initiative to require all children to attend public schools, outlawing Catholic education in order to assimilate immigrants from southern and eastern Europe. Lawrence and his wife, Amanda, live in Islesboro, Maine, during the summer and Washington, D.C., in the winter. They have one daughter, Jennifer. Richard A. Buck '61 retired from 36 years of teaching. He and his wife, Brigitte, live in Haines, Alaska, and have two children. E‑mail: rbbuck81@ hotmail.com (Continued on page 4) p. 3

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