Sigma Chi - University of California-Berkeley

The Cal sig Fall 2013 Alpha Beta Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity Alpha Beta House Given Much-Needed Improvements House Corporation Thanks Alumni for Support G reetings from the Alpha Beta Chapter of Sigma Chi. It's been a busy summer in Berkeley. The House Corporation Board just completed extensive renovations to the chapter house's basement after it experienced another leak, this time from an entirely different source. The leak was from an ancient clay sewer line and we were required to replace it with modern cast iron lines. There was some damage done to floors and the Brick Muller room, but the newly renovated chapter room was spared. Thanks to the cooperation of many, sleeves were rolled up and we got to work. Ladies' Reception Room Renovated The ladies' reception room was rebuilt, including a sitting area and separate powder room with its own sink. We also installed new floors, two sinks, a commode, and mini blinds covering the windows. The end result is a great addition to the chapter house as you will see on your next visit to Berkeley. Extra Bedroom Leads to Increased Living Space A new bedroom was created on the first floor to accommodate the live-in population of the chapter, which grew to 39 this fall. Some say this new bedroom is one of the best in the house. Fresh Landscaping Gives House New Life The retaining wall in front and to the side of the house failed and was leaning out noticeably. A surveyor was retained to determine the house's exact property line on both College Avenue and Channing Way. We removed the old retaining wall and installed a structurally sound wall complete with new irrigation lines and landscaping. Parking Lot Area Increased The deteriorated driveway, combined with brothers' cars blocking access to the dumpster, caused recurring battles with garbage collectors. The house desperately needed a solution to ensure efficient trash pickup. A new concrete pad was created closer to the street that is now the dumpster's permanent home, making it easier for the garbage to be collected, as well as opening up two additional parking spots. The House Corporation Board also paved a new concrete driveway 40 feet into the lot, and with new striping, the lot can now accommodate 10 cars. Brick Muller Room Renovation Almost Complete For the Brick Muller room renovation, the design plan included paneling on all walls, new lighting, and storage shelving to accommodate brothers' summer storage needs. One feature that will remain is the cedar roofing shingles covering the southernmost wall. The installation was performed sometime in the early 1970s and has withstood the test of time, seemingly to near perfect condition. The House Corporation located records showing that Rifton & Clivers constructed this wall. The name seems more appropriate for a country band than a roofing company, but their work was top notch in any case. The new façade on the chapter house. Alumni Reception a Success The chapter house was beautiful for the alumni reception in October as the Cal Bears took on Washington State. Old friendships were rekindled and there was plenty of food and refreshments for all. Thank you for your support in making this event a success. I would like to add that the progress made on the chapter house was made possible by the work of many hands. Please join me in giving a Sigma Chi shout-out to Del Tacconi, Utah State '62, Steve Rivers '77, and Daniel Stucka '63! Thanks for the help, brothers! Go Bears! Fraternally, Jeff Bordalampe '77 House Corporation President (510) 755-0744 jeff@tcinorth.com Dick Bahme '40 Had Lasting Commitment to Alpha Beta and Sigma Chi S ome men come and go through life, while others make lasting impressions on the people and places they are fortunate to be a part of. For Dick Bahme '40, that impression was made by serving the Alpha Beta Chapter of Sigma Chi the best he possibly could. Dick was inducted into the Order of Constantine at the chapter house in 2012. After graduating with a bachelor of science in forestry and a master of science in physiology, Dick went on to receive his doctorate in physiology as well. He served in World War II, enlisting as an artillery officer, seeing action in the Aleutian Islands, North Africa, Sicily, and (Continued on page 4)

• Cover