Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Oregon

ΣΦΕ EARTBEA H T UNIVERSITY OF OREGON s SIGMA PHI EPSILON Oregon Beta SPRING 2014 Changes in the Kitchen and a Call to Alumni A big change occurred at 1000 Alder this past September, with longtime Chef Sandy Swenson's medical leave. Sandy, who has been the chef at Oregon Beta for the past 18 years suffered from rotator cuff and carpal tunnel problems. Surgery a year ago did not relieve the issue and doctor's orders to limit her lifting to 15 pounds made it almost impossible for Sandy to continue working. Sandy was more than a chef, evidenced by those young men who, when sick, would be treated to homemade chicken noodle soup. Additionally, Sandy had the best understanding of the under- pinnings of the house: who to call for what, and where that valve was to shut off the water if need be. Sandy will be missed. In Sandy's absence we have contracted with an organization out of New Hampshire called Greek Food Management to provide all kitchen services. When I say all, that's what I mean. They are responsible for kitchen cleanliness, including washing pots and pans and doing the dishes. The kitchen is manned from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. So far we have been very pleased with the service and have a wonderful woman by the name of Eli Munroe as our new chef. It appears that our new hot water system was installed just in time. With near-record lows this winter we have been pleasantly surprised with how warm the house has been. When temperatures were more normal we discovered the heating was more efficient than in the past. I want to thank those people who responded to our request to get involved with the board. We look forward to bringing them on in the future. Also, thanks to those people who made donations, which allow us to provide this newsletter to our alumni, send actives to various leadership academies, and continue to improve our library. We are in need of someone with an engineering and excavation background as we tackle the continued erosion of our yard into the Mill Race. A number of years ago a large segment of the retaining wall collapsed and we have been unable to repair it, primarily from a lack of expertise. If you know someone who can help or has the necessary expertise we would appreciate the help. Finally, we are always looking for pertinent information for the newsletter. We welcome the opportunity to inform people of activities that certain classes or eras are planning. The newsletter comes out twice a year with deadlines in February and September if you would like to contribute something. Further, we welcome the opportunity to highlight alumni who have distinguished themselves since their years at 1000 Alder Street. I would appreciate any input you'd like to provide. Fraternally Pat Latimer '68 AVC President (541) 688-0231 latimerpat@comcast.net S ince the fall newsletter, Oregon Beta has continued to be a top fraternity on campus. We welcomed an amazing new freshman class, maintained our success in athletics, put together a great philanthropy event to support one of our brothers, built strong relationships with many sororities, and, most importantly, have been successful in the classroom. New Brothers Welcomed We recently welcomed 19 new brothers into our Fraternity. Originally, we had a pledge class of 27; eight of them were not able to be initiated in the fall, and six of those eight have decided to stay pledges until the spring. Oregon Beta currently has 89 members, the third largest chapter at UO. And with our goal of 20 new members for the spring, our numbers should be well above 100. Active in Athletics Athletics have always been a strong suit in our Fraternity. We continued our success in intramurals by becoming indoor soccer champions and D1 flag football champions. In the fall we had four flag football teams, with OregOn Beta COntinues exCellenCe (Continued on page 2) Early morning hike to watch the sunrise from Spencers Butte.

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