Sigma Phi Epsilon - Colorado State University

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY, SIGMA PHI EPSILON CURRENT NEWS WWW.CSUSIGEP.ORG For Alumni And Friends oF the ColorAdo GAmmA ChApter summer 2014 The Spear SigEp Colorado gamma FaQ C olorado Gamma's Red Door House Corporation wants to keep you, our alumni, informed. If you have additional questions or concerns please contact the Board of Directors at avc@csusigep.org. What happened to the chapter and undergraduate members? The chapter experienced seven CSU risk management violations in 2012 and 2013 and university recognition of the chapter was withdrawn in December 2013. The decision was upheld upon appeal. The undergraduates who were active members in fall 2013 have the opportunity to request SigEp alumni status at graduation. This was a difficult experience for all undergraduate members and alumni volunteers. Alumni volunteers are focused on the future and re-energized to improve121 East Lake Street and reinstall the chapter with a renewed focus on SigEp principles and values in 2018. Our 99-year legacy at CSU and the importance of the SigEp experience for CSU undergraduate men is worth the effort. Is anyone living at 121 East Lake Street? No. Additional security systems and services were installed in December and the property is vacant. Who owns SigEp's 121 East Lake Street chapter house? The Red Door House Corporation is a Colorado nonprofit corporation, comprised of Colorado Gamma members, and has owned 121 East Lake Street since it was incorporated and the property was purchased in 1935. There are no plans to sell 121 East Lake Street. The corporation and property are operated by a board of directors/ executive officers. There are currently five directors: Al Hornung '61, Jerre Dixon '67, Mitch Christ '79, Tony Mauro '99, and Bryan Harmsen '01. We are always interested in hearing from alumni who want to serve on the board. Is CSU trying to acquire 121 East Lake Street? No. Discussions with senior CSU administrators suggests the university is not seeking to acquire/develop additional land east of College Avenue. CSU has not suggested we sell them 121 East Lake Street and they have been positive about our plans to maintain and improve the chapter house for SigEp's return in 2018. Has CSU given assurance that SigEp will be allowed back on campus? There is no precedent of CSU permanently banning a fraternity from campus in the 100-year history of Greek life at CSU. CSU can only encourage SigEp to prepare for reinstatement when we are eligible to restart the chapter. Please refer to the May 13, 2014, letter from CSU President Dr. Tony Frank. Will 121 East Lake Street be turned over to SigEp National Housing? The Colorado Gamma directors of the Red Door House Corporation have put a plan in place that will keep 121 East Lake Street in the hands of Colorado CSU President Shows Support for Greek Life B elow is a letter from CSU President Tony Frank articulating his support for Greek life at CSU. It was great of Dr. Frank to make time to meet with Board of Director Al Hornung '61 and pen this letter of support. Dr. Frank is genuine about his support of Greek Life at CSU. Thanks to Al for his tremendous effort on this. Gamma alumni, as it has been for nearly 80 years. If house corporation assets are depleted and it is not viable to hold the property, 121 East Lake Street will be turned over to SigEp National Housing to avoid it leaving SigEp hands. Dear Al, I appreciated the opportunity to meet with you and wanted to follow up with a letter that confirms my ongoing support of the residential Greek community at Colorado State University. The Greek system has been and can continue to be a positive part of our campus community that helps young women and men grow as leaders and develop strong and lasting ties with the university as alumni. A well-managed, engaged Greek living environment that promotes academic and personal success can benefit both our students and the institution over the long term. For all these reasons, it is our hope to have a vibrant and thriving community of independent Greek houses associated with the CSU campus. We are grateful to you and your fellow alumni for your interest in helping strengthen and, in some cases, rebuild the relationship between CSU and its longstanding residential Greek chapters. Active alumni leadership is essential to ensuring that students who choose a residential Greek living arrangement fully understand and embrace the values of their organizations, the expectations of the university, and the standards of our community related to safety, civility, and responsibility. The university is a committed partner in supporting the growth of such a community. I encourage you to continue to work with our office of fraternity and sorority life as you move forward. Sincerely, Dr. Tony Frank CSU President

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