Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Michigan

page 3 G ary Sawdy '68 reflects on his Michigan Alpha experience with fantastic memories of successful pledge raids, gathering around the TV to watch sporting events with brothers, and dying their Dalmatian house dog green two weeks prior to the Sherwood Forest Party. Above all the fun, Gary truly learned what it means to be a balanced man, carrying forward the harmonious values acquired through Sigma Phi Epsilon. "I realized that a like‑minded, yet diverse group of young men can strive together to be successful in educational, social, athletic, and communal activities. Through this, I learned the importance of leading a balanced life of study, work, recreation, and social giving." The balance Gary acquired through SigEp helped him to excel in his career as a dentist. After working as a dentist in the U.S. Navy for four years, Gary moved to Alaska and started his own dental practice. Gary balances his professional endeavors with philanthropic activities as a member of Rotary International. Through this organization, Gary has had the opportunity to participate in volunteer dental missions in Brazil, South Africa, Bolivia, and Russia. He has also contributed to Rotary's efforts of eliminating polio by administering the polio vaccine to children in India. Gary continues to be a balanced man through his involvement with SigEp as an alumnus. He gives back to the Alaska Alpha Chapter at the University of Alaska Fairbanks as a chapter advisor. He also keeps in close touch with his Michigan Alpha brothers, Steve Glidden '68 and Dr. Dean Sommerfield '68. Gary attended the '68 reunion last year and shares that reconnecting with several of his brothers was an absolute blast. "The memories of the active years can last forever and refreshing them makes it even better. I am forever fortunate to have been, and continue to be, a part of Sigma Phi Epsilon." Gary resides in Fairbanks, AK, and enjoys the great outdoors of Alaska by fishing, hunting, skiing, camping, snowmobiling, boating, and, of course, shoveling snow. He makes it to Ann Arbor a few times a year to visit family and attend Michigan football games. E‑mail: gsawd2th@gmail.com E arlier this year, the Alumni Volunteer Corporation (AVC) elected Alex Prosperi '10 to vice president of alumni relations, Travis Dittmer, Western Michigan '10, to recruitment mentor, Peter Carpenter, Western Michigan '15 to resident scholar, and Jeff Witt, College of Ozarks '88 to faculty fellow. The AVC proudly introduces its newest additions. Alex Prosperi '10 Alex graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in sports management, and he works in New York City at FleishmanHillard, a PR firm, in brand marketing and sports business. At Michigan, Alex served as Michigan Alpha's undergraduate president and wrote at The Michigan Daily. Alex previously served on the Michigan Alpha AVC and is grateful for the opportunity to serve the chapter again. If alumni plan to be in Ann Arbor, or want to connect with the AVC, please feel free to contact Alex directly at apjp32@gmail.com. Travis Dittmer, Western Michigan '10 Travis is an alumnus of MI Beta, Western Michigan University. A former staff member at SigEp Headquarters, Travis also serves as the chapter counselor for Michigan Kappa, Grand Valley State University. As an undergraduate, he held three terms on Michigan Beta's executive board, attending EDGE, CLA, Ruck, Conclave, and Tragos Quest to Greece. As an alumnus, Travis has facilitated at multiple EDGE, CLAs, and currently serves on both Michigan Alpha's and Michigan Beta's AVCs. Travis, DPT, ATC, is a clinical content expert at RespondWell, a telehealth solution startup. He is also actively involved in the Grand Rapids community, coaching youth hockey for the Grand Rapids Blades travel hockey association and serving as a captain of the Freewheeler Bike Shop triathlon team. Peter Carpenter, Western Michigan '15 Peter recently graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in music therapy. He is excited to be in Ann Arbor to capstone his education at University of Michigan Hospital Systems. During his undergraduate career, Peter served on executive boards for SigEp, the Interfraternity Council, the Western Student Association, and the Student Music Therapy Association. As a SigEp undergraduate, Peter served as vice president member development, Sigma challenge coordinator, and Epsilon challenge coordinator. He also enjoys playing rugby and guitar. Jeff Witt, College of Ozarks '88 Jeff is a Renascence Brother with Sigma Phi Epsilon, being inducted into the Ohio Iota chapter in 2011. Jeff has also served that chapter as the faculty fellow and academic adviser from 2010 to 2015. Jeff holds a master's degree in education as well as an MBA. He has worked in higher education for 20 years at the University of Arkansas, the University of Toledo and now, at the University of Michigan. The bulk of his career has been in student affairs with titles including director of campus recreation and assistant dean of students. Recently, he has taken positions within academic affairs, including three years as the assistant director of the Office of Equity and Diversity at UT and currently as the diversity and inclusion specialist within the U‑M Library. The AVC Board Makes New Appointments A Balanced Man for Life Gary Sawdy '68 Reflects on Michigan Alpha's Impact ALUMNI UPDATE Chapter Eternal Russell A. Reed '38 entered Chapter Eternal on April 15, 2014. After his military service in WWII, Russell had a highly successful career as an insurance agent. He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Virginia, and their three children, Elizabeth, James, and John. Russell was a past chapter president and a faithful donor to the Michigan Alpha Chapter. John Sweeney '45 entered Chapter Eternal on January 10 in Altamonte Springs, Fla. He was born in Lima, Ohio, and treasured his experience as a Michigan Alpha. Alumni News Paul M. Rider '49 recently celebrated his 90th birthday! He and his wife, Jane, reside in a retirement community in Williamsburg, Va. Paul has been in contact with his local SigEp chapter at The College of William and Mary. E‑mail: jarider1@gmail.com James W. Hubbell '55 is in good health and enjoying life at age 82. He and his wife, Dawn, have 13 grandchildren and several great‑grandchildren. They reside in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. E‑mail: james. hubbell@mygait.com Reynolds H. Campbell '63 has been retired from his career as a lawyer since 2010. He and his wife, Betty Ann, are enjoying retirement, their five children, and their 13 grandchildren. They reside in Mt. Pleasant, Mich.

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