Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Michigan

page 2 J im Park '59 has had a love for the University of Michigan since he was in grade school in Northern Michigan. He developed a fascination with the Wolverines after listening to Michigan football games on the radio. Staying connected to his childhood fascination with Michigan football and the Wolverines, Jim pledged at SigEp during his freshman year. He was drawn to SigEp because of its student-athletes, musicians, value for academic excellence, and prime location near the sports fields where Interfraternity Council matches were held. "It was a great chance to meet people from all over the world and call them brothers," Jim shared. After living in the house for a year, Jim was elected as house manager, which provided room and board for two years. This leadership opportunity allowed him to play intramural sports and hold the position of captain of the Michigan Alpha intramural team for the two years they won the Interfraternity Council sports championship. "With the opportunity to be head of the sports program, I developed confidence in being able to take on any assignment and succeed," he said. His advice to undergraduates is to take on new challenges within the fraternity and the community and to make good study habits. After graduating with a business administration degree in 1959, Jim spent a year as a Rotary International Scholar to the Universidad Central de Venezuela, where he enjoyed learning Spanish, studying economics, Michigan Alpha Brotherhood Afforded Professional Opportunities, Lifelong Friendships for Thomas Cramer '49 W hile living in the dorms freshman year, Thomas Cramer '49 met Michigan Alpha members with whom he had an immediate connection and fondness. Following his intuition, Thomas decided to join SigEp at the University of Michigan and was very pleased with his decision. "They were a group of really great guys, and I was very fortunate to meet them," he said. He was especially prideful of his Michigan Alpha membership because of their athletic abilities, which led them to win the all-sports trophy five years in a row. Camaraderie was key at SigEp, which made for a truly positive experience for Thomas during his time as an undergraduate member. Although Thomas did not hold any executive offices at the Michigan Alpha Chapter, he was active on campus and involved in many extra-curricular activities. Following the advice from an older SigEp brother, Thomas became involved in radio and achieved a perfect grade in his Radio 101 class. His professor was so impressed by his performance in that class that he was recruited to help promote various campus events. Thomas was also involved in student government at the University of Michigan. He obtained his business administration degree as well as his MBA. Following graduation, Thomas was encouraged by a Michigan Alpha brother to interview for a job with the United States Steel Corporation. The interview lasted all day; fortunately, Thomas was offered a job at the end of the day, which he happily accepted. After working for the United States Steel Corporation for many years, Thomas retired from his position and started work in the outplacement field to help people who had lost their jobs due to economic and life circumstances. Following that position, he was offered a position in a highly-rated recruiting company where he worked in executive recruitment until retiring completely a few years ago. Thomas' advice to undergraduate members is to continue to look for opportunities and don't close your eyes to anything—just be proud of what you are doing and build a good résumé. Staying connected to Sigma Phi Epsilon, Thomas was very active in the Pennsylvania Theta Chapter, where he served as the alumni board president for many years. His desire to help stemmed from the support he received from his brothers at Michigan Alpha. "Everyone was so helpful to each other, and it is a wonderful fraternity," he said. Thomas keeps in touch with a couple of his Michigan Alpha brothers via e-mail and phone calls, and he encourages undergraduate members to do the same to keep the brotherhood bonds alive. Thomas and his wife, Phyllis, whom he met on a blind date, live in Pittsburgh, Pa. He has two daughters and one son with his late first wife and a daughter with his wife. He also has a step-daughter and step-son. Their children live within a mile from them, and they enjoy being close to their family. Thomas is truly grateful for his Michigan Alpha membership. "It was a wonderful experience," he said. If you'd like to reconnect with Thomas, he can be reached via e-mail at tcramer120@comcast.net. Tom Cramer '49 studies at the chapter house during his last year as an undergraduate member. Childhood Dream to Become a Larry Donaldson '61, Carol Kapusky, Jim Park '59, and John Kapusky '69 tailgate during the 2012 Centennial. SigEps who took first honors in fraternity volleyball. Front row: Fred Auch '51, Chuck Eden '51, and Don Tennyson '48. Back row: Sam Massie '49, John Branaman '50, Bill Reitzer, and Tom Cramer '49.

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