Sigma Phi Epsilon - Kansas State University

Sigma Phi EPSilon • KanSaS BEta ChaPtEr KanSaS StatE UnivErSity • Fall 2017 t h e H O O P o f S T E E L P rior to this school year, the men of Kansas Beta and the Alumni Volunteer Corporation (AVC) held an offsite retreat to discuss progress on goals and reflect on where we are as Chapter. There were many positives to celebrate, including improvement in grades, having two members in leadership positions on the Interfraternity Council (IFC), and recruiting a large class of quality new members that has resulted in a very full Chapter House. In preparation for our 100th anniversary in February, I asked the undergraduates this question: What do you think the original founding members of Kansas Beta would think of today's Chapter? Responses ranged from being proud of the 2,000-plus members since 1918, to the scores of successful alumni who owe part of their success to the foundations learned while in the Chapter, to more critical thoughts about whether we're living up to the ideals as fully as intended. The AVC added thoughts as well, including a look back to the founding of the Chapter. It began with men who were friends first, who wanted the best for each other and sought the greater structure and vision of a national Fraternity. Sigma Phi Epsilon was chosen for its principles of virtue, diligence, and brotherly love. There is no place in those principles for some of the things we see on the news today about fraternities behaving badly and who never grasped what it's really all about. A real SigEp doesn't need to make a new member prove he belongs through questionable activities. He should be setting the example of our founders by being a true brother, helping him succeed, being a loyal friend and looking out for one another. Those sentiments have been with us from our founding and we affirm them in the words we speak to one another when shaking hands. I'm extremely proud of our Fraternity and the thousands of men who are better for being a member. The AVC warmly invites you to Manhattan the weekend of February 24-25, 2018, for our centennial celebration. We have a block of rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn. On Saturday the 24th we will have a wonderful banquet there as well. Please refer to the Chapter website at www.sigepkstate.com on the centennial tab to view the most up to date information on the event, and to register to attend. I'd also welcome you to look for any old photos of your days at K-State and send them to me to be uploaded to the site. Check with those brothers you are closest to and plan on attending; you will be so glad you did. Looking forward to seeing you there! As always, please reach out to me with comments or questions. Fraternally, Dan McEntee '86 (913) 484-8792 • danm@kc.rr.com Reflections on 100 Years of Brotherhood Kansas Beta Welcomes All Alumni to Centennial Celebration in February Celebrate 100 Years of Kansas Beta, February 24-25, 2018! Please visit www. sigepkstate.com to reserve your spot today. T he fall semester is always full of enthusiasm and excitement. The men are glad to get back to campus and share summer experiences with others in the Chapter. Many have completed internships or jobs during the summer and are ready for another school year. I am happy to report we experienced a great recruitment period during the spring and summer with Maxwell Kuhn '18 as chairman. He recruited 32 new members for the fall class. We are at "overflow" status with 72 members living in the Chapter House this semester. The Chapter House was designed for 68, but the members have been creative in organizing living and sleeping spaces for everyone. We also have a new foodservice provider, Campus Greek Chefs. We used their services last spring after Sandy Ruthsrum, our cook for over five years, passed away after a short illness. They focus on serving fresh foods with robust entrée portions. Overall, the men have been pleased with the services they have provided. I spend a considerable amount of my time working with Mrs. Diann Veith (Mom V.), our housemother, who we hired two years ago. She has adapted well in working with a large group of men that sometimes need reminding about dining room or social etiquette matters. She frequently reminds the men, "I have raised two sons, so I am not surprised by your behaviors." As a Chapter, we have talked about continuing to improve our Chapter grade point average, which was 3.2 and ranked 10th on campus CHAPTER HOUSE AT FULL CAPACITY Kansas Beta Starts Fall with High Expectations last semester. We have also identified several speakers to invite as part of Wednesday's formal dinner educational programing. This fall, we have the largest group of juniors living in the Chapter House in over 10 years. The leadership and direction this group provides has been excellent. House duties are getting done and men are being held accountable. In addition, I have been pleased with the sophomore class as well. They have a number of good leaders who have stepped up to complete daily tasks. The new members have been diligent about doing kitchen duties correctly. We have an excellent group of young men and I have high expectations for this year. I invite you all to stop by the Chapter House this fall during a home football game and see for yourself that we have a good group of men in Kansas Beta. Fraternally, Pat Pesci '91 • Chapter Advisor

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