Tau Kappa Epsilon - Iowa State University

Securing Epsilon's Legacy 3 Why I Gave: George Burnet '42 E-333 Grateful for Epsilon Experiences C rediting Tau Kappa Epsilon for contributing much to his success, George Burnet '42 E-333 is proud to support the Securing Epsilon's Legacy campaign. "The highlights of my student days would not have occurred had I not been living at 224 Ash Avenue. The same will be true for Epsilon Fraters of the future." George enrolled at Iowa State College in 1942, after completing his freshman year at Fort Dodge Junior College. His decision to pledge Tau Kappa Epsilon was based on three factors: the favorable impression of the undergraduate members he met during rush (specifically Rhea Putnam '40 E-289), beloved and admired housemother Blanche King, and the ability to move into the house immediately! During 1942-43, the number of men living in the house was depleted due to ROTC students called to active duty and sent to Officers Candidate School (OCS). At the same time, 224 Ash Avenue and all fraternity houses were taken over by the college for Army and Navy on-campus training programs. As Prytanis, George helped find study and sleeping rooms for the remaining 16 members in a private home on Campus Avenue, as well as reasonably priced meals at the boarding house next door. In the fall of 1943, the five fraternities that were still functioning on campus during the war created an interfraternity council and elected George as president. "We weren't able to do much, but we did have an interfraternity winter formal—really quite a nice affair." After three years of study, George enlisted in May 1944, completed OCS, and served three years as a commissioned officer. He returned to Iowa State in 1948 to complete his bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering and used the GI Bill to earn a Ph.D. in 1951. George's years in the fraternity during WWII provided many unique experiences. When veterans began returning to school in 1945 (and the fraternity regained possession of 224 Ash), they were joined by high school graduates from across the Midwest. "The result was a fascinating combination of older, war-experienced veterans and young hopefuls. Yet both groups provided Epsilon with a certain spirit and verve and gave the Chapter the impetus for future development and a solid base for success," said George. Not only did George gain a social maturity that served him well in personal and professional life, the importance of time management and setting priorities made an impact on his academic success. He also "learned to accept and carry out leadership responsibility—to plan, prioritize, delegate, and organize." But perhaps most meaningful of his Epsilon days was establishing lifelong friendships. "I pinned my sweetheart for life (Betty Arlene Riggs) while living in the house, and my Teke roommate, Lawrence Barnes '43 E-332, was my best man at my wedding in 1944." He stayed in close contact with Lawrence until he passed away, as well as Enlow Ose '42 E-336, and he became reacquainted with many Fraters when raising money for the Mother King Scholarship. If George could relive a memory from his college days, it would be the weekday evening and Sunday noon meals. "We would assemble in front of the fireplace in the large living room upon hearing the chimes ring. An assigned pledge would escort Mother King to the dining room, and the Fraters would follow after singing a Teke song (often the first verse of 'All Hail Our Fraternity'). Grace would be offered in song or verbally. Between the main course and dessert, the song leader would lead us in several Teke songs." George's desire to pass on these experiences and to show his gratitude for what his membership means motivated him to contribute to Teke's capital campaign. "I am pleased to see this expansion/modernization initiative for 224 Ash Avenue underway." As a resident of Ames, George is able to visit the Chapter frequently, attending Homecoming events, alumni meetings, and open houses. "The Fraters are in positions of leadership on campus and rank academically among the top fraternities at ISU. They need a comfortable, well-planned house they can be proud of—one that will attract the best of new members." He believes the Chapter is deserving of alumnus support. "The Chapter is outstanding in every way, as demonstrated by the top recognitions it receives from the national organization, Iowa State University, and the City of Ames." To those considering a donation to Securing Epsilon's Legacy, George asks, "Would your overall experience have been as good without your time at 224 Ash Avenue?" George retired from the College of Engineering at ISU in 1995 and spent the next 15 years traveling. "There isn't a major body of water anywhere on which I have not cruised." He enjoys taking his family fishing at Lake of the Woods in Canada and attending ISU and Ames athletic events, concerts, and lectures. George and Betty were married for 49 years before she passed away, and they have six children: Kathryn, Betty, Dolores, Joan, Elaine, and George VI; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. George's second wife, Agatha Huepenbecker, passed away after 18 years together. George and Martha Anderson have been married for nearly four years—"really newlyweds." He can be reached at gaburnet2@ghhome.com.

• Cover