illinois beta chapter
FELLOWSHIP
AND BROTHERHOOD
Christopher Dumelle '88 Talks Diversity
and Friendship at Illinois Beta
A
s he considered various fraternities at the University of
Illinois, Christopher Dumelle '88 soon felt good vibes
from Illinois Beta. "A lot of the fraternities were pigeonholed
with the standard stereotypes," Christopher said, "but Sigma
Alpha Epsilon was noted as a bunch of wisecrackers, and that
was all right with me."
These early positive vibes grew into a strong brotherhood over
the years. For Christopher, the chapter was a "microcosm of the
world" in a sense. "There were lots of different personalities in
close quarters," he said. "You had to work with young men with
different backgrounds, but even through those differences we had
a lot more in common that brought us together."
Christopher learned a lot about the value of cooperation and
working together with a similar purpose through Illinois Beta.
He served as the chapter's Interfraternity Council representative
during his junior year. Near the end of his undergrad, the
chapter began fall retreats to set goals and encourage bonding.
Christopher recalls Ed Hansen '87 as a positive influence in his
undergraduate days.
Other alumni Christopher stays in touch with include Trey
Hancock '88, Mike Nicholas '88, Mark Johnson '88, and Scott
Schwefel '84. He encourages both alumni and active brothers
to reach out to fellow Illinois Beta brothers of any age. "They are
always willing to help and point you in the right direction," he said.
"I know if someone reached out to me, I would take the time to
help because it was always done for me."
Christopher attended the chapter's 100th anniversary in the early
2000s and was pleased to see so many alumni from several
decades. "I hope Illinois Beta continues to produce quality,
ambitious, and collaborative young men who are willing to work
with each other and help us all be better citizens," he said.
Christopher lives in Oak Park, Ill., with his wife, Colleen, and
two daughters, Cassie and Audrey. He works as an analyst at
JP Morgan/Chase and enjoys traveling in his free time, as well
as coaching and playing softball. Christopher can be reached at
cdumelle@yahoo.com.
Bags set embroidered with a custom ΣAE on the bags
and board. Behind the set lies a stand upon which
our letters are also displayed.
A speaker is hung upon the ceiling with a subwoofer
on the ground. These have been optimal in
comparison to previous speakers.
