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Grizzly Sig
Active Chapter News At the retreat, the chapter held discussions, self evaluation exercises and goal-setting programs to assess how the chapter could improve. One clear conclusion emerged: the chapter must proactively address the changing society and college by focusing more closely on the core objectives of Sigma Chi. Goals were set of improving communication and neighbor relations, making the House more conducive to academics and recruiting both during and after rush. Cory Rigler ‘98 9-11 Response. The week following September 11, the actives participated in an all Greek Car Wash with all proceeds to the WTC Relief Fund. The event enhanced our image within the community. Recycling Program. Can recycling has been started to benefit the environment and social fund. Community Work. A Fall Bowl-a-Thon is scheduled and teams from the House will participate with all proceeds going to Big Brothers & Big Sisters Program. The chapter participates in the Big Brother program. Cory Miller ‘03 is coaching a children’s basketball team. The chapter has committed to help senior citizens and doing highway clean up. Pledge Program. Rush was a great success and Rush Chair Dax Nebel ‘03 fulfilled his duties by signing 16 new pledges. Magister Scott Leonard ‘03 and Assistant Magister Tim Ondrak ‘03 are preparing them for Initiation emphasizing the importance of becoming better men and leaders. The pledges are actively involved with the House and understanding the meaning of the White Cross. Pledge Meetings are held every Sunday night to study the Norman Shield in addition to the pledges participating in all House activities. Thanks to Alumni. Summer Houseworks on September 1 found alums working shoulder to shoulder with actives to clean up the House for Fall Rush. And the addition of new Main Deck leather furniture before Homecoming made the House sparkle! Our thanks to those alums that gave time, money and moral support. That demonstration of life long commitment is what Sigma Chi is all about. Scholarship. Attendance was outstanding for the fall scholarship dinner. Dan Cederberg ‘75, Bryan Nichols ‘97 and Brad Colberg ‘82 made a big impression by reflecting on their own Beta Delta experiences. This year’s Harrison Scholarship was shared by Brian Schruth ‘03 and Louie Marucheau ‘03 for their outstanding contributions to Beta Delta. News & Noteworthy. Chuk Denowh ‘03 is actively involved with College Republicans, a student political action group. Jake "Happy" Wetherington ‘01 accompanied his Army Reserve unit to Egypt to help rebuild a town and distribute needed supplies and equipment. The Magazine of Sigma Chi recognized Brett Korpela ‘01 and Corey Giddings ‘01 for their travels in Chile. Paul Allison ‘03 initiated a can recycling program and revived the Little Sister Program. Pledge James Schimdt ‘05 showed initiative by promoting a raffle at the Homecoming Banquet with proceeds going towards his pledge class project. In Memoriam. In loving memory of Dustin Parker ‘02 who was killed in a car wreck on January 8, 1999, a plaque was dedicated in his honor. Paul Allison ‘03 - Tribune 95th Anniversary & Homecoming 2001. Homecoming couldn’t have gone better with the Grizzly pouncing all over St. Marys and Beta Delta brothers reunited for the chapter’s 95th Anniversary. Festivities included a Pre-Game, Tailgate, the Game, Reception at the House and a Celebration Banquet, all coordinated by Bob Rowe ‘80. Sigma Chi and Alpha Phi joined to build a 35-foot Viking ship float that took 1st place in this year’s competition among the Greek houses. Goo Goo Returns Home. A long absent member of Beta Delta returned to the House at the 95th. (Rumors have it that he had been traveling extensively in the Orient). Goo Goo, a large devil mask, was captured in China in the late 1800s and came to live at Beta Delta in the early 1900s. While it’s believed that he got his name from his bulging "goo goo" eyes. However, in Cantonese, it also means "Big Brother". According to Gil Baker ‘27 in an interview last summer, Goo Goo was called "Hokem Jamokem" in his day. Even though the first chapter house at 340 University burned to the ground, Goo Goo survived the flames (a coincidence?) and took up residence at 1110 Gerald in the mid 30s. In the early 90s, Joe Ford ‘72 discovered him lying broken in a box in the Garage and stored him away for future repair. This past year, Goo Goo received a major Y2K facelift (literally) and was reinstalled above the Living Room fireplace. The actives are sworn to guard and protect him from harm. Awards & Recognition. Each year, the Grand Consul recognizes brothers with extended or remarkable service to Sigma Chi with the Grand Consul’s Citation. The Citation requires exemplary service to the Fraternity and its ideals. It is one of Sigma Chi’s most exclusive awards and only 100 are distributed annually. At Beta Delta’s 95th Anniversary Banquet, three brothers received this honor: Brad Colberg ‘82, J.C. McLaughlin ‘74 and Walt Kero ‘73. Congratulations to these brothers and their commitment to Sigma Chi! Presented with Certificates of Appreciation for dedicated service to the chapter include Rex Boller ‘67 and RJ Brewer ‘74 for helping recover The Bell, Don Bennett ‘78 for his banking support, Mark Peterson ‘76, John Rimel ‘79, Bob Rowe ‘80, Ron Lundquist ‘57, Jim Lee ‘59, Bill Todd ‘57, Don Oliver ‘58 and Rich Thompson ‘73 for serving the House Corporation Board and John Bennett Beta Rho ‘84 as Chapter Advisor. 50 Year Member Certificates were also distributed to brothers that attended the Homecoming Banquet that qualified. $1,000,000 Scholarship Endowment Launched. The House Corporation Board approved a proposal by Walt Kero ‘73 for a Million Dollar Scholarship Endowment. $144,064 was transferred from Sigma Chi Foundation (National) to seed the venture. Investment alternatives are being explored which will secure the principal while yielding dividends and interest that will fund scholarships to actives who both live in the House and maintain high grade point. Alums who would like to donate cash, securities, real estate or other assets to the endowment should contact Walt Kero at 406.549.4148. 1110 Gerald Renovation Update. This summer we tackled the BIG Project...reroofing the House and restoring tile to the Garage which has had asphalt shingles since 1973. Planning began almost two years ago with hundreds of hours dedicated to researching material and contractor alternatives. Due to the significant cost ($225,000+) of repairing the existing Ludowici roof tiles, the Board decided to combine Gladding McBean brand tiles with Ludowici trim tiles to retain the unique oriental look, thereby saving $100K. The less expensive tiles look great and have a 75 year warranty just like the Ludowici tiles. While this kind of roofing work is highly specialized, we were fortunate to find a Missoula contractor with considerable experience. Ken Miller Roofing does all UM’s tile roof repairs and recently finished a major tile roof project on the Montana State Capitol Building. Ken’s work is being supervised by architect Jim McDonald who specializes in historic building restoration. Close attention to historical detail is combined with preventive maintenance upgrades like Ice & Water Shield on the entire roof deck in addition to 90# roofing paper to protect it from the tiles. All redwood fascia boards are being replaced and wrapped with copper. All new copper gutters are being installed in strategic locations. The effect of the copper is outstanding. As with any complex project, there have been stops and starts. There are upwards of 20 different tile styles on the roof (field, ridge, hip, etc.). Many of the 100 year old Ludowici tiles have been located through historical tile sources at reduced prices but not all. Fortunately, Ludowici is still in business, although very expensive and very slow. This year, the project will be 95% complete and by early next summer, we should have it wrapped up. The fire escape also will undergo extensive safety and structural upgrades in addition to adding a 3rd floor barrier to discourage roof access. Also completed this fall was new wall paper for the Music Room, arranged by Joe Ford ‘72 and a totally refinished grand piano and rehung pocket doors, arranged by John Rimel ‘78. Finally, to assist the actives in rush, all Reception Room, Living Room and Library furniture was replaced with top quality traditional leather couches and chairs in addition to end tables and lamps. It looks and smells the way the House should! The Board will meeting this winter to discuss the next round of renovation projects. To be discussed includes bedroom restoration and furniture, energy efficient windows, bathroom and kitchen renovation and landscape reconstruction. Like painting the Golden Gate Bridge, there is always more to do. Give Back Fundraiser tops $258,000! Our fundraiser recently topped the 74% "there" mark with 246 of 1186 brothers having contributed. For details on who’s done what, go to our website at www.betadelta-sigmachi.org and click on "Giving Back - List of Contributors". Is your name there? If not, why not step up to the plate now? We have only $92,000 more to go to reach our goal of $350,000 and we need every penny to complete badly needed renovation. To help close the
$92,000 gap and to encourage new donations, we are offering several valuable
"premiums" based on Contribution Level: $250 to $499. Steve Vielleux ‘76 is producing a custom laser etched and lighted Beta Delta Christmas ornament ($20 value) These ornaments are truly one of a kind and a work of art. They are also available for purchase separately for $20. For more, see www.laserartgifts.com $500 to $999. Sigma Chi polo shirt with White Cross emblem (in moss green, slate blue or red; Sizes:S-XL) from www.Campus-Classics.com ($40 value). $1000 to $4999. Limited edition pen & ink print of 1110 Gerald (9" x 14") by Stan Lynde ‘53 (creator of the cartoon strip "Rick O’Shay"). Suitable for framing. (retail value: $100) $5000 to $9,999. Brian Kurth ‘82 is donating a limited edition Kevin Red Star print suitable for framing ($900 value) or any other comparable value print from www.kurthgallery.com. Red Star is one of the premier native American artists and a Montana Crow. $10,000 or more. RJ Brewer ‘74 is donating a limited edition Joe Halko bronze called "Griz Family" measuring 14" high x 11" deep x 18" wide. ($2900 value). For more on Halko, www.montanajourneys.com/halko To qualify for any of these premiums, just either become a new contributor or increase your original contribution by the required amount and you’re in! Print and fill out a Give Back Fundraiser Contribution Form and send it in with payment by December 31, 2001 to qualify for the premium. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. All making multiple year payments have a reminder invoice enclosed. Please pay before December 31 to take advantage of 2001 tax deductions available due to Sigma Chi Building Foundation’s 501c3 charitable organization status. Let us hear from you. Have any articles or stories that you'd like to run in the Grizzly Sig? Forward to info@betadelta-sigmachi.org or mail to Grizzly Sig, PO Box 19605, Portand OR 97280 |