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SigmaPiBetaGamma.com 1
BETA-GAMMA GABSIGMA PI FRATERNITY | EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
SPRING 2019
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It is our honor and privilege to announce to you an incredibly important undertaking for Sigma Pi at Eastern Illinois University.
For the last year, the Alumni Association and several dedicated alumni have been working dil-igently to position Beta-Gamma for the future. Today, we proudly announce The Campaign for Beta-Gamma. This capital campaign will reno-vate our beloved home to provide a safe living environment and competitive housing for our undergraduates and generations of Brothers still to come. The campaign is designed to secure the future of Sigma Pi on the Eastern Illinois Uni-versity campus and provide an improved atmo-sphere for Beta-Gammas.
Can you picture this? The Chapter House with-out any walls, down to the studs. The only walls standing are in the dining room. This is to pre-serve the original elephant hide wallpaper. The overall project is more than just the moderniza-tion of the house. It is our goal to make our home a safer living environment. With these improve-ments to the physical plant, we believe we can be better stewards to providing an environment with modern mechanics.
A detailed list of the major improvements required to achieve our goals can be found on page 2.
What’s Going on at 956?
SIGMA PI PROUD TO ANNOUNCE $500,000 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
CIAA LEADERSHIP
Thank You, AlumniWe would like to thank the Alumni Association and the campaign committee for their tireless efforts in getting this project off the ground. We also want to thank the campaign committee for all their time and efforts, as well as the era and class leaders, who are working to get the mes-sage out and get classmates involved. Most of all, a very special thank-you goes to the early supporters of the campaign who have given so generously. Early commitments from these ded-icated alumni have helped us raise $312,500 of our campaign goal. We hope the example they set will inspire you to stretch your gift as far as possible so that this campaign lives up to the leg-acy of the Beta-Gamma Chapter of Sigma Pi at Eastern Illinois. More information on how you can donate to the campaign will be shared in the coming months.
How You Can HelpWe now have a chance to repay in a small way what Sigma Pi provided us: a home away from home, where we learned the joys and respon-sibilities of friendship and Brotherhood. This is our chance to preserve this opportunity for generations. We must challenge one another to support this campaign and reconnect with our Chapter. We know that the principles and ideals we all learned as Beta-Gamma men will serve to inspire us as we consider what we can do individ-ually and collectively. Every contribution counts, and every gift will benefit future Brothers. We are asking for your help in this essential endeavor. We hope you will join our growing list of loyal supporters of The Campaign for Beta-Gamma. Donors who contribute $1,000 or more to the campaign will be recognized in campaign publi-cations, unless otherwise requested; donors who contribute $2,500 and above will be recognized on a prominently displayed wall in the Chapter Room once the renovation is complete.
Please contact us if you have questions about the campaign—your participation will make a differ-ence.
Fraternally, Darrin Bacon ’82Housing [email protected]
President Marty Morgan ’[email protected]
Vice President Jeff Phillips ’[email protected]
Secretary Brent Barnard ’[email protected]
Treasurer Jeff Knezovich ’[email protected]
DirectorsMike Green ’[email protected]
Mike Nguyen ’[email protected] Corey Thiesse ’[email protected]
Chapter Director Bill Mulvaney ’[email protected]
Assistant Chapter Director Blake Miller, Illinois State University ’[email protected]
University Advisor Jay Gatrell ’[email protected]
Housing Chairman Darrin Bacon ’[email protected]
Sage Braden Davis ’[email protected]
Capital Campaign Projects
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Stabilize Basement Walls As a 128-year-old structure, the original building materials are showing their age. Leaking water in the basement is an issue, and the original exterior brick is breaking down. There is a safety concern with water on the floor and the use of electrical devices and appliances. From a health issue, we are concerned with the reoccurring mold. Annual steam cleaning in the basement is also contributing to the breakdown of the masonry. We know this issue must be remedied.
Mandated Fire Suppression SystemAs of January 1, 2019, all fraternity and sorority homes must maintain a sprinkler system. Fire suppression systems are used to extinguish or prevent the spread of fire in a building and use a combination of dry chemicals and/or wet agents to suppress fires. We agree that these updates are needed as added protection. To preserve the historical appearance of the current structure, the system would be installed behind new insulation and drywall. This too makes the physical plant more energy efficient and environmentally sound.
Electrical UpdateWith the walls opened, it will be necessary to bring the structure up to code. It is an-ticipated crews will come across knob-and-tube wiring as it was the early standardized method of electrical wiring in buildings in common use in North America from about 1880 to the 1930s. State-of-the-art wiring is important for safety reasons. Also, the elec-trical draw from all the modern personal use devices such as computers and phones labor the current system.
Historical Update The current majestic grand staircase will have to be brought up to code as well. The exist-ing hand rail does not meet code and will require significant expertise to reproduce the existing historical features of the rail originally designed more than 100 years ago.
Lead PipesFrom a safety issue pertaining to potential contamination, all lead pipes should be re-moved from the house. It is anticipated that some of the existing service lines still in-corporate lead pipes, and new water lines will be required for the new sprinkler system.
AbatementOne of the most lethal products used in mid-century construction is asbestos. It is antic-ipated the current duct work may be wrapped in an asbestos product.
Fire Escape UnitThe current fire escape does not meet city code and will require it to be replaced with a modern structure. This unique appendage to the house structure needs to service not only the occupants trying to leave a harmful situation but allow for fire personnel to attack and aid in the event of a harmful situation.
ADA Accessibility An exterior ramp has been designed to allow for access to the house for individuals with disabilities. In addition, a specialized automatic opening/closing door will be required at that access point. A main floor bathroom will be gutted so that it can meet the require-ments for ADA designation.
Historic PreservationA modified roof line on the back of the house is essential to preserve the historic rel-ics in the house. Most notably, the more than 100-year-old elephant hide wallpaper and woodwork that adorns the formal dining room is being damaged from a leak. The leak appears to be coming from above with water running down the backside of the wall into the basement. Security SystemTo protect our investment, a state-of-the-art monitoring system will be installed through-out the property. In addition, an electronic keys system will be used for members to access their personal space and some of the service areas within the Chapter House.
Removal of Boiler SystemCurrently, the structure does not have a central air conditioning system. To maintain a better exterior appearance, our project includes new fuel-efficient zone heating and air
Beta-Gamma Society ($100,000 and above) Mike P. McKenna ’06
Holley Society ($50,000 to $99,999) Roger Claar ’65
Sidwell Society ($25,000 to $49,999) Eli R. Sidwell Jr. ’55Jeffrey P. Knezovich ’75 Paul E. Hoffman ’77
Stewart Society ($10,000 to $24,999) Floyd R. Davis ’59 Daniel G. Allen ’74 Terry McElwee ’83 Jonathan A. Ziemer ’06
Slevin Society ($5,000 to $9,999) Ed McClane ’71 Philip J. Saran ’79Darrin R. Bacon ’82 Martin Morgan ’82 Jeffery D. Phillips ’82
Crook Society ($2,500 to $4,999) D. Dean Crook ’56 Dennis E. Stewart ’66 Daniel Howrey ’72Timothy J. Loftus ’75 Douglas D. Crook ’81Robert R. Hassels ’81William C. Mulvaney ’81
THANK YOU, EARLY SUPPORTERS
We are truly grateful to the following Beta-Gamma Brothers who have made early commitments totaling $312,500 to The Campaign for Beta-Gamma. These alumni recognize
the importance of securing Beta-Gamma’s future and have demonstrat-ed a sense of gratitude for their personal experience. You can also ad d your name to the list!
If an error has been made in recording your gift, or your name has mistakenly been omitted or listed improperly, we sincerely apologize. Please contact our campaign coordinator at (785) 843-1661 so we may make a correction.
conditioning. The air conditioner units will be removed from the windows, which will be a more efficient way to maintain the internal climate and be environmentally sound.
Historical Designation Application will be sought to designate the Chapter House a historical site in the Federal Register. To comply, the vinyl siding must be removed from the exterior of the house, and the original molding and wood cladding will need to be restored.
Additional details regarding these projects and much more will be communicated in the future.
The Society for the Preservation of Greek Housing was formed to aid in the preser-vation of historically and architecturally significant Greek houses, to work to have additional houses listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to fund histori-cal research/writing projects, and to conduct educational open houses and seminars to educate the public about these Greek-affiliated structures.
To aid in preservation and rehabilitation of the chapter houses, the Society will pro-vide grants for: • Health and safety code requirements that do not result in the loss of character • Major structural rehabilitation or restoration • Exterior rehabilitation or restoration • Interior rehabilitation or restoration
All donations made to the Society may be deducted as provided in Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Direct gifts of appreciated securities, beneficiary designations under wills and/or liv-ing trusts, and other similar gifts are welcome. Bequests, legacies, devises, transfers, or gifts to the Society are deductible for Federal estate and gift tax purposes if they meet the applicable provisions of sections 2055, 2106, and 2522 of the Code.
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Campaign Status At-a-Glance
As of March 14, 2019
Campaign Goal$500,000
Total Commitments$312,500
Total Contributors20
Mailable Alumni1,544
Happy belated Founders’ Day! Who can recite the names of our four founders? We all had such great pledge trainers—
this should not be an issue. Equally important is Beta-Gamma’s founding on June 10, 1949, and in June, we will be 70 years young. Discussions about holding an Orchid Ball to celebrate this special occasion are in the works. Every lady in attendance will receive an orchid, and the mu-sic played will come from all eras. Please let me know if you are game for the idea. The potential date is Saturday, June 8, in the Grand Ballroom of the EIU Union.
The event will be used to also celebrate the revital-ization of our grand Chapter House. Even though construction will not be completed, we can con-duct hard hat tours of the property. I know there has been a lot of back and forth as to whether the city would issue the necessary permits to com-plete the project. After consultation with Sam Postlewait ’75 of Hughes, Tenney, Postlewait, and Coale, we decided to move forward with the hiring of local counsel to assist us with the ap-plication process. After many weeks of back and forth, the city deemed our property as “non-con-forming” and told us how to proceed. At the time of the release of this issue, we are in the process of final permitting. Let the construction begin!
Because of the delayed construction schedule the Alumni Association will lose one year of rent totaling nearly $60,000. It is a big hole to fill, but with our planning all of our expenses are covered through the end of the fiscal year. The Alum-ni House, next to Chapter House, does not have boarders either, so members could have a meeting place, which is another financial commitment of $18,000. As a reminder, if you have not paid your annual alumni dues of only $50, please do so as your dollars support the properties and our Alum-ni Association activities and communications.
My thanks to the newest members of the Cen-tral Illinois Alumni Association. Brothers Mike Green ’66 and Mike Nguyen ’07 were both elect-ed to director positions at last year’s homecom-ing meeting.
Please feel free to reach out to me with your ques-tions or comments. There is always much to be said and sometimes you don’t know who to direct your comments. Here’s to a bright and prosperous future for our beloved Beta-Gamma Chapter.
Fraternally, Marty Morgan ’[email protected]
A Bright and Prosperous Future for Beta Gamma
OUR ESTEEMED BROTHERSOUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS MADE BY
PAST AND PRESENT BETA-GAMMA MEMBERS
Onward and Upward Insights from
Our Chapter Director
I am happy to continue working as the Chapter director of Beta-Gamma. After serving in this position for as long as I
have, you learn to let things bounce off you. If not, I would be in a constant state of pan-ic. For example, the city of Charleston water department informed us our water consump-tion in the Alumni House was above average. After contacting the Chapter and visiting the property, it was determined someone left a faucet running. But every now and then, I have to remind myself I am working with young men. However, for anyone willing to offer advice or words of encouragement, my ears are always open.
A Visit from NationalsChapter membership is critically low. In Jan-uary, the national staff visited to assess our recruitment programming and campus en-vironment. Our representative walked away pleased with the energy level of the young leadership and felt confident that our mem-bership issue can turn itself around. The na-tional representative shared two major ob-servations: where are all the alumni from this extraordinary Chapter and why has campus programming within the Greek System dete-riorated so quickly?
(Continued on page 4)
Illinois State Representative Tim Butler ’85 was appointed by House Republi-can Minority Leader Jim Durkin to the post of House Republican Conference
Chairman, a position with Jim’s leadership team. Tim is the first Sangamon Coun-ty resident to be a member of the House Republican Leadership since 2002.
CBS football analyst Tony Romo ’99 got his first Super Bowl win! His perfor-mance in the booth has gained him accolades from viewers and his peers.
While predicting plays accurately is extremely impressive, Romo is much more than that. He can drop high-level Xs and Os analysis and makes it easy for viewers to understand and consume. Most analysts speak inside play-calling language, but Romo expertly conveys information to viewers in a clear and concise style.
Sage Braden Davis ’17 is a junior from St. Louis and is a member of EIU’s tennis team.
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Sigma Pi Fraternity Eastern Illinois University P.O. Box 442100 Lawrence, KS 66044-2100
Address Service Requested
Onward and Upward (Continued from page 3)
BETA-GAMMA GABH
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Call for Alumni MentorsMy observation is we need more interaction with the local alumni who would be willing to serve as mentors, which I am calling the “Big-gest Brother” program. They will meet at a minimum of once a semester with the Chap-ter to talk about fraternity and professional life. It will expose them to what it means to be a part of a Brotherhood with deeps roots at the national level, within the community, and on campus. Somehow, they are not getting that aspect of fraternity life. Not a fault of the men of Beta-Gamma, but rather the environ-ment currently at the university. If you think you can give a few hours a semester, please let me know as I want to have the program up and operating as soon as possible.
Welcoming New LeadershipA special thanks to Blake Miller, Illinois State University ’17, an EIU graduate student who has been named assistant Chapter direc-tor. He has been a tremendous asset to me and the men of the Chapter.
Chapter Sees New SuccessesA huge positive last semester, the Chapter im-pressed everyone by finishing second in the fraternity grade point average competition. I can confirm this is a great accomplishment, and several of the Brothers received 4.0s. We are in the process of doubling the member-ship by the end of the school year, and our
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Mail checks to CIAA, 380 Prairie Knoll Drive, Naperville, IL 60565
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Credit card payment can be sent to [email protected]
Provide Your Housemother Recommendations!
We are seeking recommendations on possible candidates for housemother. This full-time position will begin in August when their permanent residence in the Chapter House will be begin. Once a hire is confirmed, the successful candidate will help plan and assist with
the décor of the renovated Chapter House and will hire a cook for the 2019-20 school year. A job de-scription is available to all applicants. In brief, some of the requirements include:
n Individual who has raised a family and has no ongoing rearing responsibilities. n Ability to reside in the housemother’s suite on a full-time basis. n Manage menu planning, purchasing, and staffing of kitchen. n Serve as the official greeter to parents, community, and campus officials. n Participate in pledge education programming. n Manage the operations of the property and pay appropriate vendors. n Collect payments from renters. n Serve as the fraternity’s ambassador.
If you know of someone in your church, family, or community who may fit this bill, please provide me with their name or have them contact me for all employment details.
Fraternally, Jeff Knezovich ’75, [email protected]
2018-19 CIAA Membership Dues
men are planning back-to-back spring recruitment programs to ensure we get a full house in the fall.
Fraternally, Bill Mulvaney ’81Chapter [email protected]
