The Illinois Beta chapter marked its 125th Anniversary on September 13-14, 2024, with over 120 alumni in attendance. It was a weekend filled with unforgettable moments of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) brotherhood. If you weren’t able to join or would like to revisit the highlights, here’s a recap of the weekend’s most memorable events.
- Phi Alpha Golf Outing – There were 77 golfers who participated in PAGO 2024 at Atkins Golf Club. Golf shoe bags and awards were presented at the golf course, and lunch was included after the tournament.
- Significant Others Program – Student ambassadors led tours of the U of I campus and Krannert Art Museum.
- Barbecue Buffet Reception at the Chapter House – ILBE 125th anniversary coins were presented to all ILBE alumni.
- Brad Dickson Patio Improvement Project – The patio was dedicated to Brad.
- Hospitality Tent – Set up at the chapter house before the game; included coffee, juice, water, bagels, and donuts.
- Fighting Illini vs. Central Michigan – Great Illini victory!
- Hospitality Tent – Set up at the chapter house after the game; beer, water, and light snacks were provided.
- Dinner at Jupiter’s at the Crossing – Brothers from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s were recognized and presented with 25-year and 50-year certificates!
Special thanks to all of the alumni on the Planning Committee:
- Accommodations: Mike Jezier (Illinois ’79)
- Golf Committee: Kim Larson (Illinois ’81) and George Havel (Illinois ’79)
- Friday Reception: Ray Keeler (Illinois ’79), Chuck Reifsteck (Illinois ’80), and Tom Donlan (Illinois ’79)
- Football Tickets: Doug Fink (Illinois ’77) and Greg Martin (Illinois ’76)
- Recruitment: Bob Michalak (Illinois ’69), Jerry Stuff (Illinois ’81), and Daryl Drake (Illinois ’75)
- Tailgating: Ed Hansen (Illinois ’87), Monroe McWard (Illinois ’79), and Bruce Fales (Illinois ’83)
- Saturday Night Event Committee: Mike Hassan (Illinois ’85) and Greg Martin (Illinois ’76)
- Awards Committee: Greg Martin (Illinois ’76)
- Finance Committee: Tom Jepsen (Illinois ’76) and Jeff Ostrowski (Illinois ’79)
- Memorabilia Committee: Phil Hindenberger (Illinois ’65), Greg Martin (Illinois ’76), Doug Fink (Illinois ’77), and Tom Donlan (Illinois ’79)
- Parking Committee: Doug Fink (Illinois ’77)
- ΣAE National Fraternity: Greg Martin (Illinois ’76)
- Significant Other Committee: Paul Wieck (Illinois ’78)
- Active Chapter Committee: Greg Martin ’76 and Doug Fink (Illinois ’77)
- Song Committee: Greg Werner (Illinois ’77)
- Memorial T-shirt Committee: Seth Gordon (Illinois ’91) and Connor Gordon (Illinois ’25)
Greg Martin would like to extend a special thank you to the following individuals for their extra contributions: Marsha Myers (ILBE house director), Avary Base of Pennington & Company, Jake Showalter (Case Western Reserve ‘98), Jason Scott Embry (Western Kentucky ‘94), Jake Harris (Central Oklahoma ‘20), Dillan Humbard (Kennesaw State ‘21), Alison Lai, Kevin Gath (Western Carolina ’14), Juan Faria (Salem State ’17) and JP Andrick (Frostburg State ’97).
After the celebration, many alumni expressed interest in joining an Alumni Advisory Board. The board’s goal will be to create a more meaningful SAE experience for members, both now and in the future.
“There is truly something special going on at Illinois Beta,” Greg said. “The chapter is made up of great young men and has amazing alumni who are supportive and actively engaged.”
