Sigma Phi Epsilon History
The Early Years: 1946-1952 - Noteable Quotes
- David Brower '58: Have the joy of practicing law for 40 years and enjoy farming with my son; Hope to get back to the hill someday since it is has been since the spring of 1958 since I was back.
- Dr. Jim Magee '60: I have many, many Sig Ep memories. John Sperry was the best I ever had as a professor. Was back a long, long time ago. My wife lost my Sig Ep pin 40 years ago and we're still looking for it.
- Archie Spoerner '60: Spent two tours at Culver, interrupted by being drafted; had the joy of being with two different groups of guys. The parties were great in both eras. Coach Herington and Coach Robb were most influential. Haven't been back since the mid-80's and now live in Florida. I do remember being busted for five days after being caught in a beer bust at the riverfront. (Editors's Note: that NEVER occurred again in the history of the Sig Eps)
- Tom "Spook" Spoerner '60: Enjoyed my time with brother Archie and cousin Don. Enjoyed my time with roommates Ron Johnson, Ed Cohn, Terry Hartigan, Bill Whitacre, Jim Aquavia and Dick Rusnack. Roadtrips were frequent--usually to pick up (borrow) something we didn't have, but desperately needed. Mr. Coker, Miss Bays and Dr. Church all inspired me. Many memories that are all good; I retired as Dr. Spoerner as the Chairman of the Art Education department at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Was back for my 30th in 1990 and stopped by in l998 in the summer, enjoying a night at the Canton Motel. The Sig Ep experience was the high point of my life and I got to serve the frat as treasurer for 2 ½ years. Came close to going broke, but never hit that nadir.
- Don Spoerner '58: Coach Herington was second only to my father as the greatest man I ever knew. Coach Robb, Dr. Messamore, Miss Venable and Dr. Helsabeck were the real thing. Plus, the friendship of Don and Katie Sykes, who ran the Cat's Pause. In l958, Tony Manning and I were responsible for the move to 801 White. I had the privilege of speaking at the house dedication in l959. Did have a slight suspension for 5 days because of a pledge class party at the river; just happened that Dean Mease was showing Dr. Helsabeck around and they drove by the river. While I wasn't there, I was the house President. Manning was equally suspended, even though he was in Keokuk; Dr. Helsabeck wanted to make his point. (Editor's note: drinking at the river NEVER occurred again.) I was also honored, along with my roommate Frank Nardi, to be named to Who's Who in Colleges and Universities in l958. In addition, I was honored to have dinner with Eleanor Roosevelt, who was on campus for a lecture.
- John Sienkowski '60: I stayed at 801 White for a year and got married my Senior year. The house was always a great place and full of Culver's finest athletes. Dr. Edgar Franz, my math instructor, was way ahead of his time and showed me how to program a computer way back in l959. Parleyed that into working for IBM--had the pleasure of programming the computer for the spacecraft re-entry for the Gemini program. I was through Canton and stopped by in the summer of 2001 while traveling.
- Ed Cohn '61: The continued friendship that started in the Sig Ep house is a legacy worth preserving. Dr. Messamore, Coach Robb and Coach Herington certainly shaped my life. I still continue to battle with the state legislature and media on issues that are meaningful. Stay in touch with Arch Spoerner and Dave Schattgen. Was back in 2002 and hope to attend in 2004.
- Chuck Burlingame '56: My l952 pledge class was small (8) and at one point, we got down to just 12 members and became very close. I still am very close with Art Oldin, my pledge father. Haven't been back to the Hill since the 60's. I retired in 2001 after serving the last part of my career as the Human Services Director and Assistant City Manager in Panama City, Florida.
- Ron Bentsen '55: Just beating the snot out of the Lambda Chi's on the intramural field was delightful. Dr. Messamore was most inspirational and the friendship of Don and Katie Sykes in the CP was a treasure. I was back in 2003 and do see John Watson on the golf course and occasionally see Neil Meyer.
Click on the following links to read Sigma Phi Epsilon's history.
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