Sigma Phi Epsilon
The Baby Boomers Arrive: 1960-1973
Just as Culver-Stockton College showed major growth during this time period, so did the Sig Eps. A major influence was the influx of many students from the greater Chicago area. Three names always come up when this group is referenced. Coaches Bill Herington, Elgie Posey, Kenny Robb and Jesse Vail mined a fertile pipeline of men who had a major influence on the life of the college's athletics and in the heart of the Sig Ep House. Close relationships, as highlighted by the likes of Ron Carlson '65, speaks of seeing, to this day, many members of the house. "I see Kent Blackwell, Jim Farrell, Paul McClelland, Gary Paftrath, Dave Peradotti, Jerry Rizzo, Jon Templin, Gene Voss, Jerry Wizorek, Pet Zakos and Terry Johnson on a regular basis. They were a part of my life then and remain to this day." Reflecting this even further is Blair Stanicek, Sig Ep President in l961, who flatly stated that, "Coach Herington was the only reason I succeeded at Culver-Stockton and ultimately in life." Strong words, indeed.
 Bob Cook '60, was the President of the Sig Ep House when the members moved into 801 White Street. On October 10, 1959, the Men of Sigma Phi Epsilon dedicated their new home in a meaningful manner and President Cook offered the response to the college President, Dr. Fred Helsabeck. A simple service, if you will. Norm Loveland '60, offered the prayer and Dr. J. Leslie Pierce provided special music for the event. The culmination of being a local fraternity, to finding their first home, to becoming a national fraternity and ultimately to the home that would bear its name for the remainder of its days. Bob further served the Sig Eps as a major member of the Alumni Housing Authority and was instrumental, along with Joel Campe '60, in the last major renovation of the 801 White Street house in the late 80's. Now retired, and in frequent contact with Norm Loveland '61, Don Shoemaker '76 Dwayne Evans '59, Ed Cohn '61 and Bob Ripley '59, shared recently that "I have the original charter of the Sig Ep House, along with the inaugural Presidents plaque. Both represent the devotion and dedication that the men of the house held for not only their house, but for their long-standing friendships and support of Culver-Stockton." Bob Cook has remained very active with the alumni since his graduation.
Not only did the Baby Boomers arrive on Culver's campus, so did future leaders. One such is John Sienkowski '60, who was part of the Gemini Space Program, working as one of the highly trained programmers that set the codes for re-entry from outer space. Many worked as lawyers, such as David Brower '58, Ray Beuer '63 and Larry Gullotta '69, just to name a few. The history of the Sig Ep House can be traced to many WW 2 Veterans, but Jim Farrell '63, a Korean War Vet, summed it up nicely. He stated, even after years in management for General Motors, 3 years in the Navy, that his years on the Hill as part of the Sig Ep house was "no group better exemplified the spirit of brotherhood than the Sig Eps." Such pride is echoed throughout many research pieces.
No piece about the Sig Eps would be complete without a mention of Dave Predmore '62. The Barry, Illinois native matriculated to Culver, then to Arizona State for his MBA and back to Culver to serve his alma mater as an Assistant Professor of Business Administration and Economics. Dave recently retired, yet there is a full generation of Sig Eps that owe a great deal for the patience and guidance that he quietly provided.
Connections are now being made with Dr.Edgar Franz, Dean Dale Almond, Mr. Richard Holmes, Mrs. Mary McReynolds, Dr. T. L. Pittenger and Mr. John Bursewicz as faculty that had many lasting relationships with the Men of Sigma Phi Epsilon. It is those relationships that just don't fit well in the college catalog, but are vital because they last forever. Tom Nilsson '65 related, "the Sig Eps were children of mostly blue-collar parents and learned to scrape by. We never had a lot of money, but thanks to the likes of Jack Ricci '65, we learned the business of money and even managed to pay off 801 White Street early."
Homecoming Floats, made in conjunction with the sororities and the Homecoming Skits were staples in this era. Few would deny that many of the Sig Eps were born entertainers, but it was the simple life in the house that bore the most attention. Current Culver-Stockton Board of Trustees member Ron Leftwich '64 traced his preparation at Culver to the job that he recently retired from. Shell Oil, that is, and after 38 years, left as the Corporate Treasurer.
Football, basketball and baseball, not to mention the golf links, were favorite hangouts for most of the Men of Sigma Phi Epsilon. In fact, starting in l964 and through l972, the Sig Ep Intramural football team never lost a game. The sounds of blaring horns announced their presence with style and excitement. Old adages and the Culver Megaphone seem to indicate that the Sig Ep gridmen ran Bill Herington's, Jesse Vail's and Jack McBride's offense better at times than the varsity. That fact, while hotly debated, was never proven.
Carl Sandburg made a rare public appearance on the Culver campus during this time and was greeted with many men. Chuck Vehlow '62 now a Behavioral Sciences Administrator, spoke with pride in welcoming Illinois 2nd most famous son for a day of learning. Don Wible '67, although inspired by the workings of Biology Professor John Bursewicz, nevertheless left Culver and the Sig Eps early and made a success in the plastics industry. Summing it up, "I learned plenty, am semi-retired on a large ranch in Texas and don't owe a dime to anyone." That's a Mission Statement that belongs in every college catalog.
Recognizing that Culver had a lot to offer, the name of Dr. Ethel Kaump cannot be left out. This fiery Professor was part of a program known as the Calculated Risk program, or CR's for short. These students, many now successful professionals, were given the summer prior to their acceptance, to be part of the campus and accelerate their potential for success. One such example is Jim Strickler '70. Now the CEO and President of Gent-L-Kleen, a family business in its 65th year: he recalled his summer as a CR with great pride. The York, Pennsylvania company boasts an international customer base and Jim's presence on campus also led him to the Sig Ep House.
The winds of the Viet Nam war were felt on every college campus and Culver's was not immune. While the late 60's produced significant social changes, the Sig Ep House flourished. The Chicago connection continued to feed the house with athletes, musicians, thespians and future physicians and lawyers and many future educators. Ed "Beaver" Buckley served the house in many ways, had a successful career and could be heard in the fall as the PA Announcer at the Culver football games. Yet, Barn Dance and Dinner Dance were annual held and widely attended. The venues perhaps changed somewhat, but never the intent. Even the Greek Olympics was a chance to shine in front of the campus. While many wouldn't consider the Sig Ep House a musician's paradise, the Culver Sororities on many occasions got to hear the harmony of the brotherhood on a special night. More than one Sig Ep has commented on the serenade made possible because Glenn "Goofy" Wedding shared his fraternity pin with a special lady. Rush parties, smokers and initiations all called for some heartfelt songs. Even the most cynical and tone-deaf were happy to be part of the chorus on those occasions. At the most recent reunion in Chicago in 2000, the sounds of the singing Sig Eps, while not Grammy-worthy, never lacked in enthusiasm, a trait learned well on the Canton campus.
 It is remarkable to note, that during this time period, two Sig Eps had their brush with athletic greatness. Gene Voss '69, spent several years as a pitcher in the Detroit Tigers organization and Kenneth "Gus" Williams, former High School Principal, Real Estate Magnate and now a success coach residing in Arizona, was a consensus NAIA All-American and named to the 1st team after serving as Culver's quarterback. He was also the quarterback on the all National Sig Ep team, as named by the Richmond, Virginia, headquarters. Gus, though semi-retired, was recently quoted, "the training and relationships that were built during my time at Culver and in the Sig Ep House is the essence of what college was all about."
Certainly not forgotten was the football and college career of one William "Plugs" Heyden. From an invitation from Coach Jesse Vail, Bill completed his undergraduate career as a member of the Sig Ep House and a 3-year varsity letterman. Good enough to get a tryout with an NFL team, although he chose to pursue his own career and continues, to this day, to be the Dean of Students at John F. Kennedy High School in Chicago.
The seeds of tradition had taken hold with the 2nd generation of men in the Sig Ep House. Those that bridged that gap include the likes of Springfield native Bill Scheffler '70, himself a member of the Culver basketball team and recently retired as Superintendent of Schools in Galesburg, Illinois. Ron Dempsay '76, who came to Culver following his military career and is working towards his own retirement as the Principal of the Unity Middle School in Mendon, Illinois. Or Milan "Bud" Folkers, who continues to be a veteran pilot for Northwest Airlines. Or a recent recipient of the Main Street of America Award and former Sig Ep President Bob Heiser '69, who owns and operates the family business of Crescent Jewelers in Hannibal.
Take the case of Dar Cox '73. The Gary, Indiana native parleyed his own love of the game of baseball into a career. As a scout for the Colorado Rockies, he currently is responsible for current major leaguers Jason Jennings of the Rockies, Josh Baird of the Indians and John Thomson of the Atlanta Braves. All signed by this Sig Ep and author of a Culver-Stockton no-hitter himself in the spring of l973 against Iowa Wesleyan.
It may have been Barn Dance or Derby Day. The latter was the Sig Eps' own competition in which the brothers would host the sororities for a morning of spirited competition. The ultimate prize being a trophy that stood close to five feet tall. From balloon tosses and relays, Derby Day always meant digging the rather large hole in the backyard at 801 White that would be filled with water and host the annual tug of war. Memorable in many ways, as sorority members would go home somewhat dirtier than when she arrived and have a Sig Ep stencil spray painted on her backsides . "Yet, it was the friendship and loyalty of the Sig Ep house that made it special," this according to Greg "Python" Hutchins '69, the current President of Carolina Relocations in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
From Smitty's and Mel's Truck Stops, Don's Grand Leader and Tony's Restaurant in Quincy, the Sig Eps were everywhere. Many rushees will remember the antics of Vern Naden '69 and Larry Gullotta '69 as they entertained restaurants full of patrons and a few potential members. Craig Ritz and Paul Schlierer '69 usually not far behind. Tony Geraci, Roger Allen and Tony Vacek became the essence of the Sig Ep house continued its own legacy. Yet, with every piece of research comes with familiar Culver-Stockton names. Hootman, McReynolds, Sperry, Edgar, Bursewicz and Olga Bays. While each era considered itself somewhat unique, we now know of the tremendous educational effort put forth by these pillars of Culver Stockton and the thousands of lives that they ultimately inspired.
 Jack Kanne '71, recently retired as Executive Vice President of Paramount Home Entertainment, a division of Paramount Pictures Corporation in Los Angeles. His career speaks for itself and he now volunteer work for the American Cancer Society on the west coast, but summed up the experience as a Sig Ep at Culver Stockton like this. "My years at Culver and as a Sig Ep helped me develop a social confidence, a more open personality, and a well rounded character. These traits, along with a focused work ethic (fueled by my many off-campus jobs) helped me learn to cope with the rigors of a career. I am forever grateful for the opportunities and friendships I made at the Sig Ep house and was lucky enough to experience it all in Canton."
Any Sig Ep of this era can tell many stories of 801 White Street. Moleland. The Roost. As pointed out so eloquently by G. Ashton Lafferty '71, "there was an aura and point of pride in being a member of the Sig Ep house." He then parleyed his undergraduate effort into a full career in the United States Air Force, retiring after 26 years with the rank of Colonel. He continues his own leadership while working for the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon. Truly a long way from the Disciples of Christ Church in Shelbyville, Kentucky.
Real Estate Developer Joe Hogan '73, now residing in Tempe, Arizona, came to the Sig Ep House fresh out of the service. As did Dan Schmelter '73, now a General Partner and Civic Leader for Edward Jones in Plymouth, Indiana. Both echo the same reflections; that being that the friendships and relationships that were part of the Culver experience were only made better with the Sig Ep inclusion.
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