Sigma Phi Epsilon History
Epilogue
From Dr. Walker McDonald to Dr. Leslie Ziegler. From Dr. Fred Helabeck to Dr. Harold Doster. From Dr. Robert Brown to Dr. Walter Reuling to Dr. Ed Strong and today, the dynamic Dr. Bill Fox. Culver has endured many changes in so many ways. Yet, the college remains strong because of, and in some cases, despite great leadership. The men of Club 24 to Beta Sigma Gamma in 1946 started it all. From the l952 chartering of Sigma Phi Epsilon until its dismantling in l993, the Men of Sigma Phi Epsilon left their mark on the Culver Stockton College, both as students and as proud alumni. 47 of 150 years of Culver history with a Sig Ep stamp on it. A wonderful chapter in the college's proud history and the Men of Sigma Phi Epsilon share those similar feelings.
Many members are now retired, having completed wonderfully successful careers. Once fullbacks, outfielders and point-guards, many now are simply known as "Grandpa". Others are in the midst of their own career construction, yet the commonality is that all shared the joys, the heartaches and the tremendous friendships that sustain forever. For most men of the house, making the leap to Canton, Missouri was rather mysterious in its own right. Finding a group of friends that made that stay meaningful and productive was a true bonus, yet through all of the research, the most common phrases revolve around the relationships created at the Sig Ep or Beta Sig House. The connectivity of these unions is the sole reason for a retrospective look at a piece of Culver's history, with an optimistic plea to again connect with the present day.
Much of the research spoke of the reverence held for those who taught us. While the coaches were frequently mentioned, so were the workings of the academic giants of Culver Stockton. Dr. Lacy Leftwich, Dr. Ford T. Messamore, Dr. J. Leslie Pierce, Dr. John B. Alexander, Dr. Joe Hootman, Dr. Frank Edgar and the admiration for the leadership and tenacity of one Miss Olga Bays. However, it was not a surprise to see many words written about the late Dr. John Sperry, who touched lives in the library, in his classes and on the campus itself. Such exposures to these gifted faculties were simple; we were able to take them for granted as students. It is the wisdom real-world experience that cemented their words on our lives.
This college has long been a special place; made even better with the many contributions of the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Plus, life moves very quickly and we have already said goodbye to way too many brothers. The signature value of Sigma Phi Epsilon has always been the fraternity's ability to generate lifelong relationships. Here is one more opportunity to do just that.
So, perhaps at Homecoming 2004, we will reunite a couple of generations and the memories that we all hold so dear. Perhaps, as a group, we will again stand together for a couple of stirring choruses of the songs that were cherished parts of our history. Chances are that the audience will be offering smiles of acclimation and approval. With waistlines that are probably larger, hair that has either disappeared or turned a difference color and a ready supply of reading glasses, we anticipate each other's company ... just as we always had before.
Joel Campe '60, summed it up as simply as can be written. "I wouldn't trade my days at Culver-Stockton College and being a Sig Ep for anything." Plus, as the next chapters of Culver-Stockton's history is being written, let it known with reverence and pride that truly, "there used to be a Sig Ep House here."
Salutation:
My thanks to our effervescent Alumni Director, Shirley Collier, for planting the seed as an attempt to reconnect the Men of Sigma Phi Epsilon with the Culver-Stockton College of 2004. More thanks to archivist Jane Leeser and her staff for helping me dig out tremendous amounts of information. I would be remiss if I didn't thank the PR Staff at Culver--Director and good friend John Potts, along with Courtney Leeser and Velvet Hasner. They had to boil down all of this for the Chronicle article and did a great job in capturing the highlights. Several have asked me to pen a book about the Sig Ep House. I haven't ruled it out. Plus, I already have the title--The Best Four Years of My Life. Perhaps later. And, most of all, to my great friends and mentors, Don and Katie Sykes, who filled in many blanks and personally, brought much of our history, once again, to life. It is the unsung heroes of Culver-Stockton College inspire the most. I have often wondered how different my life would have been without these people in it. Not bad for a dirty neck kid from Upstate New York. I also married a local girl some 33 years ago and, along with my two daughters and one grandson, I consider myself one lucky guy. Read this at your leisure; it was a joy to put together and I hope you enjoyed the end result.
John F. Tripp '72
President -- Sigma Phi Epsilon 1970-71
Vice President -- Denman Services, Inc.
Quincy, Illinois
Click on the following links to read Sigma Phi Epsilon's history.
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