Page 2 - Gamma Mu News - Fall 2010

Facility Assessment of Sigma Nu Completed

igma Nu Housing Corporation contracted with Tom Hurlbutt, It allows for a variety of configurations for each room and is completely
an expert in fraternity facility assessments to conduct an interchangeable. It has been given high marks by current students. This
Soverall assessment of Sigma Nu. Mr. Hurlbutt was highly system will faciltate a much higher number of occupants in the house.
recommended by Treanor Architects (www.treanorarchitects.com), the
firm that recently designed and constructed the new Sigma Nu House RENOVATION BATHROOMS
at University of Arkansas and completed the renovations of the Sigma Although the bathrooms are functional, they are in serious need of
Chi Fraternity at University of Kansas, a house very similar to our own. maintenance. Maintanance items, such as routing all of the urinals,
For more information on those projects, see the link above and click on toilets, and sinks to the main city connection. Floors need to be polished
“Student Life” then “Greek Life”. and re-grouted.

After reviewing the Facility Assessment, the Housing Corporation EXTERIOR UPGRADES
has selected five top priorities for Gamma Mu:
The most pressing issues are to improve/renovate the gutter and
LIFE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS drainage systems surrounding the fraternity. Water coming into the
The most pressing and important priority is to meet certain deadlines house due to poor gutter drainage and run-off has caused significant
in the Urbana Housing and Safety Code. Such improvements include: damage to the sleeping rooms and dining room of the house. Re-lining
Fire Suppression/Sprinkler System and upgrade of Fire Alarm and of the main chimney is also recommended. In addition, the original
Monitor System, both due by March 2012, as well as improvements to trim on the exterior needs to be stripped and re-painted within a year in
all fire exit routes. order to remain in good condition and to avoid the costly replacement
of these distinct features.
UPGRADE OF ELECTRIC SYSTEM AND IMPROVEMENTS IN
INTERNET CONNECTIVITY After thoroughly inspecting Sigma Nu, Mr. Hurlbutt stated,
“Whoever built the Sigma Nu House built it right in the first place.
Sigma Nu will upgrade the electrical panel to accommodate the needs This house is a tank.” There were many positive evaluations of Sigma
of the current students. Current students have placed a much higher Nu in the facility assessment, including the house’s overall structural
demand on the electrical system due to computers, printers, and other integrity and the exterior brick and slate roof. The Housing Corporation
components. Better Internet connectivity is also a must. was relieved to find that the slate roof on Sigma Nu will probably last
another 30 years with proper maintenance.
SLEEPING ROOM FURNITURE
The report recommends that we standardize the sleeping room furniture. The Housing Corporation would particularly like to thank Mr.
The Housing Corporation intends to use the same system now used James R. Elsesser, Jr. (Gamma Mu #1028 ’63) for providing the
throughout the University of Illinois dorms, see www.kln.com (see funding for our facility assessment.
Ironwood Next Collection). This system is both attractive and durable.

Gamma Mu Begins Historic 2010 Incoming Snakes

Capital Campaign Akshay Bajaj Computer Science India
Jim Bruce Pre-Medical Plainfield, IL
ver the past few years we’ve shared that Gamma Mu is facing Derek Cebula Materials Science Frankfurt, IL
an important deadline in the summer of 2012. The City of and Engineering
OUrbana has enacted a fire sprinkler ordinance with which Neal Christenson English Buffalo Grove, IL
we must comply. The City of Champaign’s ordinance took effect this Pablo Croissier Music Composition Spain
year. What this means is that all fraternities at Illinois have either and Theory
already significantly upgraded their facilities or, in a few cases, they Nick Curtin Graphic Design & Plainfield, IL
have replaced them. Industrial Design
Earlier this year, the Gamma Mu Alumni Corporation undertook Alex Duncan Finance Salem, IL
a feasibility study to explore whether a successful capital drive would Tucker Fields Education Rochester, IL
be possible. The feedback was very positive and based on that the Vaclav Grym Aerospace Engineering Plainfield, IL
board has begun the quiet phase of a historic capital campaign that will Chris Marr Business Libertyville, IL
reposition Sigma Nu at Illinois. Pulkit Modi Economics Champaign, IL
A building committee is working on the overall plan for Joe Nemeth Kinesiology Chicago, IL
renovation and compliance with the life, health, and safety codes. A Josh Schmid General Engineering Hadden Heights, NJ
campaign steering committee is getting organized and will oversee Joe Serio Nuclear Engineering West Chicago, IL
the campaign itself. The board contracted with The Laurus Group, Nick Stanko Psychology Orland Park, IL
www.thelaurusgroup.net to assist in implementing the campaign. The Chip Turrisi Education, Aviation New Lenox, IL
consultants and volunteers have already begun to talk with alumni and All pledges can be reached individually
secure pledges to the effort. at Sigma Nu email account: first.last@sigmanuillinois.com
Naturally, with nearly 1000 alumni, implementation of the
campaign will take time. If you are contacted by a classmate or one of Or all at once with the group: pledges@sigmanuillinois.com
the consultants, please take the time to respond and fit them into your Interested in being a mentor to one of these bright new shining stars
schedule if possible. and help guide the future of Sigma Nu, contact Dave von Nirshl
GM 1349 or Steve Berry GM 1343 at SigmaNuIllinois@aol.com