Page 1 - Gamma Mu News - Winter 2011-12

Gamma Mu Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity | University of Illinois | Winter 2011
Alumni Relations Office | P.O. Box 80828, Atlanta, Georgia 30366

Alumni Spotlight Member: Pursuit of Excellence
Q & A with Robert Viering ’77 Scholarship Recipient

Q: As a graduate of the 1977 class, what was it like being a
college student at that time?
It was actually a very interesting time. It was just at the end of the
Viet Nam draft time. There was great anxiety early on about possibly
being drafted.
After that, the whole campus seemed to breathe a sigh of relief
and worry about all the typical things students worry about. There
was a perceptible shift in my time in school from being very anti-
establishment to trying to figure out how to get a good paying job and
become the establishment.
It was also at the height of the Watergate scandal. That really made
many people very cynical about the political process. During that time,
students were first allowed to use electronic calculators.
I remember spending almost $100 for one the size of a paperback
that only did the four basic functions. I took the first computer based
class, Accounting 101. I was also there for the great streaking craze.
Who could forget the unclothed running about campus? I’m not
going to elaborate on other memories as I have two daughters in college
now. I’m sure they just study and go to church too...just like I did. Samuel O’Neil - 2011
Q: What made Sigma Nu your fraternity choice?
A good friend from Sterling, Doug Fitzgerald, was a member and his year’s Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship was presented
he recruited me. I didn’t even consider other houses after meeting the Tto Samuel J. O’Neil, freshman in Civil Engineering. Sam
guys at Sigma Nu. is currently a pledge at Sigma Nu. Photo from L to R: Chris Marr,
Q: What is your fondest memory being at the Gamma Mu Pledge Marshall; Alex Duncan, Lt. Commander; Cody Johnson,
chapter house? Pursuit of Excellence Chairman; Sam O’Neil, 2011 Pursuit of
Never getting arrested. Beyond that, daily life at Sigma Nu was a Excellence Scholar; Geordie McKenzie, Eminent Commander; Jim
great way to enjoy college: playing cards in the library, group meals, Bruce, 2010 POE Scholar and immediate past Recruitment Chairman;
inter-fraternity sports, drinking beer (only after we turned 21 of course) and Jeremy Palgen, 2009 Pursuit of Excellence Scholar and immediate
and occasionally fitting classes in. past Commander.

Bob with his large format photography camera.
SUCCESS!
By Craig Hays ’72 – Alumni President

he historic campaign to of the brothers supporting the
Treposition our beloved campaign on the back of the
fraternity at Illinois over the cover letter enclosed with this
past year has been a great newsletter. The impact of the
success! That’s the good news. campaign cannot be understated.
The bad news is that 85% of As a fraternity and a house
our brotherhood have not yet corporation we are under a
participated and WE STILL mandate to install a fire sprinkler
NEED YOUR HELP! system throughout the house.
To date, nearly $600,000 is The original deadline for
pledged by 90 brothers. That’s completion was next March and
outstanding! You can see a list with the help of Brother Dave

Alumni Spotlight, continued on page 4 Success! continued on page 4