Page 1 - The Illinois Sig - Spring 2018

The IllInoIs sIg

Sigma Chi Fraternity | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Spring 2018
Alumni Relations Office | P.O. Box 80828, Atlanta, Georgia 30366 | www.illinoissigs.org

From the Alumni Edward N. Koenig ’42
Housing Corporation
President Spotlight & Thomas E. Koenig ’65

Editor’s NotE: For this edition of the newsletter
“Mission Impossible” we’re shining the Spotlight on father and son Kappa
...No Way… Kappas Ed Koenig ’42 and Tom Koenig ’65. Both
Ed and Tom have been honored as Significant Sigs and
“Mission Possible!” are invaluable to the Sigma Chi brotherhood as lead-
ers in the business industry. Ed and his wife’s brother,
Tom Strey, started a real estate company, Koenig &
Brothers, Strey, in 1961. After opening several more offices, their
I am reminded of a scene business grew to be one of the largest family-owned real
in the first of this action movie estate companies in the Chicagoland area. Tom Koenig
series—wherein the lead charac- went on to become CEO of Koenig & Strey Real Estate
ters are speeding along in a bul- and built his family company to a market leader in
let train toward adventure. That Chicago. Both men have enjoyed great success in life. Ed and Tom turning in their
vision comes to mind as I try to Read on to find out more about this dynamic duo. recommendation letters for a Significant
express the speed and enthusi- Sig nomination.
asm with which your board is
moving! Our “Mission Possible” is in process and Ed Koenig ’42
is taking shape as we speak. Let me expound…
From feedback spanning the last couple of Ed Koenig ’42 joined the U.S. Air Force after
years from our beloved alumni and undergraduate graduating with a business degree from Illinois. He
members, and personal assessments through visits became the 391st Bomb Group adjutant, formed
to the chapter house, your board is aware and has at MacDill Field, and was a key person in their over-
determined the following: seas headquarters. He went on to earn the Bronze
The campus, student population (and demo- Star, American Campaign, European-African-
graphics) is in the midst of change. As a reflection Middle Eastern Campaign, Word War Victory
of this change—student housing is changing. Medals, and the Croix de Guerre. Ed is most
Parents are more involved and want positive proud of his family and the 75 years that he and What led you to join Kappa Kappa?
environments for their sons. Competition from his wife Norma have been married. They have I joined in my sophomore year after being
alternative housing stock is keen. However, perhaps known one another for 82 years, ever since they recruited by the rush chairman, who turned out
most important: Dear ’ole 410—while beautiful were in the same Sunday School class together. to be an old high school friend. Sigma Chi had
and perfect in our memory—is tired. Over a century Later, Norma Strey and Ed Koenig were at U of a great reputation—it was known as a wonderful
worth of providing student housing to young men— I together, and when they were seniors he gave fraternity. There were also several athletes in the
and over 20 years since the last renovation indicates his “sweetheart” his pin. They were married only group. Everyone was very friendly—the friendship
it’s time … that’s right, it’s time for a refresh! a month later, before Ed shipped off to England expressed by the brothers was outstanding.
st
Best of all, we also know: on all measures, as a 1 Lieutenant in the Air Force. They wrote How has your Kappa Kappa bond strength-
Kappa Kappa has great student leadership in the one another letters every day for over two years, ened the relationship between you and Tom?
chapter (and excellent bench strength)! Last year, which they have saved and bound in four volumes It was an important move for Tom to join
the chapter won the Peterson Significant Chapter filled with the dreams of two young lovers. Ed Kappa Kappa after moving away from home. It was
Award for the first time in far too many years. The and Norma had four children, who married and great to see him become part of it. Both Tom and
Peterson is a measurement by the international produced 10 grandchildren, who married and gave I were awarded the Significant Sig recognition. We
fraternity of chapter operational leadership. The them 17 great-grandchildred … and counting! All both carry the bond with us always. My son and I
th
application is in for the current year operations 45 family members celebrated their 75 wedding were very active during our years at Illinois. He let-
and we have every expectation that Kappa Kappa anniversary with them last summer at Dairymen’s. tered in track and pole vault and sang in the Varsity
will be in the winner’s circle again this year! They attribute their good fortune and advanced Men’s Glee Club. I was assistant editor of the Illio
• We are operating at full (60 man) housing age (both are 97) to their strong faith, close family and pro counsel. At my age, I don’t get to visit 410
capacity and have another 60-plus men on and friends, and the joy they derive from being E. John, but I am pleased to read The Illinois Sig.
campus. “together.” Tom and I were both very impressed reading about
• Chapter GPA rank is No. 11. (Community Contributor Jeanne K. Hanson) Neal Hammon ’48 in the newsletter.
Kappa Kappa had the pleasure of speaking with
Ed recently:
Corporation President (continued on page 6) Alumni Spotlight (continued on page 4)