Fraternity Reunites in Richmond

Sigma Phi Epsilon Logo

Alumni brothers from the Radford University chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon gathered in Richmond in June, renewing friendships with food, fun and golf.

The group of 65 kicked off the reunion on June 3 with a happy hour gathering, said Phil Vera ‘89. On Saturday, the brothers competed in a tournament at Hunting Hawk Golf Club near Richmond.

“The greatest part about getting together is seeing that re-bonding that occurs instantly once you have been reunited,” Vera said. “One great aspect about Radford was the lasting friendships that were developed, which you do not see among other universities. I believe firmly it is the balanced mix of size of the university, area where it is located and the culture of all the people at the university that surrounded the students that have gone there that establishes this strong bond that continues for 20-plus years.”
 
The reunion went way beyond bonding. During their time together, the group launched the RU Sig Ep Brothers By the Wayside Fund, designed to help “those who need assistance during life-changing events,” Vera said.

He and Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers Tommy Fraim ‘87, Jeff Galkin ‘91, Mark Lodge ‘90 and Mark Pace ‘93 are the founding board members of the fund, which may also support existing Radford University scholarships founded in the name of “brothers who are no longer with us,” Vera said.

The Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers have established a long history of giving back to the Radford University community through volunteer leadership and through their contributions to the Kendall Whitaker Memorial Scholarship and to the Chip Perkins Memorial Fountain, which sits at the center of the RU campus.

“When you do something like this, there’s no end in sight,” Vera said of Sig Ep’s benevolence. “We hope it will carry on beyond us to our children and so forth.  Radford University was the melting pot that put together young men from all walks of life. The pledge to virtue, diligences and brotherly love as brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon has kept these men together now for over 30 years.”

The Radford University Alumni Association encourages alumni to reconnect through affinity reunions, groups sharing a common connection to the university such as fraternities, sororities, majors, honor organizations, religious organizations, service clubs or sports teams.

If you are interested in establishing an affinity reunion, contact Sandra Bond in the Alumni Relations Office at smbond@radford.edu.

Jul 8, 2011
Chad Osborne
540-831-7166
caosborne@radford.edu