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 Fire destroys
Wisconsin Beta
chapter house
At this time, there is no known cause of the fire. The Madison fire department responded quickly and professionally to the fire, but had to evacuate the house after flames quickly spread to the attic and the structural stability of the house was compromised. Once they evacuated, the fire fighters took a defensive approach — successfully keeping the flames from spreading to neighboring buildings. The house is a complete loss and nothing inside will be recovered.
Our first priority has been to ensure that displaced brothers living in the home have found proper housing and have access to food, clothing and academic resources. The fire comes at  a very difficult time for the brothers as the university is in the middle of finals week. One displaced brother, whose books, computer and class notes were lost in the fire, has five more finals to complete before the end of the semester.
Members of the Alumni Board have taken the lead in meeting with university and fire department officials, Sigma Phi Epsilon’s national staff and insurance personnel concerning the fire. Every displaced brother has found housing and has received money to purchase clothes, shoes and other essentials. The university has been flexible in rescheduling finals and other academic requirements. The Alumni Board has already made contact with local property owners to secure housing for brothers next academic year.  It is our goal to retain a location near Langdon Street and a facility that promotes brotherhood. Going forward, the Alumni Board is evaluating the best options for future housing of the WI-Beta chapter.
The support of WI-Beta alumni has been truly impressive. Brothers from as far away as San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. have called to lend their support during this difficult time. We encourage you to forward this and future messages to brothers with whom you remain in contact. Please visit and encourage other brothers to visit our WI-Beta Alumni website (www.wibetaalumni.org) to update your contact information to ensure that you receive all future updates.
Alumni and undergraduates alike are grateful for your outpouring of support. In the coming weeks the WI-Beta Alumni Board will be taking appropriate steps to ensure the future of our fraternity. We will continually update our alumni website and have launched a website dedicated to updates on the fire (www.UWGreek.com/SigEpFire.html). The displaced brothers have received generous support from the university, the Red Cross and the Madison community. At this time we ask that you not send monetary donations to the fraternity, but please continue monitoring our website for updates from the Alumni Board and chapter.
Several media reports of the blaze have included mention of hazing allegations against the fraternity. The Alumni Board is working with the university to review the situation. While the investigation is ongoing, the university has not found evidence to support the allegations of hazing, and the Alumni Board remains dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for fraternity members.
We will continue to communicate with you as news of the fire and housing situation unfolds. Please feel free to contact members of the Alumni Board at any time for more information.
Patrick Kovich, President, 608-209-0143,
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Ryan Sugden, VP—Housing Operations, 414-559-7677,
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Troy Vosseller, VP—Alumni Relations, 608-556-3112,
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David Haug, Chapter Counselor,
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The WI-Beta chapter has faced fire before and returned stronger and better than ever. With your support, dedication and generosity, we will rebuild.
Fraternally,
Patrick Kovich, ’05
President, WI-Beta Alumni Board |
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Annual golf outing
Thanks to everyone who attended the Annual Alumni Golf Outing. We look forward to seeing you again next year.
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AVC adopts new by-laws
At the Alumni and Volunteer Corporation annual meeting, held in conjunction with the annual golf outing, the AVC by-laws were amended. Click here to read the new by-laws.
In this issue:
Fire update
AVC President Patrick Kovich offers an update on the terrible fire that destroyed the chapter house and on plans for the future. Download issue
Likes 2 laugh
Alumnus Josh Filipowski ’01 shares his views on being a professional comedian. Download issue
Tragos Quest to Greece
Brother Dortch selected to participate in this summer’s Tragos Quest to Greece. Download issue
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SigEp HQ News |
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National Board of Directors Vacancy Filled |
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Announcing a new program geared toward volunteer trainers |
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Sigma Phi Epsilon Announces Regional Director Appointments |
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SigEp releases 2008 Year-End Report |
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A fire destroyed the University of Wisconsin SigEp chapter house last night |
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