Donor Testimonials
Phil Nelson, EE 1475
PC 1979
What does Sigma Nu mean to you?
In addition to a lifetime of friendships and connections to people from all over the United States and beyond, Sigma Nu means honorable characteristics such as integrity, honesty, manners and many other qualities instilled in me as a Sigma Nu and that I instantly associate with others who are or were Sigma Nu’s.
What are some of your most memorable moments while you were in the House?
Who can forget line-ups, house cleanings, Frontier Ball, pledge sneaks, etc…, but as far as impactful moments, I’d just have to say the individual relationships established with other Sigma Nu’s during my time there and over the many years since college.
Why did you contribute to the House project?
I contributed to the house project because I benefited greatly from my experience as a Sigma Nu and continue to do so years later. Both of my boys (Kramer & Cody) had the honor and privilege of being Sigma Nu’s at Oklahoma State and I know the experience benefited them and continues to do so. I hope that one day my grandchildren have the same experience. I have a lot of pride in Sigma Nu and the house and I wanted to contribute to help us to continue to attract the best and brightest.
Steve Brown, EE 1026
PC 1964
What does Sigma Nu mean to you?
Sigma Nu, for me, turned out to be one of those watershed moments in my life. Who knew? As an 18-
year-old, “brotherhood” was not actually at the front of my mind, but it soon became evident that
something different was going on at 913 W. University. The lessons learned, the lifetime friendships
made, and the practical application of love, honor, and truth are part of my life still today. My parents
stressed these virtues as well as others but they really took root when I witnessed them being lived out
daily by men like my first Pops, Mike Christ and Mike Kirkpatrick. Then there was Tom Mason, Jerry
Nichols, Don James, and Bob McCaffree, to name a few. I feel like I received a lifetime of education in
the five years I lived in the House.
What are some of your most memorable moments while you were in the House?
Th
ere was more than one time after cleaning house, the grease trap in particular, that I’m standing on
the front porch Sunday morning with my pledge brothers watching the sun come up and wondering
what I’m learning by this. Quite a bit, actually. Discipline, respect, the value of completing a job to the
best of your ability, and teamwork for starters. If you want me to share a memorable story, ask me about my experience with
rush chairmen
Burns Hargis, Gary Winsett, and the late Tom Heritage!
Why did you contribute to the House project?
Simple. I want the young men of today and the future to have the opportunity to learn even a small fraction of what I did over 50 years ago. In all honesty I don’t know where else they would be exposed to or benefit from the lessons available or lifetime friendships than at 913 W. University. Certainly not in an off-campus apartment or university housing. Our fraternity house is not and never will be the most important element of the Sigma Nu experience. But it is essential that we have a safe, comfortable, and technologically up to date building for our brothers to continue to attract the quality of men we want to lead our active chapter for the next 100 years.
Todd Johnson, EE 1587 PC 1983
What does Sigma Nu mean to you?
Sigma Nu was a foundational experience in my life. I personally had many life skills taught to me during pledging and membership.
What are some of your most memorable/ impactful moments while you were in the House?
As for most guys, pledging has so many memories that come flooding in when you open the door to them. I was humbled and taught survival skills that would impact the rest of my life very positively. In the house friendships are made that last a lifetime and time doesn’t seem to ever weaken.
Why did you contribute to the House project?
I contributed to the new house building fund because I wanted to give back to possibly the organization that helped me become who I am more than any other organization. Secondly, I had two sons become Sigma Nu’s at EE. Even though the pledge program has changed dramatically, the program still develops young men positively. It still teaches these young men to respect and love the house and all it stands for.
Scott Roberts EE 1663
PC 1985
What does Sigma Nu mean to you?
My fraternal experience at Sigma Nu was life changing. The valuable lessons learned during my collegiate years - team building, project management, honoring relationships, goal setting, consensus building - were foundational in building my businesses.
What are some of your most memorable/ impactful moments while you were in the House?
Impactful memories/moments include the lifelong friends I made during pledgeship, relationships with pops and sonos, building house decks for OSU’s crazy Homecoming celebration, intramural competitions, parties and more.
Why did you contribute to the House project?
I contributed to EE’s Centennial Campaign because I want future leaders of this great organization to have a beautiful and functional facility which correctly reflects the legacy position,, sound principals and foundational values surrounding Epsilon Epsilon. .