THE HISTORY OF 28 MADBURY

The New Hampshire Beta (NHBE) chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) was founded on March 10, 1917, with its historic chapter house erected in 1927, marking the 61st chapter of the fraternity. Originally recognized as a singing fraternity, SAE brothers were renowned for their harmonious serenades across campus, embodying a tradition of camaraderie and excellence at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) for generations.

However, like many organizations, the fraternity experienced its share of challenges. In 2001, a series of hardships befell the chapter, resulting in the closure of the house for a minimum of five years and the revocation of its charter, as well as the loss of national and university recognition status. Despite these setbacks, the spirit of brotherhood endured, laying the foundation for a remarkable resurgence in the years to come.

In 2006, Richard (Dick) M. Hooker, a distinguished advisor of the Massachusetts Delta chapter at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Vermont Beta Class of 1955, sought to revive the chapter. Upon discovering that the chapter house faced condemnation and was pending auction, Dick reached out to the SAE Financial & Housing Corporation (F&H), seizing the unique opportunity to initiate repairs. By 2008, Dick collaborated with JP Andrick from the Fraternity Service Center (FSC) and Greg Somers from F&H to orchestrate the chapter’s renewal.

Dick handpicked four committed undergraduates to spearhead this mission, forming the alpha class, consisting of just four determined gentlemen; Aaron Page, Julian Bratina, Dan Makowicki, and Kyle Gagnon. Yet to be chartered, this establishment would mark the inception of the phoenix colony—a poignant symbol of its resurgence from dormancy, mirroring the mythical bird’s triumphant rise from the ashes. Unified in purpose, the alpha class courageously embarked on the daunting mission of revitalizing the chapter.

Their efforts yielded exceptional results. Under the leadership of recruitment chair Gregory Halama and with the unwavering commitment of the accrued alpha, beta, gamma and delta classes, the chapter flourished, welcoming over 50 active members, including 32 live-in residents. Their affiliation with F&H and their notable achievements garnered accolades both locally and nationally, recognizing their outstanding contributions and accomplishments.

The roots of the house run deep within the University of New Hampshire’s ROTC program, engineering, and business fields, fostering a community deeply embedded in leadership, academia, and service.

Through their diligent recruitment efforts and unwavering dedication to the organization’s core values, the chapter underwent a successful rechartering process, earning it the designation of a phoenix chapter. The chartering ceremony would take place on November 14, 2009 at Huddleston Hall on the UNH campus, alongside members of the province and national council, who would take charge in conducting the first nationally recognized brothering ceremony. Signified on the charter today stands the founding members of the Phoenix Chapter.

In 2009, during his first semester at UNH and as a fraternity brother, Dick met Matt Arsenault, the alumni relations chair. With the rechartering goal accomplished, Dick embarked on setting new objectives, starting with rebuilding an alumni network, establishing an advisory board, and forming the nonprofit alumni association. Regular meetings with fraternity members involved heartfelt exchanges of life experiences. Matt, after securing a comprehensive alumni contact list from the Elliott Alumni Center, initiated outreach efforts by sending introduction letters, rallying support from three prominent alumni—former Speaker of the New Hampshire House, George B. Roberts Jr., Clinton A. Bean, and Richard Harmon—to establish articles of incorporation. Concurrently, Matt assembled a local committee of aspiring brothers to aid at the collegiate level.

Following the first graduation send-off since rechartering, 2010 marked the emergence of a fresh alumni base comprising newly graduated brothers, who became the founding members of the alumni association upon its chartering in 2010. Led by housing manager Brian Caluori and with support from Matt (now Eminent Archon) and the chapter’s executive council, alongside F&H, 2011 witnessed a significant renovation project transforming the basement into the chapter’s official meeting place for weekly gatherings and business activities.

The Order of the Phoenix, an esteemed honor reserved for undergraduate members, was bestowed upon three individuals: Gregory Halama, Brian Caluori, and Matt Arsenault. This prestigious award, granted solely to collegiate brothers, serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment and loyalty to the Fraternity, recognizing their exceptional contributions and dedication.

The chapter celebrated its first official Founders Day in 2013, marking an impressive 96 years of existence and resilience. Throughout its history, the chapter has maintained good standing both at the local university and within the national fraternity.

Furthermore, a library was constructed and named in honor of Dick—the Richard M. Hooker Memorial Library—acknowledging his substantial contributions and unwavering dedication, which endeared him to the chapter. Dick’s passing in 2018 prompted fraternity members to hold a memorial service at the NHBE chapter house, with commemorations also organized at Mass Delta WPI at the province level and at the national level, resonating deeply across the fraternity’s chapters nationwide and immortalized in the fraternity’s esteemed national publication, “The Record.” General Hooker received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Chapter Advisor award in 2009, 2010, and 2012, the Order of the Lion (2002), Order of Minerva (2012), Merit Key (1978), and the Distinguished Service Award (1994).

The NHBE stands as a testament to perseverance, leadership, and dedication, exemplifying the values of brotherhood and service that define the essence of SAE.

“Recognizing the necessity to maintain our presence on campus, the corporation secured an annual lease agreement with another esteemed UNH fraternity”

In February 2022, our chapter proudly stood among the largest fraternities at UNH, boasting an impressive membership of 89 active brothers. However, a thorough membership review conducted by August of the same year revealed a significant decline, reducing our numbers to a mere 12 members. With our chapter house designed to accommodate 33 brothers, this drastic reduction posed a formidable challenge.

In response to this predicament, F&H took proactive measures to ensure the continuity of our operations. Recognizing the necessity to maintain our presence on campus, the corporation secured an annual lease agreement with another esteemed UNH fraternity, relocating our operations to their facilities. Though faced with adversity, the spirit of SAE burned brightly within our remaining members.

“Under the exemplary guidance of Eminent Archon Brendan McCarthy ’25, our brotherhood flourished.”

Despite the challenges encountered, the steadfast determination and unwavering commitment of the 12 undergraduate brothers breathed new life into our chapter. Embracing leadership roles, they courageously navigated obstacles, shouldering both figurative and literal burdens to uphold the cherished values of our fraternity. Amidst the complexities of the university’s relationship renewal plan and the burden of legal fees, our brothers persevered.

Under the exemplary guidance of Eminent Archon Brendan McCarthy ’25, our brotherhood was reborn again. Through their dedication and resilience, we witnessed extraordinary growth, culminating in a membership growth to 33 individuals by August 2023. Of these, 26 eagerly returned to our beloved 28 Madbury residence, marking a triumphant chapter in the history of NHBE.

In February of the spring semester in 2024, the chapter has surged to 60 active members, signaling a remarkable resurgence. As it approaches maturity once again, the chapter eagerly anticipates welcoming back its alumni and further enriching its storied legacy. Notably, the oldest members of the house are currently juniors, and the upcoming fall of 2024 will witness the inaugural graduation of members since the rehousing.

“Among these plans is the restoration of the outdoor patio, a cherished feature documented in local chapter history books, renowned for offering panoramic views of the campus from its historic hill.”

Looking ahead, the year 2027 holds particular significance as it marks the 100th anniversary of the house’s establishment. With great excitement, the chapter, alongside F&H, is already making ambitious plans to commemorate this milestone. Among these plans is the restoration of the outdoor patio, a cherished feature documented in local chapter history books, renowned for offering panoramic views of the campus from its historic hill.

With determination and enthusiasm, the chapter stands poised to honor its past while embracing the opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that its centennial celebration will be a fitting tribute to a century of brotherhood and achievement.