The Passing of Emile Hill
It is with much sadness that we must announce the passing of Emile R. Hill, Sigma 539. Emile's contributions to our Chapter are too numerous to list and cannot possibly be measured. He passed away in October of 2023 peacefully, surrounded by family. Rest in Peace Brother.
His obituary can be found by following this link, Emile Hill’s Obituary.
We would also like to share some words given to us by his family that were read at a ceremony of life held during the holidays.
Emile Hill spent much of his life in New Jersey; his childhood in Fair Lawn, where he met Jackie (Ann), and his adulthood in Wayne raising his three girls, Jean, Anne, and Carolyn. Later he resided in Pennsylvania and Maryland. In his youth, Emile was on the student council and ran track in high school, spent time on Lake Ashmere, Massachusetts, in a bungalow built by his father and uncles, enjoyed family in New Hampshire, and fished in New Jersey.
Emile attended Stevens Institute in Hoboken, New Jersey, graduating with honors in mechanical engineering and joining Beta Theta Pi fraternity, a brotherhood to which he remained loyal for the rest of his life. After Stevens, Emile began his masters work at MIT which he described as “harder than I ever wanted to work in my life” so he instead got a job and completed his master’s in electrical engineering in the evenings at Brooklyn Poly.
Emile and Jackie met in Fair Lawn through a mutual friend and were married in January of 1964. After a short time in an apartment not far from their hometown, they purchased the house in Wayne where they would raise their girls and live for the next 40 years. Emile was a dedicated husband and father, putting the interest of his family first. Whether teaching the girls morality and kindness by example, showing them a job is not worth doing unless you do it well, or demonstrating how to fix things yourself and save a buck, his patience and time was always focused on them. When the girls were little, you might have described Emile as a “bit of a goof-ball”. He was endlessly doing flopsies, and made up songs such as “It’s P.A.L.E. time” which inexplicably meant it was time for bed. He coined words like fadoozal which means to waste time doing something that isn’t what you are supposed to be doing: Emile would shout to the girls upstairs “Stop fadoozaling with your hair, it’s time to leave”. He referred to his best ankle boots as “fancy duty boots” and he only ever dressed in blue. Not only was it his favorite color, but he explained to the girls that by owning all his clothes in blue, he never had to ask himself if things would match.
Many would describe Emile as hard as nails. “But a flesh-wound” was a line made for him. He lobbed off the top of his finger in an airplane propeller. But a flesh-wound. Burned his back on hot, welded steel while trying to remove a bumper from a car. But a flesh-wound. Slammed his finger in a door. But a flesh-wound. Carry on, Emile had no time for dramatics.
While Singer Kearfott changed hands many times, Emile never did, working the same job for 35 years. He designed parts that currently reside on the moon, worked on aspects of fighter helicopters, and he holds a patent for a power buffer amplifier. He took early retirement in 1996 and spent the rest of his days enjoying his hobbies.
Emile’s involvement in the Steven’s Beta fraternity house continued as he volunteered both as treasurer and handy man, traveling regularly to Hoboken to install new windows on the house and to fix electrical and plumbing issues. When he finally relinquished the last of his treasurer duties, well into his 80’s, the girls contacted a Beta brother via email. Bob Giarratano responded with this message. “I had the pleasure of meeting Emile 18 years ago as a freshman/pledge back in 2000. He was always a presence when I lived at the house, and we would keep in touch from time to time. He had an influence on me from the moment we met; I modeled my involvement after him, serving in the corporation since my graduation in 2003. He was a cornerstone for the chapter and the house would not be what it is today without his dedication. He did all of this without ever asking for a thank you; when we tried to honor him, he directed it to other young alumni…he never longed for that recognition. There are countless alumni of the chapter that would echo my sentiments and much more. Your father is a special man who had far reaching influence… undoubtedly more then he or his family might know. There are young men today that have the honor of enjoying a chapter house because of your father.”
Emile adored opera. He bought season tickets to the Metropolitan Opera House in NY, often heading straight into the city after work with a few pals. On Saturdays, a local radio station broadcast the METs matinee and opera played loudly in the basement all afternoon. His love of old cars and the nostalgia of his youth led him to purchase a 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser which spent the next 20+ years in a state of disrepair while he painstakingly restored every minute detail of the car. Yet he only ever drove it once after that. For Emile, the pleasure was in the journey, not the destination. Emile tended to an epic garden in Wayne, growing his large plot a bit bigger every year. Raspberries, lettuce, cucumbers, broccoli, beans, peas, the juiciest Jersey tomatoes…you name it. His family grew up on healthy farm-to-table food deliciously prepared by Jackie nightly. Emile loved radio-controlled airplanes and built many. He joined the local flying club and became an officer. Although his flying skills weren’t the best, Emile never got discouraged and loved everything about the hobby…building models, being outdoors, camaraderie with other flyers. After retirement, he did a deep dive into genealogy, exploring his Finnish roots, then turning to the history of other families as well. He read the New York Times cover to cover every day for 60 years and was an avid reader of books on quantum physics and magazines like popular mechanics.
You would have been lucky to live on Emile’s street. Whether it was planting Peter’s garden across the street when he became too unwell to till it himself, walking and caring for the golden retriever next-door when his owner was too busy to give Bear the time he needed, or letting the neighborhood kids swim in his pool in York, Emile had a generous spirit.
Emile and Jackie enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and visiting Canada, Alaska, Finland, Russia, Turkey, most of Europe, and countless other locations including their favorite Bermuda time share.
While a series of mild strokes robbed him of his motivation and limited his memory in his 80s, he remained mild-mannered and continued to read daily, watch his beloved British comedies, and stay close to Jackie in his recliner, where he was the happiest, until the end.
Emile is survived by his loving wife Ann Jacqueline Hill, his sister Marjorie Nardin of California, his daughter Jean Donahue of New Jersey, daughters Anne Mulford and Carolyn Bowman of Maryland, and his 7 adored grandchildren, Emily Donahue, Travis Mulford, Katie Ann Donahue, Holly Mulford, Fred Mulford, Preston Bowman and Harper Jane Bowman, with whom his loving memory of a life well spent, his kindness of spirit, and remembrance of his love of gum drops, jelly beans, dogs, and all things blue, will live on.
2023 Spring Newsletter
This newsletter is going to be a mix of a 2022 recap and a preview into 2023! We closed out this semester with 35 active brothers including a new class of 16 from this past spring. A few of which now hold positions on the Executive Board. Our e-board includes President Dave Frost, VP CJ Timmeroni, Treasurer Michael Greenburg, Risk Manager Michael Conrad, Secretary Blaise Wagner, House Manager Christian Pescatore, and Pledge Ed Jake Laifer. This past fall semester our Rush Chair, Pasqaule Vizzioni, did a great job as we are expecting another large new class.
Our brotherhood carries a gpa of 3.39. As you may or may not know, the Sigma Chapter currently includes members of the Stevens wrestling team. In regards to wrestling, the team finished 5th in the country and 2nd academically. This historic season was topped off with Beta’s own Brett Kaliner at 149 lbs going undefeated the entire season and becoming Stevens first ever wrestling national champion. We are currently halfway through the season with scheduled home matches February 4th and February 11th. Wrestling is great and all but more importantly… We are INTRAMURAL FLAG FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS!!! This is our second consecutive year as champions as we took down TX and Sig Ep in the playoffs and we are in the process of creating an everlasting dynasty.
812 Castle Point Terrace has received a completely updated kitchen and new letters above the porch, pictured below. If you’d like to help continue improving the house we are taking donations via our chapter venmo @sigmabetathetapi. We’d really appreciate it. In regards to philanthropy, our previous Philanthropy Chair, Travis Jones, led many events in the fall semester. The two biggest events were Bingo with Beta raising $600 for domestic violence and Movember raising $1002 for the Cully Strong foundation.
We are really trying to get more active with the Sigma Chapter Linkedin. The chapter wants everyone from new grads to older guys looking for jobs to have the opportunity to take advantage of our network. We strongly encourage alumni to post different job or internship opportunities that may be available for recent graduates and the actives. In addition, look out for Senior Highlights that’ll be posted the second week of February. We will also be more active on the facebook group where newsletters will be posted. Follow our Instagram @beta_stevens for updates and see what the brothers are up to. The links to join these groups, follow our instagram, and the website will be attached below.
Finally, we have a lot of alumni related events planned for the next two semesters. These include:
Alumni open bar planned for Saturday April 8th at Willie Mcbrides in Hoboken, which will also include a buffet.
The annual alumni golf outing is planned for Saturday June 24th at Berkshire Valley Golf Course and will include a dinner buffet after.
The alumni BBQ is going to be June 3rd at the house.
We’re also going to have the 4th annual alumni reception at the house October 1st!!
And the last event of 2023 will be the Alumni Thanksgiving Dinner in November.
We’d really appreciate it if you fill out the google form attached so we can get a rough head count and gauge general interest for these events. We’re also trying to see interest for other possible events, like an alumni softball game this spring and a poker event in the fall, which are also included on the google form. All the specific details about the events including RSVP links will be posted across our social media so keep an eye out!
Google Form:
Social Links:
https://www.812sigmaalumni.org/
2021 Summer Newsletter
Chapter Room Restoration
Work on the Chapter Room has continued over the Summer. We had a great turn out for the May work weekend and were able to put one coating of paint onto the wood for the stages, repair the water damaged area of the floor in the south stage area, and begin preparing the walls for a new paint job.
There is still much work to be done in order to complete the project on schedule. Thanks to our fundraising efforts and the generosity of many of our alumni, the project is practically funded through completion. The only thing we need at this point is the man power to get the jobs done correctly and on time. Our next work weekend will be on July 10th. Please check the website for more information.
2021 Golf Outing Recap
Even though we caught a little rain, which was rather refreshing, the weather held out and we had our biggest golf outing to date. 53 sigma alumni, 1 Beta alumni from Michigan State and 4 guests for a total of 58 attendees. Thank you to everyone who came out.
The group of Richie Szeliga, Cal Perry, Andrew Boehm and Joseph Lynch won with the lowest team score of 63. Gregg Davis (Sigma 907) was our lowest roll number and Tristan Hollenbaugh (Sigma 1200) was the highest. We raised $2,750 at this event which will go directly towards finishing up the chapter room.
Next year we're looking to bring the outing to Berkshire Valley GC with a potential date of June 11th, 2022.
Alumni Organization Restructuring & Call for Volunteers
We have been very fortunate to have alumni who have stepped into various advisory board and housing corporation roles over the years and have done a great job keeping things in order but still, we find that too much responsibility falls onto only a few shoulders.
To best serve the needs of the Sigma Chapter we believe we should operate three distinct entities, the Housing Corporation, the Advisory Board, and the Alumni Association. The following is a breakdown of the new organizational structure.
The Sigma Housing Corporation is the 503(C) organization that owns and manages the property at 812 Castle Point Terrace. The executive board is responsible for organizing maintenance and upgrades, collecting income from residents, and filing taxes. The executive board is expected to meet virtually monthly and in person at the house twice a year.
The Chapter Advisory Board works with the active brotherhood and guides them in their executive responsibilities. Advisors work closely with their corresponding chairs to set goals, provide the tools and resources necessary to achieve those goals and pass on the traditions specific to our chapter. The Advisory Board is expected to meet virtually once a month and in person at the house twice a year.
The 812 Alumni Association maintains updated contact information, manages fundraising efforts, operates digital communications platforms, and holds events throughout the year to bring together alumni, our families, actives, and friends. The alumni association meets virtually once per month.
Specifically, the advisory team is seeking a recruitment advisor. The housing corporation is seeking a treasurer, secretary, legal advisor and two to three more housing corp. directors. The alumni association is looking for volunteers to serve as officers as required for recognition from the general fraternity. We would like to make it clear however that we are not limited to just these positions alone. We encourage everyone to participate in a capacity in which they are comfortable and most effective. The first step might be to join the current alumni organization's bi-weekly call and then determine how to best contribute.
Zoom Meeting Info
https://zoom.us/j/7676371236?pwd=QzhBQlQ2Z0htMEt5dnh3NDkxRm5ldz09
Meeting ID: 767 637 1236
Passcode: 812
646 558 8656
Bi-Weekly on Tuesdays. Next meeting, July 6th @ 8:00pm.
Betas Save With GEICO:
Through the Fraternity's partnership with GEICO, undergraduates and alumni are eligible for a discount on auto insurance. Completed quotes benefit all Betas, so please take two minutes to support your brothers AND see if you can save money with a free auto quote.
Upcoming Events
Chapter Room Work Weekend
Saturday, July 10th 10:00am to 4:00pm
We will be working on the following projects in relation to the Chapter Room Restoration;
Removing the old paint from the chapter room walls. In order to prepare the walls for a fresh new paint job we need to wire wheel and remove any old buildup as well as clean the surface.
Fire Escape. We need to clean out that area, drop gravel onto the floor and begin designing and building a short staircase.
Wood for the stage. The plywood for the stages needs a second coat of paint.
Entry Way. The single step down leading into the chapter room from the basement needs to be fixed.
Sump Pump. The sump pump in the boiler room needs to be replaced.
Bench Restoration. At best we need volunteers experienced in wood working to help with the benches but in the least maybe someone with a truck could volunteer to bring the larger pieces to an alumnus' house who is able to work on them there.
Chapter Room Work Weekend
Saturday, July 31st 10:00 am to 4:00pm
Projects for this weekend include;
Repainting the chapter room walls.
Building stairs for the fire escape.
Continue working on the restoration of the benches and ceremonial fixtures and preparing them for reinstallation.
Alumni Poker Tournament
Saturday, August 7th at 2:00PM
We will be holding the 2021 Alumni Poker Tournament outdoors on Saturday August 7th at Michael Lee-Lun's residence in Wayne, NJ. The Buy-In will be $100 dollars. $50 will go to the pot and $50 will go toward the Chapter Room Restoration Project.
Please sign up at your earliest convenience. We will need to make arrangements ahead of time for supplies and food. It would be very helpful to have a final head count prior to the event.
Chapter Room Work Weekend
Saturday, September 11th 10:00am to 4:00pm
If all goes well in July and we are able to get the floor installed in August, then this should be the final work weekend for this project where we will be reinstalling the stages, benches and other ceremonial infrastructure. For those that are able to attend, you will be among the first to see the new chapter room completed.
2021 Alumni Reception
Date & Location TBD
"Chapter Room Dedication"
Alumni Football Game & Thanksgiving Dinner
Saturday, November 20th
2021 Spring Newsletter
Chapter Room Restoration
Thanks to the many people who volunteered back in November, deconstruction of the chapter room was completed in one day. Since then the Housing Corporation has been working on infrastructure repairs in and around the room including repairing a minor leak on the south wall, installing a new interior door leading into the room from the basement, as well as a new exterior door on the north side of the room. These projects are expected to be completed sometime in the Spring allowing us to move forward into Phase 3.
In order to complete the entire project by November 2021, we will be holding 3 alumni work weekends through the year in May, July and September. If you would like to contribute your time and expertise please visit the alumni website for more information or email sigma1050@gmail.com.
2021 Beta Theta Pi Census
In an effort to better support the overall membership, Beta Theta Pi has partnered with Publishing Concepts (PCI) to launch Beta Census 2021! This multi-month project allows the Fraternity to update its records on the tens of thousands of members that belong to our cherished brotherhood – undergraduate and alumni alike.
Upcoming Events
Alumni Work Weekend
Our next Alumni Work Weekend will be on May 22nd, 2021. We will be working on the following projects;
Removing the concrete walkway along the northside of the house. The walkway is currently pitched toward the house and needs to be corrected. The new walkway will be filled and poured by professionals at a later date.
Removing the old paint from the chapter room walls. In order to prepare the walls for a fresh new paint job we need to wire wheel and bleach wash the existing surface.
We will need a substantial amount of cordless drills with fully charged back up batteries and wire wheels. If you happen to have an extra drill and can pick up a second wire wheel, I'm sure it will be used by someone.
The benches and ceremonial fixtures will be thoroughly cleaned by then and ready for formal repair. Restoration varies from filling gaps and voids with epoxy to fully reassembling certain pieces and replacing broken parts.
We estimate that we’ll need about 10 people per project so please keep the date in mind. If you have any questions please email sigma1050@gmail.com.
Alumni Golf Outing
Saturday, June 26th
Sunset Valley Golf Course in Pompton Plains, NJ.
Alumni Work Weekend
Saturday, July 31st
If all goes well in May and we keep on schedule then we should be able to complete Phase III in July 2021. Projects for this weekend may include;
Painting the walls.
Installing the new drop ceiling tiles.
Recommissioning the fire escape.
Finishing up the restoration of the benches and ceremonial fixtures and preparing them for reinstallation.
The date may change, so please check the website for the latest information.
Alumni Poker Tournament
Saturday, August 7th at 2:00PM
We will be holding the 2021 Alumni Poker Tournament outdoors on Saturday August 7th at Michael Lee-Lun's residence in Wayne, NJ. The Buy-In will be $100 dollars. $50 will go to the pot and $50 will go toward the Chapter Room Restoration Project.
2021 Spring Newsletter
Chapter Room Restoration
Thanks to the many people who volunteered back in November, deconstruction of the chapter room was completed in one day. Since then the Housing Corporation has been working on infrastructure repairs in and around the room including repairing a minor leak on the south wall, installing a new interior door leading into the room from the basement, as well as a new exterior door on the north side of the room. These projects are expected to be completed sometime in the Spring allowing us to move forward into Phase 3.
In order to complete the entire project by November 2021, we will be holding 3 alumni work weekends through the year in May, July and September. If you would like to contribute your time and expertise please visit the alumni website for more information or email sigma1050@gmail.com.
2021 Beta Theta Pi Census
In an effort to better support the overall membership, Beta Theta Pi has partnered with Publishing Concepts (PCI) to launch Beta Census 2021! This multi-month project allows the Fraternity to update its records on the tens of thousands of members that belong to our cherished brotherhood – undergraduate and alumni alike.
Upcoming Events
Alumni Work Weekend
Saturday, May 22nd 10:00am to 4:00pm
We will be working on the following projects in relation to the Chapter Room Restoration;
Removing the concrete walkway along the northside of the house. The walkway is currently pitched toward the house and needs to be corrected. The new walkway will be filled and poured by professionals at a later date.
Removing the old paint from the chapter room walls. In order to prepare the walls for a fresh new paint job we need to wire wheel and bleach wash the existing surface. We will need a substantial amount of cordless drills with fully charged back up batteries and wire wheels. If you happen to have an extra drill and can pick up a second wire wheel, I'm sure it will be used by someone.
The benches and ceremonial fixtures will be thoroughly cleaned by then and ready for formal repair. Restoration varies from filling gaps and voids with epoxy to fully reassembling certain pieces and replacing broken parts.
Alumni Golf Outing
Saturday, June 26th
Sunset Valley Golf Course in Pompton Plains, NJ.
Alumni Work Weekend
Saturday, July 31st
If all goes well in May and we keep on schedule then we should be able to complete Phase III in July 2021. Projects for this weekend may include;
Painting the walls.
Installing the new drop ceiling tiles.
Recommissioning the fire escape.
Finishing up the restoration of the benches and ceremonial fixtures and preparing them for reinstallation.
The date may change, so please check the website for the latest information.
Alumni Poker Tournament
Saturday, August 14th at 2:00PM
We will be holding the 2021 Alumni Poker Tournament outdoors on Saturday August 14th at Michael Lee-Lun's residence in Wayne, NJ. The Buy-In will be $100 dollars. $50 will go to the pot and $50 will go toward the Chapter Room Restoration Project.