Celebrating 70 Years of Brotherhood.

The FIRST fraternity on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

Chapter Eternal

Alpha Phi Brothers

Harold Beckmann '58 - Joined chapter eternal in October of 2003. Memphis TN.

Robert Berry '81

Patrick W. Blankenship '79

John F. Bridwell '71

Arthur Bruening '58

Don Burggrabe - Don died Sat. morning, Jan. 26 2008. Don had been dealing with many health issues the past few years. He had been in the hosp., came home to celebrate their 50th anniv. with Alice and their family. He was under Hospice care at home and died of pneumonia. He was 75. A St. Louis native, Burggrabe entered Southeast in the fall of 1951 and attended until the spring of 1954, when he was drafted and later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. During his academic career at Southeast, he earned 75 credit hours, was active in drama and appeared in "Harvey," "Brigadoon," "The Hasty Heart," "Finian's Rainbow" and "Lady Be Good." He became a speech major and got actively involved in broadcasting and public communication. He was a member of Black Mask and appeared in five productions, winning the Best Supporting Actor award for his role as "Yank" in "The Hasty Heart." He served on the Social Life Committee, was a frequent master of ceremonies for student talent shows, and was a charter member of Sigma Tau Gamma, the first fraternity recognized at Southeast. During his years at Southeast, he was employed by then KFVS Radio as a disc jockey and as a news writer. After entering the Air Force, Burggrabe spent 26 years on active duty, holding a number of key positions in the United States and abroad. In 1973, he joined the U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas for four years and became the director of advertising and publicity in 1975. He personally originated the "Air Force - A Great Way of Life" slogan and campaign, which helped recruiters reach 100 percent of their goals. He was promoted to colonel in 1976. Following a short tour as director of public affairs for Air Training Command, he became West Coast Director of Public Affairs in LosAngeles, reporting directly to the Pentagon in September 1977. He was responsible for $100 million dollars of free positive visibility for the Air Force in both network television and Hollywood movie projects during his three-year tenure. Some of the productions he and his staff were responsible for bringing to the big screen included: "The Right Stuff," "Red Flag," "Enola Gay," "Project UFO," episodes of "Fantasy Island," "WKRP in Cincinnati," "Mork & Mindy," "Six Million Dollar Man," and "Bionic Woman." Burggrabe retired from the Air Force in 1980 and joined G.D. Searle & Co. in Skokie, Ill., as a regional public affairs director, becoming vice president of public affairs of Searle Labs, U.S., in 1981. Burggrabe was active in the Methodist Church and a graduate of the University of Omaha (now the University of Nebraska) and Air University's Squadron Officer School. He is decorated with the Air Force Legion of Merit, three Meritorious Service medals and three Commendation medals. He retired from G.D. Searle and Co. in 1991. He and his wife, Alice Green, are the parents of a daughter and two sons. Those who knew Don are encourage to make a memorial contribution to the St. Louis Sigma Tau Gamma Scholarship Fund we have at SEMO. Please send to: Richard Scattizi, 710 S. Hanley #8D, Clayton, Mo. 63105 Richard will make sure all funds are deposited in the proper fund. Several of our Brothers will be sending flowers in behalf of the Fraternity. Their home address is: Don and Alice Burggrabe, 7397 Goose Meadows Way, Rosevine, CA. 95747-8178

Ronald H. Buss '57

Sam Caputa '75, - Joined chapter eternal in April 2018.

James E. Chumley '67

Lawrence "Pete" Clement '93 - Joined chapter eternal on Friday, March 4, 2022. He was born to Melinda and the late Franklin Clement, in St. Louis on November 4th, 1963. He was baptized into the Catholic church that would be his lifelong support from an early age. He graduated from JFK High School in 1982. Then had the privilege of serving our country in the Army from 1985-1989. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1992 with a bachelor’s in communications. He was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity. He then pursued a career in pharmaceutical sales which he had great success with for the past 26 years. Pete married the love of his life, Lisa Thomas Clement, on March 19, 1994 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Pete helped raise his 2 children Cole, 24 and Tara, 22 with love, laughter, and faith. He taught them the importance of education, to cherish every moment, the love of travel, and to live a life with God. Pete was the life of the party, a true patriot, beer lovin’, family first, and generous to all. He will be dearly missed by all family and friends. Pete is preceded in death by his brother Frederick Clement then survived by his wife, Lisa; his son, Cole; his daughter, Tara; his sisters, Carrie Clement, Laurey Clement, Rose Coates, and Victoria Welling; his brothers, Nick Clement, and James Clement; and his mother, Melinda Clement.

Jeffery T. Craig '92 of St. Charles, MO, loving son of Carol Ann Craig (née: Myers) and Thomas (Ada) Craig, passed away suddenly December 29, 2011. He is survived by his sister, Jennifer (Brian) Hodges; nephew, Zachary Hodges; half brother, Seth Craig; long time family friend, Joy Ebest; grandparents, Allen and Lois Myers of Kirksville, MO; aunt, Kathy (Jack) Ward of Kirksville; uncle, Roger (Alice) Myers of Independence; and cousins, Kristi Young, Aaron Young, Kip Myers, Kirk Myers, Melissa (Troy) Ferguson, and Shawn (Samaneh) Wilkinson. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Iva Myers; paternal grandparents, Pearl and Clement Craig of Macon, MO; and cousin, Lance Young. Jeffrey attended Southeast Missouri State University, where he was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma. He graduated St. Charles West Class of '88, where he played football and was band member. He will be remembered for his very loving, empathetic, generous, and happy nature.

Ronald L. Danback '55

Gary M. Davis '64 - Plano, TX

William Davis '73

Victor Dede '53

James Scott Dickinson 85' Entered into Chapter Eternal, Wednesday Dec. 12, 2012. Beloved son of Margaret and the late Malcolm Dickinson; dearest brother of John (Karen) Dickinson; dear uncle of Kimberly, Amy and Jack; cousin of Dr. Kathie Bruce and Ann Wendland; our dear friend of many. Scott was a math teacher for Pattonville High School and served in the US Navy for 6 yrs

Henry Dillender '62

Richard "Rick" Donovan 81' Entered Chapter Eternal, Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital in Ste. Genevieve, MO. He was born March 26, 1958 in Red Bud, IL. Married to Sandra (Carron) Donovan on October 11, 1980. Rick was a former police officer for St.Charles and Arnold areas and a member of Sainte Genevieve Pickle Ball Club. Rick retired from the Health and Safety Department at Mississippi Lime in Sainte Genevieve. He was an avid wood worker and enjoyed being with his family and long trail cycling, especially on The Great Allegheny Passage. Rick was an outstanding husband, father, and Papa and will be greatly missed.

Edward Felts '57

Mike Gaston '94 - Mike "Cito" Gaston passed away of a fall at his home in Jackson Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at the age of 52. He has been cremated and now is back home. Mike was born May 8, 1971. He grew up in Orange County, California, and graduated from Tustin (California) High School. He played baseball most of his life. He played baseball at Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Illinois. Mike graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a marketing degree. He was a proud member of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity. Mike was a huge Cardinals fan. He had a funny and unusual personality. He enjoyed "Monty Python", "Kids in the Hall", "Saturday Night Live", the Grateful Dead and had a huge Mad Magazine collection. He left behind his sweet mom, Laura Gaston; best and greatest kids, Mae and Jake Gaston; sister, Sandy Malpezzi; and his wife, Heather Gaston. If anyone would like to send sympathy or condolence cards or memorial contributions, they may be sent to P.O. Box 48, Jackson, MO 63755. Mike will be loved and missed. HE WISHES EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Charles Gibson '75

Raymond F. Goebel '57 - Joined chapter eternal in 2002. St. Louis, MO.

Casey Graves '75

Warren R. Grueber '68

Melvin L. Guemmer '54

Dr. Sterling William Hayden, Ed.D entered into Chapter Eternal, Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at the age of 66, following a courageous and hard fought battle with leukemia.  Sterling was a graduate from Beaumont High School, Southeast Missouri State (BS in Education) and the University of MissouriColumbia (Masters in Education and Doctorate in Higher Education). He had a successful career in the St. Louis Public Schools, Hazelwood and St. Louis Special School District as a teacher, coach and later administrator. Sterling spent several years overseas as a development contractor in Pakistan, Albania, Egypt and Nepal. Since returning to St. Louis in 1999, he worked for the St. Louis Public Library System and then as the Director of Development for ARCHS where he retired from June, 2009. Sterling was a Sigma Tau Gamma member, a Hall of Fame Member to the Bombers Rugby Club, and a trombone player in many area bands. In his retirement he took up fishing and golfing, and continued his lifelong passion for woodworking. The hole he leaves in our lives will be filled only by the strength of his spirit in each of us he has left behind.

Wilmer A. Hackmann '58

John Hinton '87

Hubert Eugene Holloway '76

Thomas Hopfinger '77 - Joined chaper eternal October 2023

Erwin F. Horstmann '61

Robert W. House '72

Russell Hudson '61 - Joined chapter eternal on October 2, 2001, from a rare and aggressive form of cancer.  He was 67. Brother Hudson worked for the Social Security Administration in St. Louis, MO. for more than 20 years.  He also worked as a realtor for Gundaker Realtors in St. Louis.  Brother Hudson stayed active as an officer in his homeowner's association in Creve Coeur, MO. and later in Plano, TX.    He is survived by his wife, Lynn and two daughters, Andrea and Laura of Plano, TX; two brothers, Carl Hudson of Oroville, Calif. and George Hudson of Fremont, Calif.; and three sisters, Margy Phillips of St. Louis, Irene Chapman of San Diego, Calif., and Elaine Hudson of St. James, MO.

Gene Hunt '59

Robert L. James Jr. '86 - Joined chapter eternal on November 28, 2002.  He was 38. Survived by wife, Valori James; daughters, Jessica Humphrey 16, Kayla James 10, Paulina James 8, and son, Taylor James 3 of Lexington, KY. James was a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University and was employed as an electrical engineer for Trinity Industrial Corporation of America.

James Juergens '83 - Joined chapter eternal on November 23, 2023.

Gary Juergens '81

Keith Kiefner '82 - Joined chapter eternal in July 2020

Richard P. Klasing '57 - Joined chapter eternal in 2000.  Indianapolis, IN

Thomas W. Koettker '70

Mark E Krapf '91

Raymond W. Kruel '64

Charlie Lahr '58

Martin B. Lechner III '64 - Joined chapter eternal in 2002. St. Louis, MO. 

James Lee '54

Terrence Loviska '14

Gregory S. Lurtz '74

George E. Lyles '59

Dirk Magwitz

James Marshall '57

Philip R. Martin '60

Raymond L. Marts '53 - Joined chapter eternal in 2002. Saint Charles, MO.  Raymond was an Alpha Phi Founding Father. 

Loren W. Mecham, Honorary

Fred J. Meyer '55

Michael R. Meyer '55 - Joined chapter eternal in 2002.  Fullerton, CA.

Timothy Meyer - Joined chapter eternal August 25th, 2020

Richard Miller '64

Willie Moonshine '53 - Joined chapter eternal in March of 2004.  He was considered a "Legend" by his own Fraternity brothers.  Willie was a Founding Father. 

James (Jim) Nagel '73 - Joined chapter eternal in 2018.

Harry W. Nettle '55 - Joined chapter eternal in 2001.  Webster Groves, MO

David W. Nothaker '66

Michael William Palumbo '78

Wayne A. Parmentier '69

Robert Patrick Sr '57- Joined chapter eternal in 2001.  We mourn the passing of one of the founding fathers of the Alpha Phi Chapter, Mr. Robert (Bob) Patrick, Sr., friend and father to Rob Patrick, Class of 1982.  Bob use to come down for every Father/Son weekend and was always generous with the beer at the alamo and pladium bars.  I can still see him laying down those hundred dollar bills on the bar and telling the bartender to keep the beers flowing.  The Patrick family would always open up their home to Sig Taus who couldn't make it home for the holidays or couldn't make it home from their parties, me included many times.  All the brothers over the decades pass on their condolences to Rob, his mom Pat and sister Christie.  I just know Bob is slipping God the secret handshake and password to open the doors to his glory.  Godspeed my friend, till we meet again.  Love from all you touched.  The Brothers of Alpha Phi Chapter, Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity.  (Writen by: James Kane '79).

Roy D. Perdue '78

Terry "Hawk" Pierce '78 - Joined chapter eternal in December 2014

Glenn Pitts '81

Patrick Edwin Pohlmann '87 - Joined chapter eternal August 5th, 2018

William Rockwell '56

Gerald A. Roscio '71

David Ryffel '66

Michael Saputo '72

Richard Adolph Scatizzi '56 - Fortified with the Sacrament of Holy Mother Church, Richard Adolph Scatizzi passed away on January 28, 2024. Richard was born in St. Louis Missouri, on February 25, 1934, to Enes and Adolph Scatizzi. Richard grew up in North St. Louis County and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in Business Administration. He then spent a year in Korea with the U.S. Army. In 1961 he joined American Cyanamid, Lederle Laboratories, and was District Sales Manager until his retirement in 1994. During that time he earned numerous awards including 6 outstanding performance awards for his skill in both sales and management. He was a board member of the Central West End Bank. In college Richard belonged to the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity, where brothers he met became cherished lifelong friends. Their reunions every two years were a highlight of his retirement. Richard was a loving and devoted husband and father. He was open and honest, positive, self-confident, and optimistic. He loved spending time with people he cared about, traveling in the United States and abroad with friends and family, and relaxing with his wife and family in Charlevoix, Michigan. Richard is survived by his wife, Jean, his daughter, Catherine Upton (Mark) and his son, Michael Scatizzi (Dawn), children with his first wife, Mary Alice, who died in 1983; grandchildren, Haley Upton, Andrew Scatizzi (Sarah) and Sabrina Butler (David); great granddaughter Olivia Scatizzi; and his two brothers, John (Cristine) and Tom (Elaine) Scatizzi, his nephew, Jack Scatizzi (Sarah) and his niece, Cara Esser (Jeff).

James R. Short ' 57

Herman C. Skaggs '63

Glennon Silliman '67

Donald L. Snelson '54

Bill Stacy '60 - Bill Stacy, 85 yrs, who was president of Southeast Missouri State University from 1979 to 1989, died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. During his time at the university, the school experienced tremendous growth. Stacy ushered in the construction of the Show Me Center and the student recreation center, a city and university partnership project. Other buildings added during his career, or at least under construction by the time he left, include Johnson Hall of Computer Science and Mathematics, Roger F. Rhodes Hall of Science, Rhodes Center for Teaching and Learning; and Cottonwood Treatment Center, according to Southeast Missourian archives. He also helped establish Southeast Missouri University Foundation, the university studies program, new admission standards designed to help under-prepared students succeed in college, student exchange programs and a new business school. Stacy helped expand the university's footprint into Malden with the Bootheel Education Center, according to archives.

John Stech '59

Joesph Stein '58

Robert Stewart '75

Mike Stillman '81

Robert R. Stoneman '57

Robert Streeter '85 -Joined chapter eternal in October 2014.

Don D. Varner '60

Jesse W. Varnon '60

Charles "Chuck" Vedder "79 - Joinced chapter eternal on December 31, 2022

Ray Vick '54

Dennis G. Waid '70

Norman Whinery '81

John W. Wolf '66 - Joined chapter eternal in 1988.  Wolf was a former Sigma Tau Gamma President.

The Eternal Light

A darkness is all around us.  It is the darkness of sadness and loneliness,  An emptiness caused by the loss of a Brother.  But there is a light in the darkness,  A small flickering light that touches each of us.  The light of the memories of our Brother now gone.

The memories of his life, which brought joy to many,  The memories of the great times together as Brothers,  Yes, the memories of our Brother now gone.  Let his light remain with us now and always.