July '12 Luncheon - Jeff Durrell '91

Jeff Durrell '91 talked a little about his undergraduate days, a bit about his career, and a bit about the commercial real estate conditions in the Seattle metro market. 

In his undergraduate days he spent four summers on the Green Knight crew working for Scot Reusser '84.  Following graduation Jeff pursued his dream to be in radio where he worked with Wayne Cody and his sport crew.  Then Jeff moved into commercial real estate and the rest is history.  

In April 2011, Mohr Partners, Inc., an international corporate real estate advisor, announced the opening of its office in Seattle, WA.  The opening of the new office included the announcement of Jeff Durrell ‘91 as one of the Managing Partners. The office is located at 11235 S.E. 6^th Street, Suite 210, Bellevue, WA 98004.Durrell is a 17-year veteran of the commercial real estate industry specializing in office leasing and sales. He has assisted clients in leasing 6+ million square feet of commercial office space in the Puget Sound area. As a result of his hard work and dedication to his clients, he has continually been recognized and rewarded as a top producer in the Seattle marketplace, and has been named a CoStar Power Broker seven times. Durrell began his career in 1994 with Colliers International, before eventually joining Pacific Real Estate Partners in 1997.  Jeff was a principal at Pacific Real Estate Partners until he made his move to Mohr Partners. 

In addition to Jeff, there are several other Fijis manning the Mohr office in Seattle.  Eric Leland '78 and Troy Leland '05.

Roger Collins '79, Bob Trimble '64, Dan Alexander '53, Ron Crockett '61, Mike Burns '91, Jack Rhodes '60, Jeff Zier '04, Chris Ascani, Troy Leland '05, Scott Reusser '84, Alex Fraser '14, Davis Vaughn '09

Other highlights of the luncheon was Roger Collins '79 and Chair of the Sigma Tau Scholarship Committee introducing the newly printed History of Sigma Tau 1900 - 1960 authored by Gordy Ringoen '60. 


Steve Stoddard '76 gave a report on his start-up company's "pay at the table" system for restaurant industry.  His company is Viableware, and the product is being manufactured in Spokane, and it is in beta tests in several restaurants in the Seattle area.   http://www.viableware.com

June '12 Luncheon - Bob Philip '40

Bob Philip '40, Dan Alexander '53,and John Ellis '50

The June luncheon was a rare treat for those who attended.  As one of our three oldest brothers still standing, Bob Philip '40 shared some of the colorful stories of his long career.  There was little discussion about his 18 years as a Regent for the University of Washington, but there was a an educational and entertaining story to be told of Bob becoming the owner of the Tri-City Herald.  And he noted several times that the acquisition was made possible with the investments of a number of his contemporary Sigma Tau brothers.  The crowd enjoyed themselves as Bob described his accidental entry into the publishing business.  And the story was only more colorful as he described the 13 year union strike they survived.

Bob was informative and entertaining, and the crowd peppered him with questions.  Bob's business acumen is rivaled by his clever wit, so even the Q & A was well worth the cost of attendance.  Being the class of '40, Bob didn't have any classmates attending, but there was a good group attending to welcome him as Tom Allen '43 introduced him.

Tom Allen '43, Dick Radloff '59, and Chuck Lappenbusch '59

May '12 Luncheon - Tom Tuell '72 and the Golfing Gorilla

Tom Tuell '72 is a touring pro who is best known as the Trainer for the Golfing Gorilla.  The Golfing Gorilla has been a mascot of the golfing scene for a solid 26 years.  As the Golfing Gorilla’s Trainer, Tom has never divulged the true identity of the Golfing Gorilla.  But those who attended the luncheon certainly had the opportunity to hear a series of stories about the Gorilla's "celebrity" experiences in and around the Tour.    

Tom shared unbelievable stories from Gorilla appearances at the PGA Tour from  Tiger to Nicklaus and brushes with celebrities from Bob Hope to President Ford.  For more info see  the Golfing Gorilla’s website: http://www.thegolfinggorilla.com           
To arrange for the Golfing Gorilla to join your foursome or be a headline promotion for your golfing event, you can email to thegorilla@nventure.com


Tom answered a variety of golf-questions as did his golf-instructor association Todd Erwin. Todd has served as the "Human" assistant for nearly a dozen of the Gorilla's appearances over the past decade.  Todd is a golf instructor in Tacoma where he coached PGA Pro Kyle Stanley from age 11 until he joined the golf team at Clemson University. Todd shared a number of tips and insights during the luncheon.  


All in all, Tom Tuell's stories about golfing and the Gorilla proved to be one of our more interesting luncheons.  Thanks Tom!

The John Radovich Tenth Annual "Fijis in the Desert" Luncheon 2012

"Fijis in the Desert" Luncheon 2012

Tenth Annual John Radovich Fiji Desert Luncheon  2012

10^th Annual Fijis in the Desert Luncheon

March 8th, 2012

  

In 2002, this Desert luncheon was founded and organized by Sigma Tau Fiji,  John Radovich '55.  After nine successful years, the luncheon was in jeopardy, because John passed away early in the year.  There we were-- the luncheon was on many people’s calendars but much work remained to be done.  Fortunately a member of the class of ’54 stepped forward.   Our thanks to Bill Revere ’54 for volunteering to complete the organization of the TENTH “Fiji in the Desert” event. 

The luncheon was held March 8 at the IW Club in Indian Wells, CA.  40+ Fijis from various chapters gathered in the Desert to enjoy themselves and share stories of the “old days”.   Once again our thanks to Bill for stepping forward to make the luncheon happen. You can reach Bill @:  206- 545-1850 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            206- 545-1850      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or b.revere@rgroup.com

November Luncheon -- Clay Loges '68 and his serial entrepreneur career

Clay Loges   UPS '68

Clay Loges ’68 began the November luncheon with a review of his undergraduate fraternity experience that led to his being elected the Student Body president for the Univ. of Puget Sound.  


Combining that student government experience with his business training at IBM, Clay ended up in his career of serial entrepreneurialism.  From pioneering the ten minute oil change industry to founding one of the Soviet Union’s first telecom businesses, Clay treated the luncheon group to some colorful insider views.  While building the Russia-based business to 800+ employees and 70,000+ customers, Clay had a number of unique experiences to share with the group.  


Clay also discussed the revolution of the digital age.  This included his participation in the mobile revolution being led by smart phones and mobile apps.  His current company is www.YodioTours.com offering digital tours on the Android and iPhones.   Anyone can create photo/audio presentations at his production site www.Yodio.com to be played via apps on Android and iPhones.  


While living at 4503, Matt Conroy '11, did a spring internship that included producing walking tours of UW's Greek Row.  You can view these tours and nearly three dozen other tours on the website and through the app.  You can find the Android app by searching “Yodio” on the Android Market.  

Luncheon Speaker, Dr. Cary Odegard '75

Dr. Carson E. Odegard, DC, MPH, CCSP

July's luncheon featured another member of the Class of '75.  Cary Odegard is a prominent doctor in the practice of chiropractory with office in Kirkland, WA.  With his signature sense of humor, Cary shared several anecdotes about his undergraduate and graduate days. 

Dr. Cary Odegard '75

As an undergraduate he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health, from the UW's School of Public Health and Community Medicine.  Cary then attended graduate school at Western States Chiropractic College in Oregon, where he earned his title of Dr. Odegard upon receiving his Doctor of Chiropractic degree.  In addition Dr. Odegard also holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine, specializing in Health Services Management.   

But more to the point about Cary's luncheon presentation, he talked about the trends in sport injuries.  Athletes starting at earlier ages tends to accelerate the muscular development, and the result is they are often exposed to much more forceful challenges to their bodies. 

Jim Hinz '75, Mark Tsutakawa '75, and Cary Odegard '75

  Doctors of chiropractic does not spend time in the emergency room, but they are active in preventive and post injury treatments.  Currently Cary's expertise in the sports injury field finds him serving on a state board that focuses on sports injuries.

Cary's presentation was interesting and informative.  And he stayed after the lunch to perform a few on-the-spot consultations.  Our thanks to the good Dr. Cary Odegard '75

Luncheon speaker, Craig Undem '85 at May 2011

Craig Undem '85

Craig Undem ’85 is a local professional cyclist.  In 2004 he founded Cycle University to develop the best coaching and teaching methods for cycling. Through CycleU, Craig has created a large curriculum of proprietary classes and teaching methods for everything from how-to-ride for the first time to preparing for the Tour de France.

At the luncheon Craig talked about his lifelong passion for cycling and endurance sports. Since beginning with a collegiate race in 1983 and eventually racing in the World Championships of Cyclocross, winning a World Cup medal in Mountain Bike Racing, placing 2nd in the US in Elite Criterium Championships, racing Track and Triathlon, he has earned the equivalent of a Doctorate in Cycling on the bike. 

Off the bike Craig has been a professional cycling coach since 1996.  He is currently the Director of all Junior racing in the state of Washington, CEO and founder of Cycle University, former board member of the Marymoor Velodrome and Cyclocross Association and sought after speaker, coach and fitness expert. He is a coach with USACycling and a graduate of the Carmichael Coaching College. Craig coached for Lance Armstrong’s coach for 3 years and assisted him at the Tour de France in 2002 and 2003. Craig also was the Head Coach for the Bristol Myers Tour of Hope in 2003 with Lance Armstrong.

Craig began coaching at REI where he worked for ten years and taught regular clinics on bike maintenance, riding skills, and racing beginning in 1987. He started the Washington cycling program for the Leukemia Society helping raise over $500,000. He served on the Marymoor Velodrome board of directors for 2 years and has been instrumental in developing cyclocross in the Seattle area. He has worked with State, National and Olympic Champions including the Redline Cyclocross team, Adam Craig, the Jacques-Mayne brothers and the University of Washington Huskies 1999 until present.

Craig’s team has coached the HUSKY Cycling Club team for the last 8 years.  In addition he operates two CycleU locations in Sandpoint and West Seattle   You can reach Craig at:   Craig@CycleU.com   You can learn more about CycleU at its website:   www.CycleU.com

Ad Astra - Bob Lamson '37

Robert T. "Bob" Lamson

  |   Visit Guest Book

Robert T. (Bob) LAMSON Oct. 30, 1914 ~ April 20, 2011 Noted aviation pioneer and sailor, Robert Lamson peacefully passed away at his home on April 20, 2011. Bob was born at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, Washington on October 30, 1914 to Dr. Otis Floyd Lamson and Mrs. Armene Tashjian Lamson. He attended Madrona Elementary School, Garfield High School and graduated from the University of Washington in 1937 with a degree in chemistry. He continued his studies at the Boeing School of Aeronautics where he received a scholarship. With World War II imminent Bob received his Army Air Corps wings in 1940 at Randolf Field, Texas and spent two years as a fighter pilot instructor. He subsequently spent the next 10 years with Boeing Airplane Company and performed the first experimental test flights on nine different aircraft types. From 1952 until his passing Bob established himself in his second career as a commercial aviation consultant of great breadth. Many of his investigations were conducted for northwest corporations and institutions such as Alaska Airlines, Boeing Field/King County Airport, Airborne Air Freight, Wien Airlines and Weyerhaeuser. Lamson's third career, as an early and continuing expert in composite material technology for aircraft, began in 1965 when he built the Lamson L-106 Alcor, the world's first high altitude pressurized sailplane. The Alcor now hangs in the Seattle Museum of Flight Great Gallery. For the last ten years of his life, Bob continued to apply his composite materials expertise to consulting work with Aviation Partners, Inc, also in Seattle. Bob was one of Seattle's pioneering competitive sailors, and built his first sailboat at the age of 11. He was one of the founders of Seattle's Corinthian Yacht Club, and was also among Seattle's first ski racers as captain of the University of Washington's 1936 Ski Team. More important than anything in his life was Bob's devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, June Lowery Lamson, sister Armene Lamson Milliken, sons Robert D. Lamson and Stephen L. Lamson, daughters Wendy E. Lamson, Catherine J. Lamson, and Barbara Lamson Schmidt. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He is pre- deceased by his mother and father, brother Otis Lamson and a grandson Sean Omri. In lieu of flowers Bob's family requests donations to the Museum of Flight, or your favorite charity. A celebration of his life will be held at the Seattle Museum of Flight at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 22 in the Skyline Room.

Published in The Seattle Times from April 27 to May 1, 2011

Ad Astra - Kim Matzdorf '59

2011 Fiji Luncheon in the Desert

Note: Kelley Moldstad is in second row, and Steve Wells (mislabeled as K. Moldstad) is standing to right of  Stan Little

John Radovich '55 has done it again.  He went south to the Palm Springs area for the winter sun, and then he organized the Desert Fiji luncheon at  the IW Club in Indian Wells.

On March 10th, 49 brothers from 15 universities gathered for a memorable lunchoen.  45 of those attendees are shown in the above photo.   It was declared a great success when Bill Martin traveled from the National Fraternity office in Lexington to attend.

The 2012 is already in the planning.  If you would like to be among the 2012 attendees, contact the organizer

– John Radovich ’55 --  @   JohnCRadovich@AOL.com  

February Luncheon - Craig Rubens '74

 John Evans '74 introducing his classmate   Craig Rubens

February's luncheon offered one a graduate brother who is a "rock-star" in the academic achievement arena.  Craig Rubens '74 followed his studious undergraduate days at the University of Washington with the study of Immunology and Microbiology at Columbia where he earned his PhD.  The study bug was still under his skin, so he then attended the School of Medicine at the University of South Carolina.

In July of 1984 he joined the staff at Children's Hospital (called Children's Orhopedic Hospital or COH back in those days).  Craig's has enjoyed an illustrious career in pediatrics at Children's, and this foundational experience has led to his current position as the Executive Director of a global research effort touting the goal to reduce and prevent premature and still births. 

This global research effort offers this far reaching title:  "Global Alliance to Prevent Prematruity and Stillbirth (GAPPS)".   It is a far-reaching and ambitious initiative led by Seattle Children's.

Craig engaged the crowd by asking members of each table to offer examples of significant changes in the past 40 years.  The responses were revealing --  copy machine, fax machine, cell phone, internet, laptop, etc.  After reviewing these great technological advances, Craig put in perspective that his field has seen great advances for keeping people alive.  BUT there have not been corresponding advances in preventing the problems.  Little work has been done to improve the outcome of pregnancy.

Each year around the world there are 130 million births of which 10% are pre-term and an additional 4 million die at birth / stillborn.  The GAPPS goal is to spawn research around the world that will improve the outcome of pregnancy.  Craig cited information that a drop in birth-related mortality will result in a reduction of birth rate.  Thus it can be said that a more predictable outcome with pregnancy can actually result in less pregnancies and less births.

Funding for GAPPS has come from UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, and others

We thank Craig for a most interesting presentation.