Alumni History
The Greater Long Beach Area Alumni Association of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was founded in 1926 by brother George Arthur Powell, known to most as "GAP."
GAP was from a pioneer family that moved by wagon from Caplinger Mills, Missouri and homesteaded in the Lost River Country of Idaho. His family operated the freight lines and stage coaches from Blackfoot to Mackay, Challis, Moore and Arco, Idaho where George was born on March 18, 1898.
After the railroads were built, the family moved to Portland, Oregon. GAP attended Arleta Grammar School and was one of the first 12 to graduate from Franklin High School. He worked his way through High School carrying papers for the Morning Oregonian and as a delivery boy for Simola and Davis Grocery Store. Before graduation in June, 1917, he was President of the Student Body and won letters in football, basketball and track events. He also played first violin in the Franklin High School Orchestra, and sang in the opera "Pirates of Penzance."
In September, 1917, GAP entered Oregon Agricultural College, now known as Oregon State University. While at Oregon State he joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity (Oregon Alpha chapter), and became the first football All-American from Oregon State recognized by the Athletic World Magazine (now Sports Illustrated) and the selection by 267 coaches for 1921. He was also shot put champion and participated in the Student Army Training Corp. as Adjutant to the General.
After graduating from college with honors and a bachelor's degree in Commerce, he married his college sweetheart, Bernice Mae Haines, on June 26, 1922. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. They then moved to California where he started his 50 year career in the oil business and eventually retired in 1972.
GAP has been called "Mr. Oregon State" because of his All-American football record and his 15 years as a Trustee of the Oregon State University Foundation and his dedication and support of college athletics. The Long Beach Chapter of SAE has been known to call him "Mr. SAE."
Become an Alumni
Why pay alumni dues? Check out some of the following benefits:
- The annual Alumni Newsletter (Cal Lambda Herald),
- Half off the cost to attend the Bi-Annual Alumni Steak Bakes ($5 instead of $10)
- A 25 year and/or 50 year membership certificate (FREE) mailed to you at no cost.
- Satisfaction knowing the money will help pay for alumni and active events, as well as the Alumni Newsletter and this website
- The gratitude of your fellow alums and the active chapter (Cal Lambda)
Sign up to the right if you are interested.
Board of Directors
Elected officers:
Bill Kahale - President (Responsibilities include publishing the Bi-Annual Alumni Newsletter & Monthly e-Herald, & mantaining this Website)
Shawn Wiedrick - Vice-President (Responsibilities include organizing the Alumni Steak Bakes)
Douglas Cumming - Treasurer (Responsibilities include managing the finances of the Alumni Association)
Members at Large:
Steve Nader - Cal Lambda's Chapter Advisor
Gary Westling - Province Archon, Chi-Alpha
Alumni Dues
For only $20 each calendar year, you can contribute as a member in good standing of the Greater Long Beach Area Alumni Association of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. That's nothing and you have two convenient ways to contribute and pay your dues.
Alumni Sign-up
Are you interested in contributing more or making a donation? Donations made to the Long Beach Alumni Association allow us to continue to host alumni events throughout the year & support the California Lambda Chapter at LB State. Unfortunately donations to the LB Alumni Association are not tax deductible.
Contribute
Are you interested in contributing more or making a donation? Donations made to the Long Beach Alumni Association allow us to continue to host alumni events throughout the year & support the California Lambda Chapter at LB State. Unfortunately donations to the LB Alumni Association are not tax deductible.