The North Dakota Beta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) at NDSU introduced a Hall of Fame in conjunction with the fraternity’s recent 75th anniversary celebration. Five NDSU alumni were honored in the inaugural induction of SAE members into the Hall of Fame on Sept. 30.
Inductees included the late Bradley J. Burgum, BS ’74, who served as treasurer for SAE House Corp. for 30 years. He was an attorney and CPA at the Burgum Law Firm in Casselton, N.D., and also served as Casselton city attorney. Burgum was a board member of Arthur Companies and Great Plains Software.
John L. Gunkelman, BS ’73, is the founder of Dakota Construction and a member of the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead, where he has held many positions. Gunkelman spearheaded the $1.2 million SAE house remodeling project in 2005.
Former Gov. William L. Guy, BS ’40, was North Dakota governor from 1961 to 1973. He also was executive director of the Western Governor’s Regional Energy Office, executive director of the North Dakota Community Foundation, a natural resources consultant to Basin Electric Power Cooperative and served on the board of governors of Common Cause.
Charles E. Trangsrud, BS ’60, was involved with SAE at the national level, serving on the Leadership School faculty, attending six national conventions, serving as SAE national chapter supervisor for 36 western chapters and as SAE national treasurer. Trangsrud was a founding member of the SAE Phoenix Society and received the SAE Merit Key Award, which recognizes service and loyalty to the fraternity. Prior to retirement, he was a partner at BioMat.
The late Charles L. Wagner, BS ’49, served with the SAE House Corp. from 1959 to 1972. He was an independent agent for Crown Life Insurance. He twice was selected Man of the Year by the Fargo-Moorhead Life Underwriters Association, and he served as director and secretary of the F-M Association. He also received Special Congressional Recognition for his participation in the North Dakota Veterans History Project.
The chapter’s Hall of Fame dinner and program was held at the Ramada Plaza Suites in Fargo. The program was emceed by 1978 NDSU graduate Doug Burgum. About 275 SAE alumni, active members and pledges attended the event.