SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON

Sylvan Melroe, 1957, Agribusinessman

Sylvan "Syl" Melroe was born on a farm near Gwinner, ND, and came to NDSU in the fall of 1953 with hopes of becoming a teacher. While on campus, Syl participated in SAE, basketball, track and Blue Key, among others. After graduation, Syl went on to serve our contributor to two companies that change the way our state works-the Melroe Company and Steiger Tracter. Syl represented Melroe Company in all 50 states and set up Bobcat dealerships in 34 countries. While at Steiger Tractor as Vice President for Sales and Marketing he was responsible for crafting a team that took company sales from $3.5 million to $124 million in only eight years. In 1973, the company had 40 dealers; by 1980, it had grown to 350. Syl was later appointed Director of Economic Development for North Dakota by Governor Al Olson, and has more recently been working with several companies, including as president of Green to Gold Technologies Inc., which manufactures and markets products for the oil fields.

 

Syl has served his alma mater in a variety of roles, including through assistance to several key fundraisers efforts, as a member of numerous college boards, as a member of the Alumni Association Board for 15 years, including two years as president, and as a founding member of the Team Makers. Syl and his wife Caroline have been married for 56 years. They have three sons-Brad, Dana, and Doug, and five grandchildren. For excellence in his career, and dedication to serving his alma mater, Sylvan Melroe is most deserving of induction into the North Dakota Beta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon's Hall of Fame.