Sigma Chi - University of Alabama

3 Sigma Chi - University of Alabama 3 Sigma Chi - University of Alabama Iota Iota House Corporation President James Willis "Will" Yeldell III '86 Treasurer Johnny Frazier '80 Members Shan Paden '80 William "Bill" Stiers '86 Stephen Cross '07 Hunter Ross '17 T he days as an Iota Iota undergraduate were "defi- nitely among the best years of my life," says Al- len E. "Teeto" Graham '88, "because of the lifelong friends I made there and the kinship I enjoy with other Sigs today." Friendships and connections are a resounding theme when Teeto reflects on his Sigma Chi experience. Meet- ing fraternity members during rush, he enjoyed the so- cial aspect and found that Iota Iota would be a great fit for him. While it is difficult for him to pinpoint only a few favorite memories, he says that pledgeship and initi- ation, Derby Week, Pajama Party, and attending football games stand out. "It was all my favorite! It ought to be illegal to have that much fun. And I wish I could do it all over again." After graduating with a bachelor of science in engineering, Teeto earned his law degree from Tulane University in 1990 and a master's degree in admiralty and maritime law in 1991. He began practicing law in 1991 and is now managing partner of the Mobile office of the regional law firm of Phelps Dunbar, LLP. He represents and counsels clients in the construction, maritime, and insurance industries on casualty matters, finance and security issues, construction and renovation projects, and in litigation. Growing up in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and being involved in the seafood and shipbuilding industry, inspired his focus on maritime law. Teeto's pledge brothers and the actives who recruited him forged a bond and are still close today, including Menza Dudley '85, Howard Einstein '86, Jim Creamer '88, Bill Stiers '86, Bill Sweeney '86, Ben Capps '90, Steve Kittleson '86, Will Yelldell '86, John Ke- arley '86, Joe Fesenmeier '86 and Cavett Fallis '90. Staying in touch and supporting each other through all the ups and downs of life has been a priority over the years. Unfortunately, in 2016, they met up for a memorial dedicated to Brother Matt Pappas '85, a close friend and fellow attorney. "Matt would do anything for you. He once gave me the shirt off of his back—literally. He was a keenly sharp intellect, a gregarious personality, a lightening quick wit, and an adventurous soul. Matt is and will be sorely missed." Visiting Tuscaloosa, supporting Alabama football, and promoting Sigma Chi to incoming freshmen are just a few ways Teeto has stayed involved with the chapter. He encourages current members to participate fully. "You will get out of it more than what you put in it." And—again—the relationships established as young students and maintained long after graduation are the best result of fraternity membership. "Sigma Chi brothers remain some of my best, lifelong friends." Teeto lives in Mobile and has two children, daughter Pasley (22), a Kappa Delta at Ala- bama, and son Hansen (12). In addition to faithfully following the Crimson Tide, he enjoys fishing and boating. Teeto can be reached at teeto.graham@phelps.com. Outstanding House Corporation Award T he Iota Iota House Corporation once again received the Outstanding House Corporation Gold Award for demonstrating superior business practices. Out of 237 chap- ter house corporations nationally, we were one of two in the SEC to receive this honor. One board member, Ashton Hill '76, is stepping down after three years of dedicated service. Ashton's time on the House Corpo- ration came at a critical juncture. During his tenure, Ashton served as secretary and at- tended the Balfour Leadership Workshop in 2017. Professionally, Ashton helps guide the City of Mobile as assistant city attorney. We are grateful for his contributions to Iota Iota. Stephen Cross '07 is the newest member of our House Corporation. Stephen and his wife, Lane, have settled in Birmingham where he works in the Fixed Income Divi- sion of the Institutional Finance Department, buying and selling bonds for institutional in- vestors at Raymond James. Stephen served as chapter advisor to Iota Iota for the first three years after his graduation in 2007, so he knows what it takes to keep things running smoothly. We thank him for his continued service to our chapter. LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS: THE IOTA IOTA BENEFIT Teeto Graham Credits Fraternity for Kinship

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