Sigma Chi - University of Mississippi

2 William's career plan was to go back home and work in the family business, Yates Construction. So after graduation, William looked into a master's degree in construction management. Choosing the program at Arizona State University over others came down to "a great construction management program and wanting to live in another part of the country for a while." But he also was motivated to complete that degree as soon as possible. "My future wife was still at Ole Miss." On his honeymoon with Tara (Duett), a Delta Delta Delta alumna, Yates Construction was invited to propose on a $450 million project opportunity that would help jumpstart his own legacy at Yates Construction, the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. Subsequently, he opened an office in Biloxi and in 2003 became president of the organization. The success of that office helped grow the company and brought in work from around the country and world, including Russia, India, and Mexico. Notable projects include Nissan automotive facilities, the U.S. District Court House in Jackson, Borgata in Atlantic City, and the Inn on Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina. Yates Construction has also recently been a major supplier of hurricane relief housing in Puerto Rico. Just as his father was recognized for his accomplishments by the fraternity, William was honored as a Significant Sig in 2013. He says the designation "reminded me of all the great things Sigma Chi has done for me." He believes the fraternity is a positive building block to the success of young men. "Studies have shown that developing goals and milestones to track your progress results in higher achievement." He urges undergraduates and young alumni to have a plan. "Think about who you want to be and then develop a plan to make it happen." William works everyday alongside several Eta Sigs at Yates Construction: Brandon Dunn '98 is CFO and Dodds Dehmer '95 is vice president and general counsel. William's brother-in-law, Jason Voyles '99, is also vice president of development and president of Spectrum Capital. And, of course, Bill Yates '63 is chairman. William's journey as an Eta Chapter alumnus has led him to a high degree of achievement, both professionally and personally. He has been honored with the Farrington Distinguished Entrepreneurship Award and Construction Person of the Year and served as the statewide Chairman of the Mississippi Economic Council, among many other recognitions and philanthropic endeavors. But perhaps his most treasured accomplishment is his family. When William isn't working, spending quality time with his wife and kids is his priority. He and Tara have two children: Abby, a high school senior with plans to attend Ole Miss, and Gully, a high school freshman. The Yates family—carrying on the Rebel legacy! William can be reached at wyates@wgyates.com. "Always a Rebel" (Continued from page 1) T he Eta Chapter is riding a surge of optimism this spring. Academically, we are performing very well. Since fall 2016 semester, our chapter has maintained a 3.05 GPA, which ranks us second among all 14 IFC fraternities and well beyond the university men's average of 2.64. Last fall, 14 of our members earned a perfect 4.0 and 46 members earned either Dean's Honor Roll or Chancellor's Honor Roll. Philanthropically, last year saw the return of Derby Days to the Ole Miss campus. Our chapter chose to serve our university community by giving the $25,000 earned over the week to the Davis Magee Center for Wellness Education. This year's Derby Days Chairmen, Joseph Upton '21 and Hays Dubberly '21, are incredibly excited for the week of April 8-12. They are resolved to lead our chapter in raising over $50,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institution, our fraternity's national philanthropy. Also, Philanthropy Chairman William Bradford '21 organized a service swap with Delta Gamma that had great participation. Numerous intermural championships have been won from bowling to softball. Spring 2018's softball playoffs boasted a first-, second-, and third-place Sigma Chi sweep. Our basketball team of Sam Fowlkes '18 (Memphis, Tenn.), David Dennis '19 (Oxford, Miss.), and Hack Smith '19 (Corinth, Miss.) won the University's halftime 3-on-3 tournament that took place during Kermit Davis' first season. Chapter members are also showing off their musical talents. Sigma Chi has won Phi Mu's Battle of the Bands for the fourth year in a row, and the freshmen have already played at several of our functions. Our men are recognized as leaders on campus as well, highlighted by a strong track record of elected leaders: Austin Powell '17 served as ASB president in 2016, Jarret Estess '18 and Bennet Wilfong '19 served as IFC presidents in 2017 and 2018, respectively, and Tucker Fox '18 served as Mr. Ole Miss last year. Our chapter is grateful for every form of support from family and alumni, allowing us to continue the tradition of being one of the premier fraternities at Ole Miss and in the country. In Hoc, Robert Pickering '20 Consul rgpicker@go.olemiss.edu (601) 498-0153 CONSUL LOOKS BACK ON SUCCESS OF RECENT YEARS Eta Continues to rive at Ole Miss! In January, members of the 2014 pledge class reunited at the wedding of Carter Kemp '18 and the now-Mrs. Kaley Geroux Kemp. The 2018 chapter officers welcomed in the new pledge class on bid day. (Left) Miles Roy '21, Hays Dubberly '21, John Andrew Agostinelli '21, Max Williams '21, and Kneeland Gammill '21 enjoying this past Egg Bowl. (Right) Last year's Derby Days events raised $25,000 for the William Magee Center for Wellness Education at Ole Miss. This center will be a resource for all Ole Miss students who struggle with substance abuse or mental illnesses.

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