Sigma Chi - Auburn University

3 AUBURN UNIVERSITY B ob Benz '60 decided to join Sigma Chi based on lifelong friendships, and he has never regretted that decision. His choice was reaffirmed early on in his first term at Auburn, when he needed surgery and missed several weeks of class. "The brothers at Sigma Chi were immensely helpful, even finding me housing and transportation when I needed it," Bob remembers. "Needless to say, I was grateful for the assistance as an 18-year-old with no family support." His bonds with the Gamma Sigma brothers only grew in those years, during which he served as treasurer and vice president. Whether it was chapter house gatherings, sporting events, or spending time with their housemother, Mrs. Peavy, Bob gained so much by learning from those around him with unique and diverse backgrounds. Bob served in the Army for two years beginning in 1955. While in college, he benefitted greatly from his scoutmaster and mentor, who was also a brother of Sigma Chi. He gave Bob the necessary encouragement and financial assistance to seek an accounting major, leading him to a great and fulfilling career. After graduation, Bob worked at Arthur Anderson & Co., the world's largest international accounting firm at the time, in New Orleans. He later returned to Pensacola for work, starting his own firm in 1967 and retiring in 2002. Bob also earned his master's degree from the University of West Florida and went on to teach accounting and taxation, history, and conduct World War II seminars at multiple Florida colleges. In 1992, Bob petitioned the IRS on behalf of Gamma Sigma for a non- profit foundation. The request was granted, thus founding The Sigma Chi Foundation at Auburn University, Inc., which has been the chapter's fundraising arm ever since. Among his many commitments to Sigma Chi as an alumnus, Bob has served on the board, as president and treasurer and is currently on the investment and service committees. He was also a leader in two of Gamma Sigma's capital campaigns (including its most recent), and for his service both to the chapter and the general fraternity, he was named to the Order of Constantine in 2015—the highest individual honor in our fraternity. Bob still lives in Pensacola, where he is active in many civic and social clubs, as well as a generous supporter of many local and international nonprofits. Though many of his Sigma Chi brothers have sadly passed away, he remains in close contact with a small group of close friends from Gamma Sigma. In his free time, Bob enjoys researching new topics and spending time with his beloved family, including seven successful children, 19 precious grandchildren, and one adorable great-granddaughter. "They have given me all I have in love, pride, and accomplishment. An incredible group of people who have shaped my life." You can reach Bob at bob.benz@yahoo.com. CELEBRATING A LIFELONG BROTHERHOOD How Bob Benz '60 Lent His Skills to Sigma Chi Russ Ansley Spanish Fort, Ala. Campbell Ayer* Medfield, Mass. Father and Uncle William Boynton* Nashville, Tenn. Brother Tucker Brant Homewood, Ala. Owen Camilli Navarre, Fla. George Cothren* Homewood, Ala. Father and Uncle Colby Coughlin* John's Creek, Ga. Father Jackson Culbreth Vestavia Hills, Ala. Dobbs Davie Atlanta, Ga. Carson Desocio* Birmingham, Ala. Great-Great-Grandfather Brayden Dillon* Kingsport, Tenn. Cousin Clay Duckworth Raleigh, N.C. Brennan Dwyer Atlanta, Ga. Jackson Engel Birmingham, Ala. Jack Felder Savannah, Ga. Logan Finkelstein Summerville, S.C. Matthew Gray Vestavia Hills, Ala. Davis Green Auburn, Ala. James Hancock* Birmingham, Ala. Grandfather Harrison Hawkins* Homewood, Ala. Brother Luke Haywood Chelsea, Ala. Jack Hodges* Madison, Ala. Father Brandt Holem Charleston, S.C. Dawson Jernigan Andalusia, Ala. Luke Kraemer* St. Louis, Mo. Jackson Lee Vestavia Hills, Ala. Michael Lynden Gainesville, Ga. Jackson McCreless Florence, Ala. Colin McLaughlin John's Creek, Ga. Garrett Palmer Hoover, Ala. Justin Peeples Andalusia, Ala. Jack Rademaker* Louisville, Ky. Christopher Rota Houston, Texas Bryant Royster Chelsea, Ala. John Shelton Hoover, Ala. Alex Shilling* Carrollton, Ga. Father and Brother Claude Simons* Dallas, Texas Uncle Noah Tanner Birmingham, Ala. Will Tarter Birmingham, Ala. Noah Turner Alabaster, Ala. Carter Zulanas Vestavia Hills, Ala. *Legacy Welcome, New Members! Bob Benz '60 at the dedication of a United States flag he brought back from Guantanamo Bay. The flag was dedicated to several high school classmates who died in the service of our country as United States Marines. "It means a great deal to me, as they did," Bob said.

• Cover