Tau Kappa Epsilon - Iowa State University

4 I t is with a heavy heart we announce that Sandy Clem, our ever-loyal housemother of 29 years, formally resigned earlier this year so she could focus first and foremost on her health. Mom Sandy moved into an apartment during spring 2020 when COVID-19 hit, for her own safety reasons. Since we had closed the Chapter House for the spring semester as construction was soon to begin, it was not a terrible challenge not having her around. Last fall, Mom Sandy remained in her apartment away from TKE for her health and safety reasons, and we all agreed it was the right call for everyone. However, while living away from the Chapter House, it became apparent that Mom Sandy had some physical challenges unrelated to COVID-19 that led to her resignation. Mom Sandy was formally diagnosed with dementia and moved to Bethany Life Home healthcare facility in Story City, Iowa. Mom Sandy was the housemother for more than 700 Fraters over the years, impacting more men at Epsilon Chapter than any other housemother in our Fraternity's history. We caught up with Brad Williams '78 E-1287, Ryan Burchett '93 E-1729, Eric Grinde '09 E-2092, and Zach Woodbeck '15 E-2239 to share some special memories of Mom Sandy and illustrate how much she has meant to Epsilon Chapter. SANDY'S SPUNK A few years ago, Brad and his wife, Anne, brought some of their good friends to an ISU vs. KU basketball game and stopped by the TKE house while they were on campus. As they walked up to the house from the parking lot, Mom Sandy was watching them from the window in the living room. "In front of my wife and my good friends, Sandy yelled out the window, 'Here comes trouble!' Brad said. "My friends from Kansas City said, 'Wow, she really knows you well!' Sandy is a great friend to both Anne and me, and she made every visit to Iowa State a joyful experience." Brad will always be thankful for how hard Mom Sandy worked to help "her men" become gentlemen in every sense of the word. Manners, etiquette, discipline, faith, and integrity were all lessons that Mom Sandy instilled in Brad and all the Fraters who were fortunate to live at 224 Ash Avenue during her tenure. "More than anything, I remember Sandy's spunk," Brad said. "She was fun, feisty, and not afraid to stand up for what she knew was best for the TKE undergraduates. Her personality was a perfect match for her role at Epsilon, and the men loved having her as part of their lives at Iowa State." NEVER FORGETTING HER MEN For so many Fraters, Mom Sandy didn't get to know just them, but their girlfriends and families as well. Ryan remembers several occasions when Mom Sandy walked alongside him and his eventual wife, Monica, when they started dating. Mom Sandy will always be a great friend to both of them, and for that, they'll always be thankful. "She never forgets her men! It's always so special to catch up with her at a tailgate or other trips through Ames," Ryan said. "She has been such a constant for what have been now generations of Epsilon TKEs. She has been the loving face of Epsilon that still makes the house feel like home. There is a little piece of her heart in so many Fraters." 1-2-3 JUMP FOR MOM SANDY As a Frater who served on Epsilon Chapter's scholarship selection committee for three years, Eric says one of his favorite TKE traditions was Mom Sandy announcing the recipient of the Sandy Clem Scholarship Award. It was always important to Mom Sandy that all Fraters, even those who may not have the best grades or exemplify the best leadership, had a chance to receive an award for simply being a man of strong character. Eric thoroughly enjoyed working with Mom Sandy in the various positions he held in Epsilon Chapter, including Mother's Weekend chairman, kitchen crew member, and house manager. He appreciated how she took genuine interest in Fraters' personal growth and put up with countless pranks. Sharing Our Love for Mom Sandy Sandy Clem Steps Down as Epsilon Chapter Housemother Amid Health Concerns Honoring Mom Sandy Via Tax-Deductible Scholarship in Her Name I n the wake of Mom Sandy's departure, a Mom Sandy Clem Scholarship has been established. Any Frater may donate to the scholarship endowment at the ISU Foundation for a full tax-deductible donation. The ISU account number for the Sandy Clem Scholarship is 2703151; donations can be mailed to the following address: The ISU Foundation, 2505 University Drive, Ames, Iowa 50010. Sandy Clem "Gift of Grace" Scholarship F ew housemothers have ever served a fraternity for as long as Mom Sandy served Epsilon Chapter. The Sandy Clem "Gift of Grace" Scholarship is an award that will honor young men who portray the high-character values that she saw in so many Fraters. This scholarship was created and funded by Brad Williams '78 E-1287 and his family. • NUMBER OF AWARDS: Three ($500 each) • WHO'S ELIGIBLE TO APPLY: Freshmen through juniors by academic classification • WHO SELECTS THE RECIPIENTS: The TKE housemother • CRITERIA: Applicants must demonstrate the highest of moral and spiritual awareness and provide the Chapter with a "sense of grace and moral leadership." Recipients of this scholarship aren't eligible to receive the Blanche King Scholarship in the same year but are eligible in a different year. A host of brothers with Mom Sandy. (Continued on page 8)

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