Kappa Alpha Order - University of Texas

2 OMICRON UPDATE W hen William Crocker '99 arrived at The University of Texas, he knew he wanted to find a sense of belonging on such a large campus. While his father and grandfather were both members of Kappa Alpha, William was glad to forge his own connections in Omicron Chapter. Now serving as a chapter advisor, William enjoys helping the young men stay on a positive trajectory. FRATERNAL INTERESTS "I never communicated to KA that I was a legacy, because I really felt that this intimate experience couldn't have any fast-track or priority given to me," William said. While he quickly gravitated toward KA, William enjoyed embracing the Fraternity on his own terms. "It was a natural fit for me, and I loved every minute of it." Being among fellow young men of character, William gained a better understanding of accountability and professionalism. These values helped him prepare for a fruitful career in commercial insurance, and the Fraternity network even provided William with early commercial real estate connections. PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS After graduation, pledge brothers helped William find his footing in the professional world. Economy issues caused him to shift toward insurance, and since the late 2000s, William has led various company branches. He currently leads a branch of Alliant, a national commercial insurance broker. Alongside his career work, William has been involved with industry associations in Texas, serving as a local-level president and state-level board member. Staying true to his roots, William also found continued involvement with KA as a chapter advisor. STAYING CONNECTED WITH KA "Jim McBride '80 reached out to me directly to say he felt he was ready to move on and that I would be a good replacement," William shared. Starting roughly six years ago, William has helped the chapter stay on a positive trajectory throughout the years. William has semesterly meetings with the chapter to discuss Fraternity management, and he is glad the active members have been able to continue making good decisions for themselves. He also individually meets with members about career paths, offering advice based on his own KA experience. "Our advisor philosophy is to let them run their own show—we do not interject ourselves as decision makers or to make rules, we encourage and point them in the right direction." Keeping in touch with alumni is important to William, and he enjoys local gatherings and daily texts with pledge brothers. Though some live in different cities, they have always made sure to be there for life events like weddings. William has a 1-year-old son he hopes to see continue the legacy one day, and the Crockers will welcome another son to the world in July. You can connect with William at william.crocker@alliant.com. The Family He Needed William Crocker '99 Is Honored to Stay Involved Wiley C. Wimberly '57 is retired and is spending his days exploring new sites, eating too much, enjoying family and friends, and staying active in his church. He lives in Greenville, S.C. Email: wileyw288@aol.com Roger L. Gose '61 is a retired doctor in Riverton, Wy. Email: rogergose@gmail.com Hix Green III '70 is 95% retired! He spends his time traveling, walking, working in his yard, and meeting with local men's groups. He loves to travel to see UT games from his home in Corpus Christi, Texas. Email: hgreenii@stx.rr.com James F. Maroney III '71 is living on Lake Travis and is enjoying being a grandpa to Jamie Jo (whose mother is Molly Maroney, a 2012 UT graduate) and watching UT football. Email: maroney3jf@gmail.com William "Doper" Grammer '74 is an artist and an American Airlines employee of 30+ years. He resides in Fort Worth, Texas. Email: wagwag@sbcglobal.net Kevin Gill, M.D. '75 is teaching young people the skill and art of medicine in Dallas, Texas. Email: kevin.gill@utsouthwestern.edu What are some of your favorite KAO memories? "Relationships, housemothers, and entertainment." –Wiley C. Wimberly '57 "Good food and fine friends." –Earl A. Denney '60 "I was a reader for Lowell Lebermann." –Roger L. Gose '61 "All good guys. I learned much about proper manners, respect for women, and basically being a gentleman." –Hix Green III '70 "In 1969, riding all actives in the house to Robert E. Lee Road. In 1970, delivering invites on horseback." –James F. Maroney III '71 "Wonderful companionship. Lived in the house a few weeks as a pledge. I survived!" –William "Doper" Grammer '74 "Food, fellowship, and sports." –Kevin Gill, M.D. '75 "The washer pit with buddies. My roommate riding a motorcycle down the hall on the second floor, knocking down the door of my room. Mowing the shag carpet at the DU house across the street." –David W. Burgher Jr. '86 "Playing washers and eating 'catchers' meats' for lunch (e.g., chicken fried steaks)." –Stephen H. Houston '86 ALUMNI UPDATES "I wanted to devote my time to making as much of an incredible experience for the young men there now as I had. It's been an incredibly rewarding experience for me thus far." William enjoys a game with his son.

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