Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Texas

Spring 2014 Inside Alumnus Scholarship Created ~ p. 2 Members Expand Success ~ p. 3 Father and Son Spotlight ~ p. 4 ΣΦΕ T e x a s a l p h a s U n I v e r s I T y o f T e x a s s I g m a p h I e p s I l o n A E ccolAd Brotherhood Proved StrongeSt during timeS of trial S ince our last Accolade, a handful of events have occurred that reminded me of the importance of what we do at Texas Alpha. First, one of our most colorful brothers, Marcus "goldie" goldsmith '56, passed away. The active chapter held a memorial service for him at the house in January. At the service, there were representatives from every decade gathered to support Goldie's family and commiserate on old times. It reminded me that what we do at Texas Alpha can last a lifetime. The next event was myself and nine chapter officers heading to Atlanta for National's regional leadership conference. True to form, the actives chose to use their own funds to fly to the Atlanta conference, since they had double-booked Pat Green to sing at the chapter's Ranch Party. We had an interesting time in Atlanta. It reminded me of the trips I've taken with actives to the Chicago, D.C., San Antonio, and Dallas conclaves. If you ever want to revisit what it was like when you were in college, hang out with this bunch for a night. That visit reminded me that the bonds we formed at Texas Alpha came from our time together at UT. Like I've said in the past, the house is full of the same guys that lived there in our time; just different names and different years. Finally, tragedy struck the actives and young alumni when the untimely death of Hayden Wall '12 was made known. Hayden was a fall 2008 member. What was striking, though not unexpected, was the outpouring of emotion from those who knew Hayden. These young men are experiencing the loss of a close friend way too early, and most for the first time. Yet they turned to each other for support through these difficult times. That reminds me why we do this—we're here for each other. Keep that in mind. As you'll read in this newsletter, the chapter is thriving in a number of ways. When you're in Austin, stop by and visit them if you can. You won't regret it. Remember, recruitment for the fall 2014 class has begun. If you know of quality young men who are going through recruitment at UT next year, send your recommendations to the recruitment captain, Taylor Epperson '16 at taylor.epperson@aol.com. HFF, Lynn Butler '88 AVC President lynn.butler@huschblackwell.com W hat a special night the Alpha Chapter had on November 1 at the W Hotel in Austin. The room was filled with more than 200 alumni and spouses from ages 23 to 80+ and an active chapter representation of the leadership. The events of the evening were highlighted by a great energy of laughter and fun as stories of the past were shared with even more exaggeration than before. If you missed the event, here are some of the highlights of the evening: F Two groups had class reunions—the 1963 class and the 1982-83 classes. Dick Vermillion '67 shared a few words about the 1963 class and Craig Casselberry '86 highlighted some of the men who made his class and time at the fraternity special. F John Tyler '63 was celebrated for his lifelong work with Alpha Chapter and the national chapter. With the leadership of Dick Vermillion, the John Tyler Balanced Man Scholarship was announced. The recipient will be a Texas Alpha undergraduate chosen on an annual basis. This was a surprise to John. He made passionate remarks about his commitment to Sigma Phi Epsilon and the success of the Alpha Chapter. It was a great moment for this Alpha. F Carlos DeAyala '83 awarded the recipient of the Buffkin Felker scholarship. This is the second time this scholarship has been awarded and it went to Max guarniere '15. There were three nominees, all of whom are great students and chapter members. Class of 2015 brothers Bryan Moynihan, Jake Morris, John Henry Swingler, Baxter Easley, and Danny Arnold at the SigEp tailgate for the last home game of the 2013 football season. More Than 200 Attendees at Founders' day Event (Continued on page 6)

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