Delta Kappa Epsilon - University of Alabama

4 Delta Kappa Epsilon ALUMNI NEWS Joseph B. Greer '47 is the chairman of Autry Greer & Sons in Mobile, Ala. John W. Jeffries '90 is a partner with Wilkins Miller Hieronymus LLC. He lives in Mobile, Ala., with his wife, Treesie. They have two children, Sarah and John. Email: jjeffries@wilkinsmiller.com Patrick D. Morris '12 is a marketing coordinator for ESPN. He lives in Mountain Brook, Ala. Email: patrick. dewine.morris@gmail.com April 2, 2014, Jo Bonner, Vice Chancellor for Government Relations and Economic Development for The University of Alabama System, was initiated into the Psi Chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon. Pictured from left to right are Black Chaffe '79, Brock Jones '80, Jo Bonner, and Harris Morrissette '81. Psi DKE: Men Who Stare at Goats M y mother explained to her children: "We don't go around discuss- ing family business. No matter how you say it, the person you tell will hear it wrong. When they hear it wrong, they'll repeat it wrong." That was good preparation for my life as a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. DKE's keep their business; their mysteries, to themselves. What happens in the confines of our brotherhood is better left unexplained to outsiders. If we told those things outside the realm, the outsiders would "hear it wrong." There's a film quote: "You can't handle the truth." There is one aspect of DKE which has reached past our walls: Our "thing" with goats. It's true that the goat has long been a symbol, a mascot to Psi DKE. There has been wide speculation among outsiders that goats play an intimate role in our passage into the brotherhood. This writer will not commit to paper the mystic, secret details of our affection for this species. What we do…we do. It is worthwhile to bleat about those qualities which DKE, and most of the world, find so attractive about goats. There are about a billion goats in almost every country and climate, worldwide. Like DKEs, they have diverse breeding and adaptations for their geography, but they share admirable, innate qualities across the world. DKEs and goats are resolute, sometimes stubborn creatures. They are generally happy in a group. However, they will confound their shep- herds. They are curious by nature and will seek and explore areas which are new and interesting. DKEs and goats are adaptable. They can survive; even thrive, in even inhospitable environments. Goats will eat whatever they have to, to live. DKE are survivors. Our DKE experience teaches us to adapt to change, and to push through tough places and to seek a good existence. DKEs and goats are nimble footed and agile. Goat owners will tell that these animals love to climb. Mountain goats certainly climb for safety, but they know choice food sources grow in high places. Our competitive- ness as DKEs, whether in academics, sports, civic projects, or even that personal competitiveness we experience in the DKE dining room or living room develops and steers us toward high ground. DKEs and goats are vigilant. Goats are wary of their surroundings. They seek to avoid danger, but they will charge a predator if attacked. History shows a pattern of DKE's who lead as conciliators, but who join a battle when pushed to a corner. Our history of leaders, soldiers, and even U.S. Presidents bears that out. DKEs and goats have played an historical role in sustaining mankind. Goats are a staple agricultural and food source abroad. Those of us who have traveled the third world know that these animals are critical to feeding people, globally. Now, we DKE's look at ourselves and our mission as men. WE are leaders in feeding our fellow man. Greek Relief, conceived and lead by Psi DKE, fed 45,000 meals to tornado victims. We support international relief efforts which touch the lives of people who are unknown to us, and who will never know a DKE. Like goats, DKEs are never totally satisfied with where they stand. They are curious and seek new things. We will continue our search for those means to help the world around us. That is a calling, and a gift to our Brotherhood. Today, right now, there are thousands of subsistence level families being helped by "GIVE A GOAT" projects. GIVE A GOAT supplies a goat to families in third world poverty zones. The goat is a means to produce milk, cheese, and wool for families. Goats are easy, very low cost animals to raise. They have a high reproductive rate so families can build small herds. Excess milk and cheese is sold for hard currency. Ultimately the goats are a source of meat, an expensive and often, hard to find commodity. The largest GIVE A GOAT program is administered by Samaritans Purse, an international relief ministry lead by Franklin Graham. It's worth noting that 90% of every dollar contributed goes to the gift of a goat to a family. Samaritans Purse is one of the highest rated charities in the world. Considering our association with goats, and knowing how much our brotherhood touches the rest of humanity, there should be some under- standing of the worth of this noble and ancient animal. DKE's don't tell their family business, but there's more than one reason to keep company with goats. ITB, John Nielsen '83 johnnielsen@hotmail.com If you would like to give a goat to charity, please go to www.samaritanspurse.org/article/give-a-goat-and-change-a-life and donate toward the Give A Goat campaign. When you checkout, please send an ecard with your name on it to Psi of DKE at dke.doctor.psi@gmail.com. We'll report on the herd in an upcoming issue of the Sighs.

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