Sigma Chi - University of Alabama

4 The Iota Iota Messenger Congratulations, Significant Sigs C ongratulations to Alex W. Newton '52 and Dag Rowe '69, who were recently recognized by the National Fraternity as Significant Sigs. We should all be proud of their accomplishments and the favor and distinction they have brought to Iota Iota Chapter. The Significant Sig award is one of the Fraternity's highest honors. It recognizes "those alumni members whose achievements in their fields of endeavor have brought honor and prestige to the name of Sigma Chi." The Sigma Chi Fraternity has recognized more than 1,400 brothers since the award's inception at the 1935 Grand Chapter. Alumni in any profession, occupation, or philanthropic endeavor are eligible for consideration. Only living members of the Fraternity are considered for the award. Beyond their incredible professional achieve- ments, both Alex and Dag have made time to give back to Iota Iota and have been generous contrib- utors to The Legacy Campaign. The chapter con- gratulates these two brothers. We are fortunate to have such noble leaders for our undergraduates and Sigma Chis everywhere. For more information about this prestigious award, visit the National Fraternity website, www.sigmachi.org. T he White House Historical Association announced that Stewart D. McLaurin '81 had been selected to be its new president on April 23, 2014. Only five individuals have held this position since it was created in 1961 under the leadership of First Lady Jaqueline Kennedy. "This is a dream position for me. I will be leading the organization with the mission to support the historic preservation of the White House and educate the country, and the world, on the important history of the White House in all aspects," Stewart said. The White House Historical Association is a charitable nonprofit institution whose purpose is to enhance the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the White House. To fulfill its purpose, the White House Historical Association produces educational literature and films, develops special programs, and maintains a website interpreting the White House and its history and the persons and events associated with it. From private funding and the sale of its educational products, the Association supports the acquisition of artwork and objects for the White House collection and contributes to the conservation of the public rooms. "I'm blessed to have enjoyed a diverse career and to have so many supportive and affirming friends and family from coast to coast and around the world. I anticipate that this role will be the pinnacle experience of my career and I look forward to investing myself into this position with all that I know from my life's work," Stewart said. McLaurin currently serves as executive vice president, American Village Citizenship Trust, a unique national edu- cational institution located on a 183-acre campus in Montevallo, just south of Bir- mingham, Alabama. Its work is focused on teaching youth America's legacy of liberty, remembering the price of liberty, and promoting pub- lic regard for the Constitu- tion and America's charters of freedom. The American Village engages about 35,000 stu- dents a year from all over Alabama and sur- rounding southeastern states. "I'm deeply grateful to the American Village for the privilege of working with them this past year. I will remain a significant fan of the American Village and will always be a promoter of the important work done there by an extraordinarily talented team. While I will retain my home base in Tuscaloosa, I will return to Washington, D.C., in the coming weeks and resume my professional life there, in a very familiar community." Iota Iota Alumnus New President of The White House Historical Association Walter Byars's Lifetime of Service Forever Commemorated Walter Ryland Byars Jr. entered Chapter Eternal on January 23. Upon graduating from law school, Mr. Byars served on active duty as LTJG in the United States Navy. After college, he served as Iota Iota chapter advisor, member and later president of the Iota Iota House Corporation, and President of Birmingham and Montgomery Sigma Chi Alumni Chapters. As quaestor, Byars was instrumental in paying off the debt on the original Sigma Chi house; and thereafter, was instrumental in building two new chapter houses for Iota Iota, the last being dedicated in 2013. In 2012, Sigma Chi International selected him as a Significant Sig, and Iota Iota Chapter selected him as the first recipient of its Lifetime Service Award. Walter was one of the most respected attorney's in the state of Alabama having practiced for more than 60 years and serving as president of the Alabama State Bar. Sine Walter's passing, the chapter has graciously received $7,970 in gift toward The Legacy Campaign in memory of him.

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