Sigma Phi Epsilon - Oklahoma State University

PRIDE IN OUR PAST, ENSURING OUR FUTURE: THE CAMPAIGN FOR OKLAHOMA ALPHA F reshman year of college is filled with uncertainty and change. However, Jerick Henley '92 found stability with Oklahoma Alpha Chapter that has re- mained constant throughout his life. "I joined Okla- homa Alpha to build relationships and connections that would transcend college life. I've been extreme- ly blessed in my life since then because of these rela- tionships and the lessons I learned there. It's our duty to give back in appreciation of what was provided for us and what we can provide for the future." While alumni support was limited during Jerick's undergraduate years, he hopes he and his alumni brothers can provide a different experience for the current members. "I've developed a deep pride in the men that were with me through the entire four years of living in the chapter house. They showed amazing commitment to the fraternity both then and now." Jerick encourages alumni to reach out to their brothers and the undergrad- uate members. "It's time to reconnect and give back to Oklahoma Alpha. There's tremendous momentum within the chapter and we owe it to those who paved the road for us to do the same for the young men of today." This momentum can be attributed to the way the undergraduate mem- bers have carried themselves on campus. "Obviously the success that the young brothers have makes every alumnus feel a sense of pride. The new chapter house and the excite- ment surrounding the project compounds this feeling of brotherhood." For the chapter to keep its current trajectory, Jerick references the same words of wisdom instilled in him by T. Bone McDonald '48. "Plan your work and work your plan. Take advantage of every oppor- tunity and experience, but understand your goals first or you will never get there." T. Bone's profound impact can still be felt in these words because of his unwavering love of SigEp. It was through brothers such as T. Bone that allowed Jerick to overcome any adversity he faced while at Oklahoma State University. "Challenges we faced as brothers were not unlike the challenges that followed in life. To experience this at such a young age has become a valuable asset for me today." Jerick followed his passion for entrepreneurship after graduating from OSU and believes fraternity life prepared him well for dealing with people, leadership positions, and leveraging relationships. He can be reached at jhenley@ahsstaffing.com. "It's time to reconnect and give back to Oklahoma Alpha. There's tremendous momentum within the chapter and we owe it to those who paved the road for us to do the same for the young men of today." Building the Brotherhood Jerick Henley '92 Supports Oklahoma Alpha Campaign S oon, our chapter will pass a stupendous landmark. With Jim Reddout (father of Mike Reddout '85 and Tim Reddout '87, grandfather of David Reddout '17 and Garrett Reddout '19) join- ing us as a Renaissance brother and three new spring members, our chapter's lifetime membership stands at 2,498. With our next fall class, Oklahoma Alpha will have surpassed the amazing mark of 2,500 mem- bers! Of the 220-plus SigEp chapters, only a dozen or so have reached this mark of longevity. Among our Oklahoma Alpha brothers are four Olympians, an Order of the British Empire recipient, all-Amer- ican athletes, Kappa Kappa Psi national fraternity founders, college presidents, and you! Twelve men at Oklahoma A&M started a fraternity called Sigma Tau in the fall of 1916. They were wor- ried about competition from five other fraternities on campus, just like our founders in Richmond. After four years, they were presented with the charter for Sigma Phi Epsilon, Oklahoma Alpha on April 3, 1920. Since then, our country has been through numerous wars, our university has changed its name, but our chapter is still here. We are moving into our chapter's sixth house this coming fall. As we approach 100 years, I implore you to look back at your memories of your time in Stillwater and ask yourself, what can I do to per- petuate this brotherhood? I will be giving $2,500 toward the new chapter house in honor of this achievement. Whether you give your time, talents, or tithe, con- sider how we will ensure Oklahoma Alpha will be able to initiate another 2,500 brothers in the next 100 years. Fraternally, Aaron Cromer '16 STEADFAST IN THE BOND Aaron Cromer '16 Reflects on Oklahoma Alpha's Growing Membership

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