Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Alabama

THE RED DOOR D uring Alumni Weekend on September 29, we will have our annual State of Alabama Beta SigEp address and annual AVC officer elections. This is a significant meeting where existing board members will be rotating off. The current voting officers have been in place since the AVC was reconstituted on campus six years ago. We have seen the Chapter grow in membership, take on leadership roles within the university, and go from meeting in classrooms to obtaining residence in a campus swing house for two and a half years to finally being in a permanent residence back on University Drive. It is now time for other alumni to take the torch and move it forward. We ask that you consider volunteering your time to guide the undergraduate membership. Those of us on the board are willing to provide input on what it takes to be a board member. Please see the page 5 for a list and description of volunteers needed. Fraternally, Mark Salmon '87 AVC President AVC OffiCer VOting O n Saturday, April 21, we officially celebrated Alabama Beta's move back into the official residence of Sigma Phi Epsilon on University Drive at the University of Alabama. This five-year-long journey had finally come to fruition when the undergraduates moved into the residence prior to starting spring classes in January 2018, but April 21 was specifically selected to celebrate with our alumni, families, friends, administrators, and undergraduates. It was a perfect sunny day when everyone came together for introductions, reflection, sharing, and celebration. Prior to the start of the ceremony, alumni and parents had an opportunity tour the Chapter House. Members were able to utilize the alumni room, dedicated to the alumni and their family's use during events, the AVC board meetings, undergraduate executive meetings, and Balanced Man Scholarship interviews. The ceremony began with a welcome by AVC President Mark Salmon '87. Mark's speech focused on recognizing the various parties involved in making the transition to the Chapter House come to fruition. Special guests included Sigma Phi Epsilon Grand Treasurer Daniel McVeigh, Texas Wesleyan University '90, District 9 Governor Steve Daniels '78, and Life After College Manager Davis Orr '14. A special recognition was given to Kirk Kettinger, friend of the Chapter, for his financial contributions to the undergraduate Chapter. Mark spoke on the importance of alumni support of the organization and their responsibilities for support. "This structure represents all of us and comes with responsibility; the responsibility to share our vast experiences, sharing of time to assist our undergraduate members in their development through mentorship. We also have a responsibility to support Alabama Beta financially." Mark voiced sincere congratulations to the parents of the undergraduates for such fine work raising studious and committed young men. To the undergraduates, he gave a reminder that they carry the responsibility for adhering to the ideals of being a balanced man. Chapter Counselor Larry Whitman '85 spoke second, sharing the values of being a SigEp on the University of Alabama campus. He spoke on the similar experiences from the late '80s when the last Chapter House was resurrected just down the street. Larry shared elements and comments his father, previous Chapter Counselor Dr. Joel Whitman, an honorary initiate in 1980, gave at the 1987 groundbreaking ceremonies. In addition to the ribbon cutting, recognition was given to the SigEp Alabama Beta AVC for receiving the 2018 Carlson Alumni and Volunteer Corporation Operational Excellence award. Mark was also recognized with the District 9 Volunteer of the Year award. Upon completion of the ceremonies, all in attendance enjoyed a special lunch prepared by the Chapter's food service provider, College Fresh. Many alumni and family members socialized until it was time to partake in the A-Day game or golf outing. RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY ON UNIVERSITY DRIVE Larry Whitman '85 (center) accepts the Volunteer Corporation Operational Excellence award for Alabama Beta with Grand Treasurer Daniel McVeigh, Texas Wesleyan University '90, (left) and District 9 Governor Steve Daniels '78 (right). Mark Salmon '87 receives the Volunteer of the Year award with Grand Treasurer Daniel McVeigh, Texas Wesleyan University '90, (left) and District 9 Governor Steve Daniels '78 (right). p. 4

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