Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Texas

p. 2 TEXAS ALPHA ACCOLADE loving the office and public service," David said. "When you work with great people who believe you can be great yourself, it's easy to love your job." He continued to work in the Attorney General's office after law school and then also served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Appointments Director for Governor Abbott. On December 17, 2018, David was appointed and sworn in as Texas' 112th Secretary of State, which was an incredible honor. "Being a gubernatorial appointee is nothing I had planned for my life, so when I learned it was happening, it took me a little while to process," David said. "While I treat it as I would any job by working hard, it's not lost on me that it's a tremendous responsibility, and I hope to serve the people of Texas well." Each day, David is immersed in his duties, but his favorite part of his job is meeting interesting people, hearing their stories, and perhaps even helping them face their challenges. Regardless of his busy schedule, David still takes time to keep in contact with his Texas Alpha brothers. Matt Doherty '05, Chris Guinta '05, and Doug Jones '05 were in his wedding, and Jeff Loomis '71 officiated it. He also stays in touch with Robert Allen '00, Bruce Anderson '71, Lynn Butler '88, Craig Casselberry '86, Gary Griffith '70, Steve Hicks '72, Jay Hurt '88, Dash Lane '05, Joey Leak '06, Mac McElwrath '07, Brad Neff '05, Jerry Smith '79, Patrick Starley '00, and Jim Strickland '79. "But most importantly, we have no choice but to keep in touch via Mark Kiester '71's stream-of-consciousness emails," he says. David is thankful for all of his opportunities and everyone that helped him along the way. "When you get to the top of the mountain, take a look around, enjoy it, and thank God for His creation and your ability," he said. "But while you're up there, look for other mountains to climb, and get to it!" The best piece of advice he has for young professionals and undergraduates is, "Keep your head down, work hard, and good things will come. And when you mess up, 'fess up." He loves to spend most of his free time with his wife, Megan, and two children, William and Louise. "I also like to play golf, even if it's terrible, and hunt, even if I don't shoot something." David and his family reside in Austin, Texas. Alumnus Appointed as Texas Secretary of State (Continued from page 1) M any Sigma Phi Epsilon members will associate Texas Alpha with one word: home. For Jeff Otto '77, that association couldn't be truer. As soon as Bill Hicks '76 invited him to a recruitment event, he envisioned himself as a SigEp member. "I could tell SigEp had higher quality members than other fraternities," Jeff said. His undergraduate time held some of his most cherished memories such as freshman matches, backyard horseshoes, football games, and initiation week. Even as an alumnus, Jeff wants to ensure undergraduates feel at home, too. He's served as chapter counselor, house foundation president, regional meeting speaker, and has assisted with Sigma Phi Epsilon at Baylor. Staying so connected to Texas Alpha has helped him keep in touch with brothers such as Stuart Sharrock '77, Jerry Smith '79, Bob McConnell '77, and many others. "College friends are the best friends because they loved you before they knew how it would all turn out." Due to Jeff's strong commitment to SigEp, he is being recognized at Texas Alpha's upcoming Founders' Day (April 6 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin) by being inducted into their Hall of Fame. "I am humbled and quite surprised—but pleasantly so," Jeff said. "We have such a strong alumni group that the Hall of Fame will never run out of candidates." He hopes that this honor encourages brothers to give back in a similar capacity. "Make it a life goal to give back in some way to the chapter. It will reward you over and over," Jeff said. Jeff is a managing partner at Thompson Co. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, volunteers for Central Texas SPCA, and serves as an Austin Baptist Church class leader. Jeff and his wife, Patty, reside in Austin, Texas. They have two children: Jordan and Lauren. "Grandkids are turning out to be a delightful chapter of our lives. One now and one on the way!" Email: jotto@thompsoncoe.com. Jeff OttO '77 tO Be HOnOred at fOunders' day Alumnus Dedicates Time to Serving Texas Alpha CHAPTER ETERNAL Scott D. Miller '00 entered Chapter Eternal on May 21, 2018, of complications from a blood clotting disorder. He was a big Longhorn fan and treasured his fraternity brothers and other friends from his UT days. Scott resided in Dallas. ALUMNI NEWS Wilbur "Bud" Greist '56 is the past president of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and Optimist Club and continues to enjoy Longhorn football. "Hook 'em, Horns!" He lives in Arcadia, Calif. Warren P. Cash '57 says that after three cancer incidents (two for him, one for his wife, Gretchen), he has resumed traveling and has been to 65 counties and 25 islands/territories so far. Warren has three grandchildren in college, but sadly none are at Texas. He lives in Farmers Branch. E-mail: wpcashjr@msn.com Brooks Goldsmith '59 reports after four years of dental school and the U.S. Army Dental Corps, he came back to his birth city of Austin, Texas. He continued to practice dentistry for 50+ years. He also pursued his "college major of Sigma Phi Epsilon" as a chapter advisor. Brooks says, "What a great life!" He and his wife, Anne, still reside in Austin. E-mail: bbgflipper@aol.com Brian D. Hamilton '87 has served as CFO of a charitable foundation in Austin for the past nine years after spending a number of years in public accounting and hospital administration. "Life is full and good with work, raising two teenage daughters, and attending all UT home football games." E-mail: bhamilton.tx@gmail.com Jesse E. DeLeon '03 attended the New England Culinary Institute after graduation. He is now the proud owner and chef of the Rosewood Restaurant in Austin, Texas. Jesse was featured in Texas Monthly, the Austin Chronicle, and Tribeza for his culinary skills. ALUMNI UPDATE

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