Sigma Chi - University of Texas

Spring 2019 Newsletter

Alpha Nu Chapter of Sigma Chi at the University of Texas

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A trAditioN to Build upoN THE ENDURING BONDS OF BROTHERHOOD Dennis Johnston '74 shares his sigma Chi experienCe anD Capital Campaign support W ith the multitude of social movements fighting the status quo during the 1960s and '70s, Dennis Johnston '74 had a unique college experience. Across the country, including on UT's campus, many of the longstand- ing student organizations, like Greek life, were criticized. roughout that time Dennis saw Alpha Nu struggle to keep their membership alive and stay afloat financially. "We struggled financially while we were there because the fraternity system was under attack. Fraternity membership dropped significantly. We were not one of the biggest Chap- ters on campus; we were a mid-sized Fraternity and our new member classes got small." But Alpha Nu endured. For Dennis and his brothers, the power of their friendships and the Sigma Chi brotherhood kept them strong through those tough times. "We had a sense of pride because we survived the lack of interest in Greek life. Some fraternities had to close during that time," he shared. Even with the struggles Greek life faced during his undergraduate expe- rience, Dennis found that his Sigma Chi experience created some of his favorite college memories and helped him grow. One of his fondest mem- ories was hosting the men from the Arkansas Sigma Chi Chapter for the Arkansas versus Texas football game his freshman year and Round-up was always a special time for all fraternities at UT. Along with those special memories, Alpha Nu gave Dennis opportuni- ties to build leadership and teamwork skills. He believes that holding the new member chairman and Chapter president positions have helped him throughout his life. When he heard about the campaign for a new Chapter House, Dennis was reminded of the struggles the Chapter faced when he was at UT and the importance of alumni support. He also recalled all the values and amazing friend- ships he gained from his Sigma Chi membership. "I was happy to help out. I wanted to support the effort be- cause it's long overdue. e living quarters were not in good shape when I was there, and that was 48 years ago. ey [the Chapter] are doing well now despite having that old house." Dennis encourages all his brothers to think about the im- pact of Alpha Nu's experience on their lives and to support the Alpha Nu…A Tradition to Build Upon campaign. "I grew and matured at Sigma Chi and I wanted to give back. If it meant some- thing to you, I encourage you to support the campaign. Any amount will be appreciated, but think big, not small." Aer receiving his MBA from UT, Dennis entered the commercial real estate brokerage business and now is president of Vista Brokerage Services in Houston. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Mary, and their six children. Dennis and his family enjoy traveling and spending time at their second home in Florida. Dennis is active in his church, St. John the Devine and Bible study. He is still a sports enthusiast and an avid UT football fan. You can talk more with Dennis about the A Tradition to Build Upon campaign at dnjohnston@ vistahouston.com. T he Alpha Nu Chapter has been gearing up for the last semester in the current Chapter House and looking forward to events such as the golf tournament and Parents' Weekend. Steps are being taken to prepare the Chapter for not having a house next year, and the Chapter is looking to come out strong once the new house is built. Preparing for Construction Given that there will no longer be a Sigma Chi Chapter House for the upcoming school year, the Chapter is looking for ways to get a head start on compensating for this time. is includes the discussion of doing meals and social events off campus. is way we can retain the bond of the brotherhood even without having our central lo- cation. We are also looking to start the recruit- ment process early so we can get plenty of great candidates without having an incomplete house be a burden. Focusing on Stronger Academics and Philanthropy e members of Alpha Nu are consistently work- ing to improve in their academics and philan- thropic involvement. e previous semester fea- tured a 3.2 GPA as a Chapter, which is very close to the overall IFC average of 3.27. To encourage Alpha Nu Undergraduates Prepare for a New House Members Find Ways to Stay Connected During Construction Brothers Ryan Shirley '21, Moe Salas '18, Charlie Menton '21, Kevin Langley '20, Michael Willingham '18, and Matthew St. Germaine '18 volunteer during their Kaleo trip over the summer. (Continued on page 4)

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