Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Texas

p. 3 SIGMA PHI EPSILON T he University of Texas is an awesome place in every sense of the word," Mac McElwrath '06 said of his college experience. "That includes its sheer size with a student body exceeding 50,000. Sigma Phi Epsilon gave me a community within that community; I never could have imagined how tied to that brotherhood I would be." Mac and the men of Texas Alpha have been there for one another as friends, groomsmen, best men, godfathers, colleagues, pallbearers, and above all, as brothers. Mac is the co-founder of Wayfinder Real Estate in Austin, Texas, which develops multifamily and mixed-use communities in Texas and other growth markets. He entered the industry as a college intern for an apartment developer while earning his real estate license. Soon after graduating he founded Austin City Realty and hired multiple SigEp brothers, most of whom worked part time as students. One of those brothers, Andrew Craig '08, had a father in the real estate industry, Rick Craig. "It was through Andrew that I met Rick, and it was Rick who gave me my start as a multifamily developer." Mac developed a competitive edge in the industry and started Wayfinder in early 2019. Mac visits the chapter house or attends alumni functions a few times each year and is continually impressed with the active chapter's upward trajectory. "There's undoubtably been a renewed focus within Texas Alpha on what it means to be a Balanced Man," he said. The output of impressive young alumni inspired Mac to join the Skull & Crossbones Society and serve on the Texas Alpha real estate committee. "I'm happy to support the chapter and all that it stands for as long as it produces such high-quality individuals." Mac's appreciation for the alumni who give their time and money to the chapter grew as he became one himself. "If I were to peg any one of those brothers as a mentor, it would be Jerry Smith '79. Jerry is a devoted alumnus, respected businessman, and Balanced Man in every sense of the term." Mac says the best way for alumni to get involved is to attend an event and reconnect from there. "Life is not easy, and it's hardly ever predictable. In the midst of all the obstacles and uncertainty, it's a blessing to have so many best friends and brothers by your side through it all." Mac, his wife, Vanessa, and their 17-month-old son, McCammon, live in Austin, Texas. In his spare time Mac enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending as much time as possible with family and friends. Mac can be reached at mac@wayfinder-re.com. FINDING FRIENDSHIP AND BALANCE Why Mac McElwrath '06 Gives Back to Texas Alpha God and the principle of peace through brotherhood. The number of members will be increased from the undergraduate classes. We will change the name to Sigma Phi Epsilon." This founding principle, Jeff continued, along with the cardinal principles of Virtue, Diligence, Brotherly Love and the Balanced Man ideal, have combined to guide our fraternity over the past 100-plus years and our chapter for the last 90. Our success as an organization can and should be directly attributed to keeping close adherence to these principles. Our willingness to be different in our endeavor for excellence in the past has resulted in SigEp's growth into the leading fraternity in America and at the University of Texas. So long as we adhere to these principles, we will be able to navigate the challenging times that we have in front of us and continue to be an organization that is a positive force in the lives of young men. The rest of the program consisted of updates on the undergraduate chapter provided by President Jack Stevens '20 and AVC President Lynn Butler '88. Jeff's childhood friend and chapter brother, Jerry Smith '79, provided the introduction for Jeff, and brother Bruce Anderson '71, our National Director, provided the closing of the event. Greg Barra '03, President of the Education Foundation, served as master of ceremonies. FOUNDERS' DAY (Continued from page 1) "There's undoubtably been a renewed focus within Texas Alpha on what it means to be a Balanced Man."

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