Sigma Chi - Auburn University

3 AUBURN UNIVERSITY G amma Sigma Chapter Advisor Brian Snyder, Troy '85, will be one of the first people to tell you that there is no "I" in team. Brian is proud of the team effort from the undergraduate brothers and alumni to get Sigma Chi started on the right foot since returning to Auburn. The chapter's collective efforts garnered the Sigma Chi Colony of the Year award from the International Fraternity last spring, and the awards have continued to come in since being reinstalled at Auburn. Brian's dedication to Gamma Sigma was recognized last fall when he was named the Auburn Interfraternity Council Chapter Advisor of the Year at the Greek life banquet. "I'm very grateful and flattered," Brian said. "Likewise, considering the short time Sigma Chi has been back on campus at Auburn, I was surprised that I/we were even considered. I note 'we' as I definitely consider it a group effort/ award." From his undergraduate days at Troy to being Gamma Sigma's chapter advisor and so much in between, Sigma Chi has given Brian a lot to be thankful for over the past 38 years. "The experience has been very rewarding and gratifying, both personally and fraternally," Brian said. "Knowing what Sigma Chi means to me personally as well as to the alumni of the Gamma Sigma Chapter, particularly those who have been active in assisting our efforts, I am grateful for the opportunity to be involved." Brian's commitment to Sigma Chi's values have been critical throughout his 34-year career in the insurance industry. He has spent nearly two years as a field sales leader at Allstate. "It is much like my role as a chapter advisor for Sigma Chi," Brian said. "I have the opportunity to work with independent contractors, small business owners to develop and grow their business. My reward is in their success." Since taking on the role of chapter advisor, Brian has become even more appreciative for the support he receives from his wife and children. Greek life means a lot to everyone in the Snyder family. "Our son is also a Sigma Chi and my wife and our daughter were both in the same sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, so we all share close bonds and friendship because of our fraternity and sorority connections," Brian said. "I can't express enough my appreciation and gratitude for the support and active involvement of Gamma Sigma alumni," Brian said. "Then again, that is the beauty of Sigma Chi in that our brothers understand that this is a lifelong commitment." For Gamma Sigma to keep growing as a brotherhood, it's important for everyone to share Brian's team-first mindset. It's safe to say that Gamma Sigma is in good hands with Brian. You can connect with Brian at bksynder22@ gmail.com. Gamma Sigma's Award- Winning Chapter Advisor We're in Good Hands with Brian Snyder, Troy '85 Gamma Sigma Chapter Advisor Brian Snyder, Troy '85, receives the Auburn Interfraternity Council Chapter Advisor of the Year award at the Greek life banquet. From left: Ross Jones '20, Chapter Faculty Advisor David Hennessey '95, Will Odom '20, Brian Snyder, Troy '85, and Mason Tittle '19. ALUMNI UPDATE CHAPTER ETERNAL Dr. Frank Mathews III '57 entered Chapter Eternal on September 4, 2019, at the age of 84, from pancreatic cancer. Dr. Mathews was a graduate of Auburn University and the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. He served three years in the U.S. Army, including time in Korea. After five years of private practice in Montgomery, he moved to Atlanta to spend his entire career in public health. During these years, he acted as district dental director in Georgia and was very active in public health work throughout the state. He received many prestigious awards for his efforts to serve the people of Georgia, including the Jules Terry Memorial Award, the highest award in Georgia for public health workers. He was also involved in volunteer work for his church, the Cathedral of St. Philip of Atlanta. ALUMNI NEWS Jerry Oakes '57 is a retired architect living in Brandon, Miss. He still thinks fondly on his Sigma Chi days. Email: oldoakes@ hotmail.com Bill Suffich Jr. '61 served as a naval aviator 1961-66 with two tours in Vietnam consisting of 100 carrier landings and 120 combat missions. After his service, he went on to found three management companies that he operated until his retirement in 2007. Bill enjoyed coastal cruising on his yacht in the Bahamas until 2018 when he moved to Clark City to manage Timberland. James Gillikin '62 spends his time traveling and hiking. He lives in Decatur, Ala. Email: jgilli4864@gmail.com Michael Duggan '66 and his wife, Kathy, relocated in Colombia, S.C., and are loving their new home. Email: mikelduggan@ bellsouth.net Joseph Power '69 is retired and lives in Talladega, Ala., with his sweetheart, Pam. Email: josephpowerjr@msn.com Burton Hewitt III '69 moved to Atlanta in 2018 to be closer to his children and grandchildren, and since his recent retirement, he looks forward to playing lots of golf. In March 2020, Burton went back "I'm very grateful and flattered. Likewise, considering the short time Sigma Chi has been back on campus at Auburn, I was surprised that I/we were even considered. I note 'we' as I definitely consider it a group effort/award." (Continued on page 4)

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