Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Texas

FALL 2020 Inside The Skull & Crossbones Society Members ~ p. 2 90th Anniversary Celebration Rescheduled for 2021 ~ p. 2 Chapter Report ~ p. 3 T E X A S A L P H A s U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S S I G M A P H I E P S I L O N A E CCOLAD WEATHERING THE STORM TOGETHER Texas Alpha Focuses on Safety of Brothers Amid Ongoing Pandemic A s we all are experiencing, the world is a strange place nowadays. Back in March, before spring break, we began having conversations with the officers about the "what ifs." Once the spring semester went virtual, we pivoted fairly quickly to accommodate the new reality. The house itself underwent a number of deep cleanings. Purchases of hand sanitizer and masks were made for the active chapter, and we continued to meet with the officers every Friday, having introduced several of our more ancient alumni to the world of Zoom. The officers had extensive discussions with us on how to proceed with summer, recruitment, school, etc. Housing and Recruitment Adjustments During the summer, the house was utilized only by the summer tenants for the most part. We had a good number of the chapter living in Austin by mid-summer but tried to minimize any group gatherings. Once we had the housing and meal situation worked out, the recruitment team kicked into gear with what can only be described as a unique summer game plan. They filled the summer with dinners, small group gatherings, and a lot of golf. The recruitment team's efforts paid off with a great new member class of 49 young men. Rethinking the Framework of Brotherhood Bonding As to academics, the chapter had what is probably its highest GPA in any spring. However, as I cautioned the officers, they probably need to put an asterisk on that GPA. This fall, we have a full chapter. The virus logistics have required the officers to re-think social events in creating smaller events, more dinners, and more outdoor gatherings. We are, as a chapter and as local alumni, taking the virus seriously and implementing changes that I hope will allow the young men to foster brotherhood within the framework imposed by the virus. Focused on Texas Alpha's Safety and Future We have had several infected members, and the officers have reacted admirably to help those members deal with the virus by helping with quarantining, delivery of meals, and overall support. While I am proud of the young men of Texas Alpha, I am concerned (as all of the alumni are) that the fall will bring more challenges. While we will continue to counsel the chapter to take responsible steps in how it operates, we can use all of your best wishes, prayers and support for this fall. If you have any communication with the active chapter, please support us in our efforts to protect the guys as much as we realistically can. We in Austin will do the same. Stay safe out there. HFF, Lynn Butler '88 lynn.butler@huschblackwell.com P.S. Have you joined Texas Alpha's LinkedIn group? Join today! https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3089903/ W henever Thomas "Doc" Russell '71 reflects on his success since graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, he realizes that Sigma Phi Epsilon is a key source of it all. Texas Alpha provided Thomas direction and opportunity at a key stage in his life and he learned from his brothers to be his best and associate with the best. "One of the most powerful memories at SigEp was my initiation. 'Should a brother fall by the wayside, let it first be a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon who comes to his aid,'" Thomas said. "That philosophy of standing by your friends and helping others has guided my life." Thomas served as Texas Alpha's vice president and authored the chapter's first drug, alcohol, and hazing policy in 1969. The health and safety of others has been Thomas' main focus ever since. He co-founded the open heart surgery program at Presbyterian Hospital in 1978 and was later named the chief of cardiac anesthesia. Thomas went on to serve as the president of the medical staff and organized medical staffs of 11 hospitals into the Physician Leadership Group to improve patient care and clinical integration. Along the way, he founded the largest cardiac anesthesia group in North Texas, Excel Anesthesia, and became a clinical assistant professor at UT Southwestern Medical School. "I enjoy the challenge of taking care of often very sick patients and working with a team of excellent surgeons and nurses," Thomas said. "Our program has achieved outstanding results and we train physicians from around the world in our techniques. Our team was on standby for presidential visits during the Reagan and both Bush presidencies." Thomas has also been extremely successful outside of the medical field. In 1986, he founded International Iron SigEp Serves as the Source of Success for Thomas "Doc" Russell '71 (Continued on page 2)

• Cover