Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Texas

p. 3 SIGMA PHI EPSILON A s our world continues to function amidst a global pandemic, the active brothers of Texas Alpha Chapter show what it means to be a SigEp. ACADEMICS The chapter has maintained a strong GPA while working through the strange reality that all students are dealing with at the moment. We posted a 3.422 GPA, which ranks very highly amongst other University of Texas fraternities. Our members have worked diligently and persevered through the challenges that face our chapter today. RECRUITMENT Texas Alpha recruited and maintained 48 members this past fall. We look forward to all the great things our new members will do as active brothers. They logged over 40 hours of community service and maintained a GPA that blew away the active membership. Their hard work in the fall is only a glimpse of what is to A s a freshman at the University of Texas, David W. Morledge '81 knew that Sigma Phi Epsilon had a good reputation on campus. "SigEp was known for its academic achievements and superior intramural sports activities," David said. When he went through recruitment, several of his close high school friends ended up pledging Texas Alpha Chapter. David met with some quality upperclassmen who shared stories of their experiences with SigEp. "They were proud to be a part of the SigEp organization and seemed to have it together as far as goals and ambitions," David said. David made many great memories and lifelong friendships during his time as an active member of Texas Alpha. Team-building skills during pledgeship, Earl Campbell winning the Heisman Award, and dancing to multi-Grammy winner Christopher Cross at the house are a few that come to mind. One of his favorite traditions was attending a "Woodsy," where brothers would bring dates, build a bonfire, and sing songs together. "I play guitar and five-string banjo," David said. "During one memorable Woodsy, someone put their foot through my guitar. After that, I learned not to take expensive guitars to the bonfires." During football games, brothers who were in service organizations were allowed to have dates on the sidelines, and his date at that time would become his wife of 39 years, Alison. "We had a little sister organization back then called the Golden Hearts," David said. "These women helped with fundraising and made sure their little brothers were looked after during their difficult freshman year. Most of them dated actives in the chapter. I remember tapping my wife into the Golden Hearts at her sorority house during dinner. A red rose was given to each Golden Heart, and the rest of the women seemed quite envious of this honor. Lots of pomp and circumstance during the ceremony." Along with enjoying the activities that came with fraternal life, David also gave back to the brotherhood through his service. He served terms as chaplain and vice president for Texas Alpha. Additionally, he was a Silver Spur for the university. "The fact that I was a SigEp was instrumental in guiding me to become a Silver Spur." On top of all his extracurricular activities, David was also a pre-med student. "I remember during our first semester as freshmen, several of my pledge brothers initially declared pre- med as their major," David said. "Over time, due to attrition and the tough classes, most everyone decided to go down another path." While David remained on the pre-med path, he learned discipline and the art of studying, as he frequently found himself in the library when other activities were going on. "I'm sure I missed out on a few parties," David said. "However, overall, I had a wonderful college experience." While preparing to take the MCAT for medical school admission during his junior year, David's mother was killed in a car accident. "It was during that time I relied heavily on my faith and fellow SigEp brothers' support to help me get through that very difficult time." David graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor's degree in biology and completed his medical degree and internship in internal medicine at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He then completed his residency in neurology at the Arizona Health Sciences Center in Tucson. David has been a neurologist for the last 30 years at the Austin Neurological Clinic. "I take care of patients with traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, seizures, and dementia." he said. "It's extremely rewarding when I can help someone improve their quality of life using cutting-edge technology such as deep brain stimulation for various movement disorders." David decided to become a neurologist after working with his mentor in medical school. The two published a paper about Parkinson's disease together, and to this day he remains one of David's most important role models. "The brain is a truly fascinating organ," David said, "one we will never quite fully understand." David and Alison live in Austin, and they have three children and two grandchildren. David can be reached at docmo123@sbcglobal.net. Proud to Be a SigEp David Morledge '81 Reflects on His Time as a Pre-Med Student and Texas Alpha Brother Sustained Excellence Texas Alpha Active Members Find Success Amid Adversity (Continued on page 4) Members of the 2017 pledge class, this year's seniors, at a ranch for a larger group dinner.

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