Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Texas

SPRING 2021 Inside The Skull & Crossbones Society Members ~ p. 2 Texas Alpha Education Foundation Update ~ p. 2 In Memoriam ~ p. 4 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 STORMS Texas Alpha Chapter Maintains Positive Outlook Despite Ongoing Challenges G reetings from the Texas Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon at the University of Texas! As I write this, Austin is in a deep freeze, but the chapter house, along with most of west campus, is fortunately on the Dell Medical Hospital grid with power. The fall semester of 2020 has come and gone. The chapter had challenges to deal with caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, active members successfully maneuvered state, local, and university restrictions on gatherings and held a number of smaller, class- specific events throughout the semester. In terms of working through the restrictions to keep the chapter members safe, chapter leaders had to get creative while still abiding by the rules. While I'm not so naïve to think that everything was executed perfectly, I do know the chapter worked hard to make for a successful semester. Something must have worked in that we have a full chapter of 182 young men for the spring 2021 semester. Better yet, the chapter's grades were pretty fantastic. Texas Alpha as a whole had a 3.422 GPA with the new member class achieving what we believe to be an all-time high GPA of 3.700! We continue to push these young men to excel in academics while advising them on how to keep the chapter engaged safely. This spring will be different, but again the active members are accepting the challenges that the pandemic continues to throw at them. As always, please let us know if you have any internship or employment opportunities for the active chapter. Additionally, if you have any member recommendations, please reach out to us. Finally, if you haven't done so, please join our LinkedIn page at linkedin.com/groups/3089903. We can't wait to get everyone back together again. Stay safe! HFF, Lynn Butler '88 (512) 345-8339 hamiltonbutler@gmail.com W hen he went through medical training, Jeff Parker '04 never imagined being a doctor during the surreal and scary experience of a global pandemic. "Initially, patients were fearful of coming to the hospital, and many waited until their health issues were dangerous and severe," he says. As such, Jeff and his colleagues have had to adapt, utilizing telehealth practices as well as in-person appointments. "It is a stressful time to practice medicine, but I continue to treat patients with respect and empathy while educating them on the dangers of COVID-19 and the importance of vaccines." Jeff knew early on in college that he wanted to pursue medical school, and his Sigma Phi Epsilon experience proved to be a great basis for that. He was drawn to the chapter during recruitment when he met multiple men there with similar ideals to his own; his older brother, Brad '03, being a member was a plus as well. "Being part of Texas Alpha was a great experience where I met lifelong friends and colleagues. I was able to pursue both my academic endeavors and focus on my grades, as well as participate in social activities without compromising my goals." After college, Jeff attended The University of Texas Medical School at Houston (now McGovern School of Medicine), where he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. He did a residency at Washington University in St. Louis, followed by a cardiology fellowship at Methodist Debakey Heart and Vascular Center. He now lives in Austin, where he is a member of the Texas Heart and Vascular Group. When Jeff recalls his undergraduate SigEp years, he fondly remembers his great group of pledge brothers and the camaraderie they shared; one of their last activities as pledges was a road trip scavenger hunt across Texas. Moving back to Austin has made it much easier to keep in touch with fellow alumni. "I still get out and golf with some of my pledge brothers, including bringing our sons out, which is very rewarding." After marrying, Jeff and his wife remained focused on their medical education and training, waiting seven years to have children. "Our two boys are my greatest accomplishment." He enjoys family time first and foremost, including travel, which is somewhat limited during COVID restrictions. Some of their favorite trips have been to Big Bend and Colorado. You can reach Jeff at jrparker54@gmail.com. Providing Care in a National Crisis How SigEp Prepared Jeff Parker '04 for a Great Career

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