Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Texas

FALL 2021 Inside The Skull & Crossbones Society Members ~ p. 2 A Year Worth Celebrating ~ 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 SigEp Sees Another Successful Year Thank You, Alumni, for Your Support! G reetings from Texas Alpha! e chapter survived its second COVID-19 summer in decent shape. e men continued to adapt to the ever-changing environment while trying to have a somewhat normal fraternity experience. We have been fortunate that 2021 has not brought significant negative effects, academically or in recruitment. Recruitment this year was a big success for our chapter with around 54 new members joining, including a handful of legacies. e active members reported that adjusting to online studies resulted in higher grades across the board. Classes are now in person for the most part, and the impression is that students prefer this method. We as alumni are working with the active chapter to help them maintain the same level of academic, social, and interpersonal activities as safely as we can. We believe as a group that it is important that the men get back to experiencing brotherhood in the very short time they have at the university. As a result, we plan to have our normal football tailgates—as permitted by the city of Austin—and social schedule this fall. We are mindful of the safety issues and believe the members are striking a good balance in a challenging environment. In closing, please know that the chapter is thriving—due mainly to the quality of young men you send to us, your continued support of the chapter, and the generations of alumni that support our efforts here at Texas Alpha. I just want you to know that we on the local alumni board truly appreciate all of you. ank you. HFF, Lynn Butler '88 (512) 345-8339 | hamiltonbutler@gmail.com P.S. Send us your recruitment recommendations, especially legacies! Alumni, join our LinkedIn groups: Sigma Phi Epsilon—Texas Alpha and Skull & Crossbones. For Austin alumni, join us for Friday lunches! W hen Todd Mason '86 thinks back on his time in Sigma Phi Epsilon, the camaraderie and fellowship of the entire chapter, and especially of his pledge brothers, stand out as a source of comfort and strength from his time as an active. e idea of supporting friends in good and bad times and the value of loyalty to each other were a big part of what he learned as a member of Texas Alpha, and those values have stayed with him ever since. "is is where [young men] will learn to work within a community, and how to compromise to achieve a common goal as well as become leaders," Todd says. "ose values are still a core part of my relationships with my family, friends, and business associates to this day." Todd also fondly remembers how Bret Hennington '82 became his big brother and role model. Today, he and Bret remain close friends, and he says Bret will always be one of the people he admires and respects greatly in this world. Lessons of Value from Community How Friendship, Support, and Loyalty Stayed with Todd Mason '86 (Continued on page 2)

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