Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Alabama

A L A B A M A B E T A s T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F A L A B A M A S I G M A P H I E P S I L O N Inside Welcome, New Members ~ p. 2 Chapter Update ~ p. 3 Join Us for Our Fall Events ~ p. 4 FALL 2021 A s our undergraduate brothers began another year on campus, I reflected on my brotherhood experiences over the last 40 years. We've shared many laughs, made lifelong friends, dealt with challenges, made mistakes, and sometimes lived with painful consequences. I have been an undergraduate member, an officer, a volunteer on the Alumni Volunteer Corportation (AVC), a mentor, and now I serve as Chapter counselor. I have seen the Chapter through the good times as well as the bad. Overall, the brothers of Alabama Beta are exceeding our expectations and have done a phenomenal job. One of the questions I ask our undergraduate members is, "What would you like your alumni experience to be?" and most of them look at me and shrug (some have an answer, but the conversation still ends at the same place). Their inability to visualize an alumni experience is because they have not seen an active alumni group at Alabama Beta. I should know better because we, as alumni, have been poor examples. We rarely communicate with each other or the Chapter, or we are all busy; when someone does reach out, there is worry that it will just be for donations. The AVC is asking for your help to determine how alumni should work together to develop a better experience for the undergraduates—and ourselves. A conversation that still haunts me is with a past president who, upon returning from Conclave, shared that he "never knew SigEp could be like that." A large group of alumni from all over the country were willing to get together with the purpose of continuing the principles of SigEp. He pointedly asked me why our alumni base wasn't engaged with our Chapter. Unfortunately, there is not one simple answer, nor a magic pill that will make it better. Preston Morris '93 and I had the privilege of sharing some time with a group of alumni from the early to mid-'90s who have been getting together for weekend trips for the last 15 years, simply for the purpose of having a good time. Brian Livingston '99 has been the ringleader, and I want to thank him and the brothers for helping me see what can be done. The major goals of AVC are outreach, engagement with brothers, and growing our alumni experience through activities, parties, or simply getting together for a day or a weekend. My challenge to all of you is to think about the good times, the friendships made, and what Alabama Beta means to you. Please consider how we can reconnect and help grow our experiences as well as enrich our active members. Feel free to reach out to me, Preston, or Jack Strubel '23 with questions or ideas. We can only grow with your help. The Chapter and AVC will be hosting game day tailgates for six games during this football season with a cash bar, food, and music. I look forward to being at the Chapter House during football season in the hopes of seeing brothers from my class, those I have met since, and those I have yet to meet. We hope you will come by to see friends and use the house as a meeting place, just like old times! Fraternally, Larry Whitman '85 Chapter Counselor whitman8801@att.net A gainst all odds, Sigma Phi Epsilon was able to pull off the 57th Grand Chapter Conclave this July. Brothers from across the country flocked to Denver, Colorado, meeting up for the first time since 2019 in Houston, Texas. We had two undergraduate members representing Alabama Beta, President Jack Callahan '22 and Vice President of Operations Joey Galvan '23, who were both attending their first Conclave. These brothers served on committees to help guide the future of our Fraternity. Daily meetings in the legislation hall opened the eyes of Joey, showing him what it truly means to be a SigEp. "Conclave was a very enlightening experience for me," said Joey. "It wasn't until I saw the representatives of over 150 chapters and alumni stretching back 70 years that I realized—there's more to being a SigEp than social events. Being a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon means that you hold yourself to a higher standard than your peers. What I've learned from meeting everyone at Conclave is that they want the best for the Fraternity and all of its members." Jack had the honor of serving on the Student Nominations Committee and selecting three undergraduate members to serve on the National Board of Directors. Joined by many other executive officers from other SigEp chapters, Jack chose the next student leaders of the Fraternity. "While sitting in a conference room from 9-to-5 wasn't my first choice of what to do in Denver, it was fantastic to have a say," Jack shared. "The students we chose are all leaders within their chapters, are highly involved on campus, and are very passionate about the future of our Fraternity." Greetings from Tuscaloosa Strengthening Our Alumni Connection Grand Chapter Conclave Recap Celebrating Our Big Win Continued on page 2

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