Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Texas

p. 3 SIGMA PHI EPSILON "Stay plugged in, keep up the connections, and develop a system to do that continuously," Joseph S. Babb '82 advised. When it comes to nurturing connections, Joe feels fortunate to have found a community in SigEp to do just that. When Joe joined Texas Alpha, he considered himself a shy person. He was initially drawn to SigEp because some high school friends had talked about the fraternity; he ended up finding a group where he could hone his skills, create lifelong friends, and take advantage of opportunities. "As a part of that community, I was kind of forced to develop the ability to have conversations with people and learn about their interests," Joe shared. "The skills I learned have been tremendously helpful in my life and as an attorney." Joe has always shown commitment to the connections and groups he's involved in. Whether he's attending Skull & Crossbones Society meetings or participating in communal events at his church, he understands the merit that mutual interests can bring into one's life. "Involvement can lead to other connections—social or business. They add value to life," Joe said. "As far as fraternal connections, the organization made me closer to my (then future) son-in-law, Paul M. Kapsner '14," Joe shared. "SigEp gave us something in common. Although our common experience is just a connection, the fraternity provided an extra bit of glue to build upon our relationship." As a longstanding member of the house corporation board, Joe has had opportunities to build upon his preexisting connections and establish new ones. Thanks to Jerry A. Smith Jr. '79, Joe was inspired to help the fraternity and play a role in guiding the organization toward success: "Jerry's a persuasive guy and a great friend," Joe added. In addition to introducing Joe to the complexities and rewards of alumni involvement, Jerry introduced Joe to his law partner, Joseph "Joey" Leak '06. "Jerry knew Joey and me well, and he thought we might click. So, out of the blue, Jerry connected the two of us," Joe began. "After a couple of years of talking and planning, Joey and I formed a firm with UT Law graduate, Jim Reed, and we have been practicing law together for over five years now." Of his various achievements, including staying involved in the fraternity for many years and practicing law for over 36 years, his family remains his proudest accomplishment. As a new grandfather to his first grandson, Joe centers his focus on his grandson, four children, and two sons-in-law; he looks forward to watching his family grow and thrive. You can connect with Joe at jbabb@brltexaslaw.com. Lifetime donorS John K. Tyler '63 C. Richard Vermillion Jr. '67 David B. Deniger '68 T. Mike Field '68 Thomas O. Hicks '68 Mark A. Kiester '71 Thomas K. Russell '71 R. Steven Hicks '72 Steven M. Covey '73 James R. Huffines '73 Melvin C. Brackendorff '76 Jerry A. Smith '79 Robert M. Kleiderer '80 S. Kregg Jodie '87 Greg Curran '88 Stewart E. King '89 David M. King '91 Brian J. Ferguson '02 Gregory P. Barra '03 2021 donorS Charles A. Bankston '54 A. Morris Albright '57 Warren P. Cash '57 Cadmus E. Williams '58 Donald P. Mafrige '59 Dr. Charles W. Bailey Jr. '62 Robert F. McCullough '64 Dr. R. Kent Stobaugh '64 Robert L. Adair III '65 Thomas M. Dunning '65 Glenn E. Staats '66 Richard B. Bender II '67 Thaddeus J. Dorsey Jr. '67 John M. Roberts '67 John M. Franklin '68 Dan H. Blanks '69 Bruce W. Anderson '71 Douglas B. Glass '71 Jeffrey N. Loomis '71 Steven R. McCown '72 Bryan C. Birkeland '73 John E. Bosch Jr. '73 Bruce A. Sifford '74 Edward A. Davis '75 J. Alan Alexander Jr. '76 Pete M. Boyd '77 Jim S. Holotik '77 Paul M. Kearns '77 Jeff D. Otto '77 Richard S. Rankin '77 Randy L. Stevens '79 Fred H. Thomas '79 Thomas N. Aderhold '80 Robert A. Henk '80 David W. Morledge '81 Joseph S. Babb '82 Douglas A. Duke '82 Mark H. Johnson '82 Donald P. Mafrige Jr. '83 Jim S. Addison '85 David A. Donohoe Jr. '85 Todd A. Dunn '85 D. Craig Casselberry '86 Michael A. Hickey '86 John M. Pack '86 Robert M. Smith '91 Elton Wells '95 Blake R. Battaglia '96 John S. Hardaway '00 Cullen Aderhold Jr. '02 Patrick S. George '05 J. W. Lodge IV '08 William H. Sias Jr. '10 Joe S. Babb '82 and Paul M. Kapsner '14 T hank you to the brothers who have given to the Skull & Crossbones Society since 2016. Your contributions are directly impacting our brothers. Support Texas Alpha and join the Skull & Crossbones Society this year. Send your tax-deductible $360 check to Sigma Phi Epsilon Education Foundation of Texas Alpha, P.O. Box 2187, Columbus, GA 31902-2187 or visit http://texassigep.org. The Skull & Crossbones Society Members Have You Added Your Name to the List? Shared Stories Forge Deep Connections Joseph S. Babb '82 Believes Brotherly Bonds Add Significance to Life "SigEp provides a community that wants you to do well, and that is truly more precious than gold."

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