Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Texas

Sigma Phi Epsilon Education Foundation of Texas Alpha P.O. Box 442100 Lawrence, KS 66044-2100 Address Service Requested ΣΦΕ 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 CCOLAD A E ¥ texasaustin.sigep.org k Sigma Phi Epsilon – Texas Alpha Update your contact information so we can stay in touch! Meet our newest Texas Alphas Save the Date for Texas Alpha's 95th Founders' Day on April 11-12, 2025, in Austin Catch up on recent alumni happy hours Celebrate our recent donors and make note of our new online giving form! What Will You Find in This Issue of Accolade? W W W W W Alumni gathering in Austin. Update Your Contact Information at tinyurl.com/TexasAlphaUpdate F or Reid Porter '99, Sigma Phi Epsilon was a source of community, friendship, and new perspectives. "I appreciated how the men cared for and had fun with each other, prioritized their academic success, and made a difference in on campus," he recalled. "SigEp made The University of Texas a smaller place and gave me a setting to develop relationships with other men and eventually meet my wife, a future Golden Heart." As an undergraduate, Reid served as chaplain and standards chairman. He learned valuable lessons about what it means to stand up for what is right. "There were situations where I had to discipline a fraternity brother who wasn't living up to the standards we pledged to abide by," he recalled. "I had one friend who didn't speak to me for six months even though we lived in the house together. Although these kinds of experiences were tough, they taught me the importance of doing the hard thing, no matter the consequences." Reid was always an entrepreneur at heart, but he also felt a calling to become a lawyer. In 2009, after several years practicing as a trial attorney, he founded Act (Advocates for Community Transformation), a Christian, justice nonprofit that seeks to provide stronger and safer neighborhoods. "We carry out this vision through empowering residents living in high-crime areas to stop illegal activity on their street using the civil justice system," he explained. "Through Act, we can advocate for an individual's private right to safety outside of the criminal justice system while complementing the work of law enforcement. The results are equipped and empowered residents, a safer neighborhood, and a more vibrant, connected, and inclusive community." The motivation behind Act is to honor our calling to love our neighbors and pursue justice for all. "Starting Act was a courageous step in my career as a young lawyer," Reid said. "It forced me to listen to my gut, lean into my God-given skills as an entrepreneur, and combine my legal experience with the desire to serve those who have been suffering under the weight of crime and violence for decades. Outside of my family, leading our organization over the past 15 years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life." Some of Reid's professional skills and experience were provided through SigEp leadership roles. "Participating on the executive committee taught me how to prepare for and lead meetings, speak in public, make decisions that impacted not just me but others, and interact with those who didn't always see eye to eye," he shared. "As I meet people interested in the work I do with Act, I often rely upon foundational lessons learned at the SigEp house and during chapter meetings." Last year, Reid received the SigEp Citation, an award presented to select alumni who have achieved uncommon success and stature in their careers. "To look back on the caliber of men who have received the award in the past was humbling," he said. "I am grateful for the nomination and the opportunity to celebrate what God has done in my life and how he has used Sigma Phi Epsilon in that journey." Reid now lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife and four children, Caleb, Bennet, Micah, and Silas. Our life is incredibly full of many opportunities to engage in our teenagers' activities. In his spare time, Reid enjoys fitness, songwriting, and vintage cars. If you'd like to catch up with Reid or hear more about his work with Act, send him an email at reid@actforjustice.org. Act Justly, Love Mercy Reid Porter '99 Talks Service, Justice, and Fulfilling Your Calling "Texas Alpha was one of the many groups that God used to make me who I am today."

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