Sigma Chi - Auburn University

2 THE AUBURN SIG R eturning to campus in April as the featured speaker for the third Auburn Sigma Chi Foundation Leadership Speaker Series, Significant Sig Tom Bell '82 reflected on his time in the chapter, including serving as consul, and shared leadership insights shaped by personal experiences and his successful professional career. Tom introduced a leadership framework he learned from a mentor early in his career—part philosophy, part personal roadmap—that became a living document that continues to guide his decisions, relationships, and growth. He encouraged brothers to develop their own versions for self-awareness and leadership development. Drawing from his career in consulting and financial services with a focus in fintech at firms including Accenture and Bank of America Merchant Services, and as co-founder and CEO of Maast, Tom emphasized the power of building and using personal connections as students prepare for life aer college. He also offered practical leadership takeaways that tie back to our Sigma Chi values: leadership isn't about titles—it's something you earn; leave your ego behind, stay positive, and be thoughtful about when and how you trust; be honest with feedback, because it shows you care; your character matters and people notice; teams need and want steady leadership; and a good leader owns the team's mistakes and shares success. e session wrapped up with a Q&A with thoughtful questions from brothers. Leadership Lessons Shared by Significant Sig Tom Bell '82 2024-25 CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIPS Four $2,500 scholarships were awarded by the Auburn Sigma Chi Foundation to deserving brothers from the Gamma Sigma Foundation. Recipients are Josh Knight '26, Palmer Barron '27, Caedmon Hunt '27, and Luke Livingston '28. Caedmon Hunt '27, Luke Livingston '28, Josh Knight '26 show off their scholarship awards. From le: David Bell '88, Alan Shackelford '90, Caedmon, Luke, Josh, Tom Bell '82, Grand Praetor Ken Kvalheim, South Alabama '82, and Chapter Advisor Brian Snyder '85. (Not pictured: Palmer Barron '27.) R ev. Dr. Joseph J. Clifford '88 (known affectionately as Joe John to Sigma Chi brethren) has been named a 2025 Significant Sig! Joe started his Sigma Chi journey in 1984, pledging as a freshman. He spent six years in banking before turning to his life's calling—ministry. Today, Clifford is the senior pastor at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. While at MPPC, Joseph led a campaign to raise $23 million for the renewal of the church campus and investing in affordable housing and education initiatives around Charlotte. Clifford is board chairman of CrossRoads, a community redevelopment organization developing affordable housing and investing in education in the Grier Heights community of Charlotte. Clifford has enjoyed many successes in his career, and he credits his time at Sigma Chi as foundational to his life in ministry. "I had no idea how my time in Sigma Chi would shape me for the journey life would take. While my undergraduate years were not exactly a 'holy time' in my life, God was surely in the midst of it, though I couldn't recognize him in the moment." Clifford notes his high school years were among the most challenging of his life, including the divorce of his parents and death of his father by suicide. "Coming out of high school, I think I had post-traumatic stress. rough Auburn and Sigma Chi, God brought me new life. It was resurrection on the other side of a cross." Clifford, in characteristic preacher fashion, sees a message in all of this—that it is impossible to truly understand your path in the present and you can only understand it by looking back. Clifford and his wife of 35 years, Jennifer, have two grown children. John works for Momentous Institute in Dallas, and Kate teaches second grade in Cramerton, North Carolina. You'll find Joseph behind the pulpit at MPPC most Sundays, telling stories and sharing the hope of God's word. Rev. Dr. Joseph Clifford '88 Named Significant Sig Please note: e chapter and Gamma Sigma Foundation Auburn University plan to host an event this fall to formally recognize Dr. Clifford and Tom Bell '82 for their Significant Sig Awards and a leadership lecture by Javier Goizueta '81. Date and details will be provided soon.

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