Sigma Alpha Epsilon - Auburn University

SAE e Alabama Alpha Mu News Alpha Mu Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon • Auburn University • Fall 2014 ank You, Dedicated Alumni, for Your Service T he house corporation recently implemented a more deliberate rotation of the members and officers on the house corporation. As a result of this rotation, Past President Chip Cleveland '93 and Bobby Poundstone '98, both long-term house corporation members, rotated off of the house corporation in August. Our immediate past president and treasurer, George Parker '94, and Matthew Murphy '06, will each serve one additional year on the house corporation. Bo Harmon '09 will replace Matthew as the new treasurer, and I will replace George as President. All of these alumni have worked tirelessly to get the house corporation to where it is today. I'd like to express, on behalf of the chapter and alumni, my thanks and respect to these former house corporation members for leaving the chapter house in a great position, both aesthetically and financially. Further, I'd like to thank all of our recent donors for their support of our chapter. In the past six months, we have completed necessary upgrades to the front area of the chapter house, the lake, and the parking lot. Because of your support, we've been able to host class reunions and continue our alumni communications. Your money is being spent in the right way, and Brothers at the parent's cocktail this fall. I ensure that any donation will continue to be used to enhance the house. If you are in the area, please stop by to see the progress we've made. I'd also like to thank the other members of the house corporation. Tipper Tipton '95, Sam Winter '04, Robbins Taylor '06, Rob Owen '63, J.T. ornbury '05, Bo Harmon '09, Stephen McRae '96, and Josh Hall '95 all take time away from their families to attend house corporation meetings and to support the alumni and chapter. Grant Griffin is the chapter advisor and does a tremendous job working with our undergraduate members. We have a great group of new members at the chapter. It is truly and exciting time to be part of SAE. I look forward to working with the alumni and other house corporation members in this endeavor. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please contact me. Fraternally, Clint Wilson '98, House Corporation President wilson@mcwlegal.com House Corporation Acknowledges Outgoing Members and Welcomes New Ones G oing into recruitment week, Barnett Lawley '67 admits he had not heard of SAE. anks to the character of the members of Alabama Alpha Mu, he quickly found himself at home among them. "I was proud to be an SAE, we had good members, and it was a good house," Barnett said. Barnett earned a B.S. in business administration and was vice president of the chapter. Aer graduation, Barnett moved to Philadelphia, Pa., to work at Westinghouse. Aer a few years he returned to Alabama and was an Amoco oil jobber. In 1970 he began the company later named M.B. Lawley Inc., which he would run for 32 years. During his time in the oil business, he was elected Oilman of the Year three times in three different decades. Barnett retired from the oil industry in 2000, and in 2003 was asked to serve as commissioner for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources under Governor Bob Riley. He was selected as conservationist of the year in 2010 by the Alabama Wildlife Federation. He retired as commissioner in 2011. During his tenure, he established the Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center, responsible for the restoration and conservation of mussels and snails in Alabama waters. ese efforts not only help the endangered species but improve water quality naturally. Today Barnett serves on the Alabama oil and gas board and is a director of Aliant Bank. Several skills Barnett acquired in SAE impacted his career. "e fraternity gave me confidence to do the things that I might not have ventured out to do. I gained a sense of leadership to move forward along with self-confidence," he said. He recalls that the prominence and reputation of SAE were advantageous in his position with Westinghouse. "I would have many conversations about what college I attended and what fraternity I was in." e '60s reunion at the chapter house last spring gave Barnett an opportunity to reconnect with brothers and he encourages alumni to reconnect as well. "Get back in touch or get on an e-mail list. SAE is a big part of your life and they were good years for everybody. You are cheating yourself if you don't keep up those relationships," he said. Barnett and his wife, Deanna, an Alpha Delta Pi and '67 graduate, live in Pell City, Alabama. ey have a son, Cannon '95, and two grandchildren. Barnett enjoys hunting and fishing and maintains a small farm as a hobby. You can contact him at mbldnl@aol.com. Barnett Lawley '67 Gained Confidence to Succeed at SAE Barnett enjoys an Auburn game with his granddaughter.

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