Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Texas

Join our LinkedIn group to stay up to date with Texas Alpha. www.linkedin.com/groups/Sigma-Phi-Epsilon-Texas-Alpha-3089903/about SPRING 2015 Inside Thank You ~ p. 2 Alumnus Spotlight ~ p. 3 Alumni News ~ p. 4 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 A E CCOLAD FOUNDERS' DAY HIGHLIGHTS Once again, Founders' Day 2014 found alumni and actives coming together to celebrate with a casual gathering at the Terrace at 8th and Congress. All enjoyed the cool evening and the awesome sunset views overlooking the Texas Capital and UT Tower. After a casual dinner and drinks, Carlos De Ayala '83 kicked off the evening's agenda with a welcome and a shoutout to son Christopher '17 followed by a short update by Chapter President Maclean Martin '15. Maclean, joined by executive council members and another dozen actives, thanked alumni for their ongoing support and reported that the active chapter is as strong as ever. Manpower levels remain at near 200 men, having invited 53 new members over the summer. The chapter holds an overall 3.2+ GPA, which is among the highest at UT, while remaining active in campus leadership, socials, intramurals, and philanthropy. Lynn Butler '88, AVC president, followed with a quick update and recognized Jerry Smith '79, Bo Brackendorff '75, Mark Kiester '71, Gary Griffith '69, Mark Johnson '82, Steve Levatino '88, Roger Chapman '49, and Jim Strickland '78 among many other brothers. The new John Tyler Balanced Man Award and Scholarship, formed in honor of John Tyler '63 and his long history of service to Texas Alpha at both the local and national levels, was presented to Dean Butler '15. Dean is an engineering major and most recently served as chapter vice president. Led by Dick Vermillion '67, a small circle of contributors quickly funded the scholarship (endowment at $35,000) recognizing a SigEp senior with a $1,500 annual award. The third recipient of the Buffkin-Felker Brotherhood Award and $1,000 scholarship was Joey Reynolds '16. He was recognized by his brothers for his record of service and leadership and carries a 3.4 GPA while majoring in corporate finance. Joey has represented the chapter as an IFC officer, a Reading Aces mentor, and golf tournament organizer supporting Boys and Girls Clubs. It can't be said enough—many thanks to Doug Jones '05 for organizing another great social gathering and reunion. SUPPORT A TEXAS ALPHA SCHOLARSHIP Each scholarship is independently funded and accepts directed contributions at any level. Recipients are identified by the active chapter for their leadership, brotherhood, and service and approved by the education foundation with a preference for financial need. Dick Vermillion is currently offering an additional $10,000 in matching funds for contributions to the John Tyler Balanced Man scholarship. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please send your gift to SPE Education Foundation of TXA, P.O. Box 22025, Houston, TX 77227-2025. The Skull & Crossbones Society supports the Texas Alpha Education Foundation, which, in turn, supports the costs of the active chapter leadership training and the Texas Alpha endowment. The foundation is pleased to recognize and thank Steven Covey '73 as a charter lifetime member of the Skull & Crossbones Society with his recent $10,000 contribution. Lifetime memberships to the society begin at the $5,000 donation level. Annual dues are $240 and include two complimentary passes to Founders' Day. HFF, Carlos A. De Ayala '83 Education Foundation President Alumnus Offers $10,000 Match for John Tyler Balanced Man Scholarship Make sure Texas Alpha has your most up-to-date contact information. Visit our new website, www.texassigep.org, to update your contact information today. Alumni enjoyed a wonderful evening celebrating Texas Alpha at Founders' Day 2014.

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