Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Alabama

THE RED DOOR W hen I was an undergraduate brother of Alabama Beta from 1967- 1971, a local businessman named William "Fats" Thomas '27 would occasionally stop by the house for a visit, usually for lunch. I remember him as a large, very gregarious gentleman. All that I and others knew about him was that he was a member of the Fraternity from its early years. We all thought it was great that he was still interested in the Chapter and we were always happy to have him drop by. Fats served as district governor for Sigma Phi Epsilon in the 1940s with responsibility for chapters in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Interestingly, I recently discovered some information regarding Fats that I wish I'd known back in the '60s. In April 1923, six undergraduate students at the University of Alabama formed a local fraternity, Delta Sigma Epsilon. Fats became an early member of this local fraternity, which corresponded with Sigma Phi Epsilon since their inception requesting affiliation with the national fraternity. In April 1927 he and his brothers formally petitioned Sigma Phi Epsilon to become a Chapter of SigEp at the University (they had been emulating SFE in their fraternal and financial structure and philosophy). On October 28, 1927, Fats and his brothers received word that their request had been approved and they would be chartered as Alabama Beta effective November 1. A formal two-day chartering event took place on December 13 and 14, 1927, with William L. "Uncle Billy" Phillips, Richmond College 1903, one of the Fraternity's founders and current Grand secretary personally on hand to present Alabama Beta its charter. (Alabama Beta was SFE's 54th chapter.) In addition to Uncle Billy, UA President George Denny spoke at the chartering dinner, which was held at the McLester Hotel (no longer in existence), and a dance was held at the Chi Phi house (because the SigEp house couldn't accommodate the crowd). In an article that appeared in the Sigma Phi Epsilon Journal on February 1, 1928, one of the attendees of the chartering festivities—brother John E. Rose, Georgia Alpha '30— wrote, "The installation of Alabama Beta of Sigma Phi Epsilon was an event that I shall long remember. Delta Sigma Epsilon, the local fraternity, was comprised of men who had built around the rather large personage of a certain Mr. Thomas, an organization which no doubt, now that it is Alabama Beta of Sigma Phi Epsilon, will be a leader on the local campus and a credit to the national Fraternity." Here's to you, Brother Thomas. Fats. Thank you. Fraternally, Sam Sparks '71 Alabama Beta: The Beginning UndergradUates and alUmni team Up for second annUal alabama beta golf toUrnament S aturday, March 28, was the second annual Alabama Beta Golf Tournament and was held at the Ol' Colony course in Tuscaloosa. Ol' Colony is the home course for the University of Alabama men's and women's golf teams and will be the site of the NCAA men's regional in 2016. This year, seven foursomes played in the tournament, each made up of two alumni brothers and two undergraduate brothers. Although the weather was more typical of late January than late March, the cold winds didn't hamper the competitive enthusiasm of the players, nor did the jet engine noise from the Navy's Blue Angels that were flying overhead during much of the afternoon (the Tuscaloosa Air Show was being held the same day). The jet fighters were, however, blamed for several missed putts. Among alumni playing were Jonathan Worrell '70, Sig Symms '69, and Rob Podolski '88 who drove over from the Atlanta area. Hammond Cobb '72 and Paul Robertson '67 made the drive up from Montgomery and Neal West '90 who came down from Huntsville to play. Others included Birmingham area alumni: Mark Salmon '87, Steve Mace '71, Sam Sparks '71, Jerry King '72, Justin Mayfield '05, and Drew Cook '05. Recent graduates Joe Judge '14 and Christian Ericson '14 also participated. John Wilson '17, Chapter's vice president of alumni relations, was responsible for planning the event. Prizes were awarded for closest to the pin on two par 3's and longest drive on two par 5's. Team awards were presented to the first, second and third place foursomes. The first place foursome consisted of Neal West, Rob Podolski, Kyle Estes '18, and Cameron Craig '17. Jimmy Hubbard, Tennessee Zeta '91, Chapter counselor, wrapped up the awards presentation by thanking all those participating, especially the alumni brothers who traveled to Tuscaloosa to play. A pre-tournament brunch was served at the Chapter House at 10:30 a.m., which allowed plenty of time for the players to get to Ol' Colony and warm up prior to the first tee time at 12:30 p.m. A box lunch was provided to players as they made the turn. Our hope is to increase the number of alumni players for next year's tournament. Please watch the Chapter's website and check the next RED DOOR for information.

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