Sigma Alpha Epsilon - Auburn University

SAE e Alabama Alpha Mu News Alpha Mu Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon • Auburn University • Spring 2015 THINGS THAT BEING AN SAE NEVER TAUGHT ME W hen I was a new member, someone told me that Geno, a frequent visitor to the house and a friend of many, owned the house and land. Also, a brother told me that our land was controlled by the university. Here is what I have learned about the structure of Alabama Alpha Mu that I did not know before being on the house corporation: (1) The house corporation owns the house and land. From collected dues, the brothers rent the house from the house corporation. The rental income pays for upgrades and maintenance to the house, as well as a mortgage payment and insurance. No one on the house corporation profits from the rental income or individually owns any part of the house and land. (2) Our property is privately owned. We are the only fraternity that does not lease its property from Auburn University. While the university governs our brothers, we are independent as far as ownership. I bring these points to your attention because you should know that Alabama Alpha Mu is more independent than 95% of fraternities across the nation. Also, when you make your donations, your dollars are not spent on massive social events for the undergraduates. Decisions for allocations of money are made by the house corporation which is made up of 12 alumni. Generally, the money is used to better the house, which betters our image for the recruitment of high-quality individuals. On a separate note, we want alumni to visit the house. Please stop by during a football game or organize a pledge class reunion through Alumni Chairman Nicholas Ferraro '17 at ngf0002@auburn.edu. With your much appreciated support, I truly think that Alabama Alpha Mu is on the right path to remain an elite fraternity at Auburn University. Fraternally, Clint Wilson '98, House Corporation President wilson@mcwlegal.com William "Bew" White '72 Maintains Alabama Alpha Mu Pride W illiam "Bew" White '72 joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the recommendation of his father. Bew had the option of joining any fraternity he wanted, though if he went with SAE, his dad would cover all costs. Financial coverage aside, Bew had selected SAE on his own accord after meeting the members who would eventually become his brothers. "The sense of pride I gained, and anyone gains, is a direct result of the I you surrounded myself with. You become so close with them and go through so many events over the course of four years. It's incredible." Bew graduated from Auburn University with a degree in textile engineering and textile management. He began his career as an outdoor sales representative. After a while, he decided he would rather have others working for him than do it all himself. It took nearly 20 years for him to get where he could accomplish that dream, but his hard work and determination paid off. He is now president and CEO of Summer Classics, a premier, luxury outdoor furniture manufacturer of modern, high-quality patio furniture, made from top-of-the-line material and fabric. "From a business perspective, it was great to see the ins and outs of how a fraternity ran, and that we had organized meetings with officers and points of order. It was great learning about how big groups are able to work in an orderly manner. That stuck with me over the years and helped me in my career." Bew has remained close with many of his brothers through the years, taking trips and staying involved in their lives and the lives of their families. "I've been to France and Chile with a close brother, and last year another brother found out he has brain cancer, so instead of wallowing, we took a trip to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, with three other SAEs and our wives. I've also attended several of my brothers' weddings, and several of their children's weddings, over the years. Some of their children even work for me. You're lucky to spend four years with such truly amazing people, so being able to continue those relationships with some of my best friends is amazing. It was probably one of the greatest experiences of my life. If you've lost touch with Alabama Alpha Mu, you should reconnect because you don't know what you're missing! Phi Alpha! Five Apples!" Bew and his wife, whom he met at the SAE house, have been married 43 years and live in Mountain Brook, Alabama. They have three children: one son and two daughters. They also have five grandchildren. Bew is an avid hunter and fisherman. Last year he caught an 80 lb. bass ("for those who don't fish, that's a lot of bass!"). You can contact Bew at bew@summerclassics.com.

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