Chi Psi - University of Mississippi

pg. 3 Alpha Gamma A Place to Call Home Eric Epperson '91 Finds Shelter at Chi Psi, Provides Opportunity for Others I n 1990, Eric Epperson '91 and several Alpha Gamma Brothers piled into a car for a road trip to Athens, Georgia, for Chi Psi's national convention. Like any good road trip, they laughed until their sides hurt, got lost a few times, and "through God's guiding hand" arrived safely. But in addition to the camaraderie, it was Eric's first opportunity to experience Chi Psi beyond Ole Miss. He met great guys from all over the country and began to realize that the fraternity has a much larger and deeper reach than he originally imagined. This experience and numerous leadership opportunities influenced not only his undergraduate years, but also his personal and professional life following graduation. "Alpha Gamma shaped me in ways that still show up today. From a brotherhood perspective, I had the best times of my life at Chi Psi, and I've stayed close to many of my Brothers," Eric said. "Three of them were groomsmen in my wedding. It was also my first opportunity to experience the kind of leadership that would be needed to grow my career." With the valuable influence Chi Psi had in his life, Eric knew he wanted to provide similar opportunities to other Alpha Gamma Brothers. He saw the Honoring the Past, Building the Future campaign as the perfect chance. "Even back when I was an undergraduate, we knew we needed a new home, but the time wasn't right. Now it is," he said. "We have the alumni base, financial giving potential, thriving undergraduates, and renewed energy to make this happen. Bottom line, Ole Miss needs a fraternity like Chi Psi on campus, and we need a first-class place on our corner of Fraternity Row and Chapel Lane to call home." Although it was difficult to see the former Lodge—a sacred place of memories, ritual, and friendships—torn down, Eric knew better days were ahead. With a new facility within reach, he encourages all Brothers to join this historic effort. "Our alumni base is small, but we're mighty," Eric said. "Some fraternities can pull together funding by tapping into a fragment of their alumni, but we don't have that luxury. Think about it…we achieved our initial goal with less than 1/3 of our alumni participating. That's amazing, but if we can just increase that to 1/2, we will give our fraternity a competitive advantage we've never experienced on campus. Even smaller gifts will give this campaign more momentum." Eric continues to use the lessons and leadership skills he developed at Alpha Gamma as the senior director of PR and communications for Medtronic in Memphis, Tennessee. Medtronic is a global medical technology company that develops products to make surgeons more successful in treating patients with chronic disease. Eric resides in Memphis with his wife, Susan, son, Jake, and daughter, Claire. He can be reached at eric.t.epperson@medtronic.com. More Than Four Walls Finding a Home at Alpha Gamma's Lodge T o say Doug Buglewicz '96 is passionate about Chi Psi simply doesn't do his commitment justice. Although 20 years separate Doug's first interaction with Alpha Gamma and his current leadership roles, his dedication has never wavered. The foundation for his loyalty was built on the Lodge and the Brothers it housed, and his continued devotion is centered on those same values. "I have often stated that a fraternity is more than four walls, but it is having that central location to meet, to congregate, and to spend time with one's Brothers that helps forge those friendships and fraternal bonds. Those are the memories I have kept with me as the most cherished of my time as an undergraduate at Ole Miss," Doug said. "The late nights discussing life, fraternity, and the mysteries of the universe are what I remember most; not parties or large-scale events, but those most simple of times shared with the best friends a man could have." For Doug and many others, the Lodge was the place where he found solace in both good times and bad. It was where he went to recharge, gain perspective, and have fun. When presented with the opportunity to secure a similar experience for others, Doug didn't hesitate. "The capital campaign, along with the refounding of the Alpha, are the most important projects for Chi Psi at Ole Miss since our original founding in 1858 and our return in 1970," Doug said. "We have an Alpha that is successful in all areas of campus life, and now is the time for us as alumni to take the next step and build a home for our undergraduate Brothers. It is past time we returned to the Row, to change the game and show the other organizations how a real fraternity is run." He also believes if there ever was a time to reconnect and support Chi Psi, it is now. "The undergraduates have worked hard to become one of the best fraternities on campus and one of the best Alphas in the nation, and we can do our part to enhance that success," he said. "Having a Lodge on the Ole Miss campus again will continue to energize the undergraduates and alumni to work toward new and even greater heights. Everyone can be part of this in some way, whether volunteering time or donating money. It will take all of us to make the new Lodge a reality as soon as possible." As an alumnus, Doug has served on the alumni corporation Board of Directors and is currently chairman of the Alumni Advisory Board. Nationally, he is a program facilitator for the Chi Psi Educational Trust and the chairman of the Program for Excellence Committee. Outside of his involvement with Chi Psi, Doug works at the North Mississippi Regional Center as the director of transition coordination. He is also a licensed professional counselor and works at TriLakes Behavioral Health as a part-time therapist. He enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family. Doug resides in Water Valley, Mississippi. He can be reached at doug017@hotmail.com. Doug Buglewicz '96 and his niece, Vivienne.

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