Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Texas

SPRING 2016 Inside Alumnus Spotlight ~ p. 2 Skull & Crossbones ~ p. 2 Chapter Report ~ p. 3 Alumnus Spotlight ~ 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 More than 150 Brothers Gather for Founders' Day F ounders' Day 2015 was a wonderful time with more than 150 brothers and their significant others in attendance. Though we were greeted with inclement weather, the JW Marriott staff did a great job of hosting the cocktail party, dinner, and main event. Chaplain Cole Veslage '16 opened with an invocation and Carlos De Ayala '83 kicked off the evening with a welcome to all. Bo Brackendorff '76 warmly recognized his fellow Texas Alpha Hall of Fame members and our national level dignitaries. Next was a chapter report from President Kyle Mason '16. We should all be very proud of the quality of young men who represent our fraternity along with numbers that are incredibly strong with academic records to match. Jim Strickland '79 did a great job with the pledge class reunions, with special congratulations to the 40-year class. Many thanks to Bruce Anderson '72 for the update on the memorial board for our deceased brothers. What a great tribute to those lost brothers. Craig Casselberry '86 introduced Kyle Mason as the honoree of the John Tyler Balanced Man Award. All you need to do is spend one minute with Kyle and you will understand why he was chosen for this award. There are not enough words to say thank you to John Tyler '63, who has given so much to our fraternity. Andrew Boyd '17 was awarded the Buffkin- Felker Brotherhood Award. On a personal note, I was an undergraduate with both Buff '84 and Chris '84, two wonderful guys who everyone loved and cared for. Congratulations, Andrew; a great honor from your brothers. Mark Johnson '82 did the introduction for Andrew. Thanks to Lynn Butler '88 for his Conclave update. Once again, Texas Alpha shined on the national stage, taking home another Buchanan Cup and gaining representation at the national level. Now to the special highlights of the evening—the 2015 Texas Alpha Hall of Fame honoring Jerry Smith '79 and the 2015 Alpha Achievement Award in Athletics honoring Kiki De Ayala '83. Many thanks to Jeff Otto '77, who gave Jerry's introduction. Jerry has always been that guy who, when you meet him for the first time, you immediately know he is a man of substance and character. His involvement as a pledge to his current "Godfather" status has been marked by his desire to do what is best for SigEp and his brothers. He has done so with quiet humility and we appropriately honored him that evening. I was so excited to introduce Kiki, especially at a time when his son, Christian '18, is a new member and at the front table flanked by his cousins: Paul '16, Christopher '17, Alex '16, and Marcus '18. For those too young to have seen Kiki play at UT, I can tell you that he was dominant in a way that few players who played on the Forty Acres have been. Kiki had an incredible nose for the football, a motor that never stopped, and truly the quickest first step I have ever seen in college football. Finally, thanks to Doug Jones '05 for organizing and closing the festivities with a few thoughts. Doug is so passionate about the brotherhood and the lifelong benefits of being a part of such a great fraternity. I agree with Doug—let's make this event THE reunion event—where we have 500 brothers join to reminisce and celebrate the SigEp brotherhood. HFF, Clay McMordie '82 Jerry Smith '79 and Steve Currell '80 after the game during Founders' Day Weekend. The De Ayala brothers, Carlos '83, Mano '89, and Kiki '83, celebrate Kiki's Alpha Achievement Award at the tailgate during Founders' Day weekend.

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