Sigma Chi - University of Alabama

2 The Iota Iota Messenger V ery few people can say they are a tri- ple legacy of their fraternity, but for brothers Mark Ascik '79, Steve Ascik '83, and Mark's son, David Ascik '12, this is a reality that the Ascik family takes great pride in. Why did you decide to join Sigma Chi can be a difficult question, but the answer comes naturally for Mark, Steve, and David: the quality membership. In fact, the Ascik family attributes much of who they are today to their Sigma Chi experience at the University of Alabama. They developed inseparable bonds with fraternity brothers, shared countless laughs, and created memories that will last a lifetime. In turn, the Ascik family has giv- en back to Iota Iota Chapter to ensure future generations are afforded the same life-chang- ing, unique experiences they had. When reflecting on their days in Iota Iota, Mark and Steve share one of their most cherished moments as legacies of the chap- ter—initiation. "The days I pinned the white cross on Steve and David are still some of the proudest days of my life. They both were leaders of the fraternity, held many offices, and made the chapter a better place," Mark says. Steve also gained a sense of pride from this event and says, "Legacies are special. David was pinned with the badge that his father, Mark, gave to me for initiation in 1979. I've also attended initiation ceremonies for some of my Sig friends and it's a moving experience." David values the special bond he shares with Mark and Steve, and he is thankful for the opportunities Iota Iota provided him as an un- dergraduate, particularly with leadership. "I was consul leading up to and during construction of the house in 2011-12. I saw firsthand the impact a new house was having on the quality of other fraternities on campus, and I knew we had to upgrade or we would get left behind," David says. "The amount of success The Legacy Campaign gained really opened my eyes to how critical alumni support and leadership is to the future of Iota Iota." Today, the chapter enjoys a newly renovated chapter house thanks to the generous contributions of hundreds of alumni, including the Ascik family. Because of their rewarding experiences in Iota Iota, support- ing the chapter's campaign efforts, as well as David's leadership in the fraternity, was second nature to Mark and Steve. "The new house will help our chap- ter continue leading on campus and will help future brothers continue our proud tradition. I look forward to pinning my grandson one day. David had a real impact on rebuilding the chapter and the new house. That makes me proud," Mark says. Steve also has high hopes for the future of Iota Iota and says, "Sigma Chi has been an important part of my life. I hope it continues to have a positive in- fluence on young men at Alabama." Mark retired recently and enjoys life in Or- mond Beach, Florida. Before retiring, he was president of an optical company that sold eye- wear in 69 countries around the world. One of Mark's favorite highlights from his profes- sional career was taking a company from $1 million in sales to $300 million in sales, with the help of Steve and Don Grindle '79. In his spare time, you'll likely find Mark playing golf or helping his other son, Mark Jr., start a new business. Mark and his wife, Missy, also have a daughter, Caroline. E-mail: markascik1@gmail.com Steve is enjoying a second career as the owner of a new Ace Hardware store in Spanish Fort, Alabama. He has had a successful career in sales, marketing, and general management in the consumer products industry. Steve says, "I was fortunate to have the opportunity to con- tribute in all phases of our business. I loved the challenge of learning new aspects and improving." Steve and his wife, Alisa, have a daugh- ter, Carlyle, who is a freshman at UA and a member of Alpha Chi Omega, and live in Fairhope, Alabama. E-mail: steve.ascik@gmail. com As a resident of Columbia, South Carolina, David makes it a priority to maintain his connection to UA and Iota Iota Chapter. He keeps up with many of his fraternity brothers, mostly at their weddings and bachelor parties. Many of the brothers, including David, are in a fantasy football league together and they try to get together for at least one home football game each year. "I hope the new chapter house helps maintain Iota Iota's standing as one of the premier fra- ternities on campus for many years to come," David says. E-mail: daascik@gmail.com SHARING STORIES, VALUES, AND MEMORIES An InsIde Look At the AscIk FAmILy LegAcy Steve Ascik '83, Mark Ascik '79, Father Steve Bates '79, and David Asick '12.

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