Sigma Chi - University of Mississippi

2 R . Barry Cannada '77 didn't "exactly decide to join Sigma Chi so much as it was the thing to do" where he was raised. He had met several of the older members through his brother, the late Dave Cannada, who passed away in February 1970 of complications arising from lymphoma. The relationships developed with Eta Chapter brothers during that difficult time proved that Barry's "non-decision" was the right one. Barry says the chapter had a long history of winning awards, and academics were highly regarded, which was important to him. Making good grades and friends were his priorities as an undergraduate, and he enjoyed success in both endeavors. He also held several leadership positions, such as rush chairman and student government president, and roomed with Consul Ricky James '77, "a great guy and still a good friend." When asked if there are any particular, special memories he'd like to share, Barry said, "Most I can only talk about in private, and those are flooding to me; they are wonderful." When he gets together with brothers, most of the conversations begin with "Remember when…." Many memories—and the beginnings of lifetime friendships—are specifically from pledge week. "Some people make that week sound worse than it was, but we all went through it together and still relive it 40 years later, remembering the things some guys did and the bonding that we experienced." And while there were certainly times of exuberant youth, Barry says Eta was a responsible chapter and took pride in that. "We always say that we hope our kids go as far as we went but not one step further!" Barry graduated in 1977 with a BBA in accounting, magna cum laude, and in 1980 with a juris doctorate, cum laude and first in his class. With great interest in both business and law, he has had a varied career: over 30 years experience in commercial transactional advisory services, mergers and acquisitions, business development, finance and securities. He is now a partner and vice chairman, professional development for Butler Snow in Jackson. But that is not his only job—Barry is also president of a holding company that owns a significant capital goods business in multiple states and is a co-owner of Salsarita's, a fast casual restaurant chain based in Charlotte, N.C. His "fourth job" is as chairman of the board for Campus Crusade for Christ International. Picking just a few highlights of his career is difficult, but he easily points out what aspects he most enjoys: "advising clients or making decisions on strategy and structures to achieve the organization's or business's goals, as well as building relationships that I treasure. I am fortunate to have the experience and education to have gained a set of tools and surrounded by people that give me talent in solving problems. That experience combined with the wide variety and geography of relationships I've collected is the most fulfilling." Sigma Chi has "absolutely" helped Barry in all his success. "I love what the fraternity offered. I received good advice from brothers and was encouraged to perform well. That motivated me." But Barry mostly appreciates the relationships gained from Eta Chapter. "Many of the friends I have today are from Sigma Chi. And I suspect and expect a significant proportion of the men who carry me to my grave will be Sigma Chi brothers. I think that's true for many people who loved their time in the Greek system in college." Barry has been invited to speak at several high school graduation ceremonies through the years, and his advice is particularly relevant to Eta Chapter undergraduates, considering the competitive nature of Greek life. "No matter where you came from, where you are in life, college is always a new start. Everyone starts on equal footing. This gives you a chance to explore different cultures and get out of your bubble. New starts don't happen often, so don't miss it." On the other hand, most young people have something within their bubble that grounds them. "Whether it is family, friendships, or faith—whatever it is that's important to you—focus on it. For me, it was making it to church every Sunday morning no matter what happened on Saturday night." Stating that he has been fortunate in family and relationships, Barry is also thankful for his Sigma Chi brothers who escorted his future wife, Angelyn (Atkins), to campus functions when he was in law school; "I studied a lot!" Barry and Angelyn met at her freshman orientation (he was a senior) and have been married for 37 years. They are very proud of their three children, Katie, Caroline, and Davis, and four grandsons. Due to the travel requirements of his businesses, he has visited innumerable spots in the U.S. and abroad. He and Angelyn try to find off-the- grid, unique places. He also enjoys hunting and playing tennis when he has the time. Barry can be reached at barry.cannada@ butlersnow.com. RELATIONSHIPS DON'T FADE Barry Cannada '77 Appreciates Eta Chapter Foundation and Friendships John Andrew Agostinelli Logan Anderson John Aulds Troy Berry Logan Boutwell William Bradford Ben Brown Scott Brown Jake Byland Campbell Carlock Charlie Chambers Toliver Chatwood CJ Clark Parker Cole Silas Cosby Walker Cottrell George Crews Will Daniels Carter Day Riley Devlin Hays Dubberly Jake Evans Robert Farish Charlie Fennell Sidney Frazier Kneeland Gammill Will Gentry Will Gholson Parker Gilbert Duncan Graeber Kolton Grimsley Brooks Haisten Beck Hester Sam Hodges Jack Houston Zach Kalin Giles Lamar Davis Magee Lamar Mallory John McIntyre Perry McKinney Jack Mercier Porter Miles William Mitchell Ross Montgomery Payton Moore Russell Moran William Morris Hayes Newcomb Reid Norton Jacob Orlando Hayden Parker Preston Perkins Samuel Plash Max Pokorny Jones Ray James Reed Grant Resmeyer James Robbins Ryan Rodgers Miles Roy Beau Ryals Trey Sankey Jared Silvey Andrew Sinks Rob Stevenson Parks Taylor Land Teller Michael Thomas Zach Thompson Tanner Turk Joseph Upton Maxwell Varner Max Williams John Wooley Welcome, Fall 2017 Pledges

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