Delta Kappa Epsilon - University of Alabama

Fall 2017 Newsletter

Psi Chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon at the University of Alabama

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Sighs of Psi 3 ALUMNI NEWS T homas "Tommy" Simmons '59 had at least one major incentive to pursue Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity at the University of Alabama: his friends. He happen to be acquainted with some of the members of Psi Chapter, so the desire to join was natural. Tommy enjoyed the support of his Chapter brothers, with whom he made countless memories during his undergraduate years. "I helped invent Psi's Underwater Party," he shared. "We strung volleyball nets across the ceiling and made decorative paper fish and seaweed to hang from them. We used blue and green flood lights to create an underwater effect," Tommy added nostalgically. The dress code for the event mandated bathing suits, swim masks, and scuba tanks made from beer cans. "The girls couldn't walk across campus in their bathing suits, of course, so they wore them underneath raincoats. Somehow, we got away with that!" he remembered. The party was such a huge hit for Psi that it became a tradition for the Chapter. Aside from helping coordinate events, Tommy served as Psi's vice president at one point. He built close friendships with roommates Johnny Steele and Jim Pittman, whom he, "loved and planned to grow old with, but who were both killed; one in a plane and the other in a car." The loss of Johnny just after he became a doctor of medicine and Jim while a successful businessman was quite saddening for Tommy. I think of them often. Marion "Bumper" Lyons '59 was "really crazy." Tommy quipped, I must confess, the Dean of Men got to know me by my first name. Charles Beauchamp '58, Waights Taylor '59, and Dr. Luther Richardson '57 were other DKEs he befriended. I liked every one of our sixty members. Too many are now gone. One of the greatest lessons Tommy learned from his involvement with the fraternity was that the company of a brotherhood comprised of good men can serve as a huge help and support throughout one's life. He wants today's members to understand the importance of having fun and maintaining a sense of humor during college, but knowing not to do anything "stupid, dishonest, or Thomas "Tommy" Simmons '59 Shares His Fondest Psi Memories A Man of Many Talents T he DKE pledge class of 1997 celebrated their 20 year reunion during the weekend of October 15 in Tuscaloosa. It was a memorable Homecoming celebration for the 14 pledge brothers who traveled from all over the southeast to attend. The men rekindled "the ties that bind our hearts as one" by reminiscing about their time at the DKE house while enjoying great food, copious libation, and creatively embellished storytelling, once again proving that "it's never over!" The 20-year reunion of the pledge class of '97 included Taylor Harrison, John Fulkerson, Steve Kelly, Brett Sutton, and Blake Ashbee. Peter Cane '21 and his parents, Mary and Grey. 20-Year Reunion Weekend for Pledge Class of '97 Website - uadke.org ungentlemanly." Tommy suggests brothers "read everything you can get your hands on, serve your country if need be, and treat everyone, especially women, with Southern manners and dignity. His involvement in Psi introduced Tommy to his future wife, Katherine "Kay" Bounds, who he recalled as being the prettiest Kappa at UA. "Marrying her was the best thing I've ever done," he stated. "She's inspired me to achieve in the 59 years we've been husband and wife; always with the goal of earning her love and respect, which I still work on." The couple has two sons, Scott and Jack, and four grandchildren. Tommy is an accomplished author with three nonfiction and two fiction books currently in print: Escape from Archangel, Forgotten Heroes of World War II, The Man Call Brown Condor, By Accident of Birth, and The Last Quinn Standing. Two have won gold medals. All are available through his website, www.thomasesimmons.net, book stores and Amazon. For the past 63 years, Tommy has been a pilot. He has visited five continents in his career and says, "I've lived many lives." Aside from writing, Tommy enjoys quality time with family and friends and sailing. You can connect with him at tesim@bellsouth.net. To see and hear an interview with Tom Simmons on his published fiction and nonfiction, visit drive. google.com/drive/folders/0B-fgXl7B0j6PYk95 VU42dnF3QWc?usp=sharing.

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