Sigma Phi Epsilon - Tennessee Alpha 100th Anniversary

Tennessee Alpha Alumni just published this commemorative video about the first 100 years. Yes, this is a shameless plug for my home chapter. But I'll bet that all chapters with a long history have similar memories and traditions.

Sigma Phi Epsilon/UNC - Cherishing the Friendships Made at SigEp

Sigma Phi Epsilon/UNC - Cherishing the Friendships Made at SigEp:

Cherishing the Friendships Made at SigEp

Why did you join Sig Ep as an undergraduate? I was looking for a personal experience -- small fraternity, close friends -- on a large campus and I found it at Sig Ep. I was the first person from my hometown in South Carolina to attend UNC in decades, and I didn’t care for the impersonal atmosphere of Morrison Dorm, where I lived my first semester. Additionally, my brother had been in a fraternity at Wake Forest and I knew what a positive experience it had been for him.

What is the funniest memory from your Sig Ep days? We shared so many laughs and good times that it would be impossible to single one out.

What is the single fondest memory you have shared/will share with your children and grandchildren? I always related to my children how valuable the interpersonal relationships at Sig Ep were; in fact, my children grew up knowing many of the nicknames I tossed about, just as if they were their own friends. My son subsequently attended UNC and pledged Kappa Sig; when I visited him there, it reminded me of my experience at Sig Ep.

How do you stay connected with your brothers as an alumnus? Obviously, time drives a wedge as the years pass. However, I have remained in touch with many brothers, and about 20 of us gathered for dinner during a football weekend a couple years ago. For many of us, it was the first time we had seen each other since graduation. I have remained in close touch with a number of brothers, and Dick “Pecker” Parker ‘70 and Bill “Rah Rah” Crownover ’70 and their wives recently visited us in Maine, where we live half of each year. Bob Long ’68 and his wife, Beth, also visit us regularly in Maine, and we have visited them in the mountains of NC. I also maintain regular contact with Dan Pate ’71 and his wife Sara Jane in Southern Pines.

Have you visited Chapel Hill since graduation? Why or why not? Before moving to Maine on a seasonal basis, we made it to several football weekends a year. However, we don’t return to SC until late October now, but we try to make it to Chapel Hill at least once a year.

What about your membership in Sig Ep makes you the most proud? I’m most proud and reflective of the close relationships we had with people from diverse backgrounds coming together and becoming good friends. We had brothers of all kinds – some studious, some (like me) not as studious – but we melded into a close-knit brotherhood.

How would your life be different today if you had never joined Sig Ep? I would have missed out on some of the best friends I have ever had.

If you could go back and relive one moment from your Sig Ep years, what would it be and why? I always enjoyed Pledge Weekends and the beach weekends, though someone usually ended up in jail. But my most pleasant memories are of simply sitting around the house having “bull sessions” and enjoying each other’s company.

Where has life taken you since graduation? What's new in your life today? I spent 25 years in the newspaper publishing business and through no great foresight on my part, got out of it while it was still a good business to be in. I had worked in Acadia National Park on the coast of Maine summers while I was in Chapel Hill, and upon our marriage in 1971, my wife Nancy and I formed a long-term plan to try to live several months a year there. In 1997 I bought a business in Bar Harbor that provides recreational services to tourists in Acadia, and I’ve been running that for 15 years. We are there from June through October, and in Camden, SC from November through May.

Why would you encourage other brothers to engage with Sig Ep in their alumni years? The friendships formed at Sig Ep have lasted for nearly half a century now and are indicative of the fact that once people are friends, even time and distance can’t prevent them from continuing their bonds.

What is the best thing about your alumni experience? Knowing that friendships formed long ago are still alive.

Reconnect with Glenn at ggtucker@earthlink.net .

In this photo: (L to R) Glenn Tucker, Dick Parker and Bill Crownover, who recently had a "mini-reunion" on Mount Desert Island, Maine.

'via Blog this'

Tennessee Alumnus Magazine - Wilson Has a Taste for Leadership: Alan Wilson

Alan Wilson, Tennessee Alpha '80, is the new CEO of McKormick Spices. This article comes from the University of Tennessee Alumnus Magazine.

America’s palate is becoming more sophisticated, and Alan Wilson is big into the business of supplying the spices to satisfy the nation’s taste buds. Wilson (Knoxville ’80) is the new CEO and president of McCormick & Company Inc., the world’s largest spice producer, headquartered in Baltimore with operations in such diverse locales as India and France. These international operations require a geographically nimble CEO—Wilson travels about 35 percent of the time. Recent destinations have included China, India, Australia, and countries of the European Union.
[...]
Wilson graduated in communications (“I thought I wanted to be a broadcaster”), served in the army, and worked for Procter & Gamble before joining McCormick in 1993.[...]
He says he wants to continue to grow the company. Many parts of the world could be ripe for expansion, with Eastern Europe on the short list. He’s proud of McCormick’s history of social responsibility and points to agricultural sustainability programs the company began 25 years ago. As he wrestles with cost and personnel decisions, he tries to be ever mindful about consistently communicating McCormick’s priorities. Wilson says he establishes professional objectives and is graded on his performance like everyone else in the company. “I pride myself on beating my objectives,” he says.

Alan was also president of the SigEp Chapter in Knoxville. I could share a number of spicy incidents from that time, but for now, let's just say "What happens in SigEp, STAYS in SigEp."

Tennessee Alumnus Magazine - Wilson Has a Taste for Leadership: Alan Wilson

Students remember friend, brother

Jesse Mounce, a brother from the chapter at Eastern Illinois University, was found dead on Friday. His passing leaves a missing piece in the lives of his family, friends, and fratenity brothers.

Jesse A. Mounce (left), seen here with his sister Stephanie was a 20-year-old public relations major. (Submitted Photo)

Friends insist that Mounce is irreplaceable. Over the last few days, they've detailed memories to each other that prove this.

Mounce could light up a face with a smile. He was the go-to guy when a smile was needed. He was quick to poke fun at his friends, the life of the party and a persuasive referee when it came to the slip-and-slide at parties.
[...]
Mounce was a sophomore communication studies major studying public relations. He was also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

His friends and fraternity brothers will never forget him.

Stephen Johnson, Mounce's roommate and fellow Sig Ep, will remember the hours he spent with his roommates talking about everything and nothing.

"Jesse's quick wit and nonchalant attitude made for some interesting conversations," he said in an e-mail. "He genuinely cared about his roommates and his friends and would do anything that he could to help us out."

More than 200 people crowded the Wesley United Methodist Church Friday night to share memories, laughs, songs and tears.

His brothers remember him:

Other memories:
"He was one of the most loyal people I have ever met. It didn't matter if you had known him for two days or for two years, if he considered you a friend, he would have your back no matter what the circumstances were."

-Stephen Johnson, member of Sigma Phi Epsilon

"Jesse was a good friend of mine. He was one of the hardest workers that I have ever met. There was never a time when he would not go out of his way to help someone, someone could ask him to do something and without hesitation he would do everything in his power to help that person. Jesse was a true friend and a great brother, he is going to be truly missed. There wasn't a member of our house who didn't love him. Jesse was a very genuine person, with a heart too big to measure. He affected everyone he met in a good way and the house won't be the same with out him around. Love you brother."

-Kyle Valentine, President of Sigma Phi Epsilon

"Today we the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon mourn the passing of a true friend, a man of indescribable honor and integrity. Though we shed tears at the end of his days, it is the remembrance of his life that helps see us through this hardship. We remember every laugh, every joke, every waking moment filled with happiness because of his presence. It is in this time that we remember him for what he really was, our beloved brother. The ties of our brotherhood extend past this world onward, and it is in this belief that we are comforted in the knowledge that we can never truly be apart from him. Today I still see his face, always with a smile, as he says, 'Hey bro.' Today I can still hear his voice and his laughter as we joke around in chapter. Today and forever I will always remember Jesse Mounce for what he was to me: my colleague, my friend, and most importantly my brother. Jesse I love you, and I miss you dearly."

-Levi Bulgar, member of Sigma Phi Epsilon

Jesse was one of my best friends and had a way about him that always made people smile. He left us way too early and everyone who knew him is going to feel the hurt of losing him, but I hope they remember the great times that were shared because of him.

-Lawrence Digiulio, member of Sigma Phi Epsilon

Note: A YouTube video tribute to Jesse has been created by Christopher Thielk of EIU. Click Here to watch it.

Students remember friend, brother - News

The Gift of Hope!

Always believe in MIRACLES!!

Three years ago, a little boy and his grandmother came to see Santa at Mayfair Mall in Wisconsin. The child climbed up on his lap, holding a picture of a little girl.

"Who is this?" asked Santa, smiling. "Your friend? Your sister?"

"Yes, Santa," he replied. "My sister, Sarah, who is very sick," he said sadly.

Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby, and saw her dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

"She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much, Santa!" the child exclaimed. "She misses you," he added softly.

Santa tried to be cheerful and encouraged a smile to the boy's face, asking him what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas. When they finished their visit, the Grandmother came over to help the child off his lap, and started to say something to Santa, but halted.

"What is it?" Santa asked warmly.

"Well, I know it's really too much to ask you, Santa, but..." the old woman began, shooing her grandson over to one of Santa's elves to collect the little gift which Santa gave all his young visitors. "The girl in the photograph... my granddaughter well, you see… she has leukemia and isn't expected to make it even through the holidays," she said through tear-filled eyes.

"Is there any way, Santa. any possible way that you could come see Sarah? That's all she's asked for, for Christmas, is to see Santa."

Santa blinked and swallowed hard and told the woman to leave information with his elves as to where Sarah was, and he would see what he could do. Santa thought of little else the rest of that afternoon. He knew what he had to do.

"What if it were MY child lying in that hospital bed, dying," he thought with a sinking heart, "this is the least I can do."

When Santa finished visiting with all the boys and girls that evening, he retrieved from his helper the name of the hospital where Sarah was staying. He asked the assistant location manager how to get to Children's Hospital.

"Why?" Rick asked, with a puzzled look on his face.Santa relayed to him the conversation with Sarah's grandmother earlier that day.

"C'mon.... I'll take you there," Rick said softly.

Rick drove them to the hospital and came inside with Santa. They found out which room Sarah was in. A pale Rick said he would wait out in the hall.

Santa quietly peeked into the room through the half-closed door and saw little Sarah on the bed. The room was full of what appeared to be her family; there was the Grandmother and the girl's brother he had met earlier that day. A woman whom he guessed was Sarah's mother stood by the bed, gently pushing Sarah's thin hair off her forehead. And another woman who he discovered later was Sarah's aunt, sat in a chair near the bed with weary, sad look on her face.

They were talking quietly, and Santa could sense the warmth and closeness of the family, and their love and concern for Sarah.

Taking a deep breath, and forcing a smile on his face, Santa entered the room, bellowing a hearty, "Ho, ho, ho!""Santa!" shrieked little Sarah weakly, as she tried to escape her bed to run to him, IV tubes in tact.

Santa rushed to her side and gave her a warm hug. A child the tender age of his own son -- 9 years old -- gazed up at him with wonder and excitement. Her skin was pale and her short tresses bore telltale bald patches from the effects of chemotherapy. But all he saw when he looked at her was a pair of huge, blue eyes. His heart melted, and he had to force himself to choke back tears.

Though his eyes were riveted upon Sarah's face, he could hear the gasps and quiet sobbing of the women in the room.

As he and Sarah began talking, the family crept quietly to the bedside one by one, squeezing Santa's shoulder or his hand gratefully, whispering "thank you" as they gazed sincerely at him with shining eyes.

Santa and Sarah talked and talked, and she told him excitedly all the toys she wanted for Christmas, assuring him she'd been a very good girl that year. As their time together dwindled, Santa felt led in his spirit to pray for Sarah, and asked for permission from the girl's mother.

She nodded in agreement and the entire family circled around Sarah's bed, holding hands. Santa looked intensely at Sarah and asked her if she believed in angels."Oh, yes, Santa... I do!" she exclaimed."Well, I'm going to ask that angels watch over you, "he said. Laying one hand on the child's head, Santa closed his eyes and prayed. He asked that God touch little Sarah, and heal her body from this disease. He asked that angels minister to her, watch and keep her.

And when he finished praying, still with eyes closed, he started singing softly, "Silent Night, Holy Night.... all is calm, all is bright." The family joined in, still holding hands, smiling at Sarah, and crying tears of hope, tears of joy for this moment, as Sarah beamed at them all.

When the song ended, Santa sat on the side of the bed again and held Sarah's frail, small hands in his own."Now, Sarah, "he said authoritatively, "you have a job to do, and that is to concentrate on getting well. I want you to have fun playing with your friends this summer, and I expect to see you at my house at Mayfair Mall this time next year!"

He knew it was risky proclaiming that, to this little girl who had terminal cancer, but he "had" to. He had to give her the greatest gift he could -- not dolls or games or toys -- but the gift of HOPE.

"Yes, Santa! "Sarah exclaimed, her eyes bright.He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and left the room. Out in the hall, the minute Santa's eyes met Rick's, a look passed between them and they wept unashamed. Sarah's mother and grandmother slipped out of the room quickly and rushed to Santa's side to thank him.

"My only child is the same age as Sarah," he explained quietly. "This is the least I could do." They nodded with understanding and hugged him.

One year later, Santa Mark was again back on the set in Milwaukee for his six-week, seasonal job which he so loves to do. Several weeks went by and then one day a child came up to sit on his lap. "Hi, Santa! Remember me?!""Of course, I do," Santa proclaimed (as he always does), smiling down at her.

After all, the secret to being a "good" Santa is to always make each child feel as if they are the "only" child in the world at that moment.

"You came to see me in the hospital last year!" Santa's jaw dropped.

Tears immediately sprang in his eyes, and he grabbed this little miracle and held her to his chest. "Sarah!" he exclaimed. He scarcely recognized her, for her hair was long and silky and her cheeks were rosy -- much different from the little girl he had visited just a year before. He looked over and saw Sarah's mother and grandmother in the sidelines smiling and waving and wiping their eyes.

That was the best Christmas ever for Santa Claus. He had witnessed -- and been blessed to be instrumental in bringing about -- this miracle of hope.This precious little child was healed. Cancer-free. Alive and well.

He silently looked up to Heaven and humbly whispered, "Thank you, Father. 'Tis a very, Merry Christmas!”

View "Official" Conclave photos

© Used with permission

Carroll Morgan, the official Conclave photographer, has provided a link for viewing his Conclave photos.
Many of them are available for purchase as well.

• Get a shot of your chapter taking the Buchanan Cup.
• Use a pic of your RD to decorate the chapter dart board.
• Find your Chapter Counselor having WAY too much fun!

With nearly 3000 snaps, there is bound to be something for everyone. Buckhead On-site Photography - SigEp Conclave

Carroll Morgan Buckhead On-site Photography ( 404.556.6821)
* mailto:carroll@BuckheadOn-site.com
Event photography - Studio quality
::Photography for conventions, conferences, corporate events, banquets, parties and reunions