Who thinks of the rights and feelings of others rather than his own. This singular line from our guiding creed encapsulates exactly what it means to put others before himself. It is one of the pillars of our Fraternity and what sets True Gentlemen apart from others. This care for people is what drives and defines Thomas A. “Bear” Bower.

As one of the founders of your chapter, having a place to care for others was clearly important to you from a young age. Even after graduating, your career spanned some very people-oriented industries like telecommunications, business administration, and club management. However, your passion for others shone the brightest once you returned to our beloved Fraternity as an alumni volunteer.

Like many of our best leaders, you received commemorations while serving as a Chapter Advisor. The reconnection you felt fanned the flame and you quickly took a Province Archon role, then found yourself teaching as a faculty member of Leadership School. It didn’t stop there. You served on several committees that eventually led to your election as Eminent Supreme Chronicler in 1995, and ultimately as Eminent Supreme Archon from 2003 to 2005.

What earmarks your tenure on the Supreme Council was the establishment of many of the modernized initiatives and programs that still exist today. As an outspoken leader against hazing, you saw the launch of Minerva’s Shield, the Fraternity’s official health and safety guide. This was the cornerstone of redefining the education around our ideals and values, including a new look at Leadership School. You were also responsible for the first-ever Tri-Board meeting between the Fraternity, Foundation, and Financial & Housing Corporation, further unifying our main operating entities together as one.

The Fraternity is so much a part of your life that even your wife was involved. As the “First Lady of SAE,” she travelled with you to many chapter installations, speaking with the collegiates, meeting with families, and even some school officials. Her focus was always on kindness and respect, two things that exude the notion of putting others before yourself. For your outstanding leadership through change and innovation, the Fraternity has already honored you with the Merit Key.

Accordingly, the Supreme Council of Sigma Alpha Epsilon awards you, Thomas A. “Bear” Bower, the 164th Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member of our Beloved Fraternity, granted on the 19th day of June in the year 2025 and presented at Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s 169th Anniversary Convention.