With the sad and unfortunate news of the tornados in Western Kentucky this past weekend, the chapters at the University of Louisville, Western Kentucky, and Centre College are taking action.
The Louisville chapter is accepting donations from water, food, and clothing or monetary donations. To learn how you can donate, call or text the chapter’s Eminent Archon Dalton Green at 270-537-3899.
The chapter has a 12-inch trailer they plan to use in collecting donations outside the local Kroger grocery store. With many brothers from Bowling Green, they plan to take most of the donations to the communities surrounding that area. Any monetary donations will go straight to a relief fund or possibly a bunch of $50 VISA gift cards to donate to families.
“The Province is working together and will probably build a year-long fundraiser or service project, because right now there isn’t a lot of hands-on working like cleaning up, especially with all the power lines down,” Green said. “They don’t really need the hands-on help right now, we’d just be in the way. Here in a month or so, we’ll probably have more guys that are making those trips weekly to help clean up and rebuild the cities.”
According to the Louisville Courier-Journal, the Kentucky death toll is up to over 70 people with more than 100 residents still unaccounted for. The governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear confirmed more than 1,000 properties were destroyed.
The Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Panhellenic at Western Kentucky started a Go Fund Me for the community in Bowling Green. Right now they have raised $570. Any donations can be dropped off at the chapter house located at 300 Alumni Ave in Bowling Green.
“I know that our chapter is very interested in helping in whatever way we can,” Centre College Eminent Archon Will Cline said. “I know that Joe Anderson is planning a province-wide event that I’m sure we will be a part of. I am working with some family members I have from Mayfield, Kentucky to help set up a fundraiser-type thing that KY Kappa can take lead on.”
It’s unfortunate these communities are in this position but we are proud our local chapters are taking the extra step to try and help. Below are more photos of Province Xi helping assist.
Graduation does not signify the end of Sigma Alpha Epsilon—membership is for life. More life is spent as an alumnus, and there are 17 times more of them than our collegiate body. Alumni are a significant piece of the organization, with many programs and events directly funded by those who want to give back. The Fraternity Service Center is always proud of our members’ accomplishments, especially those who excel in their careers.
Clifford Yee (Richmond ’97) was awarded as one of Washington Business Journal’s 2020 Minority Business Leaders. He serves as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer for Northern Virginia Family Services, a non-profit that provides development, foster care/adoption, youth initiatives, housing, and other stability services for those in poverty. Yee was recognized for his leadership, work ethic, and focus on mental health services and educational programs.
Joshua Cohen (Miami FL ’96) was inducted into the Northwestern Mutual Forum Group, which honors the company’s leading advisors that excel in guiding clients on future planning and financial security. Less than 5% of the 6,000 eligible advisors receive this recognition. He has been with Northwestern Mutual since 1999, serving in various financial advisor roles. Cohen was recognized for his holistic approach and comprehensive focus on planning covering both insurance and investment needs.
For the 5th consecutive year, Reid Sherard (South Carolina ’00) was named the top Family Law attorney in South Carolina by Greenville Business Magazine. He leads the Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Family Law practice group, concentrating on divorce-related litigation, asset and jurisdiction disputes, and is often requested to speak at statewide seminars. Sherard was recognized for his deep litigation and appellate experience and is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America.”
Donald Smith (Western Kentucky ’94) was named the recipient of Western Kentucky University’s 2020 Spirit of WKU Award, which honors an individual who represents enthusiasm for WKU, loyalty to the institution, and principles of the WKU experience. He serves as President of the College Heights Foundation at Western Kentucky University, where he led a record-breaking fundraising effort over the past seven years. Since 1994, he has served WKU in various roles of institutional advancement. Smith was recognized for his hard work, determination, and an ever-present commitment to make a meaningful difference in higher education.
For the 2019-2020 academic year, Kentucky Beta received seven of the eight chapter achievement awards available from Western Kentucky University: Scholastic Achievement, Outstanding Intramural Performance, Greek Involvement, Alumni Development, Chapter Development, Philanthropic Service, and Outstanding New Member Program. They were also named the Most Improved Fraternity Chapter, and Chapter Advisor Randy Schocke (Western Kentucky ’78) was awarded the Bracey Outstanding Advisor Award. Seniors Connor Roberts and Joe Webb were inducted into WKU’s Greek Hall of Fame.
Given yearly Convocation, the awards support the overall mission of WKU: lifelong leadership skills through the promotion of academic excellence, social responsibility, and involvement in the community and on campus.
Editor’s Note: This article by Grace Finerman was originally published by CBS/WKYT Lexington.
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The COVID-19 pandemic has changed American life.
Many, especially the elderly, are scared for their lives. But one 88-year-old in Fayette County had something to celebrate today, thanks to her grandson.
Musician Jordan English [Western Kentucky ’09] has a close bond with his grandmother, but experts say at 88 years old she’s at risk during this coronavirus pandemic.
She’s under lockdown at Cedarhurst Senior Living.
“I know that physically and mentally it’s tough for everybody to stay confined,” says Jordan.
Jordan is playing a concert outside the facility, telling those locking themselves inside to open their windows and let the music in. Giving them a moment of escape, as the Unites States fights to flatten the curve.
“Just let them know that they’re being thought about, everybody’s looking forward to getting to be able to visit with them before too long,” says Jordan.
Julia says she’s thankful, excited.
“You can’t see my heart so proud that I can’t even begin to talk about it,” Julia says.
She’s not planning on COVID-19 bringing her down. She’s staying strong for her grandson.
“He’s graduated from high school, college, gotten married, had a baby, and look at me, I’m 88 years old, yay!” Julia says.
When Julia is finally able to leave the senior living center, she says she’s most excited to hug her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
by Joe Anderson, Province Xi Archon
After reviving the tradition last year, the chapter at Western Kentucky University (Kentucky Beta) elected to continue the “Run so They Can Ride” relay in 2018—a 100 mile run from their campus to Middle Tennessee State prior to the football game between the two schools. The event raises money to donate bicycles to the World Bicycle Relief. Each participant ran approximately six to eight miles during the transit.
Being the 50-year anniversary, event founder Richard Ziegler (Western Kentucky ’68) flew in from North Carolina to serve as the opening runner.
When Ziegler originally came up with the idea, philanthropy was not considered, nor was it an SAE-only event. “When it was originally started, the run was designed to be a pep rally of sorts in support of a surging WKU football team,” he said. “Our team was undefeated. Not only undefeated, but also unscored on after four games. After the game, I said ‘We’ve got to do something special.’ So we talked about running the football to the next game.”
Current chapter president, Joe Webb, ran with Ziegler during the first mile on Friday.
“It’s real special,” Webb said. “Having him there running that first mile was a huge honor, and it shows the tradition that we have and the brotherhood that we have. He’s able to come back 50 years later and it’s truly a strong tradition.”
The members of SAE embraced Ziegler when he came back to WKU, and he appreciated how welcome the members made him feel.
“I was scared to death,” Ziegler said. “I thought these guys aren’t going to care about what I’m here for, but they’ve been great. I’ve been totally relaxed and I’m so happy to be here.”
After Ziegler opened the event, 15 other members finished the 100 miles to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It took the them approximately 13 hours to complete the journey.
And the Winners for 2017-2018 are…
John O. Moseley Award for Fraternity Zeal
California State University—San Marcos
The John O. Moseley Zeal Award recognizes the chapter that best exemplifies a model chapter in Sigma Alpha Epsilon. This chapter excels in its operations and brotherhood, fulfilling the vision of our Founding Fathers and its members and by living the life of a true gentleman. This chapter goes above and beyond expectations and demonstrates true zeal and excitement for the Fraternity, exhibiting a strong bond of brotherhood.
True Gentleman of the Year
Dustin Stewart, Armstrong State University
The True Gentleman of the Year Award is the highest honor the Fraternity can bestow on an undergraduate brother. The award, first given in 2000, is presented annually to an undergraduate who has been determined to be the most outstanding collegiate in Sigma Alpha Epsilon, considering scholastic achievement, fraternity involvement, university leadership and community service.
Most Improved Chapter
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—Prescott
The Most Improved Chapter Award is the award that compares a then-and-now scenario and how the chapter took a less-than-optimal situation to turn its problems into progress.
Harry S. Bunting Outstanding Colony of the Year
Arizona State University
The Harry S. Bunting Colony Award recognizes the best colony in the Realm.
Chapter Achievement
California State Polytechnic University—Pomona
Carnegie Mellon University
Christian Brothers University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—Prescott
Emory University
Florida Southern College
Gustavus Adolphus College
Kansas State University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Millsaps College
Nicholls State University
North Dakota State University
Oklahoma State University
Oregon State University
Rhodes College
Rutgers University
Salisbury University
St. Louis University
Towson University
Union University
University of California—Riverside
University of Cinncinnati
University of Dayton
University of Evansville
University of New Haven
University of Tennessee—Knoxville
University of Toledo
Western Illinois University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Youngstown State University
Outstanding Chapter Alumni Relations
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Brandon Weghorst Outstanding Chapter Communication
Kansas State University
Outstanding Chapter Member Education
Nicholls State University
Outstanding Chapter Financial Managment
Simpson College
Outstanding Chapter Health & Safety
University of Evansville
Outstanding Chapter Housing
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Joseph A. Mancini Outstanding Chapter Service & Philanthropy
University of New Haven
Kimball-Phelps Award for Outstanding Chapter Singing
North Dakota State University
Robert C. Cousins Outstanding Chapter Recruitment
University of Cincinnati
Outstanding Chapter Scholarship
Gustavus Adolphus College
Smith-Huffman Outstanding Chapter Management
North Dakota State University
Outstanding University Relations
Nicholls State University
Bradley M. Cohen Eminent Archon of the Year Award & Scholarship
Joseph Shelton, University of Tennessee—Knoxville
M. Todd Buchanan Recruitment Chairman Award & Scholarship
Anthony Pantano, University of Dayton
Kenneth D. Tracey Award & Scholarship for Interfraternal Leadership
Dylan Che, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—Prescott
Outstanding Eminent Archons
Joseph Shelton, University of Tennessee—Knoxville
Grant Maris, North Dakota State University
Max Flick, Florida Southern College
Clayton Converse, Mississippi State University
Outstanding Eminent Treasurers
Joshua Kavanagh, Kansas State University
Andrew Mosteller, University of Tennessee—Knoxville
Brandon Riedemann, University of Wyoming
Dave Walker, St. Louis University
Outstanding Chapter Advisors
Beau Bateman, North Dakota State University
Bill Dowell, Birmingham Southern College
John Ellis, Central Oklahoma University
Daniel Gladding, University of Maryland-College Park
Nathan Schwiethale, Wichita State University
Jon Shay, University of Colorado—Boulder
Bill Fiscus Outstanding Area Alumni Association
Greater Atlanta Alumni Association
Outstanding Chapter Alumni Association
Kentucky Epsilon Alumni Association
Outstanding House Corporation
Tennessee Delta SAE Alumni Housing Corporation
Outstanding Alumni Association & House Corporation Communication
Oregon Alpha Alumni Association (Print)
San Diego Alumni Association (Electronic)
San Diego Alumni Association (Website)
Outstanding Alumni Association Special Event or Project
Florida Chi Alumni Association
Stuart Zoock Outstanding Advisory Board
Oregon Alpha Alumni Association