New fraternity president breaks race barrier
By Amanda Carr

Photo: Amanda Car

Corey Perry’s race was far from his mind when he was elected president of his fraternity last semester.

But his election to the top leadership spot for an Interfraternity Council group represents one of the first times a black man has led the group of eight fraternities nearly wholly dominated by white members.

Perry, 20, even looks different in his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. He’s the only black member.

His election isn’t a first at UT Martin. (There were black fraternity presidents as late as the 1970s, such as for the now-defunct Sigma Pi fraternity.) But among the IFC fraternities on campus now, Perry’s the first minority leader.

“In the grand scheme of things, I think it’s a good thing (being elected),” Perry said in an interview with The Pacer. “In the circle of my brothers, though, it’s not that big of a deal.”

Perry, a junior management major from Drummonds, Tenn., said his election speaks to his fraternity’s core values; SigEp was the first fraternity to include sexual orientation in its antidiscrimination policy and did away with the traditional pledging model in favor of a more comprehensive Balanced Man Program in the early 1990s.

SigEp was among the first national fraternities to admit black members.

Perry was elected by his brothers at the end of last semester and took office before finals. He believes that he will make a good president because he is able to connect and identify with all of his brothers and because he is adamant about keeping traditions.

Perry said that he was attracted to this fraternity because it felt like home, and because it was different from the rest, despite there being three traditionally black fraternities already on campus.

While this may be a historic and prodigious moment for his fraternity and the campus as a whole, to him it is just another day with his fraternity.

“It was something that I had always wanted, though may have not foreseen happening so quickly. I do understand why it is a big deal, but my focus is on us,” Perry said.

Currently the UTM chapter of SigEp, founded in 1995, has 26 members and supports several philanthropic ventures such as an affiliation with the YouthAIDS organization, which is a national organization that reaches out to children infected with HIV and promotes HIV/AIDS prevention and education.

But even though he sees his election as “one of the keystones of my life,” Perry says there’s still progress to be made in the way of greek diversity.

“I wish there were more diversity in the greek community here at UTM,” Perry said.

“I hope that by being president I can inspire others and promote diversity in the community as a whole, instead of just SigEp.”

The director of UTM’s Greek Life office agrees.

“There are a lot of greek programs that aren’t as welcoming as UT Martin,” said Director of Greek Life Louis Ragsdale.

“There’s definitely some improvement we can make as far as diversity is concerned, but we’ve really made a lot of progress over the past five years.”

Ragsdale attributed increased awareness of differing viewpoints as a reason for increased membership and higher average grades among fraternity and sorority members.

“It goes beyond race or ethnicity,” Ragsdale said in an interview. “It’s about other opinions and diversity in religion and other differences too.”
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Pacer writers Jay Baker and Will York contributed this report.

Tennessee Kappa alumnus Lowe Finney (’98) has won in the District 27 Tennessee Senate race. Brother Finney becomes the first chapter alumnus to serve in the state legislature. The 31-year old Dresden, Tenn. native won in two of the three counties represented by the 27th District.

Winning in his first ever campaign for public office was no easy task. Brother Finney had stiff competition from incumbent senator and former UT Martin football coach Don McLeary. The final tally, announced late Tuesday, put him 477 votes ahead of McLeary out of 53,125 votes cast in Madison, Gibson and Carroll counties.

Brother Finney graduated from UT Martin with a bachelor’s degree in Business in the spring of 1998. He then went on to the Saint Louis University for his law degree. An attorney by trade, Finney teaches at Lambuth University. He also serves as the Chapter Counselor for the Tennessee Zeta SigEp chapter at the university.

More from the Jackson Sun: Finney takes McLeary’s state Senate seat | Video

About the Tennessee Senate

The upper house of Tennessee’s General Assembly is called the Senate. The state is divided into 33 senatorial districts, from each of which one senator is elected. Senators are elected to four-year terms with those from even-numbered districts being elected in the same general election, and those representing odd-numbered districts being elected two years later. Thus, about half of the 33 senators are standing for election at the same time. Re-election to the Senate is constitutionally permissible, as it is in the House, and there is no limit on the number of terms a legislator may serve.

About Sigma Phi Epsilon

Sigma Phi Epsilon, the nation’s largest fraternity, was founded at Richmond College, now the University of Richmond, on November 1, 1901, on the cardinal principles of Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love. Today, the Fraternity has grown to more than 255,000 lifetime members, including 14,000 undergraduates on 260 campuses in the United States. Tennessee Kappa, the designation for the SigEp chapter at the University of Tennessee at Martin, was chartered in the spring of 1995.

“Raising the minimum G.P.A. has helped us reach our goal of a 3.15,” said Brother Nathan Patterson (’07), chapter president. “Also, we have an excellent study hours program in place headed up by our Academic Chair and Vice-President of Recruitment Sam McDaniel. I know that his efforts have really helped some of the brothers live up to our principle of Sound Mind.”

For some brothers, the higher chapter GPA came as no surprise due to their hard work and diligence. But for others, the chapter’s GPA is linked almost directly to their improvement.

Brother Harlin Wilkin (’08) posted a 1.5 GPA his first semester. After working with Brother McDaniel through SigEp’s study hours program, he was able to raise his GPA to a 3.7 last semester.

“After my first semester of being in SigEp I was kind of worried about my grades. But now I’m really glad I joined. Sam really helped me learn how to balance my time and study effectively,” Wilkin said. “Plus, I got to study with brothers from every major. Communications majors helped me with my essays and business majors helped me with my math.”

Tennessee Kappa will continue leading the fraternity community at UTM and breaking the stereotypical “frat” image by striving for excellence in academics as well as promoting the concept of Sound Mind, Sound Body and Sound Spirit.

To learn more about SigEp’s Balanced Man Program, click here.

To see the related article in The Pacer, click here.

Winners of these awards exhibited exceptional traits exemplary of scholars, leaders, athletes and gentlemen, based on their submitted résumés and personal interviews, as well as recommendations by public figures of the UTM campus based on merit.

Three awards were presented to freshmen males. The fraternity awarded the Balanced Man Scholarship, a $2,000 scholarship, to Lucas Wilmore of Franklin.

Additionally, a $250 Excellence in Leadership Scholarship was awarded to Matthew Perry and an additional $250 Excellence in Athletics Scholarships was awarded to Markie Guy.

“I really want to thank SigEp for setting a good example for guys like me to follow,” Wilmore said.

Parents, in addition to UT Martin faculty and staff, attended the event, held in Watkins Auditorium. Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jerald Ogg and Greek Life Coordinator Louis Ragsdale also attended, underscoring SigEp’s prominent leadership role on campus and in the larger Greek community.

“Any way to balance life more effectively is a worthy endeavor,” said Ogg. “It is hard for people to understand how important balance is at this age, and any program that promotes germinating balance is worthwhile.”

The Balanced Man Scholarship is offered to all entering freshmen males enrolled at UTM.

“This scholarship is one of many ways that the Greeks on this campus give back to the community in an effort to foster and promote higher ideals in others as well as themselves,” Ragsdale said.

The Balanced Man Scholarship is a public service outcrop of Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Balanced Man Development Program, which sets the fraternity off as “different” from other national fraternal organizations. The program, which took the place of the traditional pledging fraternity model, stresses responsibility in academics and athletics and offers unique leadership training opportunities to its members.

The event, held at the Dyersburg Community Center gymnasium on Dec. 8 marked the third year in a row SigEp brothers have donated their time, money and efforts to ensure that the children of Youth Villages have a happy holiday season.

SigEp along with ADPi helped bring the Christmas spirit to some children, who otherwise might not have the opportunity. SigEp brothers spent time with the children and then led the audience to a selection of Christmas carols and distributed presents while the children had the opportunity to meet, and have their picture taken with Santa Claus.

According to a parent, SigEp helped a twelve year old celebrate Christmas, and meet Santa for the first time.

“The reason we do Youth Villages is to see the true reason of the holidays,” said SigEp President, Jamie Hawkins. “Sigma Phi Epsilon believes that working one-on-one in the community is the best development for our brothers.”

The Youth Villages Christmas party originated in 2003; when Brother Matt Muehlberger ’05 designed the event as a service project for the Brother Mentor Challenge.

“I think the children had a great time,” said Brother Alan Bush, coordinator of this year’s event. “SigEp has been invited to participate again next year, and we look forward to hosting this event for years to come.”

The games spanned two days and included 24 teams of four members each. Contestants were quizzed with questions from literature, current events, arts and entertainment, science, sports and history, with different point totals assigned to questions.

SigEp proved to be quick on the buzzer as they racked up points against Alpha Omicron Pi and the Pi Butterflies in the first round on Monday, Nov. 14. On Tuesday, SigEp beat the University Scholars to take on Savannah in the semifinal round.

With a quick, last-minute answer to “What is the generic name of Lortab?” SigEp earned a place in the championship, winning over Savannah 461-460.

In the championship round, SigEp opened the board open, amassing 270 points against Death from Above, which managed 190 points. However, both teams missed the final question, making SigEp come out on top, 159-0.

This year’s championship makes SigEp the back-to-back champion for the university-wide competition; SigEp took the first place spot last year after beating Sgt. Pepper’s Trivia Team, who made a reappearance in the semifinals this year.

This year marks the second championship for the brothers of Tennessee Kappa in the 13-year history of Trivia Bowl.

SigEp’s trivia bowl roster included Brothers Tucker Leigh, Will York, Tony Beal and Eric Horne, with Brother Israel O’Brien serving as a substitute in the 69-0 second-round win over the University Scholars.

Also for the second consecutive year, Brother Leigh was crowned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Brother Joe Dacus, who is also a member of the Tennessee Kappa chapter, helped propel his team Death from Above, to second place.

“We are very proud of our Trivia Bowl team,” said SigEp President Ryan Hartley. “SigEp strives to maintain a strong level of academic performance, and Trivia Bowl is one way we can show our success in developing Sound Minds.”

SigEp’s Balanced Man development program, a unique process that abolished the traditional pledging process in its fraternity, seeks to uphold the ancient Greek philosophy of “Sound Mind, Sound Body, Sound Spirit.”

Fraternity to support fight against HIV/ AIDS on college campuses nationwide and beyond

Sigma Phi Epsilon, the world’s largest fraternal organization, and YouthAIDS, a global initiative dedicated to preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS among the world’s youth, today announced a 10-year renewed partnership to increase HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention efforts on college campuses across the U.S.

In addition to education initiatives, Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp) has promised to plan and host signature fundraising events for YouthAIDS HIV/AIDS prevention programs around the world.

”SigEp is proud to continue its partnership with YouthAIDS. HIV/AIDS is problem affecting youth globally, and this is an opportunity for SigEp to make a difference beyond the college campus.” said E. Scott Thompson, Director of Communications for SigEp. ”There has been success in our work with YouthAIDS over the past two years; we believe that the next ten years will bring even more.”

”YouthAIDS along with our ambassadors Wynonna and Ashley Judd are thrilled to be working with such a dynamic group of leaders like the SigEp brothers. With one child dying of AIDS every minute and an estimated 4.9 million new HIV infections in 2004, it is imperative that college students come together to help fight this terrible epidemic. Our partnership with SigEp ensures that campus leaders are educating and spreading awareness about this global pandemic on campuses nationwide.” Kate Roberts, Founder and Director, YouthAIDS.

SigEp chapters at college campuses nationwide are contributing to YouthAIDS programs by hosting educational and fundraising events. The brothers of 56 participating SigEp chapters have already raised $68,000 and increased HIV/AIDS awareness and education among more than 12,000 youth, with numbers growing rapidly each month.

About Sigma Phi Epsilon
Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded at Richmond College, now the University of Richmond, on November 1, 1901, on the Cardinal Principles: Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love. Today, Sigma Phi Epsilon is the world’s largest fraternal organization with more than 257,000 lifetime members, including 13,000 undergraduates on 257 campuses in the United States.

About YouthAIDS
YouthAIDS, an HIV/AIDS education and prevention initiative of Population Services International (PSI), targets young people between the ages of 15-24 with positive, upbeat messages of abstinence, delayed sexual relations and correct and consistent condom use. YouthAIDS uses media, pop culture, music, theater and sports to reach 600 million young people in over 60 countries with live-saving messages, products, services and care. For more information, please visit www.youthaids.org

The banquet, held in the University Center ballroom Sept. 6 and featuring keynote speaker Dr. Tom Rakes, provost and vice chancellor for student affairs, celebrated the Balanced Man ideal as well as honored the distinguished work of this year’s award recipients.

Joey Baker, a nursing and athletic training major from Middleton, Tenn., won the coveted Balanced Man Award, which is awarded to the individual with the strongest balance of scholar, athlete, leader and gentleman. The Balanced Man Award is a $2,000 grant given for tuition, books and other expenses.

Baker was valedictorian and graduated Middleton High School with a 3.97 GPA. He was president of the Beta Club, which stresses academic success and community service, as well as the National Honor Society. Among his many accomplishments, Baker also was a Junior Civitan Member, an SGA leader and an Eagle Scout. Baker also played football and was the schools first seed in varsity tennis.

In addition to the Balanced Man Award, SigEp honored the best leader and best athlete among the applicants.

Jacob James Seeley was awarded the Most Athletic Award, and Kyle Kragenbrink was honored as the Best Leader. Both received $250 awards for their outstanding dedication.

Dr. Tom Rakes keynoted the event and gave brothers and applicants pointers for improving their future. Rakes said that everyone should strive for balance in their lives. Rakes added that “grace under fire” was important to staying ahead in today’s fast-paced global market and to “let good things happen.”

Rakes also applauded the Balanced Man ideal and how UT Martin SigEps have gone about implementing the program into its chapter.

“I want to see more of you fellows on campus,” Rakes said.

SigEp Vice President of Recruitment James Baker further described the Balanced Man concept to the award finalists, as well as discussed the history of American fraternities.

Baker said that fraternities all like to have fun, but that “some are different.”

“Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded to be different,” Baker said, “and we continue to be different to this day.”

SigEp implemented the Balanced Man program during the 1980’s to further distinguish itself from the rest of the fraternity system, which was suffering from negative public image. Through the Balanced Man program, pledging is no part of the SigEp experience, but the fraternity focuses instead on member development and building leadership skills.

Furthermore, SigEp teaches that it is not enough just to make good grades or be a star athlete; rather, the fraternity believes that striving for balance makes its members more successful individuals.

The event was the culmination of a summer’s worth of scholarship interviews conducted by brothers of the UT Martin chapter throughout the state. After brothers reconvened in Martin, they compared notes and sent the most balanced applicants to a community board, which selected this year’s scholarship winners.

This year marks the first year a $2,000 award was given by Sigma Phi Epsilon. In previous years, three $500 scholarships were given to Balanced Man finalists. However, SigEp decided to raise the stakes for this year’s awards and give one large award in addition to two more awards.

The brothers of the UT Martin chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon have given over $10,000 in scholarships during their 10 years on campus, and the Balanced Man ideal continues to guide their lives and set them apart from other social fraternities.

All proceeds from Alpha Phi Omga’s “All-Sing” benefited the Johnny Jones fund. Jones is the editor of The Fulton Leader and former editor of the Weakley County Press who suffered a brain injury in September and is receiving treatment at the Center for Comprehensive Services (CCS) in Paducah, Ky. CCS is a rehabilitation program committed to assisting adults with acquired brain injury.

SigEp entered this year’s All-Sing competition as perennial favorites, having been awarded “Best of Show” on numerous occasions throughout the event’s history. While no other UTM fraternity participated this year, it only raised the stakes for the All-Sing Team to “go for the gold.”

This year’s theme, “Motown Favorites” featured a wide-array of songs for the brothers, including “Shoo-Be-Doo-Da-Day!,” “You Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Once, Twice, Three Times a Lady,” “Same Old Song” and “Brick House.”

Choreography for the event was taught by Brothers Jeff Davis and Kevin Teets with one special part orchestrated by Brother Sam McDaniel.

SigEp reclaimed the “Judge’s Favorite” (historically called “Best of Show”) award and the first place trophy in the fraternity division. The brothers of Tennesee Kappa chapter extend heartfelt congratulations to the sisters of Chi Omega for winning the sorority division, and thanks to all of the other organizations that entertained the campus community to benefit this worthy cause.

Tennessee Kappa also recognizes our director for this year’s event, Brother Jimmy Hubbard (Tennessee Zeta, Lambuth University) for putting in countless hours preparing for the night’s performance. Hubbard has again proved that service to your fraternity does not end at graduation, and is a living example that the Principles do not end with your home chapter either. We thank Brother Hubbard for his continued support of our chapter.

The 2005 All-Sing Team

• Alan Bush
• Rodel Cacas
• Jeff Davis
• Ryan Hartley
• Sam McDaniel
• Tucker Leigh
• Charles Mulcahy
• Matthew Muehlberger
• William Powell
• Poun Rathsombath
• Brad Smith
• John Stewart
• William Taylor
• Kevin Teets
• Will York

Family Day celebrations began Friday evening for alumni. Alumni were given the opportunity to view and participate in the performance of the Epsilon Ritual that was hosted at the St. Jude Catholic Church in Martin.

Saturday morning, guests arrived at the Sigma Phi Epsilon house to socialize with brothers, alumni, and family members. House tours were given by the brothers while refreshments were served.

Later, everyone went to the Student Life Center for the Family Day lunch program catered by Sodexho. After a brief welcome and a blessing that was sung by members of the 2005 first place winning All Sing choir, lunch was served.

President Ryan Hartley introduced the Ten Years Recalled video produced by Chapter Counselor Ken Blakenenship. The video included pictures and video Sigma Phi Epsilon events since 1995.

Next, Vice President of Member Development Kevin Teets spoke about the Balance Man Program. During this time Teets explained in detail the reasons behind the creation of the Balanced Man Program and explained that the ideals of the Balanced Man Program were a life long pursuit.

After Teets spoke, former chapter counselor and current Alumni Board President, Steve Shanklin, introduced the keynote speaker, Craig Diller. Diller was the District Governor supervising the Tennessee area when Tennessee Kappa was chartered. Diller spoke about his experiences on the day of the chartering at UT Martin and his relationship with the brothers of Tennessee Kappa in the past.

After Diller spoke the ceremonies were handed back over to Brother Shanklin for the presentation of awards. Awards were given to highlight excellence among members in many areas. Receiving the Phillip Ralston Broadening the Brotherhood Award was Jeff Davis. For showing excellence in virtue, diligence, and brotherly love the Michael C. Williams Outstanding Brother award was awarded to Robby Clapper, Joe Mallette, Robert Ridley, and Philip Bohrman. Clapper, Mallette and Ridley received this award for achieving a grade point average of 4.0 within the last semesters. Brother Bohrman’s accomplishments for receiving the award included being noted for always being an outgoing member of the chapter with a positive and encouraging attitude.

The Frank Jay Ruck Service Learning award is given to those brothers who give back to the community in a unique way, and learn from their experiences. This award was given to Joe Dacus and Kevin Teets. Last Spring, Dacus facilitated “Project Graduation” for the students of Dresden High School. Teets was honored for his work with the Writing on the Wall Project.

The Cayce Pentecost award for campus involvement was given to Brad Hadley, Tony Beal, John Stewart, and Robert Ridley. Each of these brothers have shown leadership not only in the fraternity but in other campus organizations as well.

Finally, the Governor’s Cup was awarded to Lambuth University alumnus Jimmy Hubbard. This award is given to recognize those alumni who continue to provide outstanding leadership and service to Sigma Phi Epsilon.

After the awards given by Shanklin, Brother Teets announced that Stephen Yeargin won a contest which named him as the alternate for Tennessee Kappa in the 2005 Sigma Phi Epsilon Conclave. This includes free admission to Conclave as well a free room during the days of the event. Yeargin won this award by summiting an essay as to why it is great to be a SigEp in a contest devised by Tennessee Kappa. A group of alumni voted for Yeargin’s essay as being the best out of the other submissions.

The luncheon was concluded with recognitions of family, alumni, volunteers, and friends who have had an impact on those in the fraternity. Then all members of SigEp joined hands to sing the fraternity anthem.

After the lunch the group headed over to Martin Recreation Complex for the annual alumni vs. undergrads softball match. After nine innings of play the alumni received their 5th victory over the undergrads.

Family Day was concluded at the 45th annual All-Sing competition sponsored by the service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. The proceeds of the event went to the Johnny Jones foundation to help a local volunteer and newspaper editor supplement his medical bills after a brain injury which almost took his life.

Sigma Phi Epsilon won first place in the fraternity division, and also took home the cup for Best of Show. Their performance featured Motown favorites including “You Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Same Old Song,” and “Brick House”.

The undergraduate chapter sincerely thanks those who were able to share this day with Sigma Phi Epsilon.