The Tennessee Kappa Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon hosted the tenth annual Family Day on April 9, 2004. This event for family and alumni of the Tennessee Kappa chapter was special to the chapter this year as they celebrated their 10th year of being chartered at UT Martin.
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.