 I had the pleasure early this year to contact brothers from the Florida Sigma chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity. I was initiated into Florida Sigma back in April of 1974, more than 3 decades ago!
Over the years, I lost contact with all of the Brothers and Little Sisters of Florida Sigma, as my interests and attention were focused elsewhere. Those long ago remembrances have been strong in my life, and I will always cherish the time of active membership in SAE.
Back in the day, I was a passionate member of the fraternity. Initially, I had pledged Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, but shortly before the initiation, I backed out and withdrew as a pledge. Pi Kappa Alpha, “Pikes” as they were known, were a bit too oriented toward sports, so far as I was concerned. I perceived Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) to be the best fraternity in the United States, so I submitted my bid to pledge. I never regretted the decision.
 I was the president of the Epsilon Pledge Class, the fifth pledge class since Florida Sigma was a recognized chapter of SAE. Brad Bean was the vice president in our pledge class. In spite of Brad and myself, our pledge class survived the pledge process, and we were initiated into the fraternity.
One of our Pledge Class Projects was an “All You Can Drink” Beer Bust. I have a photo from that time of us tying a bed sheet promoting our venture between two oak trees on the University of West Florida campus. It was a great event, until the Alcohol Beverage Control Board authorities arrested Brad and others who were taking the money at the door. Oops!
 I continued to take photographs as I observed the police drive away with brothers in the squad car. Fortunately, some of the influential alumni were able to get the charges dropped, so no one had a criminal record, and I had the good fortune to not be arrested.
I went on to serve as Eminent Chronicler, Eminent Recorder, House Manager, Phi Alpha Weekend Chairman, Eminent Deputy Archon, Eminent Archon and Secretary, and Board Member to the House Corporation, with a rotation that occurred every semester.
I had the good fortune to be a “Brother of the Month” on two occasions and a finalist for “Brother of the Year” and also “Greek Man of the Year.” I received the True Gentleman Award and an award for Academic Excellence.
On two occasions, I served in the role of Eminent Archon during the initiation ceremonies for the chapter. During those same years, I was Secretary to the Inter-Fraternity Council and Chancellor to Delta Sigma Phi Business Fraternity.
 I received the first of two nominations, and my biography was published in Who’s Who Among Students In American Universities and Colleges, 1975. (The second occasion was in 1980 as a law school student at Western State University College of Law.) I was one of only 17 students out of thousands attending the University of West Florida who were nominated by the university that year.
Attendance at an academic institution is about so much more than just academics, and I would encourage everyone to consider not only becoming a member, but becoming actively involved in a fraternity or a sorority during their time at an institution of higher learning. Loyalty, honor, and friendship are the qualities that SAE espouses.
Looking back, I can feel a groundswell of emotion welling within myself knowing that I was truly committed to an organization, and I gave unselfishly of myself. I have feelings of gratitude, dedication, honor, love and respect for the Brothers and Little Sisters of Florida Sigma. A great memorial should generate similar strong emotions.
 I have now selected my own memorial epitaph, “A life that touches others goes on forever.” Certainly, the Brothers and Sisters of Florida Sigma had a positive impact on my life that will go on in my mind and memory for so long as I am alive. I have the same intensity for monument building and memorialization that I had as an active brother in Florida Sigma.
I encourage everyone to do his or her preneed planning for the end of life’s journey. You are never too young to prepare an exit strategy and plan! Prepare now! After all, it is the right thing to do!
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