The ΣAE: Texas Sigma Story

Six of the founding members at the Charter Banquet.

The Texas Sigma Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) was founded in 1992 when Texas State University was originally named Southwest Texas State University. The Fraternity started out as a small student organization called “Students Aspiring Excellence” and now as a national chapter many years later and through a lot of ups and downs, the brothers still remain true to these words.

After being kicked off campus in the fraternity purge Texas State University conducted in 2003 in an effort to shed their “party school” reputation, the colony restarted in 2009. Due to the efforts of Clint Carr, Dylan Neiman, Maverick Keshavari and Brett Berry the Fraternity was able to reestablish a presence on campus as an interest group.
“We were looking for something different,” said Neiman, SAE Vice President. “Two of the founders, myself and the original president, were legacies. That is what drew us to it first. The solidifying thing was the creed 'The True Gentlemen'.”

By upholding this creed and with assistance from Texas Sigma alumni, the interest group was able to once again become a colony on November 7, 2009. The colony started out with a pledge class of 19, but in just three years they have grown to 52 members.

In Spring of 2012 the colony reached its goal and became an official chapter of SAE at Texas State University.

“I've been here since the very beginning,” said Landon Lehde, SAE president. “Its good to see it come full circle and I'm looking forward to seeing the younger guys take over.”

A few perks that the Fraternity can enjoy now is an increase in funding by 48% and the ability to get a chapter house.

“Now that we have our charter we are looking to get the biggest pledge class we've ever had,” said Michael Tebo, SAE Treasurer. “Hopefully a house will help with those numbers.”

With the new chapter, Texas State can expect to see a lot more involvement from Sigma Alph Epsilon through fundraising, philanthropy and social events.

Spring 2012 Officers.

-Suzelle Roan

ΣΑΕ officially charters at Texas State University

The Brothers at the Charter Banquet

The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity: Texas Sigma Chapter graduated from colony status at the Installation Banquet Program March 24, 2012.

After re-earning their status as a colony on Texas State University campus in fall of 2009, the Fraternity (SAE) finally reached their three-year long goal and was officially chartered as a greek organization.

The colonization process included informing other students about the fraternity, recruiting new members and planning for chapter administration. Once the standard requirements had been met, the chapter was able to be installed.

“It was amazing to be part of something that has been worked on tirelessly for the last 3 years,” said Brandon Dullye, applied sociology junior and SAE herald.

The chartering ceremony for the Texas Sigma Chapter took place at the Embassy Suites Ballroom in San Marcos, Texas, Saturday, March 24, at 6:00 p.m. The event included dinner and an awards ceremony with several presentations from nationals and distinguished alumni.

SAE Eminent Supreme Recorder, Blaine Ayers, and Eminent Supreme Herald, Thomas Dement were among the nationals who attended the installation banquet. Ayers and Dement presented the fraternity with the official charter.

Other presentations that took place at the ceremony included presentation of the gravel, the anointing vessel and installation of the chapter officers.

Along with the distinguished alumni, family and friends were also invited to attend the installation banquet.

“It was such an honor to attend and be recognized by nationals of our Fraternity,” said Taylor Howey, public relations junior. “My parents were able to understand the importance of my fraternity and what we are all about.”

The ceremony was an all-around successful event for the new members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Although the stages toward chartering were long, the members’ determination to make a return helped them get through the process.

“I look forward to what the future of our fraternity has to hold,” said Landon Lehde, Texas State’s SAE president.

-Amy Cope