Thank you to Tom for taking the time to answer a few questions about his personal experience with Sigma Nu and his take on the future of fraternities at UCLA.
What about your membership in Sigma Nu makes you the most proud?
Most proud that we helped save not only Sigma Nu but the IFC during very challenging times of the late ’60s on campus.
How would your life be different today if you had never joined Sigma Nu?
Without Sigma Nu, the Greek social and sports calendar, and the friendships derived from them, I would have only experienced half of college life.
If you could go back and relive one moment from your undergrad days, what would it be and why?
One of my favorite memories was seeing my two younger brothers join the house for family night. My brothers were in awe of the empty kegs stacked to the side of the outdoor fireplace.
Tell me about your career path and where life has taken you since graduation. Did your involvement in Sigma Nu have an impact on that?
My career path followed my high school and college activities in holding office and playing sports. The leadership roles provided valuable experience and confidence for a competitive work environment. I have a Commercial Real Estate career in Sacramento, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Atlanta, and now in Fort Lauderdale.
Tell us about a time you’ve overcome adversity? Did any of the lessons learned at Sigma Nu help you overcome it?
I have always been able to rely on close friends though my personal family tragedies. And, thank you.
Tell us about your family. Do you have children and grandchildren?
Married without children.
With all of the challenges and issues facing fraternity life in the national spotlight, and universities responding by banning them on their campuses, can you comment on your thoughts about the future of fraternity life as you see it? Why do or why don’t you believe the fraternity is worth saving through your financial support?
Sigma Nu, as the honor fraternity, has always been a leader among fraternities in banning hazing. It is time the others caught up.
As we move into this next chapter, what do you want more of from your alumni experience? And what is your advice for future generations of brothers?
I would appreciate a contact list for the Epsilon Pi Chapter, 1969-73, and news on both my college era of brothers and today’s chapter activities.
What would you say is your life’s mission? What do you want people to remember about you 50 years from now?
My mission is to leave things better than I found them. (I didn’t coin this phrase, but I like it.)