November 11th, 2018 – Denton, Texas – Union Building / University of North Texas
The 7th Annual 2018 Sigma Phi Epsilon Balanced Man Scholarship Luncheon remained this year at the beautiful Union Building on the campus of University of North Texas in front of close to 70 people in attendance. Brothers Michael Moon, Michael Eller, Jack Wheeler and Frank Martino were all honored on this day which ended up involving over $4000 in scholarships.
Sigma Phi Epsilon District Governor Glenn Ezell was on hand for this ceremony and gave us an impressive update on the well-being of the national chapter as well as the southwest region which he governs. Ezell emphasized the continued success of the “Balance Man New Membership Strategy”.
Sig Ep’s focus on maintaining balance between academics and athletics, as well as exhibiting behavior becoming of gentlemen in all pursuits was not only discussed by Ezell, but it also was continued by keynote speaker and chapter mentor Chris Sturdivant. Sturdivant commended the Texas Beta chapter for being leaders in its community and also placed higher goals on the chapter’s shoulders going into 2019.
Michael Moon / Technifax Academic Scholarship “Recognizing Diligence”
Sig Ep Chapter Counselor Gary Breckenridge was the first presenter of the multiple awards on Sunday. Breckenridge would deliver a diligent-laden biography on alumni Michael Moon and then reward two students. The first to receive the Michael Moon Academic Scholarship Recognizing Diligence would be to incoming freshman Manny Dzomeku; the second award would be handed out to active student Bobby Simpson.
The Michael D. Eller Academic Scholarship “Recognizing Virtue”
Texas Beta Alumni Volunteer Corporation Treasurer Tim Williams and longtime alumni Bill Popek would get the call to introduce the Michael Eller Academic Scholarship Recognizing Brotherly Love. Williams noted his long-time and evolving friendship with Eller over the years. Williams’ speech would highlight the day. To say Mike is still missed would be considered an understatement after William’s and Popek’s speech concluded. As for the scholarship announcement, Enrico Rodriguez would be awarded the incoming academic scholarship while Zach Miles would win the active award.
The Jack Wheeler Academic Scholarship “Recognizing Brotherly Love”
Longtime alumni and past AVC board member Bryan Marsh would be present this year to hand out Jack Wheeler Academic Scholarship Recognizing Brotherly Love. Marsh reviewed Wheeler’s influence on him when Wheeler was the National Grand President of Sigma Phi Epsilon. “Jack was both our local and national leader”, Marsh would go onto say, “hosting new membership events at his house in Dallas. He had no problem doing this for us in the late 70s and early 80s.” Marsh awarded Adam Berdych the incoming freshman award and John Tyler Bock would be the recipient of the active academic award.
The Frank Martino Academic Scholarship “Recognizing Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love”
Glenn Ezell would reappear for the final scholarship presentation and he would do a marvelous, spirited job for Frank Martino who orchestrated the transition from Phi Alpha Tau to Sigma Phi Epsilon in 1952. Ezell discussed Martino’s drive to always be there for Texas Beta until his passing. Those who took home the Frank Martino Academic Scholarship Award Recognizing Virtue were Stefen Nguyen (incoming freshman) and Semaj Swire (active student). Both of these gentlemen’s GPAs were the highest of all who applied and their philanthropy work in their communities when reviewed by the BMS committee was second to none.
If you would like to know more about the opportunity to donate or apply for scholarships, please go to txbeta.com for more information.
