The 2013-2014 school year was a very successful one for the men of 247 Pulaski Street. The chapter not only achieved numerous accomplishments, but also set philanthropic records and excelled in recruitment. This past year, Georgia Beta brothers participated in campus organizations including UGA Heroes, Inter-Fraternity Council and Terry Ambassadors.

Academically, the chapter worked to maintain an average GPA of 3.12, higher than the Inter-Fraternity Council GPA of 3.1. The chapter’s freshman class held an average GPA of 3.31, which put them 3rd out of 26 fraternities. These accomplishments are impressive considering the ever increasing academic standards at the University of Georgia.

During the spring semester, the chapter’s famous “Showercap Party” was once again a huge hit, proving to be an excellent tool for meeting future rushees and sending the current seniors out with a bang. The chapter has worked very hard to plan a fun and safe party at the house. This house event was a success and everyone who attended had a great time.

Spring Parents Weekend, also known as Magnolia, was well attended by brothers, their dates and families. The Mother’s Minerva Club works tirelessly to transform the house back to its regal state. In addition, the chapter

Georgia Beta Celebrates a Successful Year Thoughts from Eminent Archon, Sims Holmes ‘14

Shower Cap 2014 erupts on the grounds of the Ross Crane House for the 35th consecutive year.

PUBLISHED BY SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA * FALL EDITION * GEORGIABETA.ORG * 2014

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enjoys many luxuries during Magnolia and Fall Parents Weekend thanks to their hard work.

The chapter continues to excel in recruitment. Brooks Schoen ‘16, John Fowble ‘16 and Eminent Deputy Archon, Josh Siegel ‘15 worked hard to create another outstanding freshman class. Georgia Beta welcomed 38 freshman initiates last fall!

The installation of the basketball court was a success! The court is in the open space next to “The Shack” and the grilling area, and has been home to some epic 3 on 3 games over the past year. Longtime Chef, Jonathan “Hootie” Dieck, has surprised many members with his complex array of

low post moves and ability to knock down the outside jumper. A special thank you to parents Dave Meaden and Rhonda Jaquez for dreaming up this project - many memories will be made on that court!

Introducing the “True Gentlemen Experience”New SAE Initiation ProcessChapter

Officers

Eminent Archon

Craig Fuller ‘15Crf92@uga.edu

Eminent Deputy Archon

Brooks Schoen ‘16gbschoen@uga.edu

Eminent Treasurer

Danny Homrich ‘15homrichd@uga.edu

Pledge Trainer

Will Moncrief ‘16willsmon@uga.edu

Philanthropy

William Linginfelter ‘15wbling@uga.edu

Scholarship

Andrew Blasio ‘15ablasio@uga.edu

Risk Manager

Michael Weathington ‘15Mike3394@uga.edu

Warden

Alex Bathie ‘16bathie@uga.edu

Rush Chairmen

Forrest Liedberg ‘17fberg@uga.edu

Thomas Paris ‘17thparis@uga.edu

Kern Carlton ‘17kernc4@gmail.com

Jake Willis ‘17jjbwillis@gmail.com

Walker Kane ‘17wkane@uga.edu

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity recently rolled out a game-changing program called the True Gentlemen Experience (TGE); a revolutionary program which will affect virtually every aspect of the SAE experience beginning when fall 2014 rushees sign their bid cards.

The TGE brings with it many changes, but by far the biggest change of all is the removal of pledgeship at all SAE chapters across the country.

Each “new member” will be initiated within 96 hours of signing his bid card and there can be no pledgeship activities during that 96-hour period. After being initiated, new members will complete a series of learning modules, including SAE Fraternity based information, as well as modules specifically tailored to each chapter and its university.

In addition, each current member will be required to complete learning modules for each year he is active. Each member will also be required to sign a “Membership Acknowledgement Form” which details the requirements in order to remain a member in good standing. There are many more requirements and changes. For more information on the TGE, visit the following websites:

General Information: www.sae.net/truegentlemanexperience

TGE Program Overview: www.saerecord.net/files/docs/TrueGentlemanExperience.pdf

This program represents an enormous paradigm shift for Sigma Alpha Epsilon and for Georgia Beta. As with any new program, there are many questions and ambiguities that remain to be answered. Nevertheless, due to strong leadership in the chapter, coupled with enthusiastic and involved alumni/parental support the chapter currently has in place, Georgia Beta is positioned to face this challenge and continue to thrive as the best fraternity at the University of Georgia.

Communication support and assistance provided by:

OmegaFiomegafi.com

Lane Baker Nashville, TN

Sam Boyd Houston, TX

Joe Bridges Atlanta, GA

Lloyd Brown Fair Haven, NJ

Chris Bryant Atlanta, GA

Kern Carlton Charlotte, NC

John Conforti Macon, GA

Corey Erdoes Atlanta, GA

David Feiman Atlanta, GA

Jackson Flora Nashville, TN

Jack Foley Columbus, GA

Walter Frank Memphis, TN

Cole Hagood Atlanta, GA

*Cord Helmken Savannah, GA Grandfather: Ralph Helmken

*Sam Holmes Atlanta, GA Father: Sam Holmes

Brandon Irick Austin, TX

Walker Kane Houston, TX

Garrett Keller Greenville, SC

Jack Langley Houston, TX

Christian Lee Athens, GA

Forrest Liedberg Athens, GA

Mitchell Marino Atlanta, GA

Burch Mixon Charlotte, NC

*Thomas Paris Gainesville, GA Grandfather: Tom Paris

Brock Pinson Baconton, GA

Scott Powell Jacksonville, FL

Mac Sanders Charlotte, NC

Jack Shelton Atlanta, GA

Spain Short Atlanta, GA

2013 Fall Pledges & Initiates

*Indicates legacy status

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Kevin Victory Greenville, SC

Craig Walker Jacksonville, FL

Josh Walker Columbus, GA

Peter Waller Birmingham, AL

Brant Wells Atlanta, GA

Carter Wiles Charlotte, NC

Jake Willis Albany, GA

Harrison Woodward Atlanta, GA

Trevor Wright Fort Worth, TX

Chapter House Prepares For 20 Residents this FallSummer House Projects Complete

Leukemia Benefit - Honoring Ham Ansley ‘71Freshman Class Donates $85,000

Backbone of Georgia Beta’s SuccessNote from Chapter Advisor, Oliver Pryor ‘07

In an effort to become more efficient and cost effective, the House Association decided to rewrite the lease agreements for living in the house. Additionally, much of the maintenance and repair work will be outsourced to a more cost sensitive and responsive contractor. 

  Several maintenance and repair projects took place this summer in preparation for fall semester including cleaning, painting, and rekeying the rooms. Including the President there will be 20 brothers living in the house.

 Overall, the brothers have done a great job of minimizing damage. Even under the best of conditions, a house that is “home” to over 100 college gentlemen during the school year needs, and deserves, some TLC. 

A special “thank you” to Tommy Sanders of Sanders Furniture and father of brother Thomas Sanders ‘14 for giving us an SAE discount!

Georgia Beta is moving in the right direction and taking steps forward to ensure the continued viability of the best fraternity at the University of Georgia. Fantastic leadership within the chapter is the catalyst for the progress the chapter is making on critical fronts, including hazing, drug use and alcohol abuse. Eminent Archon, Sims Holmes ‘14 showed strong leadership within the chapter and made it a priority to tackle “sensitive situations” with excellent tact. Student leadership stepped up to the plate and communicated with the Alumni Advisory Board (Board) regarding these issues. This open communication led to more productive solutions on key issues and, ultimately, a healthier, happier chapter.

The Board is made up of gentlemen who dedicate a considerable amount of time, energy and expertise to Georgia Beta. The Board is represented by Rob Ellis ‘80, Mark Williams ‘83, Jimbo LaBoon ‘85 and Warren Pope ‘95. The Board created a great working relationship with chapter leadership and Georgia Beta looks to and depends on the Board for sage advice when tough decisions need to be made.

Additionally, the glue that keeps Georgia Beta together is its three full-time employees: Keith, Marvin and Hootie. Their contributions cannot be overstated. They each serve so many roles in addition to their job description. You can be sure there is no fraternity anywhere that has a better staff than Georgia Beta. The simple fact that the Ross Crane House is still standing and in good repair is a testament to the tireless contributions and patience of these three men!

The open communication and collaborative efforts of chapter leadership, strong alumni support and the best staff a fraternity could possibly ask for has led the chapter in the right direction. A sincere thank you to each of you for everything you do for Georgia Beta!

Every year, the chapter holds a Leukemia benefit to honor former Eminent Archon Ham Ansley ‘71. This year, the freshmen class recorded the highest amount ever raised, bringing in $85,000 to this important cause.

Since its inception, Georgia Beta has raised over $1 million for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 100% of funds go to a research grant program specifically for Leukemia.

A special thanks to all who contribute to Georgia Beta fundraisers - your support truly makes a difference.

This fall, a portrait of Georgia Beta’s Ham Ansley will return to 247 Pulaski Street. With the guidance of Vic Ansley and Pierre Howard, the same Savannah artist who painted portraits of Doc Banks and KC Maddox has completed a new rendering of our beloved former Eminent Archon. Thanks to all of you who sent your dues to help us honor the memory of Ham.

Alumni Dues Help Return Ham Ansley to Spencer Hall

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Remembering George “Clisby” Clarke ‘63

Remembering Thomas “Tommy” Ervin Valentine ‘71 Remembering John Ely Simpson ‘81

Brother Clisby Clarke ‘63 passed away May 11, 2014 at his summer home in Highlands, North Carolina. This beloved brother, according to a friend, “packed 140 years into 72.” Thirty-seven of those years were spent as a successful mad man but Clisby will forever live in the hearts of the Bulldog Nation as the composer of two popular Bulldog fight songs in the early 1980’s.

Beginning in the summer of 1980, Clisby wrote a song that reached the top of the Georgia charts! This Herschel Walker inspired tune was “Bulldog Bite,” along with the companion, “Let the Big Dog Eat,” written the following year, provided a stirring sound track for the greatest four-year run in Georgia football history as the team compiled a 43-4-1 record.

Ironically, Clisby couldn’t read music, but learned to play by ear and loved to regale celebratory Dawg fans at the piano.

“Love and laughter were Clisby’s companions all of his seven-plus decades of making others feel good about themselves, especially if it were a post-game party when things went right between the hedges,” described longtime friend, Loran Smith.

Dave Fitzgerald, CEO of Fitzgerald+CO probably captured Clisby best when he said of his friend, “he lived life on his own terms and he lived it large.” May the men of Georgia Beta embrace life with an equal amount of Clisby-like passion.

Brother Tommy Valentine ‘71 lost a long and courageous battle with kidney cancer on July 12, 2014. In life, he exemplified all of the qualities to which the men of Georgia Beta aspire. Tommy was a determined and gifted athlete, a successful professional, and, most significantly, a dear and trusted friend to many.

An early example of his grit occurred at age 11 when he was struck by an automobile. This accident left him with multiple injuries including a broken back. Undeterred, Tommy fought back and became one of the most decorated athletes in Gainesville High School history, earning nine varsity letters and All-State quarterback honors. He rejected several offers to play college football and accepted a golf scholarship at the University of Georgia. Tommy helped UGA win four straight Southeastern Conference Golf Championships and as a junior he earned first team All-American status (1970-1971). Tommy joined the PGA tour after graduating with a business degree and he finished the 1981 season at 39th on the money list. He retired from the tour in 1989 and served as head golf professional at the Lochmoor Club in Grosse Point Woods, Michigan for seventeen years before his retirement in 2008 at age fifty-eight.

Tommy had a wide network of dear friends that expanded exponentially beyond Athens and his collegiate golf connections to include his peers on the PGA tour and those in his second home in Michigan. They all admired his exuberant candor as exemplified in the following confessions: “I’ve never been married and playing the tour single isn’t easy. There are a lot of distractions and sometimes you lose your focus.” And, “There are some things I shouldn’t have done - actually lots of things - but I look back and there’s not a thing I would change, even going to the pajama party at the Playboy Club and having a 7:00 a.m. tee time.” Finally, Tommy once joked that if he ever wrote a book about his life, it wouldn’t be

“Valentine’s Day,” but “Valentine’s Night.”

Tommy is remembered as a great friend with a lust for life. Tommy embodied the “work hard, play hard” spirit that the brothers of Georgia Beta embrace and will be missed by many.

Brother Ely Simpson ‘81 passed away on August 20, 2014 from complications related to diabetes. Ely was a Savannah native and graduated from Savannah Country Day School in 1979. He attended Country Day with several of his future SAE brothers including Henry Monsees, Richard Papy, Jim Mercer, Steve Chick, Fred Bergen, Chris Beckmann and Bobby Ennis. Ely graduated from UGA in 1981 with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture and worked as a landscape professional in Savannah throughout his adult life.

As his fraternity brothers will recall, Ely was a passionate Dawg fan while in college and this enthusiasm did not abate after his days in Athens; in fact Ely imparted his love for all things UGA to his two sons with whom he also enjoyed playing tennis and visiting Highlands, NC. Ely was also a member of the Society of Colonial Wars and St. John’s Episcopal Church.

All who knew Ely will miss his graceful kindness and warm sense of humor. Rest in peace, brother.

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A glimpse into Magnolia 2014

Pheonix Level $1,000 - $5,000Frederick Shearouse Bergen - 1983Stuart R. Brown - 1987Thomas James Callaway, IV - 2007John Hampton Irby - 1985

Lion Level$500 - $999Brent Michael Crymes - 1981 Arthur B. Edge, IV - 1977 Samuel Dykes Holmes - 1987John Frederick Mangan, Jr. - 1982 Mark Masterson Mcconn - 2014 Thomas Oliver Pryor - 2007

Minerva Level $250 - $499Larry G. Alberson - 1971John G. Alston - 1965 Jesse Raymond Bates, Jr. - 1972John Philip Brosseau, Jr. - 2002 Charles B. Compton - 1977 Robert Arthur Ellis, Jr. - 1980Henry D. Gregory, Jr. - 1966 Timothy Joseph Gunter - 1980 Fran Charles Hargarten, III - 2000J. Kel Harper, MD - 1979 William A. Legg, Jr. - 1976 William Porter Payne, Jr. - 1998R. Scott Taylor, Jr. - 1988 Thomas Charles Zay, Jr. - 1979

Gold Level $100 - $249Martin T. Banks, III - 1976 A. Emmett Barnes, IV - 1974 William H. Brown - 1968Charles Souder Cates - 2014 J. Douglas Cates IV - 1977 John D. Cates V - 2007Cecil M. Cheves - 1971 G. Clisby Clarke, II - 1963 Jay Cole, III - 1989Robert Chris Collins - 1978 John B. Coppedge, III - 1964 Walter Knox Culpepper - 1985T. Michael Devore - 1978 Joseph Laurence Dunn, Jr. - 1989 Jasper B. Easterlin - 1974J. Robert Elliott, Jr. - 1976 J. Emmett Evans, III - 1988 James D. Fluker, Jr. - 1963Mitchell Joseph Green, II - 1984 Charles H. Hall, USMC(Ret.) - 1963Jefferson Daniel Hansford - 2011William Bryan Hardegree, III - 1987 John R. Hawkins, Jr. - 1976 William W. Holland - 1967Jasper William Martin, III - 1971 Robert Jordan McElreath - 1985 William Taylor McNeill - 2006Ruebush J. Mitchell, III - 1975 James S. Moore - 1976 Phillip Wayne Nelson, II - 1996Godfrey Hunt Newton - 1980

Robert Allen Noble - 1991 Bryan B. Persons - 1976Benjamin Warren Pope - 1995 Reese Rollins - 1977 Bozeman K. Sherwood - 1977John Gordon Sligh - 1985 John P. Spalding - 1982 Scott Wesley Spivey - 1989William Jefferson Stubbs, Jr. - 1985 Henry S. Teaford, Jr. - 1966 John Henry Terrell, III - 1978Hooper Alexand Turner, Jr. - 1982 Richard S. Waddell - 1973 Wright Brown Waddell - 1984Roy Benjamin Walden, III - 1981 Buddy Weston - 1960 Mark Raymond Williams - 1983Oran Dodd Woodall - 1982 Presley D. Yates, III - 1972 James L. Yeargan, Sr. - 1964

Purple Level $50 - $99Shepard B. Ansley - 1961 John R. Baker, Jr. - 1962 Fred W. Barber, Jr. - 1965Robert W. Beightol - 1970 Paul Bowles, Jr. - 1956 Dempsey S. Brown, Jr. - 1964Louis John Brown - 1985 Blair Knox Cleveland - 1992 J. Tom Cook, Jr. - 1950William T. Cunningham - 1971

2013-2014 Annual Dues Campaign - $21,520 pledged as of August 12, 2014

Please pay your 2014 alumni dues. Go to georgiabeta.org and click the Alumni button.

All dues contributors are recognized immediately online, and also in every Georgia Beta Bulletin.

John Langdon Ferguson - 1988 George Smith Greer - 1996Paxton Wilkes Griffin - 2005 William C. Haddon - 1953 Brian D. Henry - 1974John Paul Holmes, III - 1985 Felton Jenkins, III - 1990 Edward W. Jones - 1958Gordon Jones, II - 1992 Otis Fleming Jones, III - 1987 William F. Lee, Jr. - 1965Chiel W. Marlow, Jr. - 1955 Stanley E. Martin, Jr. - 1975 Kirk M. McAlpin - 1949John Mitchell, IV - 2013 John Hubert Mitchell, III - 1980 Henry Sanders Monsees - 1981Henry Sanders Monsees, Jr - 2011 Thomas A. Nash, Jr. - 1972 Charles Eugene Pollock, Jr. - 1981Spencer Windham Smith, Jr. - 1978 Joseph M. Vallotton - 1961 Duncan Walker - 2012Charles Wingfield Wills - 2005 Robert Parker Wills - 2008 Stephen Marshall Yoder - 1998

Violet Level $1 - $49Raymond Brady - 2012John Paul Holmes, IV - 2012William Robert Parkey, III - 2011

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Help us keep our alumni records up-to-date! Edit your member profile online at www.georgiabeta.org, or clip this form, place it in a stamped envelope and send to: Sigma Alpha Epsilon, University of Georgia #1199

PO Box 2187Columbus, GA 31902.

Name

Graduation Year

Address

City/State/Zip

Phone

Email

Sigma Alpha Epsilon University of Georgia (1199)

PO Box 2187Columbus, GA 31902-2187

Address Service Requested

Pulaski Street Calendar

October 3-4: Doc Banks/Parents/Alumni Weekend Magnolia Cup Golf - Lane Creek Golf Course - Oct. 3Parents/Alumni Party at SAE House - Oct. 3UGA vs. Vandy

PRESORTEDFIRST CLASS MAILUS POSTAGE PAIDGREENVILLE SC

PERMIT #113

Rush Recommendations for Fall 2014As always, Rush recommendations are welcomed and invited from Gamma Beta

alumni. For decades, the chapter has enjoyed a pipeline of legacies and high schools from which to recruit the best of the best. “With the University of Georgia’s national prominence and draw we know there may be outstanding young men heading to Athens and interested in SAE who are not on our radar,” commented Brooks Schoen ‘16, Rush Chair. “We need the help of alumni!”

To submit a recommendation, please send a note to one or all of the men below:

Forrest Liedberg ‘17, Rush Chairman: fberg@uga.edu

Craig Fuller ‘15, Eminent Archon: Crf92@uga.edu

Mark Williams, House Association President: mark.williams@boswellgroup.org

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