Dedication is often a relative concept, and one that can be hard to gauge when looked at objectively. What might seem like a trivial pursuit to some can mean the world to others, and changemakers throughout history have had different definitions of what dedication looks like and where it is best applied. Yet, when judged simply, dedication is measured by the age-old mantra of “you get out what you put in”. Something that is being supported and fully embraced will reward the individual ten times over, and there is no better example of this philosophy than brother J. Clarke Houston III (Colorado State ‘66) and his contributions to Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
From Obscurity to Brightness
Clarke is a native Coloradian, and even in his youth was inclined to dedicate himself wholeheartedly to worthwhile causes. Through the guidance and example of his brother, Clarke was shaped by a sense of duty early in his life. Ten years his senior, his brother had joined SAE and performed well during his time in Fort Collins, eventually serving in the United States Marine Corps with distinction. Seeing the strong example in front of him, Clarke chose to follow the same path, though it would take him in a different direction.
After joining Colorado Delta at Colorado State University in 1962, Clarke quickly engrossed himself in the brotherhood and its offerings. Clarke served on the executive council of his chapter in multiple roles, including Eminent Recorder and Preceptor. He was also an advocate for military service, planning to follow his brother to Officer Candidates School (OCS), and encouraged others to do the same. This was an incredibly bold stance at the time, considering the looming Vietnam war and the uncertainty the American public felt about it. Yet, despite walking alone, Clarke marched onward, setting a good example for his peers and demonstrating his character all the while.
Upon reflection of his time at CSU, there are certain memories that frequently come to mind. Clarke fondly remembers his time in the Chapter House, living with almost 30 other brothers under the same roof. More notably, the chapter house had a unique layout for residents, with the vast majority of the brotherhood sleeping in a large, bunk style room that housed the majority of residents. This room was also not well insulated, resulting in the windows being constantly open in both summer and winter. Resembling a barracks he would one day live in, Clarke loved being that close with his brothers and spending time together, no matter the activity. He also enjoyed seeing the 90 man brotherhood come together each Monday night for chapter, discussing the business of the day and planning out the good times ahead. He would also meet his lovely wife there, but there’s more to that story later.
In following his brother’s footsteps, Clarke was molded much the same way and held similar beliefs. By the time his next great calling arrived, Clarke was a grown man and a college graduate, ready to take on the world. Little did he realize that his next great undertaking would happen thousands of miles away, in a place called Vietnam.
From Fort Collins to Southeast Asia
Clarke wasted no time between his undergraduate days and the genesis of his career. From Fort Collins he went directly to Quantico, where he would begin his OCS courses and prepare for military life. Clarke excelled in his duties and found himself well adapted for military life, harking back to his brother’s strong example of leadership and dedication.
Before long Clarke was in the communication school, a specific concentration within OCS focused on long distance radios and general organization of large numbers of troops. Like in school, Clarke did well here too, and before long he had completed his studies and prepared for assignment within the USMC. He was assigned to the Marine Force Pacific, which almost certainly meant going to Vietnam and being near the action. While many might have hesitations about such a dangerous undertaking thousands of miles from home, Clarke did not share these. Before long, he was on the ground, ready to demonstrate his zeal for yet another worthy cause.
While in Vietnam, Clarke started off as a watch officer, but quickly worked his way up to managing a Radio Relay Platoon. His core duties in this position focused on organizing large numbers of men, specifically operators, fixers, and general support, as well field radios assigned to regular infantry. This is no easy task, especially as the chain of communication could be easily broken, or potentially intercepted by the enemy. He also had to deal with the high price that comes with combat, including losing friends and colleagues frequently. Despite the hardship, Clarke managed well and served with distinction and eventually rotated back to the US. After 395 days in South Vietnam, Clarke had managed to come back alive and richer in his experience, ready to take any challenges ahead of him. He promptly married his college sweetheart in San Francisco, and served out the remainder of his term with the Marines in San Diego. Following an honorable discharge, Clarke and his wife returned to their native Colorado, ready for their next adventure together.
A New Chapter: Business and Family
Back in Colorado, Clarke entered the insurance industry, following his brother’s career path. He quickly found success, eventually purchasing and expanding a thriving insurance practice with his brother. Over nearly 30 years in the business, Clarke demonstrated the same dedication to his work and growing family that he had shown in his earlier endeavors. Despite his busy life, Clarke never forgot his connection to SAE.
Back into the fold: The rise of a new leader within SAE
Clarke’s reintroduction to the brotherhood happened somewhat by accident, but this happy coincidence would end up being a pivotal moment in his life. At the time, Clarke was back in Colorado working in insurance, the year was 1979. Clarke was serving on his province council as Deputy Province Archon for Province Eta, yet internally he felt there was more he could do. When the Province Archon had a conflict and was unable to attend a meeting at the Temple in Evanston, Clarke quickly volunteered. And so, almost by accident, Clarke was back amongst the leaders of SAE, but this time on a much grander scale. Just like in the chapter house, Clarke felt everything just “click”, and this sense of belonging and dedication would propel him to new heights.
After some time, and with the encouragement and blessing of both his family and friends, Clarke decided to run for the Supreme Council. This is by no means a small undertaking, and would take up much of his spare time with travel, meetings, training, leadership school, and so much more. Yet, despite the requirement, Clarke felt called to again dedicate himself to the brotherhood and the cause in which he believed. He would go on to win his seat on the council that year, kicking off over four decades of service to the fraternity, including the lofty title of Eminent Supreme Archon.
Upon his election to ESA, Clarke went to visit the previous ESA at his home to swap ideas and advice. While there, he noticed that the previous ESA had a board with pins showing the many schools and chapters he had visited during his term. This inspired Clarke, and he resolved to do something similar for himself in marking the places he had been. He settled on university branded beer mugs, as they were unique to each school and a fun novelty keepsake. Little did he know it, but this would be the first of many gifts that SAE would give to him, and that he was currently returning to the brotherhood.
A Groundswell of Momentum: Leadership and Collecting
Clarke’s service to SAE reached new heights upon his election to ESA. Not only was he an active leader and a noteworthy innovator during his Service, he was also known to be very approachable and involved with the brotherhood. He attended conventions, National Leadership Schools, province leadership schools, the openings of chapter houses, and a litany of other events as the penultimate representative of the brotherhood. He particularly reflects fondly on the installations of new chapters, and relished in his role of leader and steward of the order. He led the Fraternity through it’s celebration of the 75th year of leadership school. He was a favorite of the brothers as well, and this would go on to show itself in a number of ways even after his term as ESA ended.
For one, the legend of his collecting mugs had spread within the brotherhood, and brothers, chapters, and alumni from universities around the country gave him these mugs upon either his visit or through the mail. Over time, they swelled into the hundreds, and could be displayed like books on shelves taking up entire walls. He collected a variety of different universities and styles, including a great number of the rare and extremely ornate Eric P. Mihan Beer Steins. These were only made by hand and by order, and Clarke likely ended up with a large share of the extant number of Mihan beer steins. This secondary collection spawned during the installation of the Princeton SAE in 1983, in a rare and fun synergy of both his collection and his love of the brotherhood.
Secondly, and much more importantly, the Fraternity has begun to correctly recognize and reward Clarke for his lifetime of dedication to the brotherhood. He was the model for the Vietnam War Memorial bust, dedicated to brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice during that war. He was recognized at a number of conventions, and was even got to watch his two sons join the brotherhood as well. After a lifetime of dedication and service, the Fraternity could only begin to repay Clarke for his contributions. Yet, Clarke never asked for this, and even still tries to live by the motto of “If you are good to SAE, it’ll be good to you”. This phrase and his embrace of the concept are exemplary, and Clarke continues to demonstrate it.
Clarke has recently gifted his entire collection of both Steins and mugs to the fraternity, and they are now all located (and soon to be displayed) in the Levere Memorial Temple.
