Ben Allen (Miami [OH] ’60) has built a legacy within Sigma Alpha Epsilon that spans decades, defined not only by his many accomplishments but by the quiet, steadfast devotion he shared with his late wife, Carol, who passed away on November 17, 2025.
Ben’s journey with SAE began decades ago at Miami University, where he was initiated into the Ohio Tau chapter of SAE. Ben served as a Province Archon, followed by his first term as Eminent Supreme Archon, and then as a Trustee on the SAE Foundation Board. In January 1990, he was recognized with the Merit Key, followed by the Distinguished Service Award later that same year. In 1995, Ben made history as the only member ever to serve two terms as Eminent Supreme Archon. Behind every title and every achievement stood Carol.
Ben and Carol’s story began in Lemoore, California, where Carol was a branch manager at a local bank. At the time, Ben was working for JCPenney in New York and was often sent to Lemoore on business, mostly because he was the only single guy on his team. During those trips, he found himself stopping by the bank repeatedly, always finding an excuse to visit Carol. Eventually, he worked up the courage to ask her to lunch. She took her time considering it, but once she said yes, everything changed. What started as a simple lunch soon grew into something much deeper, and before long, she was smitten.
Not long after, the two slipped away to Las Vegas for a quiet, low-key wedding, an intimate beginning to a marriage that would last more than fifty years.
Carol, born in rural Fresno, California, was quiet by nature until Ben came into her life. She matched his devotion to SAE with her own fierce loyalty. Though uninitiated, she was embraced as if she were a brother herself. She supported Ben in every step of his fraternity involvement, showing up, helping out, and caring for every member as if they were family. No one was ever a stranger to her. She was a gourmet cook, a consummate hostess, and someone whose thoughtfulness touched every room she entered.
Ben and Carol moved to Las Vegas in 1997 after retiring, where their paths crossed with Steve Schneider (New Mexico ‘68) and his wife, Janet. Over the next thirty years, he and Ben became close friends, initially brought together by alumni events and later by their shared dedication to SAE. They even worked together to bring the 143rd Anniversary Convention to Las Vegas in 1999.
Though the Allens were private people, their quiet impact rippled widely. Carol and Janet created what became known as the “Ladies of SAE”, an unofficial sisterhood dedicated to supporting scholarships for Leadership School. It began with sweatshirts and cookbooks that they sold at every Convention. Later, they designed and sold commemorative lapel pins, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. Their commitment was so profound that in 2011, they became recipients of the Order of the Violet.
To this day, the Ladies of SAE remain a cherished tradition. While members conduct fraternity business at Convention, these women embark on their own adventures, participating in tours and sightseeing excursions, among other activities organized for the spouses and partners of Convention Delegates.
Beyond SAE, Ben and Carol enjoyed the small joys of life together. One of their favorite pastimes together was horse racing. They loved the beauty and excitement of the sport over gambling. Whether in New York or in Nevada, they watched races, hosted Kentucky Derby parties, and shared the thrill of the track.
Carol leaves behind a life of quiet love, generosity, and unwavering devotion. Alongside Ben, she shaped SAE history through scholarships, lasting traditions, and making every member feel valued. Her life is a testament to the fact that dedication and heart can create a legacy that endures for generations.
