Sigma Alpha Epsilon depends on your generosity to elevate our members’ experiences to the highest levels—learning how to become True Gentlemen and taking that knowledge out into the world. We want to highlight three of our youngest donors who support this organization.
Earlier this year, the SAE Foundation updated our giving society for recurring donors, the Phoenix Circle, for donors who give at least $25 monthly to the SAE Foundation. Donations can be directed entirely to the Annual Loyalty Fund (ALF) or split 50/50 between the ALF and the education fund for the donor’s chapter. The donors spotlighted below are three of Phoenix Circle’s youngest members, one of whom is still an undergraduate. These men renew their commitment to our great Fraternity each month with their recurring donation. Read more about them below and click here for more information about the Phoenix Circle.
Nathan Jones (Middle Tennessee State ‘21)
What is your favorite SAE memory?
My favorite SAE memory to date has to have been from 2018. We were still a colony then building our chapter and brotherhood. I had taken over as Educator as our last one graduated the semester before. As the Educator, I worked tirelessly with an alumnus to build up our chapter education program and one of those areas was setting the foundation for our family trees for when the big/little program could come back. I planed out a brother’s only night where we would pick brothers into our families and battle for the rights to call songs and other items ours. The purpose behind it was to build brotherhood and a little competition amongst the brothers. At the end of the night, we had four family trees and a tradition like no other to continue on for future brothers of our chapter.
What offices do you or have you held while in school?
I joined the Tennessee Beta chapter in Spring of ‘18 and was eager from the start to hold some type of leadership position. That same semester I held and briefly I might add the position of Health and Safety Officer or risk as we love to call it. I quickly found that risk was not the position for me and during my first semester as a new member I found myself to fall in love with the history and ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. The following semester of Fall ‘18 I took over as Educator and Herald for the chapter. Completely overhauling the education and how we did ritual as a colony and then as a chapter later on that year. While currently I am the Eminent Archon of the chapter and enjoying it I am excited to pass the gavel on to the next Archon after me to allow the new brothers to grow and become better.
Why do you give to SAE?
The reason I give to SAE is simple and it comes down to one basic saying I love to tell brothers all the time. “What you get of your time in SAE is whatever you put into it.” Knowing where this zeal chapter has been and all we’ve accomplished in the chapter’s 50 years is what drives me to give. I want every current and future brother who comes to call Tennessee Beta and SAE their fraternity to have every opportunity possible to grow as an individual and a True Gentleman. That’s why I give to Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduation here at MTSU, I will commission into the Tennessee Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer and continue my dream of flying. After graduating with my degree in aerospace: professional pilot, I will continue flying and building hours while waiting for my chance to head to the regional airlines and Army MP officer school.
If you could go back, would you change anything about your undergraduate years?
If I could go back and change anything it would have to be going back to my freshman year and telling myself to rush Sigma Alpha Epsilon sooner than I did. The memories, friends, and brothers I’ve gained these past four years have been ones I’ll take with me for the rest of my life. Although I’ll graduate and move on in life I know these brothers will always be there for me and that’s something you can’t buy.
Brian Meyer (William & Mary ‘17)
What is your favorite SAE memory?
My favorite SAE memory was probably all the time I got to spend with my fraternity brothers. We really bonded and had a lot of fun at recruitment, philanthropy, social, and brotherhood events. It is without question that I will be lifelong friends with the people I met when I was an undergraduate brother in the chapter and I hope more men across the realm get to experience that as well.
What offices did you hold?
While I was an undergrad, I had the pleasure of serving the chapter as the Recruitment Chairman, House Manager, Eminent Chronicler, and the Eminent Preceptor.
Why do you give to SAE?
I was afforded many opportunities as an undergraduate brother in Virginia Kappa so naturally, I feel a deep sense of gratitude towards Sigma Alpha Epsilon, something I express in giving monthly to the foundation’s Annual Loyalty Fund but also the Bob Dutro Chapter Education Fund. Not a day goes by where I don’t reflect on how thankful I am towards the fraternity and what it has provided me.
What have you done professionally?
I’ve spent my entire, albeit short, career in higher education fundraising. First working at William and Mary for their office of Annual Giving and now fundraising for American University’s Athletic Department.
What advice do you have for undergraduates?
My advice to undergraduates is to stay connected and involved post-graduation. There is no reason why you cannot continue to reap the benefits of being in a fraternity after you become an alum. Stay involved in the fraternity whether that be at the local, regional, or national level. Keep in contact with your fraternity brothers and alumni you have met along the way. Visit your chapter when you can and support them so the next generation of men can enjoy being an SAE like you did.
Jones Barton (Kettering – Section A ‘16)
What is your favorite SAE memory?
My favorite memories are always the time spent with the people who I came to consider my family. My brothers continually challenged and supported me. To this day they are my closest friends and who I know I can come to with any troubles. Chosen family has always been extremely important to me and the family I chose at Michigan Epsilon – A Section has shaped who I am and helps me accomplish my goals.
What offices did you hold?
Being a member of a small chapter like Michigan Epsilon – A Section gave me the opportunity to hold a lot of different offices. I served as Eminent Archon, Health and Safety Officer, Eminent Herald, New Member Education, Recruitment Chairman, Chaplain, and Steward, as well as providing leadership for the chapter throughout my active membership.
Why do you give to SAE?
I was able to have an amazing undergraduate experience because of the bonds I made through SAE. I don’t know that I could have finished my degree program without my brothers by my side. Programs put forth by the national chapter have helped shape who I am and who I want to be professionally. I give because I want others to have the opportunity to share in the experience and benefits that I have received.
What have you done professionally?
After finishing my bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering at Kettering University, I began working at a semiconductor startup as an Analytical Engineer, helping develop carbon nanotube technology to create memory devices for things such as computers and cellphones. I spent a brief time as a project manager at MAHLE Engine components before finding my current job as a Research Associate at Arcanum Alloys. Another startup, Arcanum Alloys is reimagining the possibilities of steel and improving product performance one coil at a time.
What advice do you have for undergraduates?
Being a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon gives you the opportunity to gain many skills and experiences, but you have to go after them. Become as involved as you responsibly can in your chapter and at the national scale; the benefits you reap will grow exponentially. When I interview people who put fraternities and sororities on their resumes, I always ask them “How do you think that experience prepared you for this role?” If you put SAE on your resume, you must be prepared to talk about it. To be prepared to leverage that question in your favor, I strongly recommend pursuing leadership roles in your chapter and taking advantage of the programs offered by nationals.
