Michael S. Rodgers
October 27, 1970 – November 30, 2023
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity is saddened to learn that Michael S. Rodgers (William & Mary ’92), Past Eminent Supreme Archon, entered the Chapter Eternal on November 30, at the age of 53, after a hard-fought and courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Brother Rodgers was initiated into Sigma Alpha Epsilon at The College of William & Mary (Virginia Kappa) in 1991. He served his chapter in several roles, including Eminent Deputy Archon and Special Events Chairman. He graduated from The College of William & Mary in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in public policy with honors. In 1996, he graduated from Emory University’s School of Law with a Juris doctorate.
Mike was a real estate attorney, formerly with DLA Piper LLP, one of the world’s largest law firms. He represented companies that develop, build, and invest in commercial, mixed-use, and residential real estate projects throughout the United States and abroad. His practice also included corporate law, focusing on charitable and non-profit organizations. Other law firm experience included Seyfarth Shaw, where before 2008, he represented the largest home builders in metro Atlanta, and for the next eight years, he worked with the country’s largest financial institutions.
Brother Rodgers’ alumnus service to the Fraternity spanned 31 years, including serving on the Supreme Council and culminating as Eminent Supreme Archon. His past roles include President and Director for SAE Financial & Housing Corporation, Province Epsilon-Alpha Archon, Province Epsilon Archon, Virginia Kappa Alumni Association President, Greater Atlanta Alumni Association Director, and Georgia Phi Chapter Advisor. He was a faculty member at numerous national, regional, and province leadership schools, including the John O. Moseley Leadership School, DeVotie Ritual Institute, and Executives Academy.
The Fraternity recognized Brother Rodgers with the Province Archon of the Year Award, as well as the Order of the Lion Award, Order of Minerva Award and Merit Key Award. Last Wednesday, we presented Brother Rodgers with SAE’s highest recognition, the Distinguished Service Award, for his commitment and service to the Fraternity. He also received the Bob Cousins Zeal Award for sustained contributions to the Greater Atlanta Alumni Association.
Brother Rodgers is survived by his father, Stephen; his mother, Nancy; his brother, Patrick; his daughter, Harper, and her mother, Merideth; and beloved dog, Dixie Bell.
Let us not forget Brother Rodgers’ beacon of encouragement for all of us to stay in the light—to be brighter no matter what comes our way. You exemplified the importance of maintaining friendships, pursuing knowledge, and serving others to the best of your ability—all cornerstones of the Fraternity and life. Life is about love, love of self, love of others, love of the planet on which we live, and most importantly, love of God. We all agree that Mike was the personification of life and love.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 634 West Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Burial Services will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, in Staunton, Virginia.
Please continue to keep Harper and the entire Rodgers Family in your thoughts and prayers.
Mike told us, “Brighter is an encouragement for all of us to stay in the light. It is an encouragement to stay positive when life may have gotten out of hand. Brighter means we will remain optimistic no matter what comes our way. We remain cheerful if the situation calls for us to remain so and to look up and smile from time to time.”
