Happy New Year, Brothers....
As we leave 2008 behind, and look forward to 2009 let us all remember our blessings aand work toward making 2009 a great year. Our beloved chapter has seen it's low point and it is now time to look to the future and restoring Epsilon Nu to it's former glory. Please join me in making a commitment in 2009 and beyond to making this return to the top a reality...remember, we called it "The House of Champions" for a reason.....
AEKDB,
Scott Stone
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Chapter Celestial - Bubba Hopkins
It is with sadness that I report that we have lost yet another brother to an untimely death. Following is an excerpt from the obituary printed in the Clarion Ledger 11/17/08.
William Clinton "Bubba" Hopkins, 44, died Saturday, November 15, 2008, at St. Dominic's Hospital in Jackson.
Bubba was born November 29, 1963 in Jackson, where he lived most of his life. He was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He and his family were members of Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson. He spent 20 years in the Medical Sales field, where he helped countless others with their needs, which was his greatest pleasure.
Bubba was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, and he was happiest in the woods or on the lake. He was extremely kind and generous and always ready to help others with his time and talents. God blessed him with a giving heart, and he never met a stranger.
In his final hours, Bubba was surrounded by his multitude of family and friends. True to his generous nature, even in death, he will help numerous others through organ donation. He was beloved by everyone who knew him and will be dearly missed by all, especially by his wife and 2 children, who he loved most of all.
Survivors include his loving wife of 11 years, Kristi Heflin Hopkins; his son, Ross; and daughter, Caroline; his parents, Dr. and Mrs. George Truett of Jackson and Dr. and Mrs. Donald Hopkins of Gulfport; his twin sister, Betsy (Houston) Primos of Jackson; his brother, Wes (Kate) Truett of New Orleans, LA; his sister, DeLynn (Billy) James of Anchorage, AK; his brother, Brad (Lisa) Truett of PIano TX; his sister, Amanda (Trent) Watkins of Austin TX; his sister, Lynn Sheppard of Gulfport; his aunt, GiGi (Jeff) Smith of Crystal Springs; his grandmother, Mrs. Mildred Hopkins of Gulfport; and many other extended family members.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held today at 1 :00 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson. Memorials may be made to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation 1233 20th. Street NW Suite 402, Washington D.C. 20036, or to the Wells United Methodist Church Food Pantry 2019 Bailey Avenue, Jackson, MS 39213.
William Clinton "Bubba" Hopkins, 44, died Saturday, November 15, 2008, at St. Dominic's Hospital in Jackson.
Bubba was born November 29, 1963 in Jackson, where he lived most of his life. He was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He and his family were members of Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson. He spent 20 years in the Medical Sales field, where he helped countless others with their needs, which was his greatest pleasure.
Bubba was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, and he was happiest in the woods or on the lake. He was extremely kind and generous and always ready to help others with his time and talents. God blessed him with a giving heart, and he never met a stranger.
In his final hours, Bubba was surrounded by his multitude of family and friends. True to his generous nature, even in death, he will help numerous others through organ donation. He was beloved by everyone who knew him and will be dearly missed by all, especially by his wife and 2 children, who he loved most of all.
Survivors include his loving wife of 11 years, Kristi Heflin Hopkins; his son, Ross; and daughter, Caroline; his parents, Dr. and Mrs. George Truett of Jackson and Dr. and Mrs. Donald Hopkins of Gulfport; his twin sister, Betsy (Houston) Primos of Jackson; his brother, Wes (Kate) Truett of New Orleans, LA; his sister, DeLynn (Billy) James of Anchorage, AK; his brother, Brad (Lisa) Truett of PIano TX; his sister, Amanda (Trent) Watkins of Austin TX; his sister, Lynn Sheppard of Gulfport; his aunt, GiGi (Jeff) Smith of Crystal Springs; his grandmother, Mrs. Mildred Hopkins of Gulfport; and many other extended family members.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held today at 1 :00 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson. Memorials may be made to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation 1233 20th. Street NW Suite 402, Washington D.C. 20036, or to the Wells United Methodist Church Food Pantry 2019 Bailey Avenue, Jackson, MS 39213.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Back from the SEC meeting
Just to update everyone, I attended the SEC meeting this past weekend, October 11, in Portales, New Mexico.
As for the official proceedings, nothing truly earth shattering happened. The SEC voted to revoke the charter of Epsilon Nu and to expel all the current undergraduate members, which means they are no longer Kappa Sigmas. They will have an opportunity to apply for reinstatement on an individual basis at a future SEC meeting. I spoke to the panel briefly about the current state of the alumni chapter and let them know that we will be available to help with the future recolonization of the chapter.
I also spoke individually with members of the SEC and they assured me that Kappa Sigma is anxious to return to Southern Miss. Although no official timeline has been set, it will most likely be a longer absence from campus than stipulated by the university. Take that however you like, but I am confident that we will see Kappa Sigma back on campus in five years or fewer.
AEKDB
John R. McCallum
As for the official proceedings, nothing truly earth shattering happened. The SEC voted to revoke the charter of Epsilon Nu and to expel all the current undergraduate members, which means they are no longer Kappa Sigmas. They will have an opportunity to apply for reinstatement on an individual basis at a future SEC meeting. I spoke to the panel briefly about the current state of the alumni chapter and let them know that we will be available to help with the future recolonization of the chapter.
I also spoke individually with members of the SEC and they assured me that Kappa Sigma is anxious to return to Southern Miss. Although no official timeline has been set, it will most likely be a longer absence from campus than stipulated by the university. Take that however you like, but I am confident that we will see Kappa Sigma back on campus in five years or fewer.
AEKDB
John R. McCallum
Monday, September 29, 2008
SEC meeting
Gentlemen,
Here is the latest, as I know it. As I previously reported, the Supreme Executive Committee of Kappa Sigma will meet on October 11, 2008 in Portales, New Mexico. The SEC has requested that the active chapter appear before them at this meeting regarding the future of Kappa Sigma at USM. I have asked the executive director of Kappa Sigma, Mitchell Wilson (Mic), if it would be advisable for the alumni to send a representative to appear at this meeting. Mic responded that it would be a good idea. I've consulted with various other alumni on this matter and we all agree that it would be in our best interests, as alumni, to send someone to the meeting.
One major problem with this meeting is the timing: the date is the same as that of the "Mo-morial" golf tournament, and many alumni will be participating in that event. Also, with the Boise State football game on campus that night, many alumni will certainly be attending the game. It appears now that I may be our only representative at the meeting, as much as I hate to miss the golf tourney and the BSU game.
I plan to convey to the SEC that we, as alumni of the Epsilon Nu Chapter, are committed to bringing Kappa Sigma back to USM as soon as possible. They also need to know that we will support the recolonization effort financially.
We still need your financial support. In addition to the trip to the SEC meeting, we will be faced with $6,000-plus expenses from nationals for re-chartering and miscellaneous fees. Send checks to:
Kappa Sigma Epsilon Nu Alumni Association
C/o John McCallum
P. O. Box 16432
Jackson, MS 39236
Someone issued the challenge that each of us pony up $50.00. Many have responded. That will definitely help. If everyone reading this blog meets the challenge, we will be in pretty good shape.
John R.McCallum
jmccallum@granthampoole.com
Here is the latest, as I know it. As I previously reported, the Supreme Executive Committee of Kappa Sigma will meet on October 11, 2008 in Portales, New Mexico. The SEC has requested that the active chapter appear before them at this meeting regarding the future of Kappa Sigma at USM. I have asked the executive director of Kappa Sigma, Mitchell Wilson (Mic), if it would be advisable for the alumni to send a representative to appear at this meeting. Mic responded that it would be a good idea. I've consulted with various other alumni on this matter and we all agree that it would be in our best interests, as alumni, to send someone to the meeting.
One major problem with this meeting is the timing: the date is the same as that of the "Mo-morial" golf tournament, and many alumni will be participating in that event. Also, with the Boise State football game on campus that night, many alumni will certainly be attending the game. It appears now that I may be our only representative at the meeting, as much as I hate to miss the golf tourney and the BSU game.
I plan to convey to the SEC that we, as alumni of the Epsilon Nu Chapter, are committed to bringing Kappa Sigma back to USM as soon as possible. They also need to know that we will support the recolonization effort financially.
We still need your financial support. In addition to the trip to the SEC meeting, we will be faced with $6,000-plus expenses from nationals for re-chartering and miscellaneous fees. Send checks to:
Kappa Sigma Epsilon Nu Alumni Association
C/o John McCallum
P. O. Box 16432
Jackson, MS 39236
Someone issued the challenge that each of us pony up $50.00. Many have responded. That will definitely help. If everyone reading this blog meets the challenge, we will be in pretty good shape.
John R.McCallum
jmccallum@granthampoole.com
Monday, September 22, 2008
Mo-Morial Golf Tournament
This is just to remind everyone that the "Mo-Morial" (Marc Memorial Scholarship) Golf Tournament will be held, as scheduled on October 11, 2008, with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Contact David Sutton at 601-543-2417 for detailed information.
Also, a note about homecoming: we've decided to scale back the alumni association's homecoming activities this year. We will not sponsor a live band perform at the tailgate, as we have in recent years. The main reason for this decision is that with the current state of the active chapter, we feel like we need to devote our resources to the re-colonization effort. We will still plan to get together at the tailgate for food and fellowship and it should be a good central meeting place for Kappa Sigs, nonetheless.
Also, a note about homecoming: we've decided to scale back the alumni association's homecoming activities this year. We will not sponsor a live band perform at the tailgate, as we have in recent years. The main reason for this decision is that with the current state of the active chapter, we feel like we need to devote our resources to the re-colonization effort. We will still plan to get together at the tailgate for food and fellowship and it should be a good central meeting place for Kappa Sigs, nonetheless.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Update - September 18, 2008
Gentlemen,
Thanks to Brother Scott Stone for setting up this blog (and helping me to overcome my fear of the blogosphere).
To update you all on the latest happenings with Epsilon Nu, I have been in contact with Mitchell Wilson, executive director of Kappa Sigma. Mitchell agrees that it will be a good idea for the alumni association to send a delegate to the SEC meeting on October 11th. This will give us first-hand knowledge of the SEC's decision regarding the chapter as well as the proceedings that lead to that decision. It will also illustrate to the SEC that we, as alumni, are committed to the fraternity and the university.
Mitchell also shared with me the notice that the chapter received from USM regarding their removal from campus. The letter listed the numerous university policies that were violated and listed the resulting sanctions. Also detailed in the letter are USM's terms for reinstatement: "members can request approval from the Dean of Students to begin the petition process after 8/1/09, with a full review of the the remaining undergraduate members by the national office (of KS) strongly recommended by USM. The national office of Kappa Sigma can petition for re-colonization beginning January 1, 2010." Kappa Sigma's national office may well impose more severe penalties. We will know more after October 11.
We will have a mass teleconference in the near future (within two weeks) to answer questions and to discuss the game plan going forward.
Please do also try to attend the Mo-Morial (Marc Moses Memorial Scholarship) Golf Tournament, also on October 11th, with an 8:30 shotgun start at Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Hattiesburg. For more information, call David Sutton at 601-543-2417.
For those that have sent in donations, thank you! We will need funds to get this chapter back and restore the "House of Champions". Send checks to:
Kappa Sigma Epsilon Nu Alumni Association
c/o John McCallum
P. O. Box 16432
Jackson, MS 39236
Thanks to Brother Scott Stone for setting up this blog (and helping me to overcome my fear of the blogosphere).
To update you all on the latest happenings with Epsilon Nu, I have been in contact with Mitchell Wilson, executive director of Kappa Sigma. Mitchell agrees that it will be a good idea for the alumni association to send a delegate to the SEC meeting on October 11th. This will give us first-hand knowledge of the SEC's decision regarding the chapter as well as the proceedings that lead to that decision. It will also illustrate to the SEC that we, as alumni, are committed to the fraternity and the university.
Mitchell also shared with me the notice that the chapter received from USM regarding their removal from campus. The letter listed the numerous university policies that were violated and listed the resulting sanctions. Also detailed in the letter are USM's terms for reinstatement: "members can request approval from the Dean of Students to begin the petition process after 8/1/09, with a full review of the the remaining undergraduate members by the national office (of KS) strongly recommended by USM. The national office of Kappa Sigma can petition for re-colonization beginning January 1, 2010." Kappa Sigma's national office may well impose more severe penalties. We will know more after October 11.
We will have a mass teleconference in the near future (within two weeks) to answer questions and to discuss the game plan going forward.
Please do also try to attend the Mo-Morial (Marc Moses Memorial Scholarship) Golf Tournament, also on October 11th, with an 8:30 shotgun start at Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Hattiesburg. For more information, call David Sutton at 601-543-2417.
For those that have sent in donations, thank you! We will need funds to get this chapter back and restore the "House of Champions". Send checks to:
Kappa Sigma Epsilon Nu Alumni Association
c/o John McCallum
P. O. Box 16432
Jackson, MS 39236
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Welcome Brothers
Greetings,
We have established this blog to provide updates and information regarding the status of the Epsilon Nu Chapter of Kappa Sigma, and the recently begun efforts to re-colonize and have our charter restored at USM.
Please feel free to comment on any of the posts, and direct your questions to:
jmccallum@granthampoole.com
AEKDB,
Scott Stone & John McCallum
We have established this blog to provide updates and information regarding the status of the Epsilon Nu Chapter of Kappa Sigma, and the recently begun efforts to re-colonize and have our charter restored at USM.
Please feel free to comment on any of the posts, and direct your questions to:
jmccallum@granthampoole.com
AEKDB,
Scott Stone & John McCallum
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