Department: Features
Looking Back, Thinking Forward
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Interview Three: John Bulcock
John Bulcock (Wichita State ’02) was named the fi rst True Gentleman of the Year in 2001. He is a member of the Ritual committee, a former Leadership School faculty member and a former Province Archon. He is currently the Greek adviser at Minnesota State University at Mankato.
The chapter could nominate one person to apply for the True Gentleman of the Year. They chose me. At the time, I didn’t seem like a big deal.
I don’t remember the award being a big focus. It was in the rest of the awards in general. I don’t think anyone knew it was anything that was going to continue.
I never experienced attending Leadership School at the Temple.
During the closing lunch, they were doing several awards. Eminent Supreme Recorder Goodale got up and started to read things that sounded familiar and I realized what it was. I didn’t know what to say. It was humbling, but I still think it was a bigger deal that Miss America was there at Leadership School that year.
The selection process is nice. The people who have received it in previous years sometimes help with the selection. But we still don’t know who will be receiving the award.
When I look back, it’s something that I’m proud of, but when you’re recognized like that, it’s embarrassing somewhat.
I’m not one who likes to make a big deal of things. A handwritten card does as much for me. Simpler is better.
The expectations of someone who receives the award are pretty high. I’ve tried to do that, to stay involved and give back to the Fraternity whenever I can.
I want to be old and gray – or without hair – and still be giving back.
The Ritual and the things we say in the Ritual are what make us different from the chess club. We say we’re going to hold ourselves to higher standards.
Why Province Archon? It’s a connection. I met with alumni and saw those members who were 75, 80 years old and still coming back to homecoming with their chapters.
I don’t think the award was a catalyst for me. I was going to be involved regardless.
The college years are some of the most life-changing times. A lot of people are still trying to figure out who they are and what they want to do with their lives. And I enjoy trying to help someone find out who they are and what they want to do.
You need to have someone you can talk to. Someone who will be real with you, who will not pass judgment, but is not afraid to call you on a mistake. You need someone who can listen.
As far as Greek organizations, we’re all here for the same reasons. We’re here to raise the standard a little bit.
When it comes to recruitment, there are three types of people. Always-joiners, maybe-joiners and never-joiners. I was a never-joiner. One of the most fascinating things is that I now want to spend a good part of my career working with Greeks. I can see the change the SAE experience has had on me.
I am proof that the Greek experience is a good thing.
When I reflect on things, it’s strange that I went from someone who would never give fraternities the time of day to someone who is now serving as an advocate for the groups I once bashed.
I look back and go, “How the hell did that happen?”
I’m proud to be a Fraternity man.
Your SAE experience is not complete without having been to the place named for one of the greatest brothers we’ve had, without being surrounded by the majestic nature of the Fraternity. That is at the Temple in Evanston.
My chapter has a scrapbook and I believe I’ve signed it every time I’ve been to the Temple.
I went from being the president of my chapter to being the pledge educator, which was one of the most valuable things, doing them in that order.
The Fraternity is there to complement everything you’re doing.
Realize how simple it is to do something nice for other people. The small things you do can go a long way.
Say “thank you.” A lot.
May 5th, 2009at 9:08 am(#)
Great Interview. I was there when John won the award. What a proud moment. I had only known him for a short amount of time and already knew he deserved it.
Meeting Miss America wasn’t bad either.
May 5th, 2009at 9:52 am(#)
I and several of my Tennessee Delta brothers have been going to the SAE National Amateur golf tournament for about 20 years. The first and foremost reason is Ken Jernigan. I am sure that any other regular to the tournament would tell you the same. Ken is the epitome of the “True Gentleman” and his tireless work and devotion to his local chapter and the tournament are truly inspiring. Through the good times and the bad, Ken and his tournament committee have made the tournament not only fun, but an honor to SAE and what it represents. I am proud to call Ken a brother and will never forget him, or any of the other E’s around the country that I have had the pleasure to meet and become friends with through my participation in the tournament.
May 5th, 2009at 10:41 am(#)
Hello Brothers,
Great job on the Record! Keep it up.
Phi Alpha
Vance Thomas
May 5th, 2009at 12:36 pm(#)
The A. Rice interview highlights the genuine courage of a young SAE; he is an inspiration to all that read this – great job telling this story!
May 5th, 2009at 12:42 pm(#)
I thoroughly enjoyed the interview with E. Wesley Ely, M.D. It’s nice to hear about someone who has the right priorities in place and understands the gifts he’s been given. What a great man to be able to call a brother.
May 5th, 2009at 4:36 pm(#)
I had the pleasure of playing in the SAE golf tournament for the first time in 2008. Ken was the person I contacted to get into the tournament and gave me all the information I needed to make the cross country trip from California. He also introduced me to a great number of SAE’s from all over the country that had been participating in the tournament for a number of years. Ken showed me that he is one of the reasons we all became E’s. He is a True Genteleman and I am proud to have gotten to know him. I will see you all at the end of the month for the 2009 tournament.
And to Gene Flathman…..I am bringing back the Ipod and the dirty towel.
Phi Alpha,
Ryan Miller
May 6th, 2009at 8:51 am(#)
It is really great to hear Jack Hotaling is still a part of the fraternity. Many of the things he said during those years of upheaval were not really understood. It was taken as being sympathetic to the radical movement. Some said even uglier things.
When I became Archon of the chapter, Jack told me that we had to be non-judgemental about the issues we faced and yes, it was tough, especially when we had demonstrations.
Jack taught me to be the one of the best Preceptor’s in the fraternity and every time I did that part for a new chapter especially, I still remember what he said about the manner in which the Preceptor’s role should be taken: you are a teacher, not a preacher.
Thanks for a great interview, though short. And hello to Jack Hotaling, a great brother to this fraternity.
May 6th, 2009at 10:48 am(#)
Jack–
It’s been so many years since I’ve seen you (it doesn’t seem like 50, but it is). I remember all of the tireless work you put in at NY Delta and what great shape we all left the chapter in upon graduation. I still am in frequent contact with Lee Kirk, Ben Adams, Bill Vrooman and Phil Stevens.
I, too am a grandfather to 7 year old twin boys. They definitely are the love of my life. My sons and I started a winery in Southern California; check it out on the web.
Best of health and happiness to you.
In the bonds,
Fred
May 11th, 2009at 12:04 am(#)
I have known and respected Ken Jernigan for almost 40 years (he was my high school Science teacher). He has embodied the most esteemed “True Gentleman” doctrine in all ways of his life and I am proud to call him friend and brother. No better example could be found; and I am so glad that others have recognized his noble nature. May God continue to bless him and his family – as Ken has been such a blessing to all who have known him.
August 20th, 2009at 8:34 pm(#)
Aaron,
As a military veteran and SAE myself…thanks brother for serving our country…jb