by Past Eminent Supreme Archon M. Todd Buchanan

As you read this column just before our 153rd Anniversary Convention in July, it’s hard for me to believe that my two-year tenure as your Eminent Supreme Archon is coming to a close. I think back to when a brother from Mississippi Sigma gave me the chance to join Sigma Alpha Epsilon. That one action allowed me to join the greatest fraternity in the world. My love and appreciation for the organization only grew with time. I thought I had all the good brothers and friends I needed at Mississippi Sigma, but over the course of the last two decades, my friendships and connections have grown. I’ve met an incredible number of brothers who share that sacred bond of friendship with me and there’s been a brother within reach with the grip of friendship and a hearty “Phi Alpha.”

This entire biennium, I’ve stressed the importance of my message: Be the One. It only takes one brother to reach out to one other person and make the Sigma Alpha Epsilon experience complete. That’s what Joe Clark did for me, and that’s what thousands of our forefathers did for all of us. Many of our brothers have shared their personal stories about Being the One with me, and I’m amazed at their commitment to the cause. I want to make sure we continue that trend so that our sons and grandsons can join Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

I want to thank everyone for rallying behind my message to Be the One. Now, my wish is that you keep the momentum going. Be inspired by Sigma Alpha Epsilon and give back to the organization that has given so much to you. Your membership in our Fraternity has likely paid more dividends throughout your life than you ever imagined. That’s the hidden benefit: It’s not just for those few years in college; it’s for a lifetime. You weren’t an SAE; you are an SAE. We must always continue to Be the One and share our experience with others. We must continue to replace ourselves with new members. We must be our brother’s keeper to ensure we take care of one another. And we must volunteer our time and energy to keep the fire burning.

Before I hand over the gavel and badge to this office at our convention in New Orleans, I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to serve as your Eminent Supreme Archon. Sitting back in my dorm room as a pledge, trying to put myself through college, I could never have dreamed I would have this opportunity. In the past two years, we’ve demonstrated as a brotherhood that we can bond together and tackle what this world throws at us. Membership in a Greek-letter organization is just as relevant as it was 153 years ago. I leave office knowing Sigma Alpha Epsilon is under the guidance of great leaders who will maintain our status as the greatest fraternity in the world.

In the Bonds,
M. Todd Buchanan (Southern Mississippi ’90)
Past Eminent Supreme Archon