Between the awkwardness of early adolescence and the dignity of full manhood, we find an individual known as the S.A.E. He comes in assorted sizes, weights and ages, but all seem to have the same creed: to enjoy every minute of every hour of every day; to honor the True Gentleman, to delay doing class assignments and term papers, while still maintaining the second highest GPA in the Greek society; to anticipate upcoming weekends; to engage in late night parties; to do the right thing at the wrong time and the wrong thing at the right time; to spend money extravagantly; to complain incessantly; to strive to better his friends well being; and to work together as brothers.

The S.A.E. is found everywhere - on campus and off, on the couches, on the tables, up and down our basketball court, on the sand volley ball court, relaxing in the pools, lounging in the Frattio, throwing cans over the fences at Barley House and Home Bar, or even at Fondren Library, studying.

An S.A.E. is Truth when an officer is at his door, Helpful when volunteering with meaningful organizations, Reverent when attending church and acting as an example to his brothers, Honest when surrounded by impressionable recruits, Beauty when he makes a 4.0 while still being able to enjoy an active social life, Poetic when quoting a movie, Integrity while taking exams in the classes he does attend, Determined when he bets quadruple or nothing, Wisdom with a drink in his hand and telling tales of a pervious night, Hope-for-the-Future with a date grasping his arm.

He is composite - he has the energy of a bull, the irresponsibility of an overnight guest, the curiosity of a cat, the charisma of a dictator, the enthusiasm of an evangelist, the determination of an eagle, the loyalty of a dog, and the bravery of a Lion.

He likes the benefits of being an S.A.E.: the Grip, the view from the top, Fratterdays, national reputation, T-shirts, koozies, others failing when duplicating our events, girls flocking, parties, largest social budget, alumni encouragement, Minerva's protection, national strength, largest membership ever, Galveston trip, supportive camaraderie, Phi Alpha's, superior recruitment, the bonds from pledging, day parties, college football watching, cookouts, one of few with actual antebellum history, sororities, intramurals, various flat screens, first and largest national headquarters, poker games, connections, connections, traditions, pride, loyalties, and the supreme Brotherhood.

He is not much for blind dates, passing out, vandalism, Umphree Lee's or Mac's Place food, one piece swim suites, dirty rush, involving authorities, divided IFC, Alcohol EDU, parking tickets, taking a night off, damage fines, second tier chapters thinking they are top, sipping on drinks, non-attractive girls, GDI's, bias accusations, naps, hangovers, undergrounds, techno, anti-greek administrations, ignorance, or selfishness.

In the S.A.E. house you will find a conglomeration of all sorts of characters: politicians, teachers, military, lawyers, partiers, brokers, doctors, religious, rebellious, but all of these men respect another for their individual accomplishments and personal morals.

Above all, mothers love them, fathers finance them, girls glorify them, officers want them, teachers reward them, companies compensate them, bars beg for them, Heaven protects them, and all men everywhere envy them.

Nobody else is so blessed or so fortunate to have received a bid. Nobody else has as much fun from the very casual and low key off campus social nights that are just for members only. Nobody else takes as much enjoyment in building for partings, playing sports games, or just watching Sports Center while playing poker. Nobody else can manage their time as efficiently to ensure that their social life does not infringe upon their academic life. Nobody else can sleep as much, date a much, eat as much, party as much, live as much and enjoy life as much as an S.A.E. can and will.

Believe it or not the S.A.E. is a very disciplined creature. He can make it difficult or make it wonderful. He can be concerned or indifferent. He can study with you or socialize with you. He can make you cry or make you laugh until you cry. He can teach you or annoy you. He can battle on behalf of you or with you. He can be irresponsible or he can be righteous. He can change your life.

Regardless of which S.A.E., he will always be your loyal friend, trustworthy and accountable, and a True Gentleman. Phi Alpha.