The University of Georgia mascot is an English bulldog named Uga VII (pronounced UH-guh). This highly-respected member of the Bulldog Nation can usually be seen wearing a spiked collar and red jersey, and is present for every home and most away football games. Although Uga VII is young, he approaches each game as if it were his first, and he works to live out the traditions of the University.

The Epsilon Epsilon Chapter resembles its school mascot in many ways. It is a young chapter with much determination and pride. Brothers make a valiant effort to live the ritual daily and spread the good word of the Fraternity. The Chapter is applying for its third consecutive Knox Award at this summer’s General Convention. Will August 2nd be the day when Epsilon Epsilon is rewarded for its significant strides within the Fraternity and its community as well?

The Knox Award is the highest a chapter can receive from the General Fraternity and is the most difficult to obtain. Chapters must achieve a chapter grade point average that is above the all-men’s, all-fraternity and all-campus averages, and have 100 percent involvement in at least one community organization or campus activity outside the chapter. These are only two of several lengthy requirements that must be met; however, the brothers of Epsilon Epsilon are confident they can build success from an excellent foundation.

General Fraternity president and long-time advisor, Tom Purinton, Kansas State ’63, applauded the undergraduates for their dedication to giving a noble effort in working toward the prestigious award. “They are always above the all-men’s and all-campus grade point averages and have consistently been involved in organizations throughout the campus. They are a very open group and are always willing to listen.”

Although the Chapter would be honored and ecstatic to receive the Knox Award for a third consecutive time, winning will not ultimately define the Chapter and its members. “I would like to see our chapter win this award, but the desire to continue making our chapter better daily will ultimately be what defines Epsilon Epsilon,” expressed Vice President Tommy Kinney, Georgia ’10. “We want to build young men up so they can take the Beta philosophy out into society and impact the outside world.”

More interesting, according to brothers, is that each member’s daily commitment to the Fraternity’s values and principles happens naturally. They see it as something every brother should be doing. Winning the Knox Award would mean that brothers are upholding their end of the deal. Each day, they step a little closer to what it truly means to live a principled life and what exactly that encompasses.

The Chapter is only 21 years old; however, its house was built in 1901 and has been deemed a historical landmark. The old Victorian home is in desperate need of repairs, and an interior makeover is at the top of Epsilon Epsilon’s list. The brotherhood normally consists of 100 men and has quickly outgrown the house’s capacity. Yet, brothers refuse to make excuses. “The most dominant ideal that has been adopted universally among the brotherhood is that the age of a chapter is of little importance, and the condition of a fraternity house has absolutely no correlation to the character of its devoted members, their selfless integrity and their noble ambition,” voiced Assistant Pledge Educator Andrew Gross, Georgia ’11.

Will the brothers of Epsilon Epsilon be honored for their efforts? They work hard each day to live Beta Theta Pi. Brothers are conscious of their actions, yet acknowledge their mistakes. If Uga VII has anything to say about it, the final full day of Convention will be one for his dogs. — A. Hammel