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On February 6, more than 175 brothers and friends of the Legion of Honor gathered in Birmingham, Ala., for a special luncheon to honor and celebrate the lifetime of leadership and service of Sigma Nu’s 68th Regent, Maury D. Gaston (Auburn), and the Fraternity’s strong legacy in the state of Alabama. The event also served as an alumni engagement opportunity and sparked interest in re-establishing a Birmingham Sigma Nu Alumni Club.
The impressive turnout for the luncheon, held at the Country Club of Birmingham in Mountain Brook, Ala., included brothers from 28 unique Sigma Nu chapters, professional and civic friends, Auburn University leaders, and members of the Gaston family in attendance. Broad and deep is the appreciation of Brother Gaston’s leadership.
To ensure the luncheon's success, six prominent alumni stepped forward as Honorary Chairmen for the event, and more than 25 brothers from across the country joined the Host Committee. These brothers' dedication and financial support were critical to making the event possible.
A Celebration of Leadership and Brotherhood
The program commenced with a stirring rendition of The White Star of Sigma Nu, followed by an invocation led by Grand Chaplain Drew Logsdon (Western Kentucky). Attendees then heard tributes to Regent Gaston from Past Regents John Hearn (Georgia), Lee Perrett (Auburn), and Robert Durham (Georgia). Attendees included many current and past national leaders of the Fraternity and Foundation.
A key moment of the program was Regent Gaston's response to the heartfelt accolades, which led to a special honor—the induction of Regent Gaston into Beta Theta (Auburn) Chapter’s John M. Ward Alumni Hall of Honor. Conducting the induction were Ward Alumni Hall of Honor members Past Regent Robert Durham, Past Regent Lee Perrett, and Beta Theta Chapter alumnus Paul Leaver (Auburn). The John M. Ward Alumni Hall of Honor, established in 1980 during the chapter’s 90th anniversary, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the Beta Theta Chapter. The Hall of Honor is named in honor of John M. Ward, the first Regent from the Beta Theta Chapter who served the Legion of Honor as Regent from 1946-1948.
Recognizing Family and Tradition
Sigma Nu First Lady Nancy Runyan Gaston and First Daughter Alison Gaston were also honored during the event, each receiving a bouquet of white roses as a token of appreciation for their steadfast support of Maury’s leadership. Adding to the ambiance, each table featured a white rose centerpiece, and every lady guest was presented with a Sweetheart Badge and a single white rose.
A Remarkable Presence – Walter James Sears III
One of the most notable guests of the luncheon was Mr. Walter James Sears III, grandson of Walter James Sears (Kansas), a revered figure in Sigma Nu's history and author of the Creed of Sigma Nu. Sears III, a retired attorney in Birmingham, first connected with Regent Gaston through a providential acquaintance several years ago. Since then, hopes had been high that he would attend a Sigma Nu gathering. He and his wife, Irena, were able to join the celebration, making for a particularly moving moment when the luncheon concluded with a recitation of The Creed in his presence.
A Gathering of Leaders and Supporters
The luncheon attracted not only Sigma Nu alumni but also numerous supporters from various facets of Maury Gaston’s life, including his family, colleagues from AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe, members of his church, fellow members of the Monday Morning Quarterback Club, and representatives from Auburn University. The presence of so many distinguished guests reinforced the profound impact Regent Gaston has had in multiple spheres of leadership.
The luncheon was a fitting tribute to Regent Gaston’s exceptional service and dedication. It was a momentous gathering that not only celebrated an esteemed leader but also strengthened alumni bonds and set the foundation for future engagement in the Birmingham area.
With deep appreciation for the efforts of all those who made the event possible, the luncheon served as a testament to the enduring brotherhood of Sigma Nu in the State of Alabama and beyond.
Meeting Walter James Sears, III
By Maury D. Gaston (Auburn), 68th Regent
My employer, AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe, has trade association meetings in downtown Birmingham in the law offices of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings. As is typical in such meetings, we have a young attorney present. On one occasion, we had a new attorney whose last name began with the letter “S.” I was unfamiliar with this young associate, so I looked him up on my laptop to read his profile. While scrolling through the “S” section of the firm’s list of associates and partners, I noticed a different person whose name jumped off the screen and seemingly slapped me in the face: Walter James Sears III.
I was literally stunned and excitedly read Sears' profile. I quickly penned an email to him asking whether he was the grandson of Nu Chapter (Kansas) alumnus and Sigma Nu Hall of Honor member Walter James Sears, knowing in my heart that he absolutely had to be. I mentioned I was downstairs in a trade association meeting and asked when it was over if I could come up and meet him.
Wally, as he is known, went to Princeton University for his undergraduate degree, and sadly, they don't have fraternities there. He knew, however, that his grandfather was instrumental (an understatement) in the annals of Sigma Nu, and he had a framed copy of our Creed on his office wall.
We've met and spoken several times since and were finally able to match schedules so that Wally and Mrs. Sears could join us for an event. It was truly inspiring to have him as our guest and for him and Mrs. Sears to meet so many Sigma Nus from across the country who appreciate the history and contributions of the Sears family to the Legion of Honor.
