Daniel (center) celebrated at the ribbon cutting weekend for the
renovated chapter house in 2011. Joining him are, from left, Kassie
Cosgrove, Sean Cosgrove, Cincinnati ’05, Alan Wilson, Tennessee ’80,
and Wendy Wilson.

When brothers at Tennessee think back to influential alumni from their college years, more than six decades of balanced men think Jim Daniel ’55. He was the alumnus who bought them dinner, asked them about their classes and helped find their parents an extra pair of tickets when they came to visit for a home football game—always free of charge.

Because he got to know so many brothers over the years, when young SigEps graduated, Daniel was the brother who helped them find their first job using a SigEp connection. And not long after, he was calling them back to the Fraternity. His passion for Tennessee Alpha and each brother who passes through the chapter’s red doors is contagious—a fact he hasn’t let go to waste.

In the late 1970’s, along with John Pennington ’55, Daniel was instrumental in establishing a scholarship program to ensure the future success of young brothers. He rallied more alumni support than others knew existed, and helped raise the first $1 million that would endow the Tennessee Alpha Scholarship Foundation. Since Daniel oversaw the first scholarship granted in 1980, over $900,000 have been awarded to deserving SigEps at Tennessee.

Three decades after helping create the endowment, he turned his attention to a chapter home in need of renovations and facility upgrades. While others were focused on patching and repairing a 40-year old facility, Daniel had a vision of what the chapter facility should be.

As chairman of the Tennessee Alpha Housing Corporation, Daniel took on the monumental task of leading a campaign that would raise over $1.5 million. He solicited alumni to get involved and engage with the chapter—each responded with a resounding yes.

It would not be a stretch to call Daniel the single greatest fundraiser and visionary in Tennessee Alpha history. He deserves credit for much of the success of his century-old chapter.

Although he lives over four hours from the chapter house, he has been one of the most visible alumni-volunteers. He is a regular attendee at all SigEp events and is always interested in getting to know new brothers. Along with his wife, Dolores, he has hosted countless SigEps in his home over the years and made each of them feel welcome.

Whether he bought them lunch, helped them pay for school with a foundation scholarship or helped get them their first job, Daniel showed the SigEps at Tennessee what true brotherhood is all about. The alumni involved with the chapter today say they are happy to follow his example.