I believe the first two interactions I ever had with Alex were in Fall 2022. He may have been tabling on behalf of the Eta Chapter to recruit potential new members, and I vividly remember speaking with him and expressing my interest in Delta Sigma Phi. The second time was even more memorable, right before I began my pledgeship. Alongside our head of recruitment, Alex was there to offer me a bid into the fraternity. I was astounded by the offer. That was when I learned he was our Chapter President.

My mother raised me to always show respect to specific groups of people -- elders, parents, teachers, strangers, and leaders. As a young freshman, I showed my respect for Alex in the most telling way I knew how: I was intimidated. Not in a fearful way, but in the way you feel when you're in the presence of someone who sets a standard you want to live up to. From the very beginning of pledgeship, Alex made it clear what it meant to truly earn your spot in this brotherhood, and I was determined to do just that.

Throughout the remainder of that Spring semester, while I didn't take the initiative to get closer to Alex during that timeframe, a fault of my own, it's hilarious to me looking back how every interaction I had with him, I genuinely would've much rather avoided because I did not want to mess up and then get "written up" or dropped from the fraternity (lol). Maybe it was my lack of confidence at the time or maybe it was Alex's unwavering character and his ability to turn on a mode of sternness when interacting with myself or anyone in my pledge class.

Eventually, in the Fall of 2023, as the Executive Board was beginning to conclude their terms, I was nominated to serve as Chapter Treasurer. Of the many brothers in the chapter that were supportive of my candidacy, Alex was a prime figure who guided me in taking this honor. He made me feel capable of leading and helped me understand the honor of stepping into a leadership role.

By that time, Alex was focused on finishing his undergrad and preparing for law school. But that semester marked a shift; I finally began having real conversations with him. That’s when our friendship began to grow, one that I will always hold close to my heart.

Summer 2024 was unforgettable. I was at the house almost every day and night, shootin' the stuff with the guys and running it in poker. Alex was one of the guys I had the privilege to spend time with daily.  While I can't remember many conversations we had those months, I can remember admiring his presence, and how he held himself, no matter the situation or environment he was in. Quite frankly, he was actually pretty funny as well. While he was my brother in the chapter, if I had to translate what I'd think of him in an actual family dynamic, I'd say he was like one of my cousins that I subtly looked up to without even realizing how much.

It was by the end of the summer, when Alex invited ME of all people, to go eat BBQ at Salt Lick with other brothers and his closest of friends. The little kid in me, the little brother, and the little cousin, I wish I could tell him how much such that small gesture of extending that invitation meant to me. If he didn't know then, I know he knows now. I was grateful to be included in such a trip by someone I admired.

From then and until the day I found out he passed, I didn't get to see him much. Only very few interactions we had in person; of course, it was always love. Whether it was joking about the Mavericks trading Luka or congratulating me when I became Chapter President, Alex always made the effort and it meant everything.

I don't believe it is in best practice to live up to someone else but I do believe in honoring the legacy of those who inspire us. For the rest of my time in this fraternity, and beyond, I will carry with me the standards Alex set—not just as a leader, but as a man. I’ll strive to be someone worthy of the respect I once reserved only for him.

Thank you Alex, for welcoming me into this brotherhood and for being my friend. 

My condolences go out to the Ivey family. On behalf of Delta Sigma Phi, we love you, and our hearts are with you always.