Jack believes the most important quality that SigEp should instill in brothers to ensure a successful future is “endurance, to keep striving for your goals no matter the obstacles and challenges. Keep your goals in focus!”
Jack R. Ford, Sac State ‘69, reflects back on his time as an undergraduate and his lifelong involvement in SigEp. During his college years, Jack, a Government and Journalism major, was part of a successful chapter that prioritized recruiting students with high GPAs and leadership qualities. This resulted in members who went on to lead in IFC and Student Government (including ASI Student Body President) and as Newspaper Editor-in-Chief and Yearbook Editor-in-Chief. The Fraternity held the highest GPA on campus among social fraternities and boasted a high graduation rate.
Despite juggling a full-time course load and working 32 hours per week as a Journeyman Clerk for Raley’s, Jack found support and encouragement from his SigEp brothers. His brothers played a crucial role in helping him graduate and build the self-confidence needed to succeed. SigEp became Jack’s network of friends and support group, essentially becoming his family. In spite of his busy schedule, Jack became the Yearbook and Magazine Editor-in-Chief in his senior year and he filled the position following two other SigEps that preceded him.
After graduation, Jack initially pursued a career as a high school teacher but received a military draft notice. He joined the Army National Guard as an Officer Candidate, got married, and started a family. To support his family, Jack transitioned into the financial services field, leading to a 45-year career as a Certified Financial Planner™. He is now a retired planner advisor and a CFP Board Emeritus.
Jack’s involvement with SigEp didn’t end with graduation. Over 35 years in the Sacramento area, he served as an Sac State AVC board member and officer. He also served the UC Davis AVC as a board member and officer. Jack’s commitment to community service extended beyond his fraternity, including roles as the President of a Rotary Club, Club Manager for a local youth soccer league, and President of the first sports booster club for Men’s Basketball at Sac State. In 2013, he was honored as the only non-player inductee into the Hornets Men’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Jack is proud of his four sons, John, Kevin, Kyle, and Brian, who are scattered across Nevada, Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida. Jack and his second wife, Kathy Adams Ford, moved to Texas in December 2016. Kathy, a competitive Senior Pickleball player, and Jack enjoy their life together in Texas. Kathy and Jack’s former wife, Kris Swanson Ford, are also Sac State alumni. Jack continues to stay connected with his SigEp brothers and values the lifelong friendships formed during his college years.