The Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity is taking donations in the late member Wilson King’s name for reconstruction of the SAE porch. The Wilson King Memorial Fund was launched the day of his funeral service, April 19, 2013 and hopes to raise $25,000, according to their fundraising website.

According to the president of SAE, J. Parker Roe, a junior from New York majoring in international studies, the fund has been growing at a rate of a few hundred dollars per day.

“The Wilson King Memorial Fund was created by his loving mother, father, brother and sister, because they all knew it is what Wilson would want,” said Roe. “He was a passionate fraternity man who loved and cherished our brotherhood and Greek Life at the University in general.”

Roe said that the reconstruction of the porch has always been part of the second phase of the SAE renovation process which began in 2011. Phase two will most likely begin next summer; there are no specific plans as of yet.

“Wilson was always talking about how badly he wanted the porch to be completed before he graduated and his family most definitely recognized that,” said Roe. “Our goal is to make sure the porch renovation is completed as soon as possible.”

Roe mentioned that ever since the tragic event, this topic has been a leading issue at USG meetings.

“Having said this, I think it is crucial to keep in mind that the direction of the Memorial Fund has been set by his family and it is important for everyone to respect that,” said Roe.

Roe also addressed the safety of street crossings.

“I completely agree that there is a problem with pedestrian safety and street crossings,” said Roe.

The fund has already raised over $7,000.

Roe said that there is no timeline for the campaign and that SAE will keep the fund going as long as the King family wishes.

“Our goal is to keep the momentum going and be able to create something really special to honor his legacy,” said Roe.

Roe said he hoped to help dispel any unwarranted, negative connotations the fund may or may not have.

“[King] was an upstanding member of the DU community who reached out to more people than I ever could have imagined,” said Roe. “This fund was established to immortalize all of the positive attributes Wilson exemplified on a daily basis.”

King’s Memorial Fund page can be accessed at: https://mycharityofchoice.com/campaign/profile/165.