Tower Award: Richard J. Brennan, Jr.

Brother John G. Tower (Iota, Southwestern University, ’43) maintained a long-time interest in the Order. In 1961 he was selected Kappa Sigma Man of the Year and was the keynote speaker at the 1961 Conclave in Portland, OR. He held the entire audience in awe with his demeanor and love of the Order. His service to the Order continued through the Supreme Executive Committee ranks and he was elected WGM in 1971. 
In his public life, Brother Tower was a U.S. Senator from 1961-1985. He served as chairman of the highly sought-after Senate Armed Services Committee and also served as vice-chair of the Senate Select Intelligence Committee. Brother Tower worked tirelessly not only on behalf of the interest of Kappa Sigma, but all fraternal organizations. His work wutg Title IX legislation was one of his more noted achievements.
The Tower Award was conceived and implemented to honor those brothers who have been active in all walks of life, including service to their community, outstanding career work, or other achievements. The Tower Award, approved by the SEC has been presented to deserving brothers since 1997.

RICHARD J. BRENNAN, JR.
(Gamma, Louisiana State University, ‘80)
A third generation New Orleans restaurateur of the famed Brennan family, Brother Richard J. Brennan, Jr. grew up just two blocks from Commander’s Palace. In the 1970s, under the tutelage of Chef Paul Prudhomme, Dickie worked with Commander’s Palace as they led the American Regional Cuisine movement by introducing the world to Cajun and Creole cooking. After graduating from college, Brother Brennan joined Larry Forgione’s An American Place in New York City.
He later moved to France, where he worked and studied in six diff erent kitchens to gain exposure and broaden his knowledge as a chef. In 1991, Dickie helped open Palace Cafe and later became Executive Chef, then Owner. With his sister, Lauren Brower, and business partner, Steve Pettus, Dickie went on to open Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse and Bourbon House. Their fourth restaurant, Tableau, is scheduled to open in 2013. Although each restaurant has its own distinct identity and cuisine, each shares the common thread of holding true to Louisiana’s culinary history through the use of local ingredients and techniques.
As an ambassador for New Orleans and its unique culture, Brother Brennan remains active in the community and hospitality industry. His many accolades include: Gambit’s “40 Under 40,” Young Leadership Council’s “Role Models,” New Orleans Junior Achievement’s “Business Hall of Fame Laureates,” Louisiana Travel Θ Promotion Association’s “Restaurateur of the Year 2010,” and Induction into the Louisiana Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. He serves on the James Beard Foundation Board of Trustees, the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors
and the Board for the Southern Food Θ Beverage Museum, among others.