cross & crescent (february 2010)

February 2010 · XCVII · Issue 2

Cross & Crescent February 20102www.crossandcrescent.com

Cross & Crescent a Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity publication

Features

Contributions

Content for consideration should be submitted by the fiftenth of the month.

Lambda Chi Alpha8741 Founders RdIndianapolis, IN 46268-1338(317) 872-8000editor@lambdachi.orgwww.lambdachi.orgwww.crossandcrescent.com

Credits

Publisher: Bill Farkaseditor: Tad LichtenauerAssistant editor: Chris Barrickillustrator: Jeff Reisdorfer Thomas Roberts Photographer: Walt MoserAssignment editor: Jon WilliamsonHistorian: Mike RaymondContributing editors: Jono Hren Bob McLaughlin George Spasyk

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Chapter NewsChapter and Alumni News

True BrotherCollege Presidents ShareInsights with Board

True BrotherFaith, Hope & Love for Haiti

HistoryTraveling Secretary System

Fraternity NewsChapter Officer WebinarRecaps

Fraternity News2009 Financial Recap

22Curling for gold John Morris, a brother from the former Wilfrid Laurier colony, has spent his entire life preparing for the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics. He credits Lambda Chi Alpha with helping him to learn from his mistakes, which has helped him both as a person and teammate. By Tad Lichtenauer

19building A greAt brotHerHood With more than 2,500 initiates in just 60 years, our Zeta-Rho chapter at Florida State University represents successful operations within Lambda Chi Alpha. And it hasn’t been luck. Many would say it has resulted from the dedicated work of brothers who had dreams, dreams upon which to build a great brotherhood. By Jon Williamson

25An ivy leAgue Jewel After 56 years of achieving many undergraduate academic, social, and intramural successes, and having initiated 864 men, the Iota chapter at Brown University closed in 1968. During its unique history, the chapter had an important influence on second full-time chief executive, Cyril F. “Duke” Flad. By Jon Williamson


CHAPTER NEWS

Chapter newsChapter news, alumni news, and reports of death

There are 79 of our 300 chapters included in the February 2010 issue of the Cross & Crescent:

Akron (Gamma-Alpha)Robert A. Carney (1946) died May 9, 2009.

Arizona State (Zeta-Psi Colony)With the recolonization efforts begun in the fall 2009, the colony now has 38 men.

Arkansas (Gamma-Chi)Coordinated by chapter Vice President Michael Aguilar, the chapter held its annual Thanksgiving with the Homeless, inviting more than 20 homeless individuals to the house and providing them with a Thanksgiving meal through Seven Hills Homeless Shelter.

On December 5, 2009, the chapter also held its annual Christmas with the Kids through Life Source International. Through this effort, the chapter was able to provide holiday gifts to more than 32 children who enjoyed pizza and games after receiving their gifts from Santa Claus.

Joe Hurley (1952) died August 24, 2008.

Auburn-Montgomery (Phi-Kappa)Chapter brothers raised money to help pay for Jordan North-ington’s medical expenses, che mo treatment, and the cost for her to travel to Birmingham for the treatments. The chapter’s 48-hour Tee ter-Totter Marathon raised nearly $4,000 for Northing ton’s family. Jordan’s father, Jay Northington, is an alumni brother from the chapter. As Jordan is in high school, the chapter members camped out on the high school campus taking turns riding the teeter-totter.

Boston (Alpha)Two educational leadership consultants visited the chapter for two weeks to help with a revitalization effort. As a result of the extended time with International Headquarters’ staff, the chapter brothers have already secured seven new associate members, and are looking to have another eight signed by February 5, 2010.

Chapter brothers volunteered more than 470 hours for the Roffman Family Mitzvah Day at Boston University Hillel to the greater Boston Community. The projects this year included making Halloween packages for children at Rosie’s Place, a homeless shelter, planting and cleaning a playground in Dorchester for Earthworks, a collaborative urban environmental non-profit, preparing meals in three soup kitchens and shelters, cleaning and helping the staff at two animal shelters, making teddy bears for children at St. Mary’s Women and Children’s Center, and making 470 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for two homeless shelters.

Bradley (Kappa-Upsilon)Steven Barer (1986) is a senior account manager at eLitigation Solutions in San Francisco, selling litigation support services to law firms and corporate legal departments.

Butler (Alpha-Alpha)On January 31, 2010, at the Butler University Campus, Master Steward Elgan Baker (DePauw) and International Headquarters’ Compliance Manager Thomas Roberts (Edinboro) facilitated a ritual workshop for the entire Greek Community. The chapter brothers participated in this experience in which Baker and Roberts discussed the origins of ritual.

Harold D. “Hal” Wilkins Jr. (1951) died January 14, 2010. From 1952 to 1954, he served with the U.S. Army Signal Corps as a member of the 7775th Signal Battalion, stationed in France. During his career, he was alumni director at Butler University; vice president for development at Florida State University; and president of the Florida State University Foundation. After retiring in 1994, he served as a member of the Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors. He was an elder emeritus of Fellowship Presbyterian Church. Throughout his years, Hal contributed his passion for fund-raising and love of people to many local philanthropic and civic organizations.

Ronald N. Burns (1957) died 2009.


CHAPTER NEWS

California-Berkeley (Mu Colony)With the recolonization begun in fall 2009, the colony now has 10 men.

Cecil J. Mark (1953) died June 20, 2009.

Ronald A. Klinge (1957) died January 2, 2010.

California-Davis (Delta-Gamma)The following football players were named as NIC Division I FBS/FCS Offense Honorable Mention: Josh Reese (quarterback), Sean Kelley (kicker), Jake Jonde (deep snapper), Matt Cohen (linebacker), and Mile Morales (linebacker).

Nathaniel Hackett was named assistant team coach for football as Syracuse University. He is the son of former Pittsburgh and Southern California head coach Paul Hackett, who serves as quarterbacks coach of the NFL’s Oakland Raiders. For the past two seasons, Nathaniel Hackett served as a quality control assistant coach with the Buffalo Bills.

Cal State-Poly (Phi-Sigma)The chapter brothers were awarded the 2008-2009 Outstanding Leadership Development/Community Involvement Award and chapter President Peter Giles received the 2008-2009 Greek Affairs Man of the Year Award by Student Life and Leadership. Student Life and Leadership also developed a new office to recruit Giles to continue his involvement as the IFC Director of Leadership Development.

Nick Bilich and his band, Still Time], will be touring the United States this spring. For more information, scheduling, and tour dates, please visit their website.

Cameron (Colony)The colonization efforts at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, were concluded at the request of the brothers particpating in the colony. The group independently decided that they could not be successful at this time.

Chicago Area Alumni AssociationThe Chicago Area Alumni Association has a reception planned for February 23, 2010, at Tilted Kilt in Woodridge, Illinois.

Colby (Alpha-Rho)Robert B. Parker (1954), the blunt and beloved crime novelist who helped revive the hard-boiled genre and branded a tough guy of his own through his “Spenser” series, has died. Prolific to the end, Parker wrote more than 50 novels, including 37 featuring Boston private eye Spenser, the basis for the 1980s TV series “Spenser: For Hire,” starring Robert Urich (Florida State 1968). The series aired for three seasons and had four made-for-TV movies. Parker was responsible for the writing of the series and movies.

Colorado (Gamma-Mu)On November 15, 2009, at the Michigan Shores Club in Wilmette, Illinois, Book Worm Angels celebrated its 10th Anniversary and honored Kermit Myers (1951), founder and chairman emeritus. Book Worm Angels has collected over 1.6 million books for classroom libraries in poorly performing public elementary schools. 175 schools with more than 100,000 students are now being served in Chicago, Boston, Phoenix, and Atlanta.

Cornell (Omicron)Peter W. Gilbert (1965) died April 24,2009.

Denver (Alpha-Pi)The Honorable Larry J. Naves (1968), chief presiding judge of the Denver District Court, was recently awarded the annual Judicial Excellence Award by the Colorado Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges with more than 6,300 members in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

John Greenwood (1992) completed a sale of Proxy Partners to Proxy Holdings LLC, a new company structure allowing Proxy to utilize resources and relationships to further its growth plans to become the best sales and marketing agency in the country realizing the potential of places. Greenwood will continue to act as CEO and president.

DePauw (Xi)Lloyd Dyer (1942) died January 26, 2009.

Drexel (Epsilon-Kappa Colony)With the recolonization efforts beginnin in the fall 2009, the colony now has 31 men.

John W. Weaver (1946) died November 18, 2009.

Forrest Glass (1953) died November 15, 2009.

East Carolina (Iota-Upsilon)The Iota-Upsilon chapter was declared inactive by the Grand High Zeta on January 22, 2010. This decision was based on significant financial debt to the International Fraternity, scholastic deficiency, and overall failing chapter operations over the course of the last several semesters. The Alumni, School Administration and the General Fraternity are collaboratively planning for the future of Iota-Upsilon in the years to come when an undergraduate Lambda Chi Alpha chapter can be significant contributor to the campus community again.

East Tennessee (Iota-Omicron)An alumni banquet and reception was held on December 5, 2009, in celebration of Lambda Chi Alpha’s 100th anniversary.


CHAPTER NEWS

Former chapter President Nicholas Mitchell was elected IFC president. In addition, he was inducted into Who’s Who Among American College and University Students.

Chapter Vice President Aaron Sands was elected IFC vice president of scholarship and leadership.

Eastern Illinois (Phi-Alpha)The chapter initiated 23 associate members on December 4, 2009. They were Eric Miller, Pat Morrissey, David Spicuzza, Ryan Lindquist, Mitch Flowers, David Stack, Matt Schemenaur, Matt Young, Dan Gutierrez, Ryan Hale, Geever Jacob, Tony Panapinto, Derek Hensley, Alex Williams, Eric Hockberger, Tommy Kowalski, Travis Elko, Benjamin Hahs, Nick Maentanis, Anthany Wingo, Brad Kickert, Michael Davidson, and Fred Jordan.

Eastern Michigan (Sigma-Kappa)Dean Ditto is running in a marathon in March 2010 to raise funds for Wounded Marines. The marathon involves running in the desert of White Sand Missile Range while carrying a 40 pound pack. He is trying to raise $4,000 for charity. Last year he finished 20th, and this year he hopes to make the top 10.

Eureka (Theta-Chi)Eldon D. Corbin (1935) died 2009.

Evansville (Iota-Mu)Educational Foundation board member Charles E. Singer Jr. is the new senior vice president and branch manager of Baird’s Indianapolis office. He previously served as the manager of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Indianapolis branch.

Florida State (Zeta-Rho)John Culver (1983) was named president of Starbucks’ international unit, overseeing operations and business development for all markets outside the U.S. He has been with Starbucks for seven years, most recently serving as president of global consumer products and food service.

Franklin (Kappa-Gamma)The following football players were named as NIC NCAA Divisions II-III/NAIA First Team: Seth Qualls (lineman) and Pat Hillenburg (lineman).

The chapter brothers sponsored a blood drive on campus, collecting 43 units of blood to aid the Indiana Blood Center.

Franklin & Marshall (Alpha-Theta)As directed by the Fraternity board, the International Headquarters’ staff has begun recolonization efforts.

Hanover (Theta-Zeta)The chapter held and all-day retreat, which included spending time with Master Steward Dr. Elgan Baker.

James Tullis (1945) died 2009.

High Point (Iota-Phi)Master Steward Todd Shoemaker assisted General Fraternity Staff meeting with the undergraduates at East Carolina during the notification of inactivity of their Zeta.

Brandon English (2005) accepted a position at Comfort Zone Camp located in Secaucus, New Jersey, as camps and services manager. He was previously employed as a marketing specialist in Virginia. Comfort Zone Camp is the nation’s largest bereavement camp and offers free sessions free to children ages 7-17 who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver. The camps are held year-round in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia.

Indiana (Alpha-Omicron)Chapter officers visited the International Headquarters on Friday, January 29, 2010, to take a tour of the facility and meet to discuss ways to grow and improve at Indiana University. Master Steward Dr. Elgan Baker (DePauw) attended the meeting, and was able to teach our undergraduate brothers how to deal with Harm Reduction issues at the chapter and how to utilize the Initiation Ritual as a governing tool. The brothers were very excited and thankful for the visit, and are already looking forward to the next time Brother Baker will be with them.

Ralph Velasco (1985) wrote his first book, ”Ralph Velasco On Travel Photography: 101 Tips for Developing Your Photographic Eye & More”. He also has developed a series of photography classes that he teaches throughout Southern California. He has a company called PhotoEnrichment Programs that develops and administers a series of team building exercises based on photography. His other division, called PhotoWalkingTours.com, has gone from one tour last year to over 20 tours throughout Southern California and in Chicago. He


CHAPTER NEWS

was recently chosen Photographer of the Year by the Professional Photographers of Orange County. In November, out of thousands of entries, he was chosen in the Top 10 of the “Most Slacker-Friendly” category in the Startup Nation Home-based 100 Contest.

Philip Burch (1959) died April 2004.

Illinois State (Beta-Omicron)Chapter alumni brothers from all eras attended the 4th Annual Beta-Omicron Alumni Association Reunion on January 30, 2010. The reception was held at the Medinah Shrine Center in Addison, Illinois.

Iowa State (Alpha-Tau)The chapter is currently using the help of International Headquarters’ staff to recruit new members. As part of the revitalization efforts, Master Steward Aaron Parker facilitated an alumni advisory board training on January 24, 2010. Eleven alumni brothers attended the event and were given direction on how to help advise the chapter, work with the school/House Corporation/General Fraternity, and redevelop the Lambda Chi Alpha experience on campus.

David G. Krohn (1970) died December 2009.

Idaho (Epsilon-Gamma Colony)The colony initiated 9 brothers on January 29, 2010. Master Steward Mike Saunders helped and assisted the colony with its Ritual Exemplification. To ensure that our undergraduate brothers at colonies are performing the Ritual correctly, and are taking the time to learn what our Ritual means and teaches, Saunders tries to visit all of the colonies as they conduct their first Initiation.

The chapter enjoyed academic success this fall with a cumulative GPA above a 3.0. Kelby Wilson is Student Body President. Nathan Jones and Ryan Shoemaker are active in ROTC.

Kansas (Zeta-Iota)Master Steward Mike Smith spent two days in January working with the undergraduate brothers House Corporation members at the University of Kansas to develop a plan on how to effectively use the True Brother Initiative to improve the undergraduate experience.

Kentucky (Epsilon-Phi)O. Trigg Dorton (1942) died 2009.

Lehigh (Gamma-Psi)Charles A. Roth (1948) died December 31, 2009. He taught biology and physical science in the Nazareth Area Junior High School from 1948 until he was appointed vice principal in 1968. He became principal of the junior high school the following year, a post he held until his retirement in 1981.

Louisiana-Lafayette (Iota-Omega)In November 2009, the chapter brothers assisted the St. Joseph Diner in Lafayette, Louisiana. At the diner, the brothers helped the other volunteers serve food to the underprivileged, cut vegetables, and also washed dishes and helped pick up after the guests.

The chapter initiated 19 men.

Louisiana State (Upsilon)John Dalier (1986) completed his 15th year of service at the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) in lexandria, Virginia. This past October, he was recognized in Washington, D.C. by the American Intellectual Property Law Association as a 2009 USPTO Examining Attorney of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the integrity of Intellectual Property Law while in distinguished service at the USPTO.

Doug Foreman (1949) died December 2008.

Louisiana Tech (Theta-Psi)Herbert Cathey (1941) died September 18, 2009.


CHAPTER NEWS

Louisville (Zeta-Sigma)Chapter officer Brian Ferreira (2011) rushed to help Ronald Moore after he was thrown from his car after an traffic accident in front of the chapter house. While Moored laid semicouncious, Ferreira was able to obtain contact information from him to contact Moore’s wife. “In today’s world where more and more people have become self-centered and afraid to get involved this young man renewed my faith in the generation that will one day step into my shoes,” Moore said in a thank you email.

Maine (Beta)William Christensen (1942) died March 24, 2009.

Mercer (Zeta-Omega)Eugene D. Anderson (1962) died October 18, 2009.

Methodist (Sigma-Theta)As directed by the Fraternity board, the International Headquarters’ staff has begun recolonization efforts.

Miami-OH (Zeta-Upsilon)The chapter served as co-sponsors to support the Alpha Phi Alpha Black and Gold Ball on December 5, 2009. Along with Lambda Chi Alpha were Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and Kappa Alpha fraternity. Fraternity board member Jonas Dominique and chapter President Justin Decamp were honored as representatives from a co-sponsoring chapter, and Lambda Chi Alpha staff adviser Tim Staples was honored with the Outstanding Faculty Leader Award from Alpha Phi Alpha.

Mark A. Losey (1990) died December 26, 2009. A former chapter president, he worked tirelessly for the Democratic Party and served at the Attorney General’s Office as General Counsel for Law Enforcement for the state of Ohio. Prior to that, he served as the Logan County Liaison for Senator Sherrod Brown’s campaign. He was a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives 15th Congressional District in 2006. He was the Ohio coordinator of Honor Flight, helping veterans travel to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials.

Rod Stephens (1980) died July 3, 2009. He was employed at Herman Miller in a sales capacity.

Franklin D. Morgan (1955) died September 19, 2009. He retired from Ohio University in 1993 as the sports information director for more than 30 years.

James E. Gresmer (1952) died June 29, 2009. A military veteran, he retired after 25 years as director of finance for Elgin Community College.

Cpt. Charles A. Wilson (1965) died July 29, 2009. He was the CEO of Nashville Wraps for 12 years. Prior to that, he worked at the Baptist Sunday School Board, started several business ventures while in New Jersey, and spent 27 years in the United States Navy.

Michigan (Sigma)Warren C. Roeger (1952) died August 27, 2009.

Mississippi State (Epsilon-Chi)Matthew Doude, a mechanical engineering graduate student at Mississippi State University, is the team leader of the MSU EcoCAR team. Ecocar is a GM- and DOE-sponsored university competition to build hybrid vehicles. His team has placed first, first, and third respectively in the last three years of this competition. They will compete again in May 2010 to try to bring home another championship. Doude is currently the only Lambda Chi on the team but they have had others in the past, including former chapter President Michael Sofferin.

New Mexico State (Zeta-Gamma)Keith Pearson (1966) retired after 41 years service at Continental Tire North America where he served as corporate manager of environmental affairs for the NAFTA Region. He earned the Illinois Governor’s Pollution Prevention Award in 2006 and 2009, and he also earned the Illinois Recycle Association award for Large Industry in 2007. Person founded the Southern Illinois Environmental Managers Association, an organization to promote the exchange of information among environmental professionals. He served 15 years on the board of directors of Keep Mt. Vernon/Jefferson County Beautiful and currently serves on the board of directors for the Granada Center for Performing Arts. In retirement, Keith plans to participate in Native American Arts & Crafts Shows as Choctaw Keith with his bead weaving jewelry.

New Orleans (Lambda-Alpha)Chapter brothers participated in Louisiana’s Adopt-A-Road program. They have adopted a one-mile stretch in front of the chapter house.

North Carolina (Beta-Upsilon)The chapter has a new website.

The chapter has a 3.2 GPA, second highest among men’s fraternities.

The chapter performed nearly 60 hours of community service on average per member.

The chapter raised more than $3,000 for Camp Kesem North Carolina, a free student-run camp for children whose parents are stricken with cancer. The North Carolina chapter was co-founded by alumni brother William Maixner.


CHAPTER NEWS

Chapter Vice President Eddie Sykes is chairman of the Greek Judicial Board, and troupe member with Interactive Theater Carolina.

Jennings Carpenter is the SGA treasurer and member of Lambda Chi Alpha’s Student Advisory Committee.

North Carolina State (Gamma-Upsilon)Dr. Bertram Coffer (1963) died April 10, 2008.

North Texas (Iota-Zeta)Claude Burns (1957) died 2009.

Northwestern (Alpha-Iota)John R. Harrer (1948) died 2009.

Oklahoma (Gamma-Rho)Tim Holt (1986) was selected to chair the Oklahoma Banker’s Association’s Commercial Lending School for 2010. He also received his diploma from the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wisconsin, for completion of a three-year course of study focusing on bank management of strategic issues in the financial services industry.

Dr. Rayford H. Smith Jr. (1969) died May 27, 2006.

Oklahoma State (Alpha-Eta)Director of Chapter Serviccs John Holloway (High Point) and Senior Associate Director of Chapter Services Jordy Miller (Miami-FL) were invited to conduct a rousing and passionate brotherhood meeting with the men of Alpha-Eta on January 13, 2010.

Oregon State (Alpha-Lambda)The chapter donated more than 20 bags of food to Community

Outreach on January 15, 2010.

Penn State (Zeta)Robert A. Sheridan (1965) died January 7, 2010. He began his teaching career in the Pottstown School District and retired after 35 years from Abington Heights High School in June 2001. During his early years at Abington Heights, he was the high school tennis coach and he was a member of the NEA, PSEA and AHEA educational organizations.

Pittsburg State (Lambda-Chi)The chapter has a new website.

Chapter brothers earned a 3.0 GPA last semester, highest out of all other fraternities on campus.

During the week of January 6-12, 2010, the chapter initiated 12 new members.

Polytechnic (Theta-Upsilon)Joseph Kuzyk (1959) died December 20, 2009.

Rensselaer (Epsilon-Eta)C. Bernard Ruckdeschel Jr. (1951) died December 30, 2009.

Richmond (Alpha-Chi)As directed by the Fraternity board, the International Headquarters’ staff has begun recolonization efforts.

Samford (Theta-Alpha)Julius C. Trotter (1943) died March 12, 2009.

University New Orleans brothers participated in Louisiana’s Adopt-A-Road program. They have adopted a one-mile stretch in front of the chapter house.


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San Diego Area Alumni AssociationA special thanks to Floyd Pickrell (San Diego State) who made a significant matching gift to the San Diego Scholarship Fund – a fund that pays for San Diego area undergraduates to attend the Fraternity’s summer Leadership Seminar.

Shippensburg (Phi-Tau)Brad Garfinkel (1993) was recognized by the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal as one of the 2009 Forty Under 40.

Dave Warden has created an iPhone/iPod touch application, Inject, that can help patients with the tracking of their Multiple Sclerosis Treatment or anyone that needs to track injections or oral medications.

Simpson (Theta-Lambda)Stanley L. Spangler (1965) died August 9, 2009. He served as a captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, United States Army, from 1969 to 1973, and was a Vietnam War veteran, where he served with the 1st Cavalry Division. For 36 years, up until his death, Mr. Spangler practiced commercial law in Denver, Colorado, and was held in high regard by his colleagues.

Southeast Missouri (Delta-Phi)Chapter brothers held their annual alumni St. Louis Blues game on January 14, 2010. Alumni and active brothers shared stories while attending the hockey game.

South Dakota (Alpha-Gamma)Bernard Benson (1960) died October 15, 2009.Southern Methodist (Gamma-Sigma)

William J. McMordie (1948) died November 3, 2009.

Dr. Donald F. Reaser (1953) died December 29, 2009. He shared his love of geology with his students for nearly half a century, continuing to teach in retirement as a professor emeritus at the University of Texas at Arlington. Dr. Reaser retired about six years ago but continued to teach UTA graduate students. His classes included field trips in Ellis County, where he had done extensive work. Dr. Reaser was a 32nd-degree Mason.

St. Louis College of Pharmacy (Pi-Lambda)Brandon Eldridge joined the editorial board for Drug Topics Magazine. This is one of the most widely published and read pharmacy/pharmacist/technician magazines in the United States.

Tennessee (Epsilon-Omicron)Robert Thomas (1964) died 2009.

Texas (Alpha-Mu)Kevin Farrell (1989) is updating the Alpha-Mu alumni brother database. Please contact him at [email protected] to provide your contact information.

Texas Christian (Iota-Pi)Bart Johnson (kick holder) was named to the NCAA Division I FBS & FCS First Teams.

Dr. Jack L. Walper (1937) died 2009.

Texas-El Paso (Zeta-Epsilon)Robert Bothwell (1951) died May 17, 2009.

Wabash (Alpha-Kappa)Bryan Watson (linebacker) was named to the NIC Division’s II-III/NAIA Defensive Honorable Mention.

Washington (Alpha-Psi)Chapter brothers helped stock the University District Food Bank.

Washington & Lee (Gamma-Phi)John M. McCardell Jr. (1971), president emeritus of Middlebury College, was elected the University of the South’s 16th president and vice chancellor. McCardell, a professor of history at Middlebury College, served as Middlebury’s president from 1992 until he stepped down in 2004. He joined the history faculty of Middlebury the same year. In addition to teaching, McCardell served the college as dean for academic development and planning, dean of the faculty, provost, and vice president for academic affairs before being named president. McCardell will remain as president of Choose Responsibility through June 30, and will be succeeded by Barrett Seaman, author of Binge: Campus Life in an Age of Disconnection and Excess and a founding board member of Choose Responsibility.

Washington State (Tau)Dr. Glenn M. Doornink (1950) died 2009.

Western Carolina (Beta-Zeta)Educational Foundation board member Kevin R. Vasquez (1978) was named president and CEO of Butler Schein Animal Health. He is the former chairman, president and CEO of Butler Animal Health Supply. Henry Schein, Inc. and Butler Animal Health Supply merged and the new company combines Butler Animal Health Supply and Henry Schein’s U.S. Animal Health businesses. Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Butler Schein Animal Health is the leading U.S. companion animal health distribution company and the largest in the world in veterinary distribution.


FRATERNITY NEWS

Presidents share perspectives, ideas about how to enhance co-curricular partnership.

College Presidents, Lambda Chi Board Meet for Joint Session

By Tad Lichtenauer (Denison)

On January 22, 2010, at the Columbia Club in downtown Indianapolis, five college presidents were given a presentation about the history, results, and future plans for Lambda Chi Alpha’s True Brother Initiative, the Fraternity’s groundbreaking educational program for undergraduate members.

The presenters, all master stewards and founding members of Lambda Chi Alpha’s True Brother Council, were Tim Reuter (Simpson), Lambda Chi Alpha’s director of education; Grand High Beta Drew Hunter (Denver), Denver University alumni adviser and CEO of BACCHUS Network; and, Dr. Elgan Baker (DePauw), Butler University alumni adviser and award-winning psychologist.

Friday night a second session was held that allowed the college presidents to ask questions of Lambda Chi Alpha’s Student Advisory Committee, the 12-member group made up of undergraduates from across North America, and the chairman/vice chairman of the Council of Presidents.

A final session was then held on the morning of January 23, 2010, in which the college presidents answered questions from the board about how Lambda Chi Alpha can enhance its partnership with host institutions and strive for an even greater co-curricular relationship with colleges and universities in North America.

This session was moderated by Lambda Chi Alpha’s Grand High Alpha Dr. Edward F. Leonard III, who is also the president of Bethany College.

The five college presidents who attended this groundbreaking event were:

Dr. William H. Crouch, president of Georgetown College•Dr. James Dawson, chancellor/COO of Lincoln Memorial •UniversityMark A. Heckler, president of Valparaiso University•Dr. Stephen Hulbert, president of Nicholls State University•Richard D. Valentine, president of Culver-Stockton College •

The following provides a recap of the questions Leonard asked and some of the more insightful responses made by the presidents.

What is your personal view about Greeks on your campus? What’s your campus’ perception of Greeks in general?

Crouch: It’s the greatest thing we have at our college and it’s the worst thing we have at our college. It’s fabulous for retention, GPAs, growth of the individuals. It’s the worst thing because it’s become so exclusive. Guys in

fraternities don’t talk to the independents. It creates a very segregated institution when 60 percent of our students are Greek at our campus…..The competition that exists between the fraternities and sororities create a lot of challenges at my level because most of the disciplinary actions taking place with the Greek system is one group doing something to another group. From a fundraising point of view, it’s a detriment to the college in that the young men and young women are taught that the real loyalty is not to the school but to their fraternity and sorority. If a fraternity would ever change that and say “we’re going to be partners and we’re going to teach our young men that when they leave they need to give to their fraternity and to their college because we’re going to have the highest alumni giving record of any of the fraternities” that would be a wonderful thing….And most of our major donors were Greek.

As you look back over the last 20 to 25 years, what do you think are some of the most significant challenges that have occurred in Greek life?

Heckler: We are pulling out all the stops to find ways to greatly diversifying our campuses…. There’s an opportunity here for Lambda Chi to get in on the front end and getting yourselves well positioned for that. And you in turn can help us with what we are trying to accomplish on our campuses....The other dimension of this that a number of universities are working on is internationalization. Again, the opportunity that a Greek system can provide in really engaging international students and a deeper understanding of American culture, the American value system…is just a tremendous opportunity for those campuses that are going aggressively in the international market. So I welcome that. What happens is you bring international students in and they form an enclave and they really don’t engage in the culture. And they won’t unless they are invited. And that’s the way it works. If we aren’t hosts, and it’s the students, if you aren’t hosts and opening up that conversation it’s inappropriate for them many times culturally to open that door. So again, it’s just a tremendous opportunity for us.

Look in your crystal ball, will Greek life be relevant 25 years from now?

Dawson: I would say, “Yes.” I think historically, Greek-letter organizations exist out of human need that is real, that is part human nature. I don’t think that will go way. I think Greek-letter organizations will be relevant if they do exactly what we’re talking about in here….I think we’re going to have a number of Lambda Chi Alpha organizations over the next century.

Heckler: I encourage you to be thinking about how Lambda Chi can operate in a situation that is not primarily residential. The residential


FRATERNITY NEWS

campus experience will be a very small subset of American higher education. So ways of gathering people together in meaningful environment that’s not tied to the undergraduate residential liberal arts experience I think will be an important part of the future.

What is your advice to Lambda Chi Alpha about how to become stronger partners with our host institutions?

Heckler: Bill and I were talking about leadership development….one of the things that we see for the future across all sectors is the beginning to develop a stronger and more intentional generation of leaders. If the U.S. deserves its leadership role over time…it’s something I certainly think we as a nation can bring to bear. It will be we think the measure of residential programs can be a real opportunity for living and learning leadership. And that might be a niche that will emerge in the future for residential programs -- high-quality, highly-competitive but then focused on leadership….Obviously, there’s some real opportunity with what you’re doing with True Brother to step up and stand out.

Crouch: I would encourage a PR campaign directed at the president that would be beneficial to the president. I don’t care how large the institution is, the president always likes to receive good news.

Are we missing some programming opportunities that would strengthen our partnership with host institutions?

Crouch: Every year I send every fraternity $200 to invite me to their house. First hour is answering questions. Second hour is playing pool, just getting to know each other. I’ve been doing that for 19 years. It’s been a great experience...but fraternities don’t take advantage of it. It’s mostly complaining instead of taking advantage of talking about networking. I would say invite your presidents to come in.

How does Greek housing compare to some of the newer residence halls or apartments? Are there opportunities for Lambda Chi Alpha to help address the physical plant, the house itself?

Heckler: They are squalor compared to what we’re building and what we’re designing right now for residential facilities. I’m really for nationals to come with some potential models and say we’d like to get something going on your campus. Here are five different strategies, different best practices for how you can bring your residential program forward.....We could go either way now. We could just say “all right, we’re just going to let these things deteriorate and let them go and then bring everybody back in and try to find a different model. Or we can be intentional and develop a comprehensive strategy for Greek residential life. I’m one of those presidents sitting at that juncture and it’s going to determine the entire future of Greek at our campus. I really know that. Again, that would be a great value add if you could bring that to presidents.

College President biosdr. william H. Crouch Jr., president of georgetown College Named president in 1991, Crouch’s initiatives at the Georgetown College include: the achievement of numerous record-setting fundraising goals and the founding of many unique programs. He also has been instrumental in increasing Georgetown’s enrollment and expanding the geographical base,

all the while aggressively pursuing greater diversity among students, faculty and staff. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and his master’s and doctorate degrees from the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

dr. James dawson, chancellor/Coo of lincoln Memorial university Dawson joined the administration at Lincoln Memorial University in July 2009. He earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at the University of Evansville, and began his academic career at Evansville as an admissions counselor while also earning his doctorate in administration of higher education from Indiana University. In 1988, he moved to Fort Hays State University where

he served as the vice president for student and institution development. Dawson served as president of Coker College in Hartsville, South Carolina, from 2002 until July 2009, successfully completed a $23 million capital campaign.

Mark A. Heckler, president of valparaiso university During his first year in 2008, Heckler launched the most comprehensive visioning process in the university’s history, a process involving alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community leaders. He also led a final year of a $238 million fundraising campiagn. Previously, President Heckler served the University of Colorado Denver for more than a decade, most recently as chief academic officer for

the three-campus university. He earned his master of fine arts degree with an emphasis in directing at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and a bachelor of arts degree in communications with honors at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College.

dr. stephen Hulbert, president of nicholls state university Hulbert became the fourth president of Nicholls State University on July 1, 2003. He came to Louisiana from Montana where he had served as chancellor of the University of Montana-Western from July 1999 to June 2003. Previously, Hulbert served as the commissioner of higher education and chief executive officer to the Rhode Island Board of Governors of Higher Education from 1996

to June 1999. Hulbert received a Bachelor of Science in education degree from Worcester State College in Massachusetts, a Master of Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and a Doctorate of Education from the State University of New York at Albany.

richard d. valentine, president of Culver-stockton College Valentine was named as the 25th president of the college July 1, 2009.

A 1970 graduate of Culver-Stockton, he has been vice president for alumni and development at Transylvania University since 2004. Previously, he was vice president of external relations at Monmouth College and dean of admission and financial aid at then -- Arkansas College, now known as Lyon College, Batesville, Ark. Not only is Valentine the first Culver-Stockton alumnus to be named president of the college, he also has served

the college both as a member of the Culver-Stockton Board of Trustees and as former dean of admissions. He has an extensive background in successful fund-raising, capital campaigns, and increasing enrollment.


FEATURE

Olivier Perodin, an active brother from Phi-Lambda chapter at St. Joseph’s, helps rebuild his country.

Faith, Hope & Love for Haiti

By Edgar Cepeda (St. Joseph’s)

Olivier and HaitiRelocating for college is a nerve-racking experience filled with cultural surprises for most freshly graduated high school students. Try mustering up the courage to fly 681 miles to a country that speaks a different language and then tackling the academic rigors of a reputable university in that language.

Olivier Perodin (2011) left his family and loved ones in his native Haiti in order to do just that. He arrived in the United States not knowing when he’d be able to return again, or if his return was even possible. “My heart wrenched when I left my family. I was shocked at how busy it was here, and how people kept to themselves. In Haiti we say hi to strangers in the streets.”

These initial emotional tests could not prepare Olivier for Haiti’s present crumbling state.

The distance traveled was the least daunting aspect of Olivier’s journey. Haiti has been economically deprived as a result 36 coup d’état that occurred after it gained its independence in 1804. The revolts have been rough on the land, causing Haiti to lose ninety percent of its vegetation, and its reliance on imports only inhibits their progress.

Poverty and crime run its streets. A car stuck in traffic baits kidnappings that can only be diffused by ransoms way out of the common Haitian’s financial reach. These conditions have forced Olivier’s family to stay constantly alert.

Nonetheless, Olivier did not pass up his opportunity for an education in the United States. He graduated from his Catholic high school in Haiti with exceptional grades, and scored high enough on the SAT’s to be sought by institutions like Saint Joseph’s University and NYU. He responded to SJU’s recruitment efforts and accepted a scholarship to study at the Jesuit university. “I had studied in a Catholic high school, and knew the education I would get at a Jesuit school would be top notch.”

Olivier arrived in the U.S with his family and his country on his shoulders. He knew his experiences here would shape him into someone that could someday open doors for Haiti. “After I become established here, I want to go back home and bring some organization in the government. I want to encourage the people of Haiti.”

The most destructive earthquake Haiti has ever known now directs the world’s attention to Olivier’s native country. This disaster has


TRUE BROTHER

exacerbated Haiti’s present impoverished state, and nations cannot help but to notice the country our brother has formed his life around.

Haiti was not always in its present state. His country was the first to gain its independence through a successful slave revolt, and it assisted other countries in the Americas gain their independence. Sixty-five percent of the country was once covered with lush vegetation, allowing the country to be mostly self-sufficient, and it had authority over the gold that attracted the imperialists.

Olivier and Lambda ChiThe hope to see new positive times for Haiti motivated Olivier to establish a strong presence at St. Joseph’s University. He kept a successful academic record, and got involved with different programs, like the co-operative internship program, Caribbean student association and the finance society. He was always looking for ways to grow and learn.

As aggressive and hard working as he was, Olivier was searching for camaraderie of like-minded individuals. There was more to offer his new community, and he was looking for something that would enhance his ideals, pushing him further along his development. Lambda Chi Alpha was the obvious decision.

Lambda Chi’s presence at St. Joseph’s was analogous to what Olivier wants his position to be in Haiti and in life. “Lambda Chi was making the community better, and the brothers care about each-other. I could see how they rely on each other, and I knew I could rely on them.” Inevitably his activity on campus led him to meet some of the brothers, who quickly realized what he could offer to LXA.

As a brother, Olivier shared a fresh new perspective. He was the first international student to become a brother, and members came to know and share his hopes for Haiti. Although most members perceived his experiences as unique, his morality and Christian principles were congruent with the brotherhood’s, allowing for a mutual beneficial relationship between the group and the individual. “I have learned ways to excel in and impact this new society, and I can use these tools and lessons to initiate change in my country. Lambda Chi has helped solidify my personality.”This earthquake in Haiti has affected Lambda Chi more directly than

most brothers across the nation know. Olivier’s family has lost their home and their family business — a school called Centre Classic et Culturel De Petion-ville. The school teaches grades kindergarten to twelfth. Many children and families have lost their primary source of education — Haiti lost an important unit of its progressive development.

As a fraternity we are now faced with a major test of our principles. It is not only a test, but also a real opportunity to practice vir quisque vir, and kalepa ta kala . Olivier is working around the clock to fund reparations of CCCPV and any other part of Haiti he can lend a hand to. He has built a website, www.cccpvforhaiti.com/, that is accepting donations, and Phi Lambda will be a strong contributor to his efforts.

The obvious way to end this passage is to ask for your support, but I do not need to do that. It is a brother’s innate response to react at with loyalty time like this. We know we have a brother in need and we know what to do. An epidemic like Haiti’s is an opportunity to show why we are Lambda Chi Alpha.

An epidemic like Haiti’s is an opportunity to show why we are Lambda Chi Alpha

http://www.cccpvforhaiti.com/


HISTORY

By Clair L. Pepperd (Oregon State) A look back at how the program began 80 years ago.

Traveling Secretary System Effective

Editor’s Note: The following article is being re-published from the April 1, 1930 edition of The Purple, Green, and Gold

In the earliest days the American college fraternity was at best merely a weak confederation of independent and somewhat widely scattered chapters. The executive authority was vested originally in the mother chapter, but dissatisfaction with the system grew until the conventions, held largely to appease the newer chapters, came to have real control. With this system came the election of central councils of grand chapters, which were to direct affairs of the fraternity between conventions. National visitation as such was practically unknown for many years and such matters as investigation of petitioning groups were left either to nearby chapters or to interested alumni.

As the system expanded, the need for inspection of chapters and petitioners became more and more apparent and many fraternities, through national conventions, authorized various methods. At the 1864 convention of Beta Theta Pi in Indianapolis, the national president was authorized to appoint a committee to visit petitioners for charters and report upon their fitness. Sigma Nu, at its first convention in 1884, separated the fraternity into three divisions and appointed an inspector for each. Probably the best known of all traveling secretaries was William C. Levere, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, who served his fraternity in that capacity from 1909 until his death in 1927, although in later years he devoted an increasing amount of time to executive duties at the S.A.E. headquarters in Evanston.

After 1890 more and more fraternities employed men as full-time executives until, at the present time, nearly all fraternities have some sort of paid secretary whose duty is to maintain an office. These men at first served also as traveling secretaries, but of late years an increasing number of fraternities have adopted the practice of having men spend their full time during the college year in the assistance and inspection of chapters.

Lambda Chi’s Early HistoryEarly in the history of Lambda Chi Alpha, officers recognized that there should be some form of national visitation. At the Ithaca General Assembly in 1914, the president of the Fraternity was authorized to serve also as traveling secretary, and he continued in this capacity until his resignation in 1920. The position of traveling secretary at that time, however, can hardly be regarded as a direct parallel to the position of today. There was no central office, reports were not regularly made, and the visitations were often merely social calls.

Before the designation of Cole for visitation duties, it might be mentioned here, Cole, Fischer, and other national officers did chapter visitation and inspection and investigation of petitioning locals. Some interested alumni also help ed, especially capable service being given by “Ted” Williams Brown. Of all these visitors, Fischer was far and away the most efficient, and much of the early chapter morale (which otherwise would have been low at times) is to be ascribed to his influence. Fischer’s calls were seldom “merely” social calls. Certainly, Penn alumni say, his visits to Epsilon were productive of much constructive criticism.

A strong case in support of the traveling secretary plan was made by John E. Mason in The Purple, Green, and Gold following the Cornell General Assembly action. The magazine also reprinted a comprehensive article by C.C. Chambers, Phi Gamma Delta, upholding the advantages of salaried officers over the non-professional and, too often, inefficient, unpaid workers. In those days, many Greeks insisted that the fraternity work was a labor of love; nowadays, virtually all agree that the best results can be obtained only by men giving their full time to the problems of their organizations.

Brother Mason summarized his arguments of 1915 for The Purple, Green, and Gold in 1924 when the Fraternity employed its first man to do nothing but visit chapters. He said in part:

“The traveling secretary is an inspector, a teacher, and a man for emergencies. He is not a spy and he wears no “high hat.” As an inspector it will be his duty to visit designated units of the Fraternity, to find out what is being done, and, where necessary, to show how it can be done better. As a teacher it will be his duty and privilege to express the spirit of the Fraternity in a way that will bring it home more vividly and vitally to every unit. As an emergency man he will be ready at a moment’s notice to go to any spot where immediate action or help is needed, and to stay there until the emergency has passed....

“To supply this need [of visitation], two solutions have for some months been before the Fraternity. One was to have an alumnus designated in each geographic district whose expenses should be paid on certain periodic or emergency occasions. While possessing many advantages, such a plan has the fatal objection that a really good administrator can seldom be torn away from business at a minute’s notice, especially when an emergency might require a two or three weeks’ stay at the scene of his needed activity. The other plan is to have a traveling secretary.” [It has further been felt that a man, though


HISTORY

younger, giving his full time to visitation work is apt to be more efficient that one giving only his spare time, who often may be absolutely untrained for the work, and may not have acquired the national outlook given to a man widely traveled among the chapters.]

Turning to the 1915 volume of the magazine we find this excerpt from Brother Mason’s pen:

“The Zetas must learn to cooperate with the secretary and indeed with all officers — to the best of their ability. The traveling secretary is not a spy sent to locate faults in a Zeta or to talk politics to its leaders. He is a cooperation agent whose aim is to bring about in every Zeta the best feeling and the most efficient administration that the accumulated experience of the whole Fraternity can produce. The opportunity to receive help in this way is one — among numerous others — of the great advantages which a chapter of a firmly established national fraternity has over a local society, which has no one to look after its administrative methods except the scattered alumni.”

At the Ann Arbor General Assembly of 1919, when the Fraternity system of administration was so completely reorganized, it was decided to establish a central office and employ a full time secretary whose duty it would be to direct the office and to perform chapter visitation work. Soon after this authorization, it would. Bruce H. McIntosh, DePauw, the editor of The Purple, Green, and Gold, was selected to the Grand High Zeta to fill the offices of the administrative secretary and traveling secretary. The first office was opened at Kingston, Pa., then the home of Grand High Alpha Fischer, but was soon transferred to Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and then was removed to a location in Indianapolis, Ind. These offices were directed by Bruce McIntosh at the same time that he was doing the work of the traveling secretary in the supervision of chapters and the

inspection of petitioners. This system prevailed until 1924, when the expansion of the Fraternity, with consequent increase of work in the central office, made it virtually imperative that McIntosh devote his whole time to office work. It should be noted that only a hammering campaign put on by some members of the Grand High Zeta, culminating at the Chicago assembly, finally put


HISTORY

the idea over. Much of the progressive policy of Lambda Chi Alpha which now seems easy and obvious was achieved only by hard effort.

It was, therefore, decided to employ another man who should devote his whole time to chapter visitation. After consideration of a number of possibilities, J. Fred Speer, Pennsylvania, was chosen. Speer was particularly fitted through his genial personality, sound judgment, and enthusiasm for progress for the office of traveling secretary. The selection of Fred Speer illustrates the policy since followed by the Grand High Zeta. Fred was only 22 years old, and had just graduated from college, but it was his very youth and his understanding of the undergraduate viewpoint which were desired. In this particular phase Lambda Chi Alpha was a pioneer, for visitation officers of other fraternities had almost without exception been older men, and this move of one of the newer fraternities was regarded as rather experimental. There is little doubt that Speer’s success vindicated the system in the minds of the national officers to the extent that it has been followed in election of all subsequent traveling secretaries.

Fred was a campaigner of the first order. Possessing the courage to present his views as he saw them and to combat existing evils wherever he found them, he was truly fitted to be a pioneer. Feeling keenly the fact that rough initiation practices were in force in nearly all of the chapters, he decided to work for the extermination of obnoxious customs. He offered the pledge court as a substitute, and it is indicative of the lasting impression which Speer left upon the Fraternity that Lambda Chi Alpha is now generally regarded as one of the pioneers in the abolition of rough initiation practices and that few chapters retain them. All this was accomplished solely through educational methods and without legislation.

The work of the first full-time traveling secretary was very difficult. His position had not become clearly defined in the minds of the undergraduates, and consequently he was often regarded with suspicion, and information was given to him only sparingly. The work of Speer has been largely instrumental in giving the chapters confidence in the traveling secretaries and in bringing the realization that they are there to assist and guide as well as inspect, and not merely to “snoop” and “tattle”.

When, in the middle of his second year of service Fred Speer was forced to resign on account of the death of his father, Virgil Coffel, Indiana, was elected to fill his unexpired term. Coffel, although a war veteran, stepped into the breach on short notice and undertook the rigors of a life of constant travel to serve his Fraternity during the last

half of the college year. Since leaving the service of the Fraternity Coffel has been engaged in the practice of law.

In the fall of 1926 there occurred a further change in the traveling secretary system. At the Cleveland General Assembly in 1925 the Grand High Zeta had been given authority to employ more than one traveling secretary, and it was this delegated power which permitted the selection of Dale W. Osborn, Iowa State, and Thomas F. Smith, Butler, as the next two traveling secretaries.

Osborn and Smith, who served for the next two years, presented an interesting contrast in personalities. Osborn, quiet, analytical, and determined, was a worker for organization. His efforts in reorganizing finances in the various chapters are felt today, and his stress upon the committee system and internal organization has helped make Lambda Chi Alpha a model of businesslike organization on many campuses. Smith was vivid, emotional, and enthusiastic. The emotional appeal of his coat of arms lecture has been felt throughout the nation, and his educational methods in putting on rushing schools and fostering truth sessions have brought permanent improvement along these lines. Both worked to improve accounting systems, and it is largely through their efforts that the Universal Accounting System is now used in practically all chapters.

In the spring of 1928, when it was known that neither Smith nor Osborn would return, Clair L. Pepped, Oregon State, and Reuben C. Youngquist, Washington State, were selected as traveling secretaries. Both are serving their second year [with a high degree of success].

The traveling secretary system of Lambda Chi Alpha presents several unique sides, and since its establishment has probably served in several instances as the model for systems of other fraternities. In the first place, as already mentioned, young men just out of college have been employed. The Grand High Zeta felt that the system is beyond the experimental stage, and has felt justified in the continuances of this policy. Both secretaries are traveling constantly throughout the college year, and neither is required to assist in the maintenance of the central office except in matters pertinent to the office of traveling secretary. The cooperation of the administrative secretary and the national officers has served to imbue the office with a great deal of unhampered authority, at the same time keeping it subject to the Grand High Zeta. The system is, of course, not perfect, and it is through suggestions from chapters and officers that the traveling secretary can live up to the ideal of being of the greatest possible good to his Fraternity


FRATERNITY NEWS

Medium provides interactive forum operational updates. By John Holloway (High Point)

Chapter Officer Webinar Recaps

For the past two years the General Fraternity has been hosting officer town hall conference calls for High Alphas and High Pis. Based on the positive feedback that was given during these calls this semester we added an interactive webinar and more officer town hall sessions.

The webinars allow the opportunity to show the documents as they are referenced and go step by step through the Membership Documents in the Officer Portal and the new Event Planning Process.

Each webinar lasted about one hour with the last 20-30 minutes opened up for questions and answers.

The following information is a breakdown of each call including attendees and what was covered on each webinar.

High Gamma WebinarHosted by Tina Waldrop, operations coordinator and Thomas Roberts, compliance manager

Wednesday, January 6, 2010 @ 7:30 p.m.•45 attendees•Covered the Operations Guide/Important Dates, Spring •2010 Rosters and the Officer Portal

High Pi WebinarHosted by Jordan Miller, senior associate director of chapter services, alumni volunteer coordinator

Tuesday, January 19 @ 7:00 p.m.•24 attendees•Covered the Operations Guide/Important Dates, Spring •2010 Rosters, Officer Portal, Event Planning and the 2010 conclave schedule

High Iota WebinarHosted by Matt Roy, associate director of harm reduction

Tuesday, January 19 @ 8:30 p.m.•59 attendees•Covered Operations Guide/Important Dates, Spring Risk •Management Assessment (RMA), Event Planning on the Officer Portal and other harm reduction topics

High Alpha WebinarHosted by John Cain, associate director of chapter services

Tuesday, January 26 @ 7:30 p.m.•28 attendees•Covered Operations Guide/Important Dates, True Brother •Update and Outcomes, 2010 conclave schedule and Council of Presidents update/survey results

High Tau WebinarHosted by Brett Baker, associate director of business affairs

Tuesday, February 2 @ 7:30 p.m. •

2010 Advisers College summitOn January 8, 2010 through January 10, 2010, Lambda Chi Alpha hosted its first ever Ronald A. Neville Advisers Summit. This stand-alone advisers training took place in Orlando, and consisted of the Advisers Basic and Advanced Advisers curriculums.

Master Stewards Wayne Gossard, Mike Smith (Denver), Drew Hunter (Denver), Mike Saunders, and Rick Scauzillo facilitated the programs/workshops in each of the two tracks of the summit. Thirty-two current advisers participated in the training, and were able to share best practices with their peers, the volunteer faculty, and staff.

For alumni serving as chapter advisers, housing corporation officers, alumni control board members, or alumni advisory board members, the Neville Alumni Advisers Summit is essential training.

In honor of Ron Neville’s (Drury 1969) many contributions to the Fraternity, the alumni advisers college has been named the Ronald A. Neville Alumni Advisers College.

A 2006 Order of Merit recipient, Neville has served for numerous years as the Drury University chapter adviser, an Educational Foundation board member, and has been a generous financial supporter of the Fraternity.


FRATERNITY NEWS

2009 Financial Recap By Michele James Over last five years, total membership revenue has increased steadily.

Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity concluded the fiscal year 2009 (ended June 30, 2009) with total assets of $4.412 million. The Fraternity had revenues of $4.0 million. The majority of revenue generated comes from undergraduate fees with the remainder coming from alumni contributions, investment income, royalties, and event registration. During this same period the Fraternity had expenses of $3.72 million. Income for the year came in at a healthy $276,180. After write offs of bad debt however, the Fraternity posted a total change in net assets of ($389,348) reducing the Net Assets to $1.861million from $2.250 million a year earlier.

Over the last five years, total membership revenue has steadily increased with an annualized growth rate of over 5 percent. While the average number of chapters remains solid around 200 the average membership size at each chapter has grown from approximately 41 in 2005 to 51 in 2009. The Fraternity spends more than 64% of its annual operating budget directly on programs and services for chapters.

Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity is well positioned for the future. Net assets have steadily increased over time from $584,079 in fiscal year 2005 to $1,861,000 in fiscal year 2009, tripling in a five year span.

0

500000

1000000

1500000

2000000

2500000

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Year

Net Assets

Amount

FY2005 FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009

Association 252,460 255,190 240,240 245,840 260,540

Initiation 479,750 469,000 506,830 554,990 582,995

Active 895,861 924,380 834,329 860,009 858,427

Chapter Base 75,000 149,600 220,800

Risk Management 970,678 1,219,123 1,121,828 1,187,404 1,173,791

Total 2,598,749 2,867,693 2,778,227 2,997,843 3,096,553

Membership Revenue

FY2005 FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009

Revenues 3,622,782 4,035,998 4,023,575 3,907,305 4,008,252

Expenses 4,020,695 3,217,865 3,548,979 3,533,330 4,397,600

Net Revenues -397,913 818,133 474,596 373,975 -389,348

Assets 3,139,529 3,978,829 4,473,981 4,504,345 4,412,591

Liabilities 2,555,452 2,576,619 2,597,176 2,253,564 2,551,156

Net Assets (Equity) 584,077 1,402,210 1,876,805 2,250,781 1,861,435

Summary Financial Data


FEATURE

ByJon Williamson (Maryland)

With more than 2,500 initiates in just 60 years, our Zeta-Rho chapter at Florida State University represents successful operations within Lambda Chi Alpha.

Building a Great Brotherhood

With over 2,500 initiates in just 60 years, our Zeta-Rho chapter at Florida State University represents successful operations within Lambda Chi Alpha. And it hasn’t been luck. Many would say it has resulted from the dedicated work of brothers who had dreams, dreams upon which to build a great brotherhood.

James H. Lee (Florida Southern 1950) relates the beginning: “William ‘Skip’ Knight (’50), and I were initiated into Lambda Chi Alpha during the one year we spent together at Florida Southern University in 1947. Although we loved Florida Southern we both wanted to transfer to Florida State University, which at that time had just become co-ed. When we got to Florida State we had one specific goal and that was to establish a chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha on the campus. Skip was a real go-getter and he worked tirelessly to attract good men and to complete the paperwork required of a colony. He was the colony president. It was an exciting time on the campus and we thoroughly enjoyed establishing a Lambda Chi chapter. We had good times and it was particularly thrilling competing with the other fraternities on the campus for the best men.” The chapter began with 20 men, followed by 12 pledges. Of these 32 men, a Lambda Chi was president of the Student Government Association (SGA), three were SGA Senators, one was secretary of the IFC and would later become High Alpha, and still another was president of the freshman class.

Bob Ryals (1950), later became a High Alpha and fondly remembers those early days. “Joe Ingalls was the High Alpha in 1950 when we became a chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha. Joe was an outstanding

student in the school of business and was a very popular brother. In those early days there was no place to house the chapter or the men so we were taken to Dale Mabry Air Force Base which became known as the West Campus. The University solved these problems by giving us the use of ex-Army barracks. Seventeen men lived in that first ‘house’ and the rent for the entire house was $152 per month. “We had a grand time in those early years. The chapter was initiated by a team from the University of Georgia. Jim Gunn, who later became a chapter advisor, was aggressive in securing our next chapter house. We had a housemother and with her, her husband and two children. A little known story is that we had brothers who fished along the coast and that enabled the chapter to feed ourselves as well as many of the football players…for a price of course. We were a fun-loving group of men, tight as fraternity brothers and we loved intramurals. Some of our brothers were from Indiana and they could really shoot a basketball and we won basketball championships. During my term as High Alpha we began the tradition of a tackle football game with proceeds going to charity.”

John Armel was the High Alpha in 1957 and went on to work for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for 26 years. “I have good memories of the campus involvement of the brothers. We had a large chapter with many veterans, so it was a mature group of men. My greatest memory of Lambda Chi Alpha is our initiation and I still carry the memories with me. I regretted leaving the fraternity atmosphere when I graduated and I always wanted to work with students again.” One of John’s chapter brothers at that time was Jim


FEATURE

McNeil. Jim states, “I was voted the outstanding pledge and outstanding active during my time in the chapter. The fraternity was so good to me and taught me so much. I vividly remember being selected to attend a management training seminar held at Ball State University. Well, alcohol was not allowed during the seminar, but I tried to sneak some into my dormitory where we were staying. Unfortunately, I dropped the bottle on the stairs and it broke with a loud crash. I hurried to my room without cleaning it up because I didn’t want to get caught and be sent home. Shortly thereafter I came out into the hall and saw George Spasyk cleaning it up and I pretended to know nothing about it. I quickly went back to bed. I carried that guilt with me for 40 years until I wrote a letter to George confessing to be the culprit.” George still has that effect on brothers. “Another fun thing was the wedding held in the chapter house. One of the brothers got married during the school year so we had a huge turnout. The housemother was the organizer and Dr. Ashby Stiff ’60 (later to become professor emeritus of hospitality management at Florida State University) oversaw the preparation and service of all of the food. No alcohol was served, but the food and cake were delicious and one bottle of champagne was given to the bride and groom along with a $36 wedding present. I also remember several of us pushing the groom’s ’52 Hudson to get it started.”

1978 was a year of celebration at Zeta-Rho for they were awarded their second Grand High Alpha Award. Ed Picillo ’78 was the High Alpha and remembers his fraternity experience fondly. “Lambda Chi Alpha was a fantastic experience, and we always attracted a diverse mix of good men. Some fraternities at that time wanted to know if

your family had money, others wanted only men from the south. Lambda Chi looked for good men, who were diversified in their majors, would be active in the chapter, were interested in intramurals and wanted to be involved in charitable activities. I was from Rhode Island, lived in the house for three years, served in three different chapter offices and I remember Dr. Gunn was the chapter advisor. The fraternity gave me everything that I needed in my life; an ability to develop everything to succeed in life. It taught each person good values, teamwork, provided a stable foundation, taught social skills and time management, and each of us learned that it was okay to fail as we learned the importance of helping one another. It brings friendships for life and gives the personal satisfaction of accomplishments within the fraternity.”

In 1981, Clarence Smith (1970) began talking with older brothers about establishing a chapter tradition. He proposed the creation of a club called ‘The First 100’, referring to the first 100 Zeta-Rho brothers. “It was made official in 1982, and every year since we have met during Homecoming Weekend to have dinner and then to attend the football game. It was a way for us to keep the friendships and also give back to the chapter with a few thousand dollars for house repairs each year. Sixty of the first 100 brothers have attended at one time or another. We have stayed loyal to Lambda Chi Alpha because of the relationships built through the years and we have never forgotten those wonderful days spent as an undergraduate.”


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The 1970s constituted a golden age of successes for the chapter. Two Grand High Alpha Awards were followed by yet another one in 1981. Many leaders emerged. One in particular was a dreamer named Doug Mannheimer (1978), an attorney with the firm of Broad and Cassel, and a recipient of Lambda Chi Alpha’s Order of Merit in 2008. “In 1980 the chapter moved away from university housing thanks to the efforts of Bob Ryals, Brian Swain, Rick Baker and Bill Roberts. A couple of brothers took the risk and bought a former sorority house, providing a home and a good base to recruit from. We were in that home for 24 years. During those years the chapter was very successful because we recruited a diverse group of men who were active in athletics, were good scholars, had great personalities and were active outside the chapter. The chapter also had superb leadership in the High Pi position with brothers such as Jim Hunt, Steve Lancaster, T.K. Hannah, and Wayne Rubinas, who has been dedicated to the brotherhood in that capacity for the past 20 years. In 2000, myself and a non-Lambda Chi alumnus, began to work together to create better Greek housing at Florida State. With the assistance of the president of the university we identified 32 acres not being used otherwise. Subsequently, a revenue bond was issued on construction on a Greek Park named Heritage Grove. We had done our homework in identifying what today’s college student wanted in a living environment, in other words, what they would rent if they lived outside the fraternity house. We have 39,000 square feet of space housing 61 students and one housing director. It is state-of-the-art with brothers living in two-bedroom and two-bath apartments with privacy. Each apartment has a kitchen with stove, microwave, and refrigerator as well as a washer and dryer. The buildings are equipped with sprinkler systems and in between them is a basketball court, putting green, and barbeque area.” The pictures with this article tell the story. There are two halls named for two brothers, Ron Hobbs and Warner Peacock, who invested heavily in this dream. “The total cost was $3.9 million and over 300 brothers contributed $1.3 million in cash to make this dream a reality. We are very indebted to Mark Bauer, executive vice president of the Lambda Chi Alpha Foundation for his assistance.

Pat Patterson is the current High Alpha, leading an active chapter of 128 brothers with a GPA of 3.3, and by the time this article appears will have recruited an additional 20 associate members. “We are dedicated to the seven core values of Lambda Chi Alpha and we live the ritual of our great fraternity. We are a diverse chapter enjoying

successes in activities outside of the chapter, thriving on intramural competition with winning the basketball championship in the fall, and emphasizing philanthropy within the Florida State community by sponsoring the Watermelon Bust, the FSU Dance Marathon, and taking pride in a high participation rate in the Annual Red Cross Blood Drive. Two of our brothers, Robby Hayes and Matt Shead are on the swim team with Hayes an Honorable Mention All-American. We are fortunate in having brothers such as Wayne Rubinas and Doug Mannheimer. Wayne is one of a kind with so much passion for Lambda Chi and especially the Zeta-Rho chapter. He and Doug have been constants for improving the chapter, always striving to make us better men, keeping us going up, encouraging us and willing to do whatever it takes to get us to the next level.”

What a journey this chapter has taken! From an abandoned Army barracks to a multi-million dollar structure; from 21 brothers to 140; the one constant is the love of Lambda Chi Alpha and what she stands for and what she represents, now and in the future.


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By Tad Lichtenauer (Denison 1987)Curling for Gold John Morris, a brother from the former Wilfrid Laurier colony, has spent his entire life preparing for the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics..John Morris (Wilfrid Laurier) has spent almost his entire life preparing for the opportunity to represent Canada in curling in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

“I was five years old when I first stepped on the ice,” says. “Curling was something that was in my blood and in my family for a long time. My father was as an avid curler and the same with his great-grandfather so it’s sort of in my blood. And that’s sort of how you get started up here.”

Morris played curling, hockey, football, and baseball growing up but curling was the one sport that of stuck with him.

“And It’s been pretty good to me and I’ve been pretty lucky so far,” he says.

Olympic MomentMorris’ four-man team qualified in December so they have had about a month or so to process what it means and to know that their lives have changed for the better.

“I’ve worked hard at competing and trying to get to the Olympics for about eight to 10 years,” he says. “It’s definitely not easy to get to the Olympics in Canada. Canada probably has nine of the top 10 teams in the world in our own country. So just to try to get to the Olympics on its own out of Canada is very hard.”

Morris even moved to Calgary, Alberta, so he’d be closer to the best talent and training facilities. Since Calgary hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics there are a lot of good nearby facilities.

Curling and hockey in Canada are similar to baseball and football in the United States.


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“There are certain sports where your country pretty much expects you to win gold,” he says. “And curling and hockey are two sports in Canada that if you don’t come home with gold then it’s almost a little bit disappointing.

Obviously, Morris knows that gold is the No. 1 goal.

“I think it’s a benefit that it’s in our home country.” he says. “I’ve been lucky to play in many world championships at home and abroad and I find definitely that the support and the atmosphere is better in Canada. I can’t wait to get out there to Vancouver and see a sea of red in the crowd. It’s going to be a pretty unreal feeling.”

The actual curling competition will occur from February 16-28, 2010, in Vancouver. Morris will spend the days before the competition finalizing the training and strategies.

The other top countries for curling are Scotland followed by Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.

“What a lot of people wouldn’t know is that to train for curling we’re in gym 2-3 hours a day and on the ice two to three hours day,” he says. “You definitely have to work hard at it to be amongst the world’s best.”

Last September, he published his first book about fitness and curling, Fit to Curl.

“Fitness has always been a priority and interest of mine,” he says.

The book has sold well and if it continues Morris hopes to make the Canadian best selling author list. “That’s our goal.”

replacing yourselfJ.R. Edwards (Wilfrid Laurier)

My philosophy on Lambda Chi Alpha was taught from Sean Thiel, an Eastern Illinois University alumnus who was working for the International Headquarters as we colonized.

He really sold me on the value of “replacing yourself” in the brotherhood, and how the best leaders surround themselves with the best people.

That is exactly the mentality that inspired me to actively recruit John Morris.

John and I met playing baseball together on Wilfrid Laurier University’s intercollegiate varsity baseball team, the WLU Golden Hawks. I was a freshman; John, a sophomore. Joining Lambda Chi Alpha and actively recruiting year-round John possessed everything we sought in a model brother: well-known on a campus as a three-sport varsity athlete, a strong student in kiniesology, a socialite in a world of partyers, and most importantly a man with rock solid values that would not be compromised and with a level of loyalty that could not be taught.

After such a large influence from Thiel and Duke Flad winner Dr. Graham Heaton of the Delta-Eta Zeta at the University of Western Ontario I realized I owed it to Lambda Chi Alpha to go out and recruit such strong individuals with such large presences in the campus community. I considered myself a “whale hunter” looking for the most well-rounded and well-known students at WLU.

Sean and Graham embedded in me the mentality that fraternity is for life. I was so fortunate to reach a position in management at Mars Inc. that I could sponsor one of my best friends and brothers when we decided to sponsor the Uncle Ben’s team featuring John Morris on their quest to world No. 1 and Olympic Gold.

Over the past years since signing the sponsorship it has been an incredible feeling to give back and support my brother John in pursuing his dreams. That level of loyalty and brotherhood was ingrained through relationships like those developed with Sean and Dr. Heaton, and through the annual interaction at Leadership Conferences with Phil Caposey and Dr. Matt Carlisle, both former chapter presidents of Eastern Illinois and Arkansas State University who I still keep in touch with regularly.

Now as I spend time with the Delta-Eta chapter at Western Ontario, I invest time, money, and resources to try to ingrain that same level of loyalty and commitment in every new brother and stay connected well into their careers after graduation.

What a great coincidence when four years later from those impactful interactions with Sean Thiel, we were at his alma mater Eastern Illinois initiating John Morris.

My favorite John Morris story in Lambda Chi Alpha (that’s appropriate for publication) was when he buried four goals en route to our 17-4 route of arch rival Pi Kappa Alpha in Greek Games ball hockey (second only to the 20 goal blow-out we laid on Sigma Chi).

Walking across campus in our letters to “Amazing Grace”, led by our chapter president carrying the official Lambda Chi Alpha flag was like no other -- and when we would arrive for any event that way, our opponents knew they were in for more than they had signed up for.

“Curling and hockey are two sports in

Canada that if you don’t come home with gold then it’s almost a little bit disappointing.”


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In addition to his training for curling, Morris is a firefighter serving an area just outside of Calgary. He works two, 24-hours shifts per week, which provides tremendous flexibility for training and curling.

He trains with the other firefighters and is motivated by their encouragement and support.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better job,” he says.

Lambda ChiAt Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Jason “J.R.” Edwards was a very big advocate and ambassador for Lambda Chi’s colony.

“He was a good friend of mine at Wilfrid Laurier,” Morris says.

Even though Morris was very busy with sports, playing on the world curling tour while I was still at the university, he was drawn towards Lambda Chi after witness what Edwards had experienced.

“After witnessing what he had gone through and just the feeling of loyalty and brotherhood that I sort of sensed from Lambda Chi, I became interested in my second to last year,” he says. “And I found it also had a very strong link to athletics. I was a varsity athlete

throughout my Laurier career. I found out a lot of other guys who were varsity athletes in the Fraternity so I thought it would be a very good fit.”

In 2001, the colony traveled to other chapters for their Initiation. For Morris’ experience, they traveled 12 hours to Eastern Illinois University.

Not knowing what to expect, Morris found the Ritual an unforgettable experience.

“I think a couple of things that I learned especially through the Ritual and Initiation was just learning from our mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions,” he says.

Lambda Chi Alpha helped Morris grow and develop as a person and teammate.

“You have to be able to learn from your mistakes when you are on the ice and throughout the season,” he says. “And to make sure you are able to work towards a common goal and support each other during tough times. I learned a lot of those skills and qualities from the Fraternity and it definitely was a great stepping stone for me.”

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By Jon Williamson (Maryland)

After 56 years of achieving many undergraduate academic, social, and intramural successes, and having initiated 864 men, the Iota chapter at Brown University closed in 1968.

An Ivy League Jewel

Brown University established its first fraternity in 1836. A local fraternity, Sigma Phi Delta, was added to the Brown community in 1907, initially occupying the north section of University Hall, using the second floor suite. In 1910, a large three story house at 101 Waterman Street was leased and remained the fraternity’s home until 1912 when the building was razed to make room for the new biology building.

In 1912, Sigma Phi Delta became the Iota chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha, the 21st fraternity to be established on the campus. Looking back to the beginning of Iota Zeta, the chapter enjoyed remarkable diversity with many activities and academic majors within the chapter. Sports were a central part of the brotherhood, both in intramurals and with varsity athletes as members. Science and education were dominant majors with many of the brothers pursuing careers in medicine and teaching. Leadership ability was a hallmark of the Iota brothers in those early days and the newly formed national fraternity took advantage of its talent. Four brothers served on the Grand High Zeta: William Dwyer, Grand High Zeta member-at-large ’12-13; George F. A. Riley, Grand High Beta ’15; Louis F. Robbins, Supreme Eminent Chancellor ’13-’14 and Grand High Phi ’14-’18; and Theodore Williams, Grand High Beta ’16-’17.

Many of the brothers in the Iota chapter went on to considerable success in their chosen profession, some of whom are highlighted in the sidebar. Of course it is always very subjective as to what defines a person as distinguished or prominent and that isn’t what defines an excellent chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha. Rather, we must look to the brotherhood within the active chapter to capture a Kodak moment while the chapter was open. Having professionally successful alumni is simply a bonus. Patriotism is a quality that was also present in the chapter with brothers having served and been killed in action in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

In writing this article I had the good fortune to speak with three Iota brothers. Jon Keates (1965) is a former vice president of the chapter. He retired in 2007 as vice president of development at the University of Southern California and is now a consultant. “I enjoyed a very positive experience in Lambda Chi Alpha,” he said. “The fraternity provided me with a safe haven and enabled me to successfully handle the academic environment of Brown University.” Keates was a Dean’s List student. “We were a brotherhood of athletes and almost everyone had an athletic role on the campus. Our great traditions were Homecoming, the Christmas Party, and Spring Weekend. There was always camaraderie of brotherhood in the house and great laughter. It was a true fraternity environment.” Gabe Walker (1957) served as president of the chapter in 1957. He is a former high school biology teacher. “Lambda Chi Alpha was the center of my life at Brown University. We had a good cross-section of brothers; some scholars, a few athletes, and representatives in many majors. Our social life existed every night with some brothers going downtown, others playing cards…

bridge, Oh Hell! I have great memories of the brotherhood. I thoroughly enjoyed the social events such as the Christmas Formal which was held at the house with a live band and serving of champagne.” Walter McGarry (1957), former labor relations administrator with the State of Rhode Island also has very fond memories of the chapter. “I remember the afternoon bridge games and being required to wear a tie to dinner. Our chapter size was in the 40 to 50 range. I also enjoyed the cocktail parties following the home football games.”

George Spasyk (Michigan 1949), executive director emeritus of our Fraternity has an excellent ability to add a historical story to every article. “Duke Flad became a Lambda Chi at Wittenberg with the Theta Kappa Nu merger. He graduated in 1940 and was accepted at Brown University where he intended to work on a PhD in psychology. Our Iota chapter was very small and very weak, and Duke was asked by Administrative Secretary Bruce McIntosh to serve as a graduate proctor for the chapter (a resident graduate assistant in today’s terminology). By the end of the school year, the chapter had grown by more than 20 men, had established a positive presence on the campus, and was back in business. But more importantly, the Lambda Chi Alpha experience gave Duke a strong love for his new fraternity and he quickly accepted an offer to become a traveling secretary in the fall of 1941. Within months he was made office manager and in 1943, with the resignation of Bruce McIntosh, he became the Fraternity’s second full-time chief executive.”

The chapter closed in 1968 after 56 years of achieving many undergraduate academic, social, and intramural successes, and having initiated 864 men. Those were turbulent times in our country, and fraternity chapters and overall fraternity membership declined as a direct result of anti-establishment sentiment. There are currently five traditional fraternities on the campus.

“Lambda Chi Alpha was the center of my life at Brown University.”