Convention review
The 56th International Convention Las Vegas • July 30-August 3, 2008
VIVA LAS VEGAS! The 56th International Convention, held at The Riviera Hotel & Casino from July 30-August 3, was attended by more than 260 student members, as well as more than 250 alumni and guests from across North America. The four days of programming, legislation, brotherhood and festivities began with a highly anticipated check presentation and finished with a lofty goal and the second largest gathering of Delta Chis in history!
Wednesday, July 30 Awards and V Foundation Check Presentation Wednesday evening kicked off with Patrick Alderdice, Ball State ’92, and Paul Picciani, Connecticut ’89, rocking through nearly 300 programming and individual awards for chapters, colonies and alumni chapters (see pages 12 and 13 for a full list of awards). We were all in for a surprise when they introduced the Executive Committee, as each man appeared dressed in full Elvis costume! It was a classic start to a Vegas Convention! But the feature of the kick-off was the presentation of a check to The V Foundation for 4 Delta Chi | Quarterly | Winter 2009
Cancer Research, totaling the amount of money raised by the chapters and colonies of Delta Chi since the last Convention. On hand to present the check were two courageous brothers from the South Dakota State Chapter. Ben Wise and Troy Miller rode their bicycles from Brookings, South Dakota to Las Vegas, Nevada in an effort to raise awareness and money for The V Foundation. These two men logged more than 1,600 miles in less than one month and raised nearly $10,000. As the lights dimmed for the check presentation, the doors in back flew open and the two brothers on bicycles circled the room and stopped at the stage to hand off the check. They received a standing ovation for their incredible journey and commitment to Delta Chi and The V Foundation. John Leshney, Senior Vice President of Development for The V Foundation, was on hand to accept a check worth $101,963.00 from “AA” Steve Bossart. “You (Delta Chi) have great leadership in Steve (Bossart) and your staff. I have had such a great feeling in getting to know the men of Delta Chi. You have people with vision and purpose, and they are
going to help lead the way, with you on this journey, to help find the cures,” said Leshney. Leshney went on to say that due to Delta Chi’s commitment and support a V Scholar grant will be given out in Delta Chi’s name. The V Scholar grants are designed to identify, retain and further the careers of young researchers. Only 15 V Scholar grants are awarded each year throughout the U.S.
thursday, July 31 Elections and Ritual A procession of the Board of Regents, past “AA”s and members of the Order of the White Carnation began the first general session on Thursday morning. Tom Viola, New Haven ’82, called the session to order as “FF”, and the Bond Song was sung. “AA” Steve Bossart, Kent State ’90, led the Convention in the U.S. and Canadian National Anthems, as well as the recitation of the Preamble. Executive Director Ray Galbreth, Missouri ’69, recognized attendees based on the number of conventions attended. Jimmie J. “Doc” Underwood, Kansas ’51, was recognized for attending his 23rd Convention, and Fred
