Cross & Crescent a Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity publication
INSIDE:
‘Entrepreneurial Spirit’ John Goff, successful investor and philanthropist Book Worm Angel Kermit Myers, helping children love reading Rodeo Commissioner John Windwick, Alberta alumnus of the year The Paedagogus, Part 1 December 2007 . XCIV . Issue 12
Cross & Crescent a Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity publication Features Chapter News 3 Chapter and Alumni News Fraternity News 6 Brothers Feeding Others History 8 The Paedagogus, Part 1
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‘Entrepreneurial Spirit’ After co-founding Crescent Real Estate Equities, taking it public, and selling it for $6.5 billion in August 2007, John Goff is eager to begin his next adventure. A significant part of his new focus will revolve around his philanthropy work and The Goff Family Foundation. By Tad Lichtenauer (Butler 1987)
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Book Worm Angel Book Worm Angels was founded in 1999 by Kermit Myers, a retired entrepreneur. Since its inception, the organization has collected over 1,000,000 books, and is serving more than 100 schools. By Chris Barrick (Butler 2004)
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Rodeo Commissioner John Windwick serves as the commissioner of the Canadian Finals Rodeo, an annual indoor championship held in Edmonton, Alberta. A graduate of the University of Alberta, he was named the chapter’s 2007 alumnus of the year. By Tad Lichtenauer (Butler 1987) Credits
Contributions
Publisher: Bill Farkas Editor: Jason Pearce Assistant Editor: Chris Barrick Assistant Editor: Tad Lichtenauer Illustrator: Jeff Reisdorfer Podcast Voice: Fuzz Martin Photographer: Walt Moser Assignment Editor: Jon Williamson Historian: Mike Raymond Contributing Editors: Jono Hren Aaron Jones George Spasyk
Content for consideration should be submitted by the fiftenth of the month. Lambda Chi Alpha 8741 Founders Rd Indianapolis, IN 46268-1338 (317) 872-8000 editor@lambdachi.org www.lambdachi.org www.crossandcrescent.com
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Cross & Crescent December 2007
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death Angelo State (Beta-Alpha)
Force veteran of the Gulf War, he was an electrical engineer for Conax Engineering.
Dillon Koen (2008) was elected IFC president, A J Lopez III (2010) IFC secretary, Chance Fincher (2009) IFC treasurer, Brandon Gardner IFC rush chairman, and Tanner Langston IFC academic chair.
Cincinnati (Gamma-Gamma)
Alumni members from 1957–1962 held their 7th annual reunion from October 25–29, 2007, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Chapter members volunteered at the YMCA’s pee-wee league baseball tournament, while another group of undergraduates helped with Christmas decorations at the Santa Fe Depot Train Station Museum, an annual chapter tradition.
Connecticut (Zeta-Lambda)
Chapter members held a clothing sale, raising nearly $5,500 for the North American Food Drive.
Arkansas (Gamma-Chi)
Denver (Alpha-Pi)
With its new associate class, the chapter has expanded to 162 undergraduate members.
In November 2007, the Student Advisory Committee elected Greg Hearing (2009) Grand High Sigma, a term he will hold until October 2008.
Chapter members hosted the annual Watermelon Bash on October 11, 2007, benefiting the North American Food Drive. With participation from all sororities on campus, the event raised 55,863 pounds of canned food for local food banks and homeless shelters, including The Benton County Women’s Shelter, Life Source International, and The Seven Hills Homeless Shelter.
East Tennessee State (Iota-Omicron)
Kenny Chesney (1990) was named Entertainer of the Year at the 41st CMA Awards held on November 14, 2007, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Eastern Michigan (Sigma-Kappa)
Prior to each home football game, chapter members organized a tailgating event for undergraduates, parents, and alumni on the chapter’s front lawn.
The chapter increased its membership from two to 15 in one semester. Chapter members participated in Miles for Medals, a statewide walk to help raise money for the Special Olympics.
Boston (Alpha)
Thilo C. Agthe (1984) received the International Trademark Association 2007 Volunteer Service Award for the advancement of trademark law on November 8, 2007, during the association’s annual leadership meeting in Orlando, Florida. He currently serves as senior counsel for the law firm of Wuersch & Gering LLP in New York City, New York.
Alumni members helped host multiple chapter fund-raising events, including a casino night organized by Jimmy Wade (1968), and chapter phone-a-thon. The combined events raised more than $2,000, eliminating the chapter’s debt in only two weeks.
Elon (Delta-Pi)
Butler (Alpha-Alpha)
Nearly 100 members and friends attended Elon’s homecoming on October 26–28, 2007. Chartered on September 19, 1992, the chapter was celebrating its 15th anniversary and has initiated 388 members since its founding.
Bill Lynch (Butler 1977), interim head football coach for Indiana University, was awarded a four-year contract after the Hoosiers went 7–5, their best season since 1993. He was featured in the September 2007 Cross & Crescent.
Evansville (Iota-Mu)
Central Florida (Beta-Eta)
Ryan Anderson (2008), Ryan Vaal (2008), Andy Morris (2010), and Scott Meyer placed 2nd in Phi Mu’s Rock 4 Riley, the sorority’s annual lip sync competition benefiting the Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Michael L. DeBerry (1998) died October 5, 2007. A U.S. Air
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Cross & Crescent
December 2007
CHAPTER NEWS
Florida (Epsilon-Mu)
Maryland-College Park (Epsilon-Pi)
In November 2007, the Grand High Zeta ruled to form an Alumni Control Board to operate as the chapter’s governing body with a focus on improving associate member education, preparation and exemplification of the Initiation Ritual, and harm reduction.
In November 2007, the Grand High Zeta approved the nomination of Jon Williamson (1965) for the George W. Spasyk Order of Interfraternity Service, which he will receive at the 52nd General Assembly in Phoenix, Arizona. Williamson retired as the executive vice president of the North-American Interfraternity Conference in July 2007.
Georgetown (Kappa-Omega)
Mercer (Zeta-Omega)
Twenty associate members were initiated in March 2007, making the chapter the largest fraternity on campus.
In November 2007, the Student Advisory Committee elected Tristan Fry (2008) Grand High Theta, a term he will hold until October 2008.
At the spring 2007 Greek Awards banquet, the chapter received the President’s Cup for best overall fraternity. In addition, former chapter President Cary Lester (2007) was named Fraternity Man of the Year, and Chapter Adviser Dr. Michael Cairo was recognized for his chapter involvement.
In November 2007, the Grand High Zeta appointed Mark “Fletcher” McElreath (Mercer 1987) as Grand High Phi. He was previously serving a two-year term as Grand High Epsilon. McElreath is a partner with Alston & Bird LLP in New York City, New York.
During the 2007 Watermelon Bash, chapter members raised $1,200 for Project Compassion, a philanthropic program that helps feed children in Guatemala.
Michigan Tech (Phi-Phi)
Chapter President Joe Carpenter was named Greek Student of the Month for October 2007 by the university’s Panhellenic Council.
Approximately 37 alumni and undergraduate members participated in the annual alumni golf challenge held in August 2007. The event raised more than $2,000 for the chapter’s endowment.
Millsaps (Theta-Eta)
Chapter members were invited to join the following honor societies: Adam Golsby (2001) and Edgar Meyer (2010) — TriBeta National Biological; Brian Hall (2008) — Financial Management Association; James Rice (2009) — Phi Sigma TauPhilosophy; Matthew Black (2009), Kyle Doherty (2008), Rice, Thomas Richardson (2008), and MacDougall Womack (2008) — Phi Alpha Theta-History; Black and Josh Smith (2010) — Mu Phi Epsilon-Music; Justin Huckaby (2010) — Alpha Psi Omega-Theater; Luke Darby (2009) — Order of Omega; Darby; Jonathan Webb (2008) — Lambda Sigma-Service; Bjorn Carlsson (2008), Woods Curry (2008), and Darby — Omicron Delta Kappa.
Georgia Tech (Beta-Kappa)
The chapter won 2nd place overall for homecoming and received the award for the largest display. Executive Vice President Bill Farkas (Butler 1988) was the chapter’s homecoming guest.
Hampden-Sydney (Kappa-Eta)
In November 2007, the Grand High Zeta approved the recolonization of our chapter at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. The chapter was declared inactive in February 2004 due to risk management violations and debt to the General Fraternity.
Indiana (Alpha-Omicron)
Nevada-Las Vegas (Delta-Lambda)
In November 2007, the Grand High Zeta ruled to form an Alumni Control Board to operate as the chapter’s governing body with a focus on improving associate member education, preparation and exemplification of the Initiation Ritual, and harm reduction.
Charles W. Schlager (1941) died November 17, 2007. He was captain of the college varsity football team and earned a Bronze Star for his service in World War II as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps.
New Mexico (Zeta-Mu)
Indiana State (Iota-Epsilon)
Salvador A. Cicero (1994), a principal of the Cicero Law Firm, P.C., was awarded the El Humanitario Award by the Cook County State’s Attorney in Chicago, Illinois. Presented during Hispanic Heritage Month, the award honors Hispanic members of the community who deserve special recognition for their contributions as lawyers and outstanding citizens.
More than 120 alumni attended homecoming on October 20, 2007, and enjoyed a barbecue hosted by Larry Oteham (1979), Rex Oteham (1977), and Steve Dirker (1981).
Louisville (Zeta-Sigma)
Chapter Educational Chairman Jeremy Watts (2008) is helping raise awareness regarding the issue of disabled students’ lack of involvement in Greek life. He is currently one of only three disabled Greek students, all of whom are Lambda Chis. www.crossandcrescent.com
North Carolina State (Gamma-Upsilon)
In November 2007, the Grand High Zeta approved the nomination of James W. Owens (1968) for the Order of Achievement award, which he will receive at the 52nd General Cross & Crescent December 2007
CHAPTER NEWS Assembly in Phoenix, Arizona. Owens is the CEO and chairman Southern Methodist (Gamma-Sigma) of Caterpillar Inc. and was featured in the August 2007 Cross & Hon. Terry Means (Southern Methodist 1971) resigned from Crescent. his position as Grand High Phi in October 2007 due to an increase in responsibilities as a district judge for the Northern District of Texas. Northwestern (Alpha-Iota) Undergraduates, parents, and professors participated in the chapter’s teeter-totter-a-thon held on November 2, 2007. The Tulsa (Epsilon-Upsilon) event raised more than $1,300 for Better Existence with HIV, a Chapter members held Watermelon Fest 2007 during the week local organization for low-income residents living with HIV/ of September 9, 2007. Events included a pageant, watermelon AIDS. games, and an auction. The event announcer was Grant Cooper (2007), and other alumni attendees included Pip Cardnell (2007) and Alex Schaible (2007). Oklahoma (Gamma-Rho) Jack D. Shannon (1965) died October 31, 2007. A Vietnam Alumni and undergraduate members attended a Founders Day veteran with the U.S. Air Force, he was a recipient of the Bronze alumni banquet on October 12, 2007, at the Crown Plaza Hotel Star. Shannon was a retired research scientist from Argonne in Tulsa, Oklahoma, celebrating the chapter’s 70th anniversary. National Laboratory, as well as an author of many articles on Highlights of the event included a video slideshow, keynote atmospheric physics. addresses by Chapter Adviser Tom Bell (1988) and chapter President Nick Doctor (2008), and presentations of chapter Penn State (Zeta) service awards to Andy Row (2004) and Brandon Riggs (1999). Approximately 120 undergraduates, alumni, and guests celebrated the chapter’s 95th anniversary on November 10, 2007 Troy (Sigma-Tau) in State College, Pennsylvania. Notable attendees included As a result of some core alumni support and the True Brother Director of Chapter Services John Holloway (High Point Initiative, the chapter has improved its performance and added 1993). The event was highlighted by the re-dedication of the 29 associate members during its recent recruitment. To celebrate Doty Room to Mrs. Duane Doty, widow of Order of Merit the chapter’s progress, alumni, undergraduates, and parents recipient Duane Doty (Indiana-Pennsylvania 1974), who gathered during parents’ weekend for several events, including a served for a number of years as the chapter adviser. reception, golf outing, tailgate party, and dinner. Charles B. Krebs (1959) died October 15, 2007. A former U.S. Army reservist, he was president of Kreco Electric, a business Washington (Alpha-Psi) started by his father. In 2005, Phil Friedman (1996), John Fiala (1996), Mitch Morando (1996), Brad Newcomer (1996), and Kurt Shintaffer (1996) formed the Madhouse Project benefiting the Seattle Philadelphia Area Alumni Association Cancer Care Alliance in Seattle, Washington. The non-profit Approximately 15 members of the Philadelphia Area Alumni organization held its 2007 Night Out for a Cure charity event on Association attended a reception on November 14, 2007, at The April 14, 2007, and raised almost $100,000. Public House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Attendees included former Fraternity staff members Jeff Glauser (Jacksonville Andy McLauchlan (1978) died October 29, 2007. A dedicated 1999), Joe Schneggenburger (Kentucky 2000), and George and active alumni member, he was an executive vice president for Taylor (High Point 2001). For more information, or to become SSA Marine, the largest port and rail terminal operator in the a part of the association, please contact Glauser at send2jg@ United States. hotmail.com.
Western Carolina (Beta-Zeta)
San Diego Area Alumni Association
Kevin R. Vasquez (1979), chairman, president and CEO of Butler Animal Health Supply, was given the 2007 Western Carolina University Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement. He is also the 2007 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year recipient for Ohio and Kentucky. Vasquez has served the Fraternity as chairman of the board of Investment Advisers, as well as a board member for the Educational Foundation.
Approximately 30 alumni, along with their guests, attended a San Diego Area Alumni Association event held aboard Lew Fay’s (San Diego State 1965) yacht. The event included a buffet and live entertainment.
Southeast Missouri State (Delta-Phi)
Chapter members assisted the local Boy Scouts of America chapter with the Scouting for Food campaign.
Wilmington College (Colony 288)
Southeastern Oklahoma (Pi-Sigma)
In November 2007, the Grand High Zeta approved the colonization of a chapter at Wilmington College in Ohio.
Chapter President Allen Howard was crowned 2007 homecoming king. www.crossandcrescent.com
Cross & Crescent
December 2007
FRATERNITY NEWS
Brothers Feeding Others 2007 North American Food Drive collects about 2 million pounds
By John Holloway (High Point 1993)
Since 1993, Lambda Chi Alpha has been coordinating an international philanthropy project that has now raised approximately 30 million pounds of food for the needy across North America. Called the Lambda Chi Alpha North American Food Drive, this annual event is arguably the largest single-day philanthropic project sponsored by a collegiate organization. This year, Lambda Chi Alpha collected approximately 1,956,573 pounds of food with approximately 150 chapters and colonies participating. In 2005, the Fraternity collected more than 2.5 million pounds, which was the most food ever collected in a given year. Food collected by chapters directly supports the hungry and needy within their local community. Participating chapters typically gather money or canned food and donate all proceeds to a local food bank, shelter, or charity.
“Brothers Feeding Others” is more than a slogan. It is the embodiment of the true principles upon which our Fraternity is founded.
For some shelters, Lambda Chi Alpha’s food drive is the single-largest source of charity they receive, and they rely on our chapters every year.
Comments from Members No more clearly are our principles exemplified than in the comments and stories of our members (both undergraduate and alumni) who took part in this year’s North American Food Drive.
Each can of food collected not only feeds someone in need but also raises the awareness that helping those in need is a cornerstone of what Lambda Chi Alpha is committed to doing.
Scott L. Savoy (Eastern Michigan 2011) “In November, we raised 7,075 pounds of food and helped the (Samaritans Purse) stuff 741 boxes to give to the children. We possess amazing man power for only being a 15-man chapter.” (7,075 pounds) Joe Saddoris (Murray State 2010) “It’s right before the holiday season and that’s one of the best times to help because it’s when families need it the most.” Jonas Dominique (New Orleans 2009) “It’s amazing how giving a community can be only a few years after the largest and most expensive natural disaster in this nation’s history.” (99,500 pounds) Justin Conley (Western Carolina 2009) “At our chapter, the NAFD is more than just an undergraduate event. One of our alumni, Joe Cleary (Western Carolina 1992), does his own food drive in Florida, and we combine our donations on behalf of the chapter.” (2,202 pounds)
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Cross & Crescent
December 2007
FRATERNITY NEWS
To view how well your chapter participated, visit the Lambda Chi Alpha website. Top 10 Chapters Reported 1. Truman State (261,646 pounds) 2. Texas-San Antonio (218,187 pounds) 3. New Orleans (129,644 pounds) 4. Mississippi State (118,216 pounds) 5. Butler (109,380 pounds) 6. Missouri-Columbia (100,000 pounds) 7. New Orleans (99,500 pounds) 8. Drury (80,988 pounds) 9. Coe (75,284 pounds) 10. Incarnate Word (70,000 pounds) Weston Kissee (Drury 2008) “I’m really happy with the hard work of the chapter. It wouldn’t have been possible without them. I would like to thank all of the alumni, parents, and community for their generosity and for helping us reach our goal.” (80,988 pounds) Rob Zuniga (Texas-San Antonio 2008) “Here in San Antonio, we strive to become better in every aspect of our chapter relations and events. We emphasize the importance of NAFD not only to our university but also to the community which we serve.” (218,187 pounds) Jeff Reisdorfer (Wisconsin-Whitewater 1999) “As many of our chapter’s brothers could not make it to Whitewater for two weekends to distribute and then collect bags of food, we conducted the North American Food Drive completely on-line . We accepted donations via our website and then presented the money directly to the Whitewater Food Pantry.” (8,050 pounds) (Because the chapter is in the process of being recolonized, the chapter Alumni Association orchestrated this year’s food drive using a unique, on-line donation process.) Making a Difference The time and energy put into the food drive is returned exponentially in the happiness and joy that our efforts bring to the community. Lambda Chi Alpha is able to give to those less fortunate through a simple act that provides people immediate strength to approach the day, hope that tomorrow is going to be better than today, and faith in the idea that people do care about others and are willing and able to lend a hand. Thankfully, hope abounds when our members are willing to give of themselves to support those with needs in their local communities.
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Cross & Crescent
December 2007
HISTORY
The Paedagogus, Part 1 An overview of the first 50 printings of our educational manual.
By Jono Hren (Florida Tech 1975)
iN THE PAST 26 YEARS, In 1925, when the earliest fraternities were planning or already celebrating their 100th anniversaries, and Lambda Chi Alpha was only about 15 years old, virtually no pledge manuals had yet been developed, except for that of Delta Sigma Phi, which was published that year.
Liberal Use Numerous fraternities offered acknowledgments to Lambda Chi and others in the opening pages of their early pledge books, many utilizing a common phrase, “for the liberal use of materials from their excellently prepared manuals.” Sigma Chi gave credit to Lambda Chi Alpha and Delta Sigma Phi; Theta Kappa Nu was indebted to Tau Kappa Epsilon, Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Chi, and Delta Sigma Phi; and Phi Kappa Psi thanked Sigma Chi, Lambda Chi Alpha, Theta Kappa Nu, and Delta Sigma Phi. In addition, some fraternities are known to have lifted portions of our manual without asking permission or offering acknowledgment. One fraternity was so bold as to use virtually the entire Paedagogus as its own, including pictures that included undergraduates who were surprised to find their photographs in a rival fraternity’s pledge manual.
Delta Upsilon had published a 1916 manual that was aimed more at the chapter than the new member, while Alpha Tau Omega’s 1911 Manual described itself as a compilation of facts and a contribution to history. Not until 1929 was it revised to be more of a pledge manual. Between 1926 and 2005, 50 editions of Lambda Chi Alpha’s Paedagogus have been published. The first was subtitled “a manual for the instruction of aspirants in fraternalism,” and the 50th edition, “the manual of fraternal education.” During the period when the Cross & Crescent magazine appeared in printed form, the Paedagogus was considered the second most important publication of the Fraternity.
The 2nd edition of the Paedagogus appeared in 1927, with revisions published every year until the United States’ involvement in World War II, and following the war until mid-century. In the 1950s, updated versions were published, for the most part, every two years in order to include new listings and photographs of Grand High Zeta members who were elected at the biennial General Assemblies.
Born on a Train The story of its inception, as told by Linn C. Lightner (Franklin & Marshall 1918), unfolds with John E. Mason (Pennsylvania 1913) and Ernst J. C. Fischer (Cornell 1910) in a compartment on a Pennsylvania Railroad train bound for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, following the December 1925 Cleveland General Assembly. They hammered out a rough sketch, and later brought in Bruce McIntosh (DePauw 1916).
1926-1928 (1st–3rd Editions) The original three volumes, growing from 66 pages to 116 pages, had rather spartan paper covers varying in color from pale gray to pale green. In the words of Lightner, “The new work was not exactly a thing of printing beauty, for funds even then were somewhat limited.” Indeed, the cover bore only the title and official seal of the Fraternity. The first page added the subtitle, “A manual for the introduction of aspirants in fraternalism.”
A Kindly Friend The earliest versions opened with a foreword explaining that the “Paedagogus is intended to serve as an agreeable and patient guide for the novice in fraternalism in his journey along paths of brotherly association. But our Paedagogus is not merely a guide to bid adieu at the end of the journey. It is a kindly friend to remain with one when first glimpses of newly visited realms are but a memory.” Due, not in any small measure to Lambda Chi’s groundbreaking book, an explosion of manuals sprang forth from fraternities. Beginning in 1926 and continuing throughout the 1930s, pledge manuals were introduced by: Theta Chi (1926); Tau Kappa Epsilon and Theta Kappa Nu (1927); Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, and Alpha Tau Omega (1929); Phi Kappa Psi, Theta Xi, and Kappa Sigma (1931); Acacia (1933); Alpha Epsilon Pi (1935); Sigma Alpha Epsilon (1938); Beta Theta Pi and Delta Chi (1939); and Phi Gamma Delta (1941). At least one fraternity did not have a pledge manual until the mid-1950s.
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1929-1931 (4th–6th Editions) In contrast to the first three volumes, editions four, five, and six were beautifully done with ornate Greek designs printed in black, green, and gold on a leatherette cover. The seal, in gold, was centered on the back cover.
Cross & Crescent
December 2007
HISTORY Although similar, the designs varied in detail, and it is interesting to ponder why such changes were made. In addition to the subtitle mentioned above, the following wording was included on the title page in 1931, “Know Your Fraternity. Only as you understand it will you appreciate it and benefit from it. ‘Knowledge today makes achievement possible tomorrow.’” During this time, the Paedagogus was expanded from 116 pages to 150 pages.
The first five volumes were square bound. From 1947 through 1960, perforated pages — decreasing from 167 to 138 in number through the series — were held together by a plastic comb binding. In addition to green, colors included white, blue, and yellow, and the post-war mantra became, “Know Your Fraternity. Carry on its Traditions.” But the tradition of the Paedagogus itself would soon be in jeopardy. Note that 1960 saw the 28th edition.
1932–1939 (7th–14th Editions) A multitude of colors ranging from aqua to gray to burgundy, again on textured leatherette, characterized the next eight editions, titled Paedagogus of Lambda Chi Alpha, with the aforementioned subtitle. The additional wording was condensed to “Know Your Fraternity and be Proud,” perhaps in reference to a footnote to the foreword noting that other fraternities had “adapted” certain articles, namely the foreword, “Good Taste,” and “Making the most of University Opportunities.”
1961 and 1962 (29th, 30th Editions) The next series of revisions are often referred to as the black books, and for the first time had what can be considered a hard cover. Missing from that cover, however, was one very important word: Paedagogus. Instead, embossed on the black alligator texture was the seal in gold; Lambda, Chi, and Alpha in purple, green, and gold, respectively; and the words, “your college home...a lifetime fellowship.”
In 1935 (10th edition), the meaning of Paedagogus was explained for the first time and appeared in all printings through 1960. “Paedagogus is a Latin word coming from the Greek Paidagogos, meaning a male servant who accompanied young students to and from school and had charge of them at school, hence a male teacher or pedagogue. The plural (like the plural of the male alumnus, alumni) is Paedagogi.”
The title page read, “Your pledge manual of fraternal education for Lambda Chi Alpha...your home during four of the most important characterforming years of your life...a fellowship that will provide rewarding experiences for the rest of your life.” Paedagogus is mentioned only in the historical timeline and the section describing publications, the latter stating, “The Pledge Manual is the second most important Fraternity publication. When it was first published in 1926, as the Paedagogus, it created quite a stir in the fraternity world....”
The eight volumes in this series averaged 150 pages. 1940–1960 (15th–28th Editions) Heavily revised concurrent with the union with Theta Kappa Nu, a modernized series began with the bright green 1940 edition sporting a decidedly Greek motif, featuring a column, urn, and graduating student, underlined with a Greek key design. At first, these were made with the graphics printed in black on a clear laminate, which was susceptible to peeling. Following World War II, printing was done directly on the cover.
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Clearly, the name had been dropped in favor of Pledge Manual, and the copyright page in 1961 listed no edition number. The 1962 printing was termed, “Second Edition.” Had it still been called the Paedagogus, it would have been the 30th edition. Executive Vice President Emeritus George Spasyk (Michigan 1949) remembers with some degree of humor the discussions surrounding the search for a new title to replace Paedagogus. One suggestion, he recalls, was “Quest,” a name that was rejected for sounding too much like a particular brand of toothpaste.
Cross & Crescent
December 2007
HISTORY 1964–1970 (31st–34th Editions) Due to opposition, primarily from undergraduates who were very proud of the fact that the name of their pledge manual was unique among fraternities, not only did the name Paedagogus return in 1964, but for the first time –- and ever since that time –included the article “the,” The Paedagogus. Page 164 identified it as the 31st edition. The pendulum had swung even farther by 1970, with the last of the black books, and the disappearance of the word “pledge” from the subtitle. It now read, “Your manual of fraternal education” -- for soon there would be no pledges at all.
accompanied the abolition of the “pledge” concept, noting that the process of fraternal education did not end with initiation but continued throughout a member’s lifetime experience. The series contained between 143 and 155 pages. 1990–1997 (44th–47th Editions) The four editions of the 1990s might be casually referred to as the square books for their distinctive shape. Arguably the most beautiful cover design of any Paedagogus is among this group. While three of them had green covers with gold lettering, the 1992 edition stands out with metallic purple, green, and gold lettering on a jet black background. In 1995, the Creed of Lambda Chi Alpha appeared for the first time in The Paedagogus, as did the phone number for our Headquarters. To further usher in the Information Age, www.lambdachi.org was added to the title page in 1997. Length varied between 133 and 162 pages.
1972 (no edition) An interim manual with a paper cover and 32 pages stapled through the top, and bearing the anonymous title Reference Materials, was issued in 1972, when pledgeship was officially replaced by associate membership. “For Temporary Use — New Reference Manual* now in Production. *To replace current Paedagogus which is now out of print,” was stamped on the cover.
2000–2005 (48th–50th Editions) In terms of layout and content, the 2000 edition would better fit into the previous series, but the overall shape changed to more traditional proportions. The 2003 Paedagogus, purple with gold lettering and Greek key edge embellishment, is singular in that it included for the first and only time the complete Constitution and Statutory Code. Consequently, it was a huge volume of 305 pages. The appearance of the motto, Vir Quisque Vir, on the cover heralded another first.
1973–1988 (35th–43rd Editions) The Paedagogus was back in 1973 with a string of brown books. The larger format with gold lettering later included a variety of colors — blue, maroon, and charcoal gray — from 1984 to 1988, and a cover motto, “the Fraternity of Honest Friendship,” that continued until 1992. The subtitle, “Your manual of fraternal education for Lambda Chi Alpha,” first appeared on the title page in 1973 and continues to the present.
The 50th edition carried on the same cover design, although on a green background, and did not include the added documents.
The 1984 edition added a significant statement following the explanation of the Greek paedagogus. “This book is provided to each member, associate and initiate, so that answers may be obtained to those questions pertaining to Lambda Chi Alpha. This book is not intended to be required reading or material for memorization by any individual. Rather, it is for the mutual benefit of all members so that an understanding of Lambda Chi Alpha may be obtained throughout the undergraduate years and beyond.” This was a reaffirmation of the Fraternity Education program that
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Stay Tuned This first installment is a brief glance primarily at the history, covers, and title pages of the 50 editions of The Paedagogus issued to date. The differences, as subtle as they may seem on the surface, serve to illustrate the intensity of thought that went into each edition, and the precise meaning to be conveyed at any particular time. Great significance, therefore, can be derived by comparing specific terms and wording as they trace the evolution of our Fraternity. Next month we will follow changes in content by taking a more indepth look beneath the surface and between the covers of these 50 volumes of The Paedagogus.
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Cross & Crescent
December 2007
FEATURE
‘Entrepreneurial Spirit’ After co-founding Crescent Real Estate Equities, taking it public, and selling it for $6.5 billion in August 2007, John Goff is eager to begin his next adventure. From a very early age, John Goff (Texas 1977) possessed an “entrepreneurial spirit.”
of the business people...I realized I was more energized by the business aspect of it than the engineering side,” he says.
As a young teenager, he landed his first job maintaining an apartment complex in his hometown of Lake Jackson, Texas.
As a result, Goff decided to switch from electrical engineering to the business school at Texas. Within the business school, he chose to major in accounting because there was a shortage of accountants at the time and a chance for a higher starting salary.
“Ultimately, I essentially ran the apartment complex,” Goff says. “I collected rent. I kept the books. I cleaned the pool and maintained the grounds. I moved people in and out. I painted apartments. It was a great job. It was a lot of money for me at the time and I learned a great deal...particularly hard work.”
Fraternity Support Like his brother, Goff also chose to join Lambda Chi at Texas, and he says the Fraternity members gave him the support system that was particularly beneficial at such a large school.
Texas Longhorn A few years later, when Goff was deciding what college to attend, he never looked beyond the Texas borders.
“The Fraternity provided me with many friendships and a head start in terms of insights into classes, professors,” he says. “At the time, we didn’t have the benefit of internet and all the class selection capabilities available today. It was basically word of mouth. It was a group of close friends that would share their experiences and enable me to avoid some of their own mistakes.”
“We grew up in a small town and we didn’t have the opportunity to search outside of Texas for schools,” he says. “We were very influenced by people we were close to at the time as to where to go to school.” He also was influenced by his older brother, Charlie Goff Jr. (Texas 1963), who had graduated from the University of Texas and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha.
Not surprisingly, Goff also found the ritual to be an important part of his journey with the Fraternity. “The ritual process was trying, difficult, and I learned a lot about myself as well as other people,” he says. “It was a very emotional and stressful process having to juggle the schedule with classwork. I certainly have never been through anything like that. It was a unique experience that I will not forget.”
When Goff made the decision to attend Texas, he planned to become an engineer and was both excited and nervous about attending such a large university. “I couldn’t wait to go,” he says. “I was very excited to get away from home. Having the freedom that college offered. I just remember it being an exciting yet somewhat scary experience.”
In addition to the undergraduate support, the local alumni network also helped Goff in many ways.
While in college, Goff spent two summers working as an intern for Dow Chemical, which earned him almost enough money to pay for college. One summer, he worked on the design of a chemical plant Dow was building in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
“At the time, we had a very strong and involved alumni group,” he says. “The alumni were often present and interacted routinely with us. We learned about leadership through their example and they provided helpful advice and contacts for life after college.”
“In the process of working on the design, I was exposed to the business side of the development and was able to interact with some
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By Tad Lichtenauer (Butler 1987)
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FEATURE With his long-term goal intact, and newly married, Goff moved from Houston, Texas, to Ft. Worth, Texas, and took a job with KPMG Peat Marwick in 1981. In this new role, he soon met legendary investor Richard Rainwater, who became one of Goff’s primary clients. “I was committed to staying with Peat Marwick until just the right opportunity came along,” he says. Then, in 1987, that opportunity presented itself when Rainwater left the Bass family to start up his own investment shop and asked Goff to come work for him. Soon after, Goff became a senior investment adviser and vice president of Rainwater, Inc. “This was the opportunity I had been working and waiting for,” Goff says. “I was going to be with some very smart individuals who were accomplished dealmakers and who had significant access to capital. It was just a wonderful opportunity. I don’t believe in luck. I had worked very hard and patiently waited for the right position.”
Many of the values Goff learned from the Fraternity are ones he carried forward and applied to the companies he later created.
After the stock market crash in October 1987, Rainwater allocated Goff a significant amount of money to invest in the stock market and the autonomy to make his own decisions.
“I think that many of the attributes of a fraternity are applicable to business,” he says. “There is a tight-knit culture composed of individuals with common interests working toward a common cause. I’m a big believer in a deep-rooted culture of integrity, honesty... everyone understanding what the mission of the organization is. I learned clearly the importance of teamwork in the Fraternity and applied that to growing a business.”
“Somehow he had the faith and the trust that I would make smart investments,” he says. “I had no experience investing in the stock market but I certainly had experience analyzing businesses and interpreting financial statements.” Fortunately, Goff made good decisions and his stock selections ended up doing very well. This gave him the confidence to believe he had a knack for investments. He was then involved in many other investments made by Rainwater both public and private.
During his Fraternity days, Goff says one charitable project involving a school for disabled children also had a profound impact on him. “We, in essence, rebuilt the school,” he says. “We painted it. We redid a lot of the furniture, and played with kids. We had all kinds of projects that went on at the school.”
Soon thereafter the real estate market collapsed and Rainwater asked Goff if he would quarterback the firm’s foray into real estate. He says, “This was like Halley’s Comet. A chance in a lifetime. To design a strategy from scratch, to invest in the largest industry in the United States at a time when no one else thought it was smart.”
Many of the children would grab hold of Goff and the other brothers because the children didn’t want them to leave. “It was a very moving experience for me,” he says. “I remember feeling really good about what we accomplished. That’s something that is embedded in my memory. And I would have never on my own found that opportunity otherwise.”
Goff then designed the strategy, deciding not only what assets to invest, but what markets to invest in, and determining how to finance them. Most importantly, Rainwater required Goff to invest personally in each decision he made. “Ultimately, I had my entire net worth on the line,” he says.
Fate Meets Opportunity After graduating from Texas, Goff began his career in public accounting for a national accounting firm with a focus on energy and real estate companies in Houston, Texas. He soon realized he wanted to expand his aptitudes beyond accounting.
Over the next few years, Goff oversaw the purchase of more than three million square feet of office space, along with the acquisition of several residential projects and hotels.
“Accounting for me was too historical,” he says. “I found it a terrific way to learn about business and to see the impact of business decisions -- both good and bad. I recognized that I needed more experience, but ultimately wanted to be the one making the decisions, not evaluating them.”
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FEATURE Birth of Crescent The eventual result of Goff’s successfully executed plan was the creation of Crescent Real Estate Equities, Inc. “It was all based on timing and a macro view,” he says. “And I think that’s true in every investment. I learned a lot about that from Richard. You have to be right on your macro view and timing...or every bit of micro execution will fail.” In May 1994, needing access to a much larger pool of capital in order to maintain the growth of the business, Goff and Rainwater led Crescent’s initial public offering. After 13 years as a public company, Goff says they were at a point where the real estate cycle had peaked and it was an opportune time to harvest the gains for the shareholders. In May 2007, Goff championed the deal that led to the company being acquired by Morgan Stanley Real Estate for $6.5 billion. After agreeing to remain with the company during a transition period, Goff has now officially abdicated his role.
Since its inception, FACES® of Change has contributed in excess of $2.3 million in financial and in-kind donations, as well as more than 50,000 volunteer hours to 80 schools. As a result of the Crescent’s sale to Morgan Stanley, Goff now plans to continue his philanthropy work under the umbrella of The Goff Family Foundation.
“I’m now highly motivated to identify the next big opportunity,” he says. “It is refreshing to be looking but not having to do anything until the time is right. And now, I don’t have to search for capital, I have my own to invest.”
“Morgan Stanley has embraced the FACES® program and I am certain it will continue,” he says. “My foundation will involve all of the family and will find new creative ways to help children through education.” The Next Chapter Today, a large part of Goff’s current focus is related to the other business he started back in 1997, Goff Capital Partners. “I have a wonderful team at Goff Capital to grow a new business around,” he says. “They have already achieved many successes, and we are now armed with fresh capital and many ideas.” The investment firm’s primary focus is real estate related securities, and it is currently managing more than $2 billion in assets. “I consider myself incredibly fortunate with what I’ve been able to accomplish in my life,” he says. “I feel blessed. What I’ve tried really hard to do is to not let the financial rewards change me. I hope that my friends, family, and partners do not feel that I am any different now than I was 15 years ago. Too often, I get the accolades — which should reflect on all of these individuals as a team.
Philanthropy Efforts During his tenure at Crescent’s helm, Goff championed a foundation, FACES® of Change, where the company adopted schools across the United States.
“I am most proud of the jobs that have been created, and the lives that have been impacted positively as a result of building companies,” Goff says. “A decent idea, teamwork, and good timing is a powerful combination.”
Having received national recognition, the program partners Crescent employees, customers, and business associates with local elementary schools that have limited resources.
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FEATURE
Book Worm Angel Book Worm Angels was founded in 1999 by Kermit Myers, a retired entrepreneur.
By Chris Barrick (Butler 2004)
Ironically, Retirement just turned intoa new starting point for Kermit Myers (Colorado-Boulder 1951). At the age of 65, he left the business world and began his focus on charity. He began tutoring children at inner-city schools in Chicago, Illinois. He quickly realized that many of the kids had no books at home.
• No child can be punished or fined for lost books. Myers admits, though, that this doesn’t seem to be a problem. “The kids are great about returning the books,” he says. “Teachers say that kids bring the book back so they can get more.” This explains the low 5 percent book loss rate.
“The tutor program in Chicago had people coming in for one or two hours a week helping the teachers; read and what not. It was pretty inefficient,” says Myers. “So I went to the principal and said what about a lending library?”
• The school’s principal is required to send a letter home to parents asking them to turn off the TV and read with their children. Many school libraries don’t allow books to go home, and public libraries are often far away and dangerous for children to commute to, Myers explains. Thus, being able to supply children with in-house reading for pleasure is important.
Myers knew his grandkids had old books they had outgrown and assumed other suburban kids had the same. In 1999, Book Worm Angels was born.
“Kids might see that books are fun to read,” says Myers. “These kids don’t have books at home, so if you get to them by the third or fourth grade they can sign up for Reading is Fun. They read more, learn more, do better in school, and in time become more productive citizens.”
The program that began servicing that one school now serves 115 Chicago Public School System elementary schools, which includes 3,000 classrooms and 70,000 students. The Angels
Book Worm Angels has organized over 650 book drives in the past eight years through public and parochial elementary schools, school districts, Rotary Clubs, scouting organizations, and businesses. To date they have collected just over one million books.
Growing the Angels At the age of 77, Myers and Book Worm Angels are still looking for ways to expand the program. They are currently planning to expand to Cleveland, Ohio; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Cincinnati, Ohio. They also have made a partnership with a nearby recycling center where they expect to be able to receive 20,000 children’s books a week.
“In suburbs they are up to their necks in books kids have outgrown and they don’t know what to do with them,” says Myers. “They are happy to give them to us and we are happy to take them off their hands.”
“Thrift Recycling Management came to us,” says Myers. “They get a million books a month. They sell the paper of damaged books to recyclers, romantic novels to India, and put some on Amazon; but there is no market for children’s books.”
True to Myers’ vision, Book Worm Angels has pledged to serve the bottom 25 percent of the schools, but he says 95 percent could probably use his service.
Myers says there are few programs like Book Worm Angels across the country, and he encourages retirees to start a chapter in their area. College Myers attended a junior college for two years in the Chicago area, and then decided to leave the flat Midwest and hitchhike to Colorado. He finished his schooling at the University of Colorado-Boulder, where he joined Lambda Chi Alpha.
The program works as an in-class loaning library in elementary schools. When a school becomes part of the program, Book Worm Angels gives the school seven to nine gently used books per student, or about 6,000 books for the school. The teachers themselves pick out the books for their classroom. Each year thereafter Book Worm Angels gives each school 1,500 books so their supply can be completely replenished over a four-year span. Myers has two rules for schools participating in the Book Worm Angels Program. www.crossandcrescent.com
“I liked the guys at Lambda Chi, but father was also a founder of the chapter at Northwestern in 1914,” says Myers. “I never knew my dad; he died when I was a year old, and I wanted to have something in common with him.” 14
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FEATURE
Rodeo Commissioner John Windwick serves as the commissioner of the Canadian Finals Rodeo, an annual indoor championship held in Edmonton, Alberta. By Tad Lichtenauer (Butler 1987) John Windwick’s day job is spent performing his duties as the managing director for personal and business financial services at ATB Financial in Edmonton, Alberta.
Fraternity. I made many lifelong friends.” After joining Lambda Chi, Windwick went on to hold many chapter offices, including serving as chapter president. In his years following graduation, he also served on the chapter’s Housing Corporation, was the chapter adviser, and was named 2007 alumnus of the year.
One of his primary extracurricular jobs is serving as the commissioner of the annual Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR), which was held November 7–11, 2007, at Northlands Park in Edmonton, Alberta.
True Brothers To this day, Samycia and Bartman remain lifelong friends and they are proud to see Windwick’s success and achievements.
Windwick (Alberta 1986) is the fourth CFR commissioner in the event’s 34-year history, and this is his second year to be in charge.
Samycia, a former chapter president, says Windwick’s likable personality and leadership abilities always ensured there were many “buddies” around to help with whatever was needed.
CFR is produced by Northlands in cooperation with the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association. CFR’s $1.15 million purse and more than 95,000 in total audience make it one of the largest indoor rodeo events in the world.
“Knowing Johnny created many more friendships through association with him, and many of those friendships made by his introductions are as strong today as the relationship I have with him,” Samycia says. “I think it was because of his skills as a leader and his ability to be an exceptional role model...he fit the role of ‘big brother’ and was a person that all aspirants would look up to.”
“The rodeo has a really great economic impact,” Windwick says. “Edmonton and area businesses share in the resulting economic activity boom. In fact, many businesses, including hotels, restaurants, western bars and store merchants, consider November their most lucrative month of the year.”
Bartman, who served as chapter treasurer, remembers most what a positive impact Windwick had on the entire Greek system at Alberta, in addition to the Lambda Chi chapter. This ability to befriend others helped create an extensive networking system that remains strong today.
This indoor championship event is the Canadian version of a similar U.S. indoor event, the National Finals Rodeo, which will be held on December 6– 15, 2007, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Johnny has a very active personal life, and has a list of friends too long to count,” Bartman says. “Many of these people ended up throughout the fraternity system and Johnny maintained his friendships.” Spreading the Message Unlike Americans, Windwick says Canadians do not always grow up thinking about joining a fraternity, because many parents did not participate in the Greek system.
Discovering Lambda Chi Windwick grew up around horses in Western Canada and rural living was all he knew and loved. Although he did not have any interest in competing in rodeos, he did have a dream of playing professional hockey, which ultimately delayed his decision to enroll at the University of Alberta.
“We struggle during rush to get people aware of who we are, and what we stand for,” he says. “Once in, they never regret their choice. The Greek system isn’t top of mind in Canada, but they are making strides every year. As we continue we are seeing legacies going through, which is a great thing.”
However, a short time later, he decided it was probably best to begin his studies at Alberta, and two of his best friends, Paul Samycia (Alberta 1989) and Ray Bartman (Alberta 1989), helped convince him to join Lambda Chi Alpha.
In particular, one of Windwick’s ongoing missions is to tell as many people as possible about the tremendous benefits of joining a fraternity like Lambda Chi.
“It was the best thing I’d ever done,” Windwick says. “The Fraternity immediately fit with my values, and I appreciated the values of the www.crossandcrescent.com
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