Cross & Crescent a Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity publication Features
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History 3 One Man, Three Schools, and a Bell Centennial 4 The Boston Centennial Commemoration
Dedicated to Service and Brotherhood Any discussion of the Lambda Chi chapter at Appalachian State University must begin with James F. Jones. Thirty-four years ago the local Collegiate Civic Club evolved into the Sigma-Upsilon chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha and since then more than 700 brothers have been initiated into our bond. By Jon Williamson
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6 Fraternity News The Story of an ELC, Part III 8 True Brother 2009 North American Food Drive Results Chapter News 10 Chapter and Alumni News
Union’s Success, a Story of Brotherly Love The story of our Lambda-Zeta Zeta is primarily a story of brotherly love. In the past 19 years, the chapter at Union University has been awarded the Grand High Alpha Award for overall chapter excellence representing superior operations and fraternal spirit on six occasions. By Jon Williamson
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Three Good Brothers from Wabash The passage of time usually carries brothers to diverse and far-flung destinations after college but it does not dilute the memories of our past nor diminish the bonds between us. Such is the case for three brothers (James Talley, Ron Rychlak, and Alan McLaughlin) from Wabash College who believe that their lives as nationally recognized lawyers have been significantly influenced by the experience of living together more than 30 years ago. By John Cunningham (Wabash)
Credits
Contributions
Publisher: Bill Farkas Editor: Tad Lichtenauer Assistant Editor: Chris Barrick 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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HISTORY
One Man, Three Schools, and a Bell Wabash Brother Raymond R. Neal, legendary football player, coach Sometimes you find a special treasure when you least expect it. While researching an article about Lambda Chi Alpha at Wabash, I came upon the story of Raymond Robert Neal (Wabash).
What made 1933 a memorable year was that DePauw finished with a perfect record, undefeated, untied, and unscored upon. Yes, they scored 136 point to their opponents 0. It was a magical season and one that hasn’t been matched since. Coach Neal would complete his coaching career at DePauw with 79 wins, just 34 losses, and 7 ties.
Born in Mellott, Indiana, Neal became captain of the Wabash College football team, playing both offense and defense on the line. Then in 1921 he transferred to Washington and Jefferson College. W & J enjoyed a very successful season in 1921. Finishing unbeaten, and ranking 12th in the polls, they were invited to play the University of California in the 1922 Rose Bowl.
Retirement and Honors In 1946, he became the athletic director and Department of Physical Education chairman at DePauw, and, after retiring in 1954, became the postmaster of Greencastle, Indiana. Brother Neal was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1977, the Wabash College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984, the DePauw Athletic Hall of Fame as a coach in 1986, and, in 2002, as a member of the 1921 Washington & Jefferson Rose Bowl Football team, into the Washington & Jefferson College Athletic Hall of Fame. Raymond ‘Gaumey’ Neal was regarded as the heart and soul of the 1933 DePauw team, a very special man who would be described as a player’s coach.
The game ended in a 0-0 tie. Neal went on to play professionally with the Akron Pros in 1922, and from 1924 through 1926 he played with the Hammond Pros. Neal then went into the coaching ranks and became the head football coach at DePauw University in 1930. Monon Bell Tradition Neal began his coaching career with great success. In 1930 and 1931, the team finished their seasons with a combined record of 13 victories and only two losses. In 1932, a school rivalry between DePauw and Wabash, which began in 1890 and is the oldest one west of the Allegheny Mountains, was galvanized by the awarding of a traveling trophy, to be given to the winning team.
DePauw’s Most Famous Quote Chester C. Elson (DePauw 1936), a Lambda Chi and a member of the 1933 team, would later become very successful in the insurance industry and, in 1988, would be inducted into the DePauw Athletic Hall of Fame. Elson came to DePauw with $7 in his pocket. He considered Neal a principal influence on his life and paid Raymond Neal this greatest compliment, which is recorded on the DePauw Athletic Hall of Fame website: “He fed me when I was hungry, housed me when I had no place to stay, and helped me when I had no money.”
The traveling trophy selected was a 300 pound locomotive bell from the Monon Railroad, hence the Monon Bell Game was born. The first game ended in a 0–0 tie as DePauw finished with a losing season; but 1933 would change the way DePauw and Neal would be remembered. When Neal retired in 1945, DePauw held a 7 to 5 advantage with two ties in the Monon Bell game.
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By Jon Williamson (Maryland)
In 1979, Elson spearheaded a drive that, in just 90 days, raised more than $2 million from 28 members of the 1933 football team to honor their coach. Today, the Raymond ‘Gaumy’ Neal name stands on the fieldhouse at Lilly Center at DePauw as a result.
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December 2009
CENTENNIAL
Boston Centennial Commemoration The final event honoring 100 years took place on November 6-7, 2009, in Boston, where the Fraternity was founded.
By Mike Raymond (Miami-OH 1967)
The final event celebrating Lambda Chi Alpha’s Centennial year took place on November 6-7, 2009, in Boston, where the Fraternity was founded. The Marriott Boston Cambridge Hotel served as the site for two alumni/undergraduate receptions and a formal banquet to close Lambda Chi Alpha’s first 100 years as an organization. More than 50 Lambda Chis and their guests attended the various activities commemorating the Fraternity’s founding in Boston. Bus Tour Highlights The two-day event included a Saturday bus tour of places associated with the early years of our Fraternity. This historical tour featured stops at the current chapter house of Lambda Zeta at 99 Bay State Road; early living quarters of Warren A. Cole at 22 Joy Street; the site of the actual founding of our Fraternity at 35 Hancock Street; the house at 292 Newberry Street that served as the site of the Second National Assembly; a drive across the Harvard Bridge to view the famous “Smoots;” and then on to Cole’s burial place in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, located just a few miles from his birthplace in Swansea.
The brothers of Lambda Zeta were gracious hosts and provided a continental breakfast and a guided tour of the chapter house for the visiting group. The continental breakfast featured Dunkin’ Donut products. As the tour group would learn on its trip to Rehoboth and back, Dunkin’ Donut shops are as ubiquitous in Massachusetts as Starbucks Coffee shops! There are a number of impressive rooms in the rear of the chapter house that overlook the Charles River. These public areas still retain their Victorian charm. The view from their rooftop deck was magnificent!
Lambda Zeta House - The Water Show The stop at the Lambda Zeta House got off to a “watery” start when the tour bus damaged a temporary water pipe and unleashed a geyser of water 40 or more feet into the air! The water thoroughly drenched about 20 bicycles parked near the sidewalk and the neighboring Phi Delta Theta residence for well over an hour.
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This 1895 mansion is a unique home with significant architectural value. The brothers of Lambda Zeta are fortunate to live at 99 Bay State Road. Newberry Street - The Birthplace of Our Current Ritual The stop at 292 Newberry Street served as a reminder that this was the site of the Second National Assembly in 1913 where Jack Mason’s famous letter was read to the group. Of course, that letter put Lambda Chi Alpha on the path to a new Ritual that has served as the foundation of our Fraternity since that time. This is also the site of the first Grand High Zeta meeting with representatives from more than Alpha Zeta. It was observed by a brother in the tour group that Lambda Chi Alpha was just a partially formed idea before the 1913 Assembly embraced the ideas found in Mason’s letter. The decisions made in the backroom of this house were so far reaching in the development of our Fraternity that the 1931 Ashville
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CENTENNIAL Assembly declared March 22nd as Lambda Chi Alpha Day. Since 1942 it has been called Founders Day. By whatever name, this date was chosen to honor the intellectual, spiritual, and practical impact of the ideas that Jack Mason expressed in his letter to the Second Assembly.
became quieter, more somber, and thoughtful. It was as though time slowed down in that beautiful resting place of our founder. After a few more history lessons about the significance of this occasion, the Creed of Lambda Chi Alpha was recited by the assembled brothers. A dozen white roses were left behind as a final tribute to, as stated on his tombstone, Warren A. Cole — Founder of The Lambda Chi Alpha.
A photograph was taken of the four undergraduate members of our current Grand High Zeta. It was observed that those young men were about the same age as most of the early members attending the Second National Assembly.
Swansea - A Historic Marker For The Birthplace Of Our Founder? On the way back to Boston a couple of our brothers discussed the fact that Founder Cole did not have a historic marker in Swansea to indicate that the town was his birthplace. What an oversight! There is a perfect spot near the public library in Swansea, close to the cemetery where many of the Cole clan are buried, that would honor him and add historic interest to his community. Of course, such a marker would need the support of the local community and our Fraternity. The work to document the appropriateness of the historic marker should prove to be simple, and the cost is typically low. Hopefully, interested brothers would support such a project to recognize our founder and create more public awareness of our Fraternity.
Rehoboth - The Burial Place of Founder Cole The highlight of the tour was a visit to the grave site of our founder, Warren A. Cole. The long drive to rural Rehoboth in late autumn provided the group with time to talk about our Fraternity and thereby forge closer bonds of fraternal friendship among themselves.
Wouldn’t such a historic marker, dedicated to our founder, really be the perfect way to end our Centennial year?
About 25 brothers took the short walk up a leaf-covered lane to the stone enclosed cemetery that serves the family of Cole’s first wife.
And So It Officially Ends The Boston Commemoration marked the official conclusion to 16 months of celebrating the Centennial of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.
It was a clear, not too cold, afternoon that was perfect for conversation and contemplation. The location was surrounded by brush, broken stone, and old trees. The lot was well hidden from the road.
It served as a combination of fun, fellowship, and fraternal education.
The cemetery was carefully maintained, with Cole’s grave featuring live plantings and a unique two-sided tombstone.
Most importantly, it served as a reminder of the high ideals and principles that Cole, Mason, and other early leaders brought to Lambda Chi Alpha.
Many photographs were taken by the group to document the occasion. As time went by the group
The Ritual is the base from which everything we know and love about our Fraternity grows.
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But, The Story Goes On Forever As Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity moves toward its next historic milestone in 2034, let us keep in mind the need to embrace change within the enduring framework of our Ritual.
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December 2009
Life on the Road The stor y of an ELC P a r t I I I
Chris Cole (Gettysburg)
As a consultant you only get three days to earn the trust and respect of an entire brotherhood. Usually you make some headway with the chapter by becoming friendly with the officers while everyone else just hides because you are the “Nationals” guy. Others welcome you with open arms and a cold drink, which I politely decline, and you are instantly accepted into that chapter. However, for the most part, the chapter brothers tend to test the waters and, if you pass their test, they will “initiate” you, and you become one of them. Those chapters are the ones that open up to you and share their every thought and concern, even if the concern has nothing to do with Lambda Chi, such as asking which movie they should take their girlfriend to see. My name is Chris Cole (Gettysburg 2008) and I say ‘welcome back’ to those of you who are continuing the journey with me along my travels as an educational leadership consultant, and ‘welcome’ to those who are reading this for the first time. I wish to share three stories from the road with you this month; three stories that show examples of how a chapter grew because of something we experienced, and then welcomed me into their bond. It is the simple showing of kindness that may be a simple act to them, but to me, means a lot more. I wish to share these experiences with you. So, sit back and relax in your favorite chair, and enjoy the stories of your brothers from around the country. Story No. 1 Let me begin by talking about an experience I had during one of the earlier visits of my travels. I can’t really say I understand why these brothers happened to put me through this initiation of sorts, but it did truly make me feel welcome into their bond. I had just finished what I thought to be an excellent opening presentation. I did my usual 30 seconds of personal information before jumping straight into an event that centered around communication and teamwork. Brothers, alumni, and associates together tried to solve a simple number game. Over the next 45 minutes they worked together to achieve success, however their teamwork skills were lacking and, although they got two tries to complete the task, they fell short. There were two choices I could have made at that point. The first being to merely tell the men how to properly do the event, giving them simple yet direct instruction, and holding their hand as we crossed the metaphorical street together. On the other hand we could reflect on the event, let them determine how this particular event related to chapter operations, and then have them tell me how they could have improved. I went with the second choice. We discussed every aspect of the Fraternity while standing in that circle together and, for a few moments, everybody truly understood what teamwork is about. The story does not end there but merely continues into the chapter president’s room. As I was sitting there, on the ever-so-comfortable couch (which ironically I slept on for three days) there was whispering outside the door and the conversation between the High Alpha and myself stopped. A quick knock on the door followed and five guys came into the small presidential suite and began to crowd around me. I panicked slightly, knowing that one of these guys had recently just come back from Iraq, and I felt slightly intimidated. I watched as they proceeded to pick-up all my belongings and sort through them. After about 30 seconds they dropped everything and yelled
“Dinosaur Party!”To which another member walked into the already packed room, with a guitar and they began to sing the dinosaur party song and jump up and down, bringing me to my feet and making me jump with them. We laughed, we sang, and as the members left, the High Beta turned to me and said, “Welcome brother”. From that point, I knew I felt at home and was welcome. Story No. 2 The next story that I will share speaks of what a true gentlemen of Lambda Chi Alpha is. I entered the chapter house late in the afternoon and sat down with the chapter president for about 30 minutes. Our conversation was brief, covering lastminute meeting details and, since most people were leaving on that Friday to go home, my request to do a Harm Reduction presentation during the opening meeting. Why nobody was staying for the Georgia football game is beyond me; if I went to a Division I, I would stay for every game but I guess that’s normal for a guy who went to a Division III school where the most exciting part of the football season was the free admission into the game. However, the chapter president asked me if I could give my full presentation then. I agreed, knowing that, if nothing else, I would be able to have a free evening the following night to roam around campus or perhaps head to the bookstore to get a glass with the college logo on it. (One of the perks to being an ELC is collecting items from every college you visit. My item is a pint glass, because if nothing else, I’ll have 23 glasses for my house when I’m done!) As the evening went on I proceeded to meet a number of the brothers and their associates and the usual conversations started: Where are you from? What school did you go to? Zeta number?, Office held?, etc. I like having these conversations more than just giving them a resume during an opening meeting because people listen, or pretend that they are listening, when you are speaking one on one. I must have met 50 people in the course of 20 minutes, which was fine by me, but although if any of them expected me to remember their name — I was “buggered” because I am horrible with names. Anyway, the meeting began after the chapter’s business meeting and I asked the men to move their chairs into a circle. I hate giving presentations in a set-up that makes me seem like I am lecturing. Professors lecture, and these guys have been listening to their material all day, in that format; they don’t need me to do the same thing. So the men moved into a circle and I begin my opening and Harm Reduction presentation. I got no further than five minutes in when suddenly one of the brothers banged on the table and all of them stood up and removed their hats immediately. I turned quickly to see four Delta Gamma women walk into the room. I was floored -- not because of the four women who entered were beautiful but because without a word they showed complete respect. It was a demonstration of pure gentlemanly ways and I was truly impressed to see that these men could show such valor.
When I asked them about it after the ladies left, the response was merely, “We are Lambda Chis. That’s just what we do.” Story No. 3 There are many different events that one can do with a chapter. Some can play ultimate Frisbee on their intramural team, claiming to be another student because you have an I.D. that kind of looks like you. Or merely sit in a room and watch guys play Modern Warfare 2 on their Xbox and cheer them on as they go after the bad guys for five hours straight. There are truly many ways to bond with our brothers but this story takes the cake. I was recently visiting a chapter that was in the midst of their Associate Member Education and was informed that on my second night there was going to be an event for big brothers and little brothers. The High Kappa (Fraternity Educator), whom I had gotten to know quite well, invited me to join the session and watch how they ran things. Naturally I accepted, as new member education is always fun to watch. Tonight, these men were doing an event called “If you only knew me....” As the event was being prepped, their High Kappa asked me if I would talk to their associates and give them a history lesson. Nothing like being put on the spot and expected to produce a quick 15 minute lesson on some aspect of the fraternity, but needless to say, I managed. As soon as they were ready downstairs, the High Kappa came back, instructed the associates to file out, one-by-one, and led them to the chapter room. I followed, intrigued to see this event, which I had only ever heard of, but never seen. Chairs were set up in a crescent, with a Lambda made of candles in front of them. Within the Lambda there was a single chair with a candle on it. The associates filed in and sat in a chair and almost immediately their big brother stood behind them. I stood off to the side and watched as their Kappa moved to the chair, which was within the Lambda and sat down. He then began to explain why they were doing this event and began to demonstrate the exercise. The event lasted about two hours, with everyone speaking, associate and brother alike. Just as the event was coming to a end, the High Kappa looked at me and motioned for me to take the seat. I did. I sat down, held the candle, looked up, and without even thinking, began to share pieces of my life with members that I barely knew. I felt at home and at ease and told these men memories of my life, that I probably would never have done otherwise. It’s a great feeling to be accepted by men who are your brothers. It’s a greater feeling to watch them accept you into their ways and help you to not feel like such an outsider. It truly is a remarkable thing, to be an ELC within Lambda Chi Alpha. The experiences and the memories far outweigh the negative times. We truly are blessed to have such greatness within our bond. Have a wonderful winter season.
FEATURE
2009 North American Food Drive Results Since 1993, Lambda Chi Alpha has raised more than 33 million pounds of food for the needy across North America By Chris Barrick (Butler 2004) Since 1993, Lambda Chi Alpha has been coordinating an international philanthropy project that has now raised 33,502,825lbs of food for the needy across North America. Although individual chapters have been doing their own local food drives for many years prior to 1993, this was the first year that the International Headquarters announced this as a cohesive North American program. 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. With half the participating chapter’s reporting, Lambda Chi Alpha collected 1,236,164 pounds of food this year. It is expected when all chapters report, Lambda Chi Alpha will again raise more than 2.5 million pounds of food. Food collected by chapters directly supports the hungry and needy within their local communities. Participating chapters typically gather money or canned food and donate all proceeds to a local food bank, shelter, or charity. 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. 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.
income families. Everything from canned goods and pasta to baby food was collected. Monetary donations were also mailed to the fraternity by numerous city residents. The Worcester Sharks hockey team and Worcester County Sheriff Guy W. Glodis’s office also aided with garnering food donations. While the fraternity has completed its official “food-raising” for Thanksgiving, donations continue to pour in, and those will be applied toward the December holiday season. In the past 17 years the fraternity has run this drive, it has given well over 1 million pounds of food to Friendly House, thanks to generous donations. The food drive is part of the national Lambda Chi Alpha’s North American Food Drive, in which all chapters participate across the United States and Canada.
Brothers Feeding Others is more than a slogan. It is the embodiment of the true principles upon which our Fraternity is founded. The following are just a few of the chapters who were recognized by the local media for their contributions related to this year’s North American Food Drive: Worcster (Pi) In keeping with a 17-year holiday tradition, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Pi Zeta chapter of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity recently donated approximately 70,000 pounds of food and $1,000 from the city community to Worcester-based Friendly House community center.
Minnesota State (Lambda-Beta) As Minnesota State University students Chris Wilke and Alex Sukalski went door to door in upper North Mankato Saturday, not everyone was happy to see them.
The fraternity’s 75 brothers visited more than 10,000 homes throughout Worcester earlier this month and dropped off donation bags with fliers to encourage contributions. On Nov. 14, the brothers returned to collect the bags filled with food for Worcester’s lower-
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“Some people were pretty stone faced,” Wilke said. “But once you hand them a bag and explain, instantly their whole mood changes.”
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December 2009
FEATURE
Wilke and Sukalski — and a handful of other members of the Lambda Alpha Chi fraternity from Minnesota State University — hustled around the Mankato and North Mankato areas Saturday handing out Cub Foods grocery sacks.
Top Reporting Chapters • Florida Southern, 302,400lbs • Miami (OH), 209, 000lbs • New Orleans, 175,248lbs • Texas - El Paso, 102,268lbs • Incarnate Word, 85,000lbs • Spring Hill, 42,857lbs • Coe, 34,990lbs • Illinois State, 19,500lbs • Butler, 17,548lbs • Denver, 15,500lbs
Attached to each sack was this message: “In these hard economic times, we must look to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. People in your community go hungry every day, and we, Lambda Chi Alpha, want to do something about it.”
Texas-El Paso (Zeta-Epsilon) With winter just around the corner, the UTEP Miners want to make sure no one in El Paso has to go hungry this holiday season.
philanthropy for Lambda Chi Alpha. This philanthropy is part of the North American Food Drive, sponsored by Lambda Chi Alpha chapters across the nation. In 2006, 104 chapters nationwide participated and raised 2.3 million pounds of food. The North American Food Drive began in 1993.
Saturday, more than 200 students from at least a dozen campus organizations participated in the 16th annual North American Food Drive, an international philanthropic event started by the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. This is the sixth year the University of Texas at El Paso has participated in the event.
More than 90 fraternity members participated in the food drive, which took place in the end of October.
Volunteers wearing “Brothers Feeding Others” T-shirts stood at several intersections throughout the city, requesting food and cash donations from the community.
“It’s great that we can help do our part to make this upcoming holiday season a little happier for others,” said Perretta.
The group said it collected enough monetary and food donations to reach its goal of 100,000 pounds of food. Organizers said every 10 cents collected allows the purchase of one pound of food.
Members prepare letters to the community stating who they are and ask for donations of nonperishable food. Monetary donations also are accepted.
Saturday’s success surpassed the 73,000 pounds of food collected last year. Denver (Alpha-Pi) As Thanksgiving approaches, DU fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha is making sure to do their part to feed those who are less fortunate. Lambda Chi Alpha’s fall philanthropy is a food drive to collect canned food and donations from the DU community, which they donate to Food Bank of the Rockies. “This year, we have received approximately $1,000 in donations and we anticipate making about a 100,000-pound donation to the Food Bank of the Rockies,” said Antoine Perretta, external vice president of
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death Akron (Gamma-Alpha)
Raymond J. Izzo (1949) died March 15, 2009.
Dr. Russell Nahas (1955) died 2009.
California-Berkeley (Mu)
Arizona State (Zeta-Psi)
The colony initiated seven new brothers on November 14, 2009. The brothers from the Phi-Sigma chapter conducted the Ritual Initiation, assisted by Master Steward Mike Saunders (Central Florida) from Florida and Associate Director of Chapter Services Derek Abrams (Arkansas) and ELC Brad Hawse (Cincinatti). The group then adjourned to an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant for dinner.
The colony initiated 35 brothers on November 21, 2009. The brothers from the Zeta-Gamma chapter at New Mexico State University traveled to conduct the ceremony that was held in front of 30 alumni from the Phoenix area. The Alumni represented seven different chapters.
Arkansas State (Iota-Theta)
The chapter won the 2009 Best Men on Campus Award. This is the third consecutive year our brothers have won this highlycoveted award and it is the longest winning streak since the award’s inception. Ivey Herrin was awarded second runner-up in the Mr. Greek Adonis Pageant.
In addition to these great accolades, Chapter brothers raised more than $3,600 for St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital through their Miss Greek Goddess Pageant.
California-Davis
The chapter also hosted a 5K/10K Race benefiting CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused and neglected children), raising more than $5,000 to date. Finally, the chapter participated in the General Fraternity’s Great North American Food Drive the first week in November and raised more than 3,600 pounds of food benefiting the Northeast Arkansas Food Bank.
Cornell (Omicron)
The chapter recruited 26 new associate members.
The chapter brothers spent November 14, 2009, working with the Books Thru Bars of Ithaca program. Books Thru Bars is a volunteer-run community-based organization that sends donated books and other reading materials to inmates across the country. Brothers spent the afternoon reading letters from inmates, finding books to satisfy their requests, and packaging the books to be sent. The chapter’s efforts will help prisoners rehabilitate and become educated and functioning members of society upon release.
Boston (Alpha)
Jack Clopeck (1946) died August 12, 2009. Butler (Alpha-Alpha)
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Contributing to the successes of University of California-Davis football team are: Mike Morales, captain, middle linebacker, and named 2009 Defensive Player of the Year in the Great West Conference; Daniel Alfaro - quarterback; Luke McDonough, tight end; Conor Kirkpatrick, wide receiver; Jake Jondle, long snapper; Marshall Congdon, linebacker; Sean Kelley, placekicker and 1st team Great West Conference; Sean Credick, wide receiver; Ethan Garrett, free safety; Ryan O’Holleren, linebacker; and Josh Reese, running back; Tim Plough, assistant coach for quarterbacks.
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December 2009
CHAPTER NEWS
Evansville (Iota-Mu)
Chapter brothers voted to establish the office of Sustainability Chair for 2010. David Shippee (2012) was elected to the semester-term position and will primarily serve as the chapter’s liaison to Cornell’s Greeks Go Green Committee while also coordinating recycling, composting, and energy conservation efforts for the house. By reducing its environmental impact, the chapter will be able to save money and set a positive example for other students on campus.
Dr. Roger B. Beck (1969) was named a member of the University of Evansville Board of Trustees. He is a distinguished professor of history at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, where he has taught African history and world history for 21 years. He taught at the secondary level for seven years and has held positions at the American School of Paris, Nichimachi International School in Tokyo, and the American Community School in London. He also taught for a year at the University of Cape Town. He is the recipient of two Fulbright awards and a number of teaching and research awards.
Culver-Stockton (Kappa-Mu)
Robert Ayers (1953) was named Distinguished Alumni at Homecoming on September 25, 2009. He served as President of Ayers Oil Company for 23 years, from 1973 to 1996. He currently serves as chairman of the board for the firm’s Missouri and Illinois Oil Companies. Ayers Oil Company owns and operates 42 convenience stores in Missouri and Illinois. During his years as President, he also served as Director of the Commerce Bank of Hannibal, Mo; Director of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, and member of the School Board of Canton, Mo. Bob also has served on the Board of Trustees of Culver-Stockton College since 1986, as well as performing numerous local church responsibilities through the years. While a student at CulverStockton College, he served as High Pi, of Kappa Mu Zeta. He has often said that the Fraternity contributed to his success. His son, Steve Ayers, and two grandsons, Jordan Ayers and Drew Ayers have also chosen to attend Culver-Stockton College and become Lambda Chi Alpha brothers.
Eureka (Theta-Chi)
Bruce Darnall has written an article, entitled “Gabe’s Song,” on Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Gabe Gross. It was published on-line by Athletes In Action, the sports ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. It tells his story about his journey to the Major Leagues and his Christian faith. Gary Distin was sworn in as president of the West Central Society of the Illinois Optometric Association during ceremonies at the annual Illinois Optometric Association convention in Itasca.
Evansville (Iota-Mu)
William Carr (1966) retired as president and CEO of Liberty National Bank on June 30, 2009. He will remain president and CEO of Liberty Bancshares, Inc. through December 31, 2009 and will have completed 40 years in the banking industry.
Jack Bryant (1962) died September 20, 2009. Gregory L. Gordley (1983) died November 12, 2009. He worked for PORT Industries, Inc., in Palmyra, Missouri, for more than 23 years in their sales department, working up to the position of sales manager. He took great pride in his job and developed many valued customers over the years for whom he went the extra mile to ensure their satisfaction with the products he sold.
Florida Southern (Epsilon-Xi)
Dr. Thomas K. Blain died on December 3, 2008.
Florida State (Zeta-Rho)
John Culver (1983) was named the executive vice president of Starbucks Coffee Company, and president, Global Consumer Products, Foodservice, and Seattle’s Best Coffee divisions.
Drexel (Epsilon-Kappa Colony)
Lambda Chi Alpha has initiated its re-colonization at Drexel University. After just two weeks of recruitment the colony has 29 of the finest men at Drexel as associate members. The colony is being actively advised by more than 20 involved alumni who have worked diligently for the past three years to re-establish the colony.
Franklin (Kappa-Gamma)
Contributing to the successes of Franklin’s athletic teams are: Football: Seth Qualls, Pat Hillenburg, Matt Payne, Patrick Doherty, Cole Oliver, Evan Taylor, Nick Morgan, Branden Zellars, Isaac Davis, Taylor Paden, Wes Kaminski, Shawn Hines, Logan Worley, Josh Fischer, Tyler Huls, Martin Chastain, Tyler Henkle, Wes Porter, Kyle Martin, Brooks Bemis, Max Larnahan, Tyler Plummer, Drew Rayolty, and Ben Melton. In addition, Kyle Dell is on the golf team and Drew Sparks is on the swimming team.
Drury (Theta-Sigma)
Dr. Jerry Bartelsmeyer (1954) died November 9, 2009. He managed his own dental practice until 1997, and then worked with another dentist until 2004.
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CHAPTER NEWS
Georgia Tech (Beta-Kappa)
Kutztown (Sigma-Gamma)
More than 160 alumni attended the Georgia Tech Homecoming game against Virginia Tech, which included a pre-game buffet meal. White roses were presented to the women in attendance.
Mark Detri (1983) died November 2, 2009.
Louisiana Tech (Theta-Psi)
Aubry McCallum (1936) died 2009
The chapter won 2nd place in the Wreck /Contraption.
Mansfield (Beta-Omega)
The chapter held a cookout for the Georgia Tech Police Department.
The chapter held an alumni reunion at which former Grand High Alpha Rev. S. George “Doc”Dirghalli (Florida 1950) gave the keynote speech. Approximately 100 brothers attended the event, spanning the decades of the 1970s to the late 1990s. The chapter also raised $1,000 through admission and donations that was donated to the local food bank in Mansfield, Pennsylvania.
The chapter currently holds a cumulative 3.02 GPA. Bond Morrison was elected as IFC vice president for recruitment. Ormond Roberts (1943) died 2009. He was a charter brother. Charles H. Mallis (1072) died Oct 15, 2009.
Illinois (Chi)
Thomas A. Wagner (1957) died on Sept. 2, 2009.
Indiana (Alpha-Omicron)
Paul Mitchell (1932) died October 1, 2009.
Iowa Wesleyan (Theta-Iota)
Millsaps (Theta-Eta)
Aleksander Wastalu Jr. (1953) died May 21, 2009.
Dean M. .Foley died November 11, 2009. He worked in the Jackson area as a registered nurse for numerous years.
Kansas (Zeta-Iota)
The chapter announced new officers: John Biersmith, president; Hunter Hess, vice president; Chris Ray, treasurer; Bucky Foreman, recruitment; Neal Kremers, secretary; Andrew McCracken, alumni; Dylan Long, Ian Alsup, and Jimmy Goff, social chairmen; Caleb Rocky, scholarship; Nicholas Fuston, philanthropy and ritual; Jeremy Harmening, risk management. Chuck Taylor was promoted to brigadier general (one star).
Kansas State (Gamma-Xi)
William Swett (1935) died September 18, 2009.
North Carolina-Greensboro (Phi-Theta)
Damen Martin and his band, Proverbial Cool Aid (http://www. proverbialcoolaid.com/), just released an new album, entitled “Volume 1.”
Oklahoma City (Theta-Delta)
Steven Coen (2011) was elected IFC Exec Board as risk manager.
On November 1, 2009, the chapter beat the Oklahoma City University track team to win the Intramural Football Championship.
Kettering (Lambda-Epsilon)
Ed DeSmet (1993) has been working on Ford Motor Company’s inflatable seatbelt. The belts expand like an air bag in the event of a crash and distribute the force of the impact across a wider area of the passenger’s chest. The belts, which are covered in a softer webbing than regular seat belt material, may also make backseat passengers more willing to buckle up.
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New Hampshire (Alpha-Xi)
The chapter won its third Homecoming Sweepstakes in the past five years.
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Oregon State (Alpha-Lambda)
Sewanee (Iota-Nu)
Oregon State brothers Kevin Aguas and Grand High Psi Geoff Jenks were elected to the positions of IFC president and vice president.
John S. Rose (1962) died July 25, 2009.
Southeast Missouri State (Delta-Phi)
Nolan Ryan (2006) was elected IFC president, and he also was runner-up for the university’s Man of the Year Award.
The chapter placed first in the fraternity division of Homecoming, led by Homecoming Chairman Cam Katrena.
South Florida (Lambda-Mu)
Pittsburg State (Lambda-Chi)
Christopher Patterson (1995) died November 9, 2009. A professional photographer, Livingston’s photographs have appeared in Sports Illustrated, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and other major publications. Before freelancing in Florida he worked for the Tarentum Valley News Dispatch in Pennsylvania, and the Tribune Chronicle in Warren, Ohio.
On November 22, 2009, three chapter brothers: Zachary Whitehurst, Nick Doffing, and David Haist were initiated into the Order of Omega, an honor society that recognizes Greek men and women who have attained a high standard of leadership in interfraternal activities.
Rensselaer (Epsilon-Eta)
During the Homecoming/Reunion weekend, the Grand Opening Ceremony was held for the new East Campus Athletic Village. The ECAV is a truly first class addition to the Rensselaer community and includes a modern multi-purpose stadium and indoor arena. During our reunion year of 2007, Al Bauer (1962) formed a team including Frank Parisi (1962), Henry Light (1962) and Jay Morley (1962) to undertake a fundraising initiative to commemorate the memory of the late Ron Gleasman. Gleasman was the co-captain of the 1962 football team and exemplified the teamwork, leadership, and dedication that athletics provide at Rensselaer. As a result of those efforts, he is memorialized by several naming opportunities in the main concourse, the football locker room, and the VIP section. Parisi and Bauer attended the ceremony and received personal thanks from the administration on behalf of the sponsors and all contributors.
Syracuse (Alpha-Upsilon)
Dr. William P. Alston died September 13, 2009. During World War II he served in an Army Band stationed in California. In 1980, Alston joined the faculty at Syracuse University where he completed his 50-year career teaching and writing about philosophy. He was best known for his work in the philosophy of language, epistemology, and the philosophy of religion. He published several books and over 150 articles. His many Ph.D. students play a major role in philosophy today. He was founding editor of the journals Faith and Philosophy and Journal of Philosophical Research.
Texas-El Paso (Zeta-Epsilon)
On November 7, 2009, the chapter brothers and six sororities raised more than 100,000 pounds of food and $10,000, which they donated it to the Rescue Mission of El Paso, a local food bank and homeless shelter.
San Antonio Alumni Association
The San Antonio Area Alumni Association (http://lxa-saaa.com/) hosted its 4th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament on October 18, 2009. The event attracted brothers from inside and outside of Texas.
CPT. Dennis Joseph Maher (2004) is currently serving his second deployment in northern Iraq as commander of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division. The battalion will assume a role unlike their previous tour in Iraq; instead of taking charge of combat missions, the role of the troops will be to advise and assist Iraqi forces.
San Diego State (Zeta-Pi)
Arthur Logan (1951) died October 6, 2009 Dr. Neil S. Whitworth died November 7, 2009. He was professor emeritus, OB/GYN, and served as Division Director Research Laboratory, OB/GYN, of University Mississippi Medical Center. Whitworth was instrumental in developing tests which could determine whether the lungs of unborn children would function properly after birth. These tests are still in use today.
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Towson State (Phi-Omega)
chapter finances, an excellent discussion of challenges and goal setting, committee sign ups, and standards for chapter excellence program. After dinner the chapter held an Associate Member Ceremony for our 10 new associates in the sylvan amphitheater/ chapel of the camp followed capture the flag, and particiaption in a service project for the camp to prepare for the building of a new high ropes course.
Keith Ahrens (1985) has authored a new book, Outrunning My Shadow, about surviving both open heart surgery and obesity. He also is the recipient of the 2009 American Heart Association Start! Lifestyle Change Award.
Troy (Sigma-Tau)
Christopher Patterson (1999) died November 27, 2009. He worked as an academic adviser and teacher at Chattahoochee Valley Community College and was a member of the Rivertown Adventure Club of Columbus.
Valparaiso (Iota-Sigma)
On November 14, 2009, the chapter initiated five new brothers bringing the chapter to 37 men. Also, Matt Noffke won Homecoming King and Ricky Hoffman was elected IFC public relations director. Dr. Charles List (1962) died October 12, 2009. He was a longtime faculty member at Metropolitan State University and Cardinal Stritch University.
Wabash (Alpha-Kappa)
Contributing to the successes of Wabash’s athletic teams are: Matt Kraft (captain), Rich Fern, Bryan Watson (captain), Dan Wood, Bill Wood, Blake Litmer, Kessler Armbruster, Patrick Clegg, Dan Allen, Brandt Warner on the football team. Sam Glowinski, Samar Kawak, Alex Moseman (captain and also IFC vice president), Zach Hampton, Jake Ezell, and Matthew Knox on track and field. P.J. Tyson (captain), Jeff Soller, Joe Johnson, Grant McCloskey, Brian Lares, Robbie Hechinger, Montana Timmons, Chris Widup, and Sam Starbuck on the baseball team. Nick Smith and Mike Demeter are on the tennis team. Logan Falley is on the swimming team. Tyler McCoy and Bill Wood are on the wrestling team. Sam Hatcher is on the soccer team. Aaron Brock, Rich Kavalauskas (captain), Jack Gruse, and Tyler Whittington are on the basketball team.
Washington (Alpha-Psi) The chapter held a fall retreat at Camp Parsons, BSA, on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. The day included discussion of the True Brother Initiative, becoming an “Inner Circle” chapter, chapter history,
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The chapter participated in the University of Washington’s celebration of Medal of Honor winners from four different wars who were students at the University of Washington. One of those honored was Col. Gregory “Pappy” Boyington (Washington 1948). The chapter helped in the production of the event and served as waiters for a banquet held for approximately 500 members of recipients’ families. New associate member Tony Beattie marched in the honor guard as a part of the parade.
Washington & Lee (Gamma-Phi)
Matt Simpson played on the U.S. team in the Goalball World Championships this summer, a sport for the visually impaired. He hopes to continue with this sport and join the U.S. team in the 2012 Paralympics in London.
Widener (Beta-Chi)
David G. Marchowsky (1977) died November 14, 2009. In 2004 he joined Norquay Technologies as plant and site operations manager for its Chester, Pennsylvania facility. Most recently, he served as a consultant for Greentree International of Newark, Delaware. He enjoyed domestic and international travel, particularly when he could travel by train. Throughout his life he continued his involvement with his college fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, as a mentor for the younger members.
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Dedicated to Service and Brotherhood Thirty-four years ago the local Collegiate Civic Club evolved into the Sigma-Upsilon chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha
By Jon Williamson (Maryland)
Any discussion of the Lambda Chi chapter at Appalachian State University must begin with James F. Jones.
member of a national organization. And yes, I cast the deciding vote to join Lambda Chi Alpha.”
“I graduated from Elon University and went to work at High Point University teaching business and accounting and also coaching tennis,” Jones says. “Lambda Chi Alpha was relatively new to the campus and needed a faculty adviser. The Lambda Chis were an excellent group of young men so I agreed to accept that role and was initiated as an honorary member.
Why Lambda Chi? “Well, the members of the CCC started looking around and were courted by several groups. I remember meeting with Charlie Frick (DePauw 1973), the Director of Expansion, that summer and he did a great job explaining what Lambda Chi Alpha was all about and he was also very personable. I became convinced that, nationally, Lambda Chi Alpha was a very strong organization and also, their publications were professional in appearance. I also liked the Greek letters; they were distinctive.
“During my second year with them, a young man by the name of Murphy Osborne (former Grand High Alpha) joined the Fraternity. After two years, I accepted a position at Appalachian State University as an accounting professor and tennis coach. When I arrived at my new school I found that there were no social organizations. Fraternities weren’t allowed, so I founded the Collegiate Civic Club (CCC), whose goal was to provide social and service opportunities in and around the university community. “I didn’t tell anyone that I drew up the organization’s constitution and bylaws the same as the Lambda Chi Alpha chapter at High Point. It had Lambda Chi’s same high ethical standards.”
“Now, it is true that I cast the deciding vote, but it wasn’t that simple. As the last president of the CCC, I had decided not to vote in selecting which fraternity to join. So, when the votes were counted, the other fraternity had one more vote. As presiding officer, I asked our faculty adviser, a graduate student, if he had voted. He confirmed that he had and that he had voted for the other fraternity. I checked our bylaws and determined that since he didn’t pay dues he was not eligible to vote. By removing that vote, we had a tie. I then cast the tie-breaking vote for Lambda Chi Alpha.”
For about 10 years Jim stayed very involved with CCC, but then concentrated primarily on teaching, coaching, and eventually becoming athletic director.
The faculty adviser became No. 1 on the chapter roles and Wilson became the first chapter president.
Brad Adcock (1976), vice president for government affairs with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, fondly remembers those early days with Lambda Chi Alpha: “I joined the CCC which had a great group of men as members and it was service oriented on the campus. We kept dues low by selling programs at sporting events and cleaning the stadium. Several of our projects were identified for us by Jim Jones, then the Athletic Director at Appalachian State and the founder of the CCC. What no one in CCC knew was that Jim Jones had founded the CCC on the principles of Lambda Chi Alpha. If we had known that, the vote to join Lambda Chi Alpha wouldn’t have been close, but as it was, it came down to Brad Wilson casting the deciding vote.”
Appalachian State Today Bryan Hoffman is the current chapter president and is well versed on all of the chapter history. “We have a very diverse and active chapter. Hoffman has served as vice president of the IFC and David Welcher is currently serving as a freshmen orientation leader. Hoffman is also a member of the school’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Student Association and led a group to the international Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show in New York City. Richard Wathern is very active in working with the youth in the Watauga public school system and Welcher is a youth coach for the county Parks and Recreation Department. “We also have a couple of traditions which the chapter observes. Yosef is the school mascot and before each football game his footprints are painted up stadium drive leading to Kidd Brewer Stadium. A new tradition began with the honorary initiation of Chancellor Kenneth Peacock. The chancellor is escorted into the football stadium by two or three brothers holding the National Championship trophies won by the football team over the past four years.”
Brad Wilson (1976) is the current president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and remembers back to those days of transition from CCC to Lambda Chi Alpha: “The CCC was the best fraternity on the Appalachian State campus with a very strong service component. In fact, one of my very fond memories of the fraternity was the time the brothers voted to bring the Emmett Kelly Circus to the campus. We took a major financial risk, not really sure we would break even, but we weren’t seeking a financial reward; it was all about service for us. The families and children who attended told us we had made the right decision; they loved it.
Thirty-four years ago the local Collegiate Civic Club evolved into the SigmaUpsilon Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha. Since that time, more than 700 brothers have been initiated into our bond. The chapter remains faithful to its original dedication to service and brotherhood.
“Back then, the first national fraternity had been accepted onto the campus and we realized that times were changing and we would also have to become a www.crossandcrescent.com
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Union’s Success, a Story of Brotherly Love The story of our Lambda-Zeta Zeta is primarily a story of brotherly love. The story of our Lambda-Zeta Zeta is primarily a story of brotherly love. It began with the establishment of a local fraternity, Lambda Xi Delta, on the Union University campus in 1961. Jerry Thompson (1964), No. 1 on the chapter rolls, had discussed the possibility of a new fraternity on several occasions with Floyd Guthrie, a Lambda Chi transfer student from Memphis State. On May 15, 1961, at a meeting attended by Thompson, Guthrie, Odis Haggard, Jimmy Jones, David Melvin, John Earl Wells, Roland Fowler, Jimmy Douglass , and Ronnie Hawkins, Lambda Xi Delta was born.
situation on many of our nation’s campuses, as they tried to handle the criticism and unrest caused by the Vietnam War and politics in general. By the early ‘80s, the chapter was facing a serious challenge as membership plunged to eight brothers. Order of Merit Recipeient Tim Tucker (1984) was in the chapter at that time: “In 1982 there were only eight members left in the chapter but they became determined to rebuild it. By the time I left in 1984 membership was up to 30, with two or three brothers giving it everything they had in terms of time to recruit the men we thought were the very best on the campus. I returned to the campus in 1987 and by then the average size of the chapter reached 70 to 75 brothers. Our members didn’t fit a mold then and still don’t. We are very diverse, extending from professionals to preachers. Many of the past High Alphas have gone on to accomplish great things.”
The new local fraternity was courted by several national organizations. Lambda Chi Alpha entered the picture with meetings over the summer with several Lambda Chis and then in September, George Spasyk (Michigan 1949), then service secretary for the International Headquarters, visited with the members of Lambda Xi Delta and officials of Union University, including the university president, Dr. Warren F. Jones, a Lambda Chi from Georgetown College, Kentucky. In October, the brothers of Lambda Xi Delta voted unanimously to affiliate with Lambda Chi Alpha.
Today’s Chapter: Built to Succeed Peter Boedeker is the current chapter president (High Alpha): “Today we have 24 associate members and a total membership of 68. Our brothers are involved in so many campus activities with seven serving as Focus Leaders, nine involved in Young Alums, two participating on varsity teams, three members of the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, two in ROTC, four in Young Life, two are Presidential Scholars, many are Provost Scholars, and Scott McSwain was selected as Mr. Union. We have regained our emphasis on academic excellence with a chapter cumulative GPA of 3.2 and have received Lambda Chi Alpha’s Academic Achievement Award eight times in the past 20 years.”
Successful Early Beginnings The early and mid-60s saw great successes for Lambda Chi on the Union campus. They celebrated victories in homecoming display, won two of the four class president elections, and in the freshman class, won the election of all four of the male offices. Lambda Chi also established the annual May Day, the sponsorship of track and field contests. Outstanding scholarship was rewarded with the receipt of the Lambda Chi Alpha Academic Achievement Award in 1967 and 1969. There was a great diversity of interests with brothers involved in pre-med, religion, business, mathematics, music and the arts, and varsity athletics.
In my research of the history of our chapters, I always try to gain an understanding of how continuous success of our outstanding chapters is achieved.
Order of Merit Recipient Gary Williams (1971) remembers those early days: “Lambda Chi wanted something the other two fraternities didn’t offer. We were a very diverse chapter, but the brothers had two or three things in common; character, leadership ability, and quality of background above the standard. In addition, they had moral values, faith-based values if you will, that bound them together. Their values were enhanced and made stronger by being a part of Lambda Chi Alpha. Back then they established the tradition of selflessness, thinking of their brothers first.”
Peter continues: “‘We are who we are’ probably best describes Lambda Chi Alpha at Union. People notice that. We are ‘real’ at all times. We are totally committed to one another and the community in general. We are involved in the North-American Food Drive, the Relay for Life, and we work with physically challenged children, teaching them to ride horses.” Williams adds, “Tim Tucker has been the chapter’s High Pi for over 20 years and I don’t know how he does it. Tim best exemplifies what Lambda Chi Alpha is at Union. Lambda Chi has meant unequaled acceptance and love and friendship and faithfulness that has a very
Challenges of 1970s & ‘80s The ‘70s found the chapter in a trough of mediocrity, similar to the
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By Jon Williamson (Maryland)
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unique bond, a bond that extends beyond generations which makes it so unique.”
sure that new members get what they thought they were going to get. The brotherhood of these men is what parents marvel at. They have told me how much they appreciate that the brothers are respectful, adult-like, always helping one another and genuinely caring for one another. For us it is a lifetime experience, college to death.”
Tucker adds a poignant footnote: “Parents say Lambda Chi Alpha at Union has changed their sons. They speak about the difference it made when all of the brothers rallied around them in time of crisis. Probably the best example of this occurred when two of the brothers lost their fathers. Upon learning of the tragedy, many of the brothers, who had been in South Carolina, drove through the night to attend the wake and viewing, and to be with their brothers in time of need. The brothers set their standards a little higher than everyone else. Each set of officers sets a strategic plan and sets its own goals. It is great to watch them grow and to reach their own potential. They sell ‘real’ to incoming students and they are ‘real’ all of the time. We make
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In the past 19 years, the chapter at Union University has been awarded the Grand High Alpha Award for overall chapter excellence representing superior operations and fraternal spirit on six occasions.
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Three Good Brothers from Wabash The passage of time carries brothers to diverse and far-flung destinations but it does not dilute the bond of brotherhood. By John Cunningham (Wabash) The passage of time usually carries brothers to diverse and far-flung destinations after college but it does not dilute the memories of our past nor diminish the bonds between us. In fact it often sharpens those memories and enhances the value to us of the lessons we learned and the bonds we shared as brothers.
kids, two dogs and two cats, affirms that the responsibility of fraternity living was good preparation for post-collegiate life. “I learned very quickly that it was not ‘just about me’ and that we all had to answer to each other as brothers,” says this Indianapolis employment lawyer who has represented clients in trial matters in more than 25 states and is now a partner at Littler Mendelson, a law firm rated by in-house lawyers as number one in the country for employment expertise.
Such is the case for three brothers from Wabash College who believe that their lives as nationally recognized lawyers have been significantly influenced by the experience of living together more than 30 years ago. They have never forgotten what they learned while forging brotherly relationships from the iron of shared responsibility, intellectual challenge, and a huge mix of practical jokes and lighthearted verbal sparring.
He suggests that both employment disputes and “family” disruptions among brothers are founded in failures to communicate or to understand and respect the needs of others. “Our fraternity chapter definitely benefited from a national policy against hazing that is based on respect for all brothers. No underclassmen and, for that matter, no subordinate employee likes hearing ‘Do what I say because of my position of power,’ ” McLaughlin reflects. He adds that “when you live with 40 guys who have different beliefs and come from different backgrounds, you quickly learn that something which is not a big deal to you might be a really big deal to someone else.” Lessons That Last
“There is a certain magic to being brothers with a shared living experience under the same roof and the same moniker, and that never leaves you,” says James M. Talley (Wabash 1978), a trial lawyer and arbitration advocate in Orlando, Florida, and recently named one of the best commercial litigators in America. See sidebar bio-boxes for “The Three Brothers - At A Glance.” Talley adds that when subsequent generations of Lambda Chi brothers call him now to ask for guidance or advice, “It causes me to reflect that I am part of something much bigger than myself something positive and continuous.” He says that is one reason he tells young people looking at colleges to strongly consider fraternity or sorority life.
Rychlak recalls that the experience of living in a true spirit of brotherhood with so many different personalities opened his eyes to a much larger world than he had ever known. “We had people in the house from different parts of the country and people involved in so many different studies, people who went on to be doctors, lawyers, scientists, and whatever you could imagine. You could talk to anyone at any time in the house, and learn so much from opening up to them.”
Ron Rychlak (Wabash 1980), now a professor, associate dean, and NCAA athletic representative for the University of Mississippi Law School, agrees. “I feel like I am a better person today for having had so many brothers who enriched my college experience.” Noting that he now has six children, Rychlak reflects: “I also think and hope that my own kids come out of my large house better for having had their siblings.”
He believes that his Lambda Chi experience was a major factor in his liberal arts education which helped to open his mind to many intellectual inquiries and to many different professional roles; such as author, teacher, dean, NCAA athletic representative, and even adviser to the Holy See (the proper term for the “Vatican Government”).
Rychlak suggests that life in the fraternity in some ways prepared him for a busy, hectic life that balances family needs with multiple professional roles including that of being an accomplished author. “In both situations you have to get used to living with chaos. There are lots of people going in different directions, and it’s not always quiet, but it is a rich environment and you learn how to get things done in the middle of all that,” he quips.
“I was always interested in teaching, and I knew it, but I was just open to the other possibilities when they appeared,” he says, noting that his role as adviser to the Holy See was a consequence of tackling work outside of his legal profession - the work of explaining the historical record of the Pope and Catholicism during World War II in his celebrated book “Hitler, the War and the Pope.” Rychlak says that his historical research was really sparked by intellectual curiosity arising from conversational debates - dialogues with a friend, much like that between brothers in the fraternity.
Alan McLaughlin (Wabash 1979), who lives with his spouse, three
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The Three Brothers: At a Glance
As a result of those dialogues Rychlak has not only met the Pope, he has learned much from the work of Cardinal Martino of the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and the International Law Commission.
Ronald J. Rychlak
Current Position(s): • Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Mississippi School of Law • Faculty Athletic Representative to the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and the SEC (Southeast Athletic Conference) • Adviser to the Holy See’s delegation to the United Nations • Member, Committee appointed to revise the Mississippi Criminal Code • Member, Editorial Board, The Gaming Law Review
Talley has a similar view on the role of brotherhood in his life. “The fraternity greatly accelerated my understanding of the world on both practical and scholarly levels, and it broadened my mind,” he says, recalling that “some of my most vivid college memories involve 3:00 a.m. jag sessions over the stainless steel buffet in our dining room with brothers who understood physics, art, music, and biology in ways I never even imagined.” Talley, who estimates that he has handled more than 2,500 businessrelated disputes and involving numerous subject matters, has vivid recollections of lively fraternal debates about politics, economics, and history, asserting that those conversations also facilitated his ability to work with other partners or with multiple parties in complex matters such as construction disputes. “You have the same need to understand people from different backgrounds, read them and communicate with them in a positive way in any kind of human situation, whether it involves negotiations or management of the firm.”
Education: Wabash College, A.B., cum laude (1980) Vanderbilt University School of Law, J.D. (1983). Career Highlights: • Participated in international diplomatic talks regarding peace proposals in the Middle-East (2006) • At the request of the State Department, addressed the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe regarding the importance of free speech on the Internet (2004) • Author or co-author of six books on law and evidence. • Author of Hitler, the War and the Pope once reviewed as “the best and most careful of recent works on the Church during World War II” by the Weekly Standard
Talley also credits the candor that arises from true brotherhood with helping him to accept real challenges from others. “I remember as a freshman asking Mike Burkett [then a senior and a good student] how he could sit on the porch after dinner watching the sunset when there was so much studying to do.” The reply was a challenge that made him think about his approach to organizing his time: “Talley, if you planned your day right, you wouldn’t have to ask me that question.”
Awards and Recognitions: • Honoree at the U.S. Holocaust Museum for his work with an inter-faith dialogue project (2007) • Awarded the Blessed Frederic Ozanam Award for Social Action (2006) • Named an Academic Fellow in Terrorism Studies by the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies
Leadership, Management and Negotiation McLaughlin similarly asserts that the challenges and the other interactions between brothers became the most meaningful part of his college experience. “Human interactions are what make life special. I remember all of our fraternity stories much more than any single day or event in the classroom,” he says.
Family: Wife Claire; Children: Joseph (21); Lindsey (19); Susanna (17); Mary Helen (15); Sally (12); Olivia (9)
Rychlak recalls that lesson being driven home to him in a difficult way when he reported back to the chapter about a vote he had cast as a student senate rep at an Inter-Fraternity Council, without sufficient buy-in from the whole house. “I could not believe how tempers got raised over this issue because it seemed so minor to me. I was ready to walk out of the chapter meeting when Al grabbed me, pointed to [a brother] who was threatening to impeach me, and directed people to
The former house president adds that the fraternity taught him how to be “a servant leader,” adding that “I learned that decisions must be guided by what is best for the whole family [of brothers] or you will risk the harmony of the living unit.”
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calm down and talk to each other rationally,” he recalls, noting that he and others laughed about the whole thing later. “What Al did to cool things down was the single greatest example of leadership I can remember,” he says now.
The Three Brothers: At a Glance
Michael Talley
Current Position(s): • Partner handling business litigation and resolution of business disputes for Fisher, Rushmer, Werrenrath, Dickson, Talley & Dunlap, P.A. in Orlando, Florida
McLaughlin, who now resolves employment disputes professionally, says that real brotherhood taught him a lot about communication with others. “I particularly remember the effectiveness of our ‘Roses and Bitches’ sessions after each chapter meeting [where brothers got to give a Rose of gratitude to one another, or a thumbs-down for something negative]. Talking about things, and listening without arguing helps to diffuse a lot of trouble,” he suggests.
Education: • Wabash College, A.B., cum laude (1978) • Vanderbilt University School of Law (1981), Patrick Wilson Legal Scholar
In fact, McLaughlin says much of his professional practice focuses on how to prevent employee disputes and lawsuits by means of good, written and oral communication, coupled with training on sensitivity to legal requirements. “Of course, we can go to court to prove a client is right, but sometimes it can be a Pyrrhic victory if the cost of trial runs into six figures,” he says.
Career Highlights: • Handled more than 2,500 separate matters for more than 300 clients • Tried more than 150 non-jury cases to final judgment • Acted as lead advocate in more than 30 arbitrations that went to final award • Tried more than 15 cases to jury verdict • Obtained first seven-figure award (a $2.3 million arbitration award) at age 31 in a construction dispute related to a high-rise building in Orlando, Florida
Talley also now relates fraternity lessons in communication to his current law partners. He recalls some lively debates at chapter meetings. “I saw some of the most articulate and eloquent views on management displayed in our fraternity management discussions,” he says. “Temperatures sometimes got hot, but there was never a dispute we failed to settle, and we ultimately stuck together. That was an education in itself,” he asserts.
Awards and Recognitions: • Named to “The Best Lawyers in America” handbook (2009) • Named in “Best Lawyers - Annual Guide to Commercial Litigation” (2009) • Named in “Best Lawyers of 2009” by Orlando - city magazine • Nominee for Duke Flad Award (1977)
Fun and Games His brothers also acknowledge that humor and playfulness were equally critical parts of learning to get along in a big family; just as in any group. Collectively they have vivid recollections of water fights in the stairwells, pie throwing incidents, lip synching performances of air guitar bands, pranks pulled over the airwaves at the college radio station, dinner “roasts” and verbal mockery offered as brotherly tributes, and all kinds of practical jokes (often involving playful sabotage of beds in the dorm).
Family: Wife Val; two “spoiled” cats, Angus and Eli
McLaughlin adds that he came to see a sense of humor as an essential part of a good relationship, noting that he first connected with his wife because of her sense of humor. “You might say we exchanged pranks after meeting at a Pacers’ game, and that’s when I knew I had met someone who could live with me,” he jokes.
“We studied hard and we worked hard on the house, but we had our stress relievers and they were mostly just plain silly,” McLaughlin recalls. He asserts that fraternity life helped him to lighten up at critical times in order to stay energized. “There were times when you really needed a release because of studying or of tensions in the house and, inevitably, something funny broke out whenever that was needed,” he recalls.
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Talley, who was a groomsman for McLaughlin’s wedding, as McLaughlin was for his, acknowledges the importance of humor during his college years and beyond. “We had some true characters in our house who shared a spirit of unprideful fun. We took our work seriously, but never ourselves, and I think that bonded us closer
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together,” he asserts. “As you might expect in a big family, nothing was sacred among us siblings, but as a group we protected our own and stood by each other,” adding that humor has helped to cement his personal and professional relationships as well.
The Three Brothers: At a Glance
Alan McLaughlin
Current Position(s): • Partner handling employment litigation and resolution of employment related disputes for Littler Mendelson’s Indianapolis, Indiana office; • General Counsel to Lambda Chi International
Bonds that Don’t Die While all three brothers are now separated by hundreds of miles, all have maintained some degree of connection with various housemates over the years, and those connections have strengthened when tragedy has struck home. “I was extremely touched by the string of e-mails that went out among all of us after [brothers from the same era] Tim Brazill and Tom Long died, and it made me realize the value of our staying connected in some way,” says McLaughlin.
Education: • Wabash College, A.B., summa cum laude (1979) • Vanderbilt University School of Law (1982), Patrick Wilson Legal Scholar
Rychlak says he was also touched, and credits Brother Terry Evitts for connecting periodically with many different people and keeping brothers updated over the years. He also maintains regular contact with classmate and Brother Alex Klefeker, periodically meeting up with him to ring in a new year. “Despite the time between visits, I always feel like we can pick up where we left off,” he says.
Career Highlights: • Tried cases and handled trial-related matters in state and federal courts of more than 25 states over a period of more than 25 years • Successfully settled, resolved or tried to verdict or award hundreds of business disputes for clients located around the world • Former chairman of the litigation section of the Indiana Bar Association Awards and Recognitions: • Named an Indiana “Super Lawyer” every year since 2004 • National Moot Court Team advocate, Vanderbilt University (1981) • Received Duke Flad Award from Lambda Chi Alpha (1979?)
The experience has been similar for Talley, who enjoyed his visits with brothers during a recent 30th reunion. “I always felt I could sit in a room with any brother and feel good, and I still feel comfortable talking and being with my brothers today,” he observes. “The expression of my personality with my brothers is different. I can open up and feel safe, and they respect that,” he says.
Family: Wife Barb; Children: Kate (20); Reed (18); Laura (15)
UNO and Chief Auto Parts (later merged into “AutoZone”). Comments and inquiries may be sent to him at C3cunningham@aol. com.
“Being part of a big family is a special thing that stays with you,” Rychlak affirms. “One of my most distinct memories comes from a dance at the house late in my senior year. I remember looking around the room and knowing I would never again be around a group of 40 guys, a band of brothers with whom I could just be myself, even if that meant being stupid and silly at times,” he asserts.
John O. Cunningham is a communications consultant, freelance writer and contributor to various legal and business publications. He practiced law for 16 years and served as general counsel for Pizzeria UNO and Chief Auto Parts (later merged into “AutoZone”). Comments and inquiries may be sent to him at C3cunningham@aol.com.
McLaughlin expresses similar sentiments. “There was nothing else like my fraternity experience,” he says. “Lambda Chi at Wabash was the perfect place at the perfect time in my life for me, and now I want to know there is that special place out there for my son,” he concludes. John O. Cunningham is a communications consultant, freelance writer and contributor to various legal and business publications. He practiced law for 16 years and served as general counsel for Pizzeria
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