July 2011 . Issue 06
Cross & Crescent a Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity publication Copyright © 2011 Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. All rights reserved.
Chapter News 1 Chapter News, Alumni News, and Omegas Fraternity News 19 5th Annual Steward Summit TRUE Brother 21 Duty & Service To Country History 23 When POW Rick McDow Came Home
6 TOP MILITARY LEADER Maj. Gen. William E. Ingram Jr. (North Carolina State 1970) is currently the special assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff, Army.
By Tad Lichtenauer (Denison)
8 FORMER GENERAL NOW LEADS BENS On January 1, 2010, Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs (Colgate) became the president and CEO of Business Executives for National Security.
By Tad Lichtenauer (Denison)
11 TWO FORMER ROA PRESIDENTS Retired U.S. Navy captains Dave Woods (San Jose State) and Jim Hannagan (Illinois 1952) both share the unique honor of having served as president of the Reserve Officers Association.
By Tad Lichtenauer (Denison)
13 WASHINGTON STATE’S REBOUND The Tau chapter at Washington State finished with a cumulative 3.27 GPA, the No. 1 ranking on campus out of more than 40 Greek organizations.
By Jon Williamson (Maryland) CREDITS
CONTRIBUTIONS
Publisher: Bill Farkas Editor-in-Chief: Tad Lichtenauer Asst Editors, Graphic Design: Thomas Roberts Salvador Lievanos Photographer: Walt Moser Research: Jon Williamson Historian: Mike Raymond Editors: Jono Hren Bob McLaughlin
Content for consideration should be submitted by the 25th of the month (except Dec./Aug.). Lambda Chi Alpha 8741 Founders Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46268-1338 (317) 872-8000 editor@lambdachi.org www.lambdachi.org www.crossandcrescent.com
a lifetime of true brotherhood
www.crossandcrescent.com
Cross & Crescent June 2011
Chapter News
Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death Arizona State (Zeta-Psi)
Brown (Iota)
Scott Belfer (1992) was promoted to senior vice president at CB Richard Ellis, New Jersey’s largest commercial real estate brokerage firm. With more than a decade of experience in the industrial brokerage industry, Belfer remains part of CB Richard Ellis’ most active industrial acquisition, disposition, and leasing teams in New Jersey, negotiating approximately 2.5 million square feet of transactions throughout the country in 2010, with a total worth in excess of $45 million.
A World War II veteran, Bill Flanagan (http://darien. patch.com/articles/bill-flanagan-named-grand-marshalof-memorial-day-parade) served as the grand marshal for the Memorial Day Parade in Darien, Connecticut. After a successful career as an attorney, he then served Darien on the Planning and Zoning Commission, including two years as its chairman. He also served on the Monuments and Ceremonies Commission. He has been very active in the Darien Senior Men’s Association and served as its president 2000-2001.
Auburn (Omega)
The 6th Annual Michael Allphin Memorial Golf Classic was held on April 2, 2011, at Auburn Links at Mill Creek in Auburn, Alabama. The event benefits Camp Smile-AMile. Allphin, a beloved alumni brother and cancer survivor, died in 2005. He was a camper and later a counselor at the camp, which provides year-round unforgettable recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients and their families as well as young adult survivors.
Central Florida (Beta-Eta)
In May 2011 approximately 20 chapter brothers moved into the chapter’s new off-campus housing. Approximately 35 undergraduate and alumni brothers participated in a chapter-organized golf tournament.
Cornell (Omicron)
On April 22, 2011, 30 chapter brothers participated in a cleanup event for the Cascadilla Gorge, which can be seen from the back of the chapter house. Along with other volunteers, the brothers picked up trash and cleared about one mile of trails.
Boston (Alpha)
John C. Saporito (1969) died May 21, 2011. He served as a paratrooper with the Army 82nd Airborne Division during the years of the Vietnam War, later serving for several years with the National Guard. He was the owner and operator of John Saporito Insurance in Beverly Farms. In retirement he worked part time in the food service industry.
www.crossandcrescent.com
1
Cross & Crescent July 2011
Chapter News undergraduate students (freshmen and transfers) as well as their parents, family members, and guests.
Drexel (Elpsilon-Kappa)
Chapter brothers earned a 3.22 GPA for the spring 2011 semester, raising their cumulative average to a 3.15 GPA, above Drexel’s all men’s average of 3.1.
Hanover (Theta-Zeta)
Eastern Michigan (Sigma-Kappa)
Jason Crawford won the John Findley Crowe Award. This award is given by faculty and staff to one senior who they feel exemplifies great relationships with the faculty and staff as well as someone who achieves both inside and outside the classroom.
Eureka (Theta-Chi)
The chapter hosted its 20th annual Wiffle Ball tournament with 84 teams participating. All of the proceeds were donated to Hungry Hearts Mission located in Madison, Indiana.
Matthew V. Johnson (1996) died May 9, 2011.
Bruce Darnall (1966) and Mark Darnall (2009) wrote an article entitled, “San Diego’s Third Baseman is Centered in Life,” about San Diego Padre infielder Chase Headley. The article was published online by Athletes In Action, the sports ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ.
Florida (Epsilon-Mu)
Idaho (Epsilon-Gamma)
The chapter earned a 3.5 cumulative GPA. The chapter has started renovations on the bathroom and kitchen.
Attorney David A. Wolf (1987) has authored “ABCs of Child Injury,” a book for parents. A former chapter president and graduate adviser, he has dedicated his time and efforts to issues affecting children. He initially worked for the State of Florida - Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services where he prosecuted child support cases in multiple counties.
Illinois (Chi)
Ralph Smykal (1950) died May 30, 2011. He served as an officer and a Ranger in the Army National Guard. Until 2008 he was president and owner of Smykal and Associates, a company that had been in the home building business since the Chicago Fire of 1871. He was active in his community serving as chairman of the DuPage Airport Authority, director and member of the Executive Committee of Central DuPage Hospital, director emeritus of the DuPage Community Foundation, a resident and member of the Board of Directors of the DuPage Council of Boy Scouts, and director of the Illinois Association of Realtors.
Florida Southern (Epsilon-Xi)
John M. Rader (1990) won This Old House’s national home remodeling contest winning $5,000 and a new GMC Sierra truck.
Kettering (Lambda-Epsilon B)
A creative innovation by Brennan Hamilton (1990) has landed his GoPoint Technology (http://gopointtech. com/) company on Popular Mechanic’s elite Breakthrough Products list. The practical diagnostic device helps a driver gauge vehicle performance.
Georgia Tech (Beta-Kappa)
Fifty-three people participated in the chapter’s annual Golf Tournament held on June 4, 2011. The chapter held a Watermelon Bust during Greek Week, raising more than $3,500 for the sororities’ charities, which include Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Miracle Network, Race Against Domestic Violence, Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation, Autism Speaks, Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, Cardiac Care and Research, City of Refuge, and Dress for Success.
Louisville (Zeta-Sigma)
The Louisville Area Alumni Association will host a golf scramble on August 13, 2011, at the Seneca Golf Course. Play will begin at 10:00 a.m. The registration fee is $60 with all proceeds going to the association. Lunch will be served immediately after the game, followed by a short presentation by the undergraduate brothers from Zeta-Sigma chapter at the University of Louisville. Contact Brian Walter at brianwalter89@gmail.com or Bill Norton at wjnorton@gmail.com for more information.
The chapter placed second in the Greek Week tug-of-war contest. Alan Pledgerm, TJ Capadli, and Steven Lauter were named FASET Leaders. FASET, which stands for “Familiarization and Adaptation to the Surroundings and Environs of Tech,” is Georgia Tech’s orientation program for new www.crossandcrescent.com
2
Cross & Crescent July 2011
Chapter News
Lycoming (Iota-Beta)
Oklahoma (Gamma-Rho)
In April 2011, the chapter teamed with the sisters of Gamma Delta Sigma sorority to hold a benefit concert for Edward Migliore, a 10-year-old boy with a rare form of bone cancer known as mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. The event, which raised $600, included local musicians playing at a college coffeehouse. Our chapter’s own John Hardy and Jehiel Boner also performed by playing guitar and singing. Chapter brothers helped set up the room and prepared hot dogs and hamburgers.
C. Maxwell Cameron (2010) died June 5, 2011. A former chapter officer, he had just finished his first year of law school at Tulsa University. As an undergraduate, Cameron participated in University Sing and Sooner Scandals. He also served on the OU Homecoming Executive Staff. He volunteered with the Tuesday Tutor Program at Irving Middle School where he was a mentor to what he called “his kids.” Friends and brothers may honor his memory with contributions to the Lambda Chi Alpha Building Fund in Memory of Max Cameron.
Oklahoma City (Theta-Delta)
The chapter hosted the IFC’s inaugural Frats with Bats Charity Softball Tournament. There were three men’s teams and seven co-ed teams. The tournament raised monetary donations and 822 articles of clothing, all of which will be donated to the Salvation Army.
Miami-OH (Zeta-Upsilon)
Dale Cashman (1958) died December 1, 2010. He served in the Korean War with the U.S. Air Force. He was employed for 25 years with Monarch Marking and retired from Intermec as media marketing manager.
Nevada-Las Vegas (Delta-Lambda)
The chapter donated 1,000 pounds over the summer to a local food bank on behalf of the North American Food Drive. The chapter brothers held their 4th annual alumni versus undergrad basketball game.
Pittsburg State (Lambda-Chi)
The chapter held a Ritual Initiation Exemplification for five new brothers. The chapter earned second place in grades, beating the all-undergraduate GPA average. Thomas Roche (1984) was selected to serve on the International Ritual Team at this summer’s Stead Leadership Seminar at Iowa State University.
Rensselaer Polytechnic (Epsilon-Eta)
Patrick H. Johnston died June 20, 2011. An Eagle Scout and former chapter officer, he worked at the Johnston Dandy Co. as a mechanical engineer.
North Carolina-Wilmington (Delta-Sigma) The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for six new brothers.
www.crossandcrescent.com
3
Cross & Crescent July 2011
Chapter News
Richmond (Alpha-Chi)
The colony is holding its chartering banquet on October 21, 2011, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at West Broad Street. Please save the date.
San Diego State (Zeta-Pi)
Musician Lee Cook (1971), co-chairman of the San Diego Area Alumni Association, has a new CD, “Los Cajones”
Sam Houston State (Sigma-Mu)
The chapter collected more than 1,200 pounds of food in conjunction with the North American Food Drive. The chapter raised its GPA from 2.16 to 2.5, which removed the chapter from academic probation. Sixteen chapter brothers participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Educational Foundation Board Member Charles Jones (1981) was selected to be inducted into the Sam Houston State College of Business Hall of Honor. The ceremony will be October 27, 2011, in Huntsville, Texas. The Hall of Honor Award recognizes College of Business Administration alumni who have brought honor and distinction to the College through personal and professional achievement and through significant contributions to the business profession and/or to society. Jones is currently the senior vice president for Wells Fargo Dealer Services in Irving, Texas.
(Lee Cook Presents: The Joe Grease Band). The CD is a mix of southern rock, country blues, and western swing.
Southern California (Zeta-Delta)
On May 4, 2011, USC senior opposite hitter Murphy Troy was named the 2011 American Volleyball Coaches Association Men’s Division I-II National Player of the Year.
Texas A&M-Kingsville (Beta-Epsilon)
Chapter brothers participated in Joshfest, a community service event which benefits cancer research. The brothers officiated at a flag football tournament and sold fried pickles.
Sewanee (Iota-Nu)
The chapter conducted an Officer Installation Ceremony for the newly-elected officers. Charles Fiore (2000) completed his debut novel, “Green Gospel,” in June 2011. Published by Livingston Press, the novel examines the roots of fundamentalism, the powerful sway of community, and whether or not people change.
www.crossandcrescent.com
Texas-El Paso (Zeta-Epsilon)
The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for four new brothers.
4
Cross & Crescent July 2011
Chapter News
Wasbash (Alpha-Kappa)
Luke Robbins is touring the Midwest doing stand-up comedy and recently signed his first DVD contract. The DVD will be filmed at 8 p.m., July 23, 2011, at the Ball Theater on the campus of Wabash College. Tickets are free and reservations may be made by contacting Robbins at LukeRobbinsComedy@gmail.com.
Western Kentucky (Lambda-Lambda)
On May 21, 2011, the chapter members voted to build a new house on their existing property instead of moving to Fraternity Row. The chapter has been housed at its current location for 45 years. Chapter members will now transition into a design and fundraising phase and have plans to communicate plans and updates with alumni brothers.
William Jewell (Epsilon-Nu)
Chris Stathopoulos was elected SGA vice president. The chapter held a Initiation Ritual Exemplification for eight new brothers. The chapter elected new officers and conducted officer transitions.
www.crossandcrescent.com
5
Cross & Crescent July 2011
FEATURE
Top Military Leader Maj. Gen. William E. Ingram Jr. (North Carolina State 1970) is currently the special assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff, Army. He previously served for nine years as the adjutant general, North Carolina National Guard. By Tad Lichtenauer (Denison)
Maj. Gen. William E. Ingram Jr. (North Carolina State 1970) currently serves as the special assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. He previously served for nine years as the adjutant general, North Carolina National Guard. In 1972, Ingram received his commission as a distinguished graduate through Officer Candidate School, North Carolina Military Academy at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He has commanded United States, United Nations, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces in Croatia, Macedonia, and Kosovo and has taken leading roles in homeland security and disaster response here at home. Ingram previously served as chairman of the Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee (ARFPC). We spoke to him about the Fourth of July and the progress being made with the War on Terror.
June 4, 2011 “When I think about the Fourth of July, I think about the birth of our nation,” he says. “We’ve been at war for the past 10 years...the longest in our history...and I think about the many soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen, past and present, who have worn the uniform of the United States military since 1775. I also think about their families, especially of those who have been actively engaged in this fight since 9/11.” When the tragedies of 9/11 occurred, Ingram was the adjutant general of the North Carolina National Guard, the commander of the guard in North Carolina. “I was appointed to that job about 10 weeks before 9/11 and the nation was at war almost the entire time I was there. We sent 20,000 soldiers and airmen from the North Carolina National Guard into that fight. Tragically we lost some and others were scarred forever because of their willingness to stand up, take the oath to support and defend the Constitution, and to do anything that was asked of them during their period of service.
www.crossandcrescent.com
6
Cross & Crescent July 2011
FEATURE
Having worn his uniform for more than 40 years, Ingram the Soviet Union at least we knew what our focus was. Now has seen four decades of change in the way Americans look with international terrorism, and Al-Qaeda, and pirates in at the military. the Indian Ocean, and all the other stuff that’s going on in the world it’s hard to determine the most dangerous threat.” “I think every time I see the flag flying, especially on the Fourth of July, I take a little pause and just think about it.” If not in Afghanistan or Iraq, there are other people in other he says. “Main Street USA probably doesn’t see a signifi- places who are a danger to the United States. The primary cant change in the fact that we’re at war, but if they know purpose of the federal government, as designed by our foresomebody who’s engaged in it or involved then it hits a little fathers, was to secure the states. closer to home.” “I think the purpose of the states banding together was for their common security and I don’t think we should forget Complex World that, as Americans,” he says.
Lambda Chi Ingram stays in touch with a group of alumni brothers from his generation at North Carolina State University. He is excited about the recent news that the Fraternity’s Board of Directors approved the re-colonization of the Gamma-Upsilon chapter for the fall 2011.
The current war hasn’t changed the way business is done in the United States. There are not a lot of people making personal sacrifices to the effort other than those wearing the uniform, which is less than one percent of the population.
“Americans have a fairly short attention span,” Ingram says. “I think we were pretty fired up after 9/11. I think we ral- With a very busy schedule Ingram is not sure if he will make lied a little bit after Bin Laden’s demise.” it back to campus in the fall but he will make every effort to do so if he can. Given the ongoing American casualties of war, Ingram cautions that the Fourth of July should be about more than just “The brothers in Lambda Chi Alpha had a profound influa party and fireworks. ence of my life during that very formative time,” he says.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie. It wasn’t all party... “I’m not sure we really take time to recall the sacrifices that it was a lot of serious things, too. I made some lifelong many Americans have made, beginning with the Revolu- friends.” Whether Ingram sees a brother once a month or tion and continuing up to today,” he says. once every 10 years, he notes how easy it is to pick up right where he left off. Ingram believes there’s an end in sight to the current war but that many dangers remain. “We are just as good friends today as we were 40 years ago
when we were in school,” he says. On January 1, 2010, Gen. “The world is a much more dangerous place today than it Montgomery C. Meigs (Colgate) became the president and was in the ‘70s and ‘80s,” he says. “When we confronted CEO of Business Executives for National Security (BENS).
www.crossandcrescent.com
7
Cross & Crescent July 2011
FEATURE
Former General Now Leads BENS On January 1, 2010, Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs (Colgate) became the president and CEO of Business Executives for National Security. During his 35-year military career, he served for four years as commanding general of U.S. Army Europe (1998-2002). By Tad Lichtenauer (Denison)
Founded in 1982 by business executive and entrepreneur Stanley A. Weiss, BENS is guided by the principle that America’s security is everybody’s business. BENS is a highly-respected, national, nonpartisan organization of senior executives dedicated to enhancing our national security using the successful models of the private sector. “It’s hard work,” Meigs says. “You have to get people in government to trust you. If you’re going to help them with their most difficult problems you have to be fairly discreet about it and they have to value the expertise you bring.” To that end, Meigs spends a lot time building credibility with government officials and creating opportunities for work with impact. Given their membership and resources, BENS is always trying to determine how to make the biggest impact. “What our members get out of this is the satisfaction of true patriots making a difference in some of the most difficult issues of the day,” Meigs says. Our executives help provide government leaders with solutions to some of the most difficult problems in national security. They range from: streamlining defense department contracting processes, ensuring energy security in military bases, mentoring instillation commanders, to identifying and countering illicit networks.”
Military Career Before joining BENS, Meigs served as a visiting professor at Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service. He taught courses on defense challenges in the 21st century and on American strategic practice and conducted research into decision making in national security and on the process of disruptive technological innovation in defense affairs. From 2006 to 2008 he directed the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. JIEDDO assisted combat units in Iraq and Afghanistan in countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs). During his tenure the casualty rate for each IED explosion fell by a factor of six.
www.crossandcrescent.com
8
Cross & Crescent July 2011
FEATURE
Colgate & Lambda Chi
During his 35-year career in the U.S. Army, Meigs served as commander, U.S. Army, Europe (1998-2002). For the first year of that assignment he also served as Commander of SFOR, NATO’s peacekeeping force in Bosnia. During that year U.S. Army, Europe, and MITRE, developed Blue Force Tracker. In addition he commanded the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and was Commandant of the Army’s Staff College (1997-1998).
Before joining the military Meigs enrolled at Colgate University and spent the first part of his freshmen year deciding which fraternity to join.
“My roommate and I decided we wanted to join Lambda Chi,” he says. “His name was Jeff Nichols. He was a wrestler and I played football and lacrosse. We were big buddies. During his tour at the Staff College he revised its leadership We liked the people and the atmosphere in [Lambda Chi]. curriculum and oversaw the writing of the Army’s leader- These members were leaders on campus to whom one was ship manual. He also led the 1st Infantry Division during its instinctively drawn.” deployment to enforce the Dayton Treaty in Bosnia (19961997). He commanded the Iron Brigade of the 1st Armored Meigs only spent his freshmen year as an undergraduate Division in Operation Desert Storm and at Medina Ridge. Lambda Chi brother since he was then accepted by the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. There he developed and Following his retirement in 2003 Meigs taught at the Lyn- refined leadership skills that would serve him well throughdon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Tex- out his military career. as at Austin, as the Tom Slick Visiting Professor of World Peace. He was later the Louis A. Battle Chair of Business and Government Policy at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. Meigs has lectured at a number of academic institutions including the Royal Uniformed Services Institute, the Russian Army’s Combined Arms Academy, and the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and sits on the boards of the MITRE Corporation and the International Executives Service Corps. Meigs’ received a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Military Academy and both a master’s degree and a doctorate in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His deco- Similarly, Meigs recognizes the importance of how Lambda rations include the Department of Defense Medal for Dis- Chi Alpha has evolved beyond being just a social fraternity. tinguished Public Service, the Bronze Star with “V” Device, and the Purple Heart. “I spent 40 years of my life working with and mentoring young people helping them to develop the skills they need in their professional lives,” he says. “I applaud the extent to which fraternities, including Lambda Chi, are focusing on personal development of their members.”
www.crossandcrescent.com
9
Cross & Crescent July 2011
FEATURE
The Fourth of July Meigs is the great-great grandnephew of Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs, who had a notable career as a U.S. Army officer, civil engineer and architect, and quartermaster general of the U.S. Army during and after the American Civil War. One of the most notable actions taken by Meigs’ distant relative was the seizure of the Custis Lee Plantation (which includes Arlington House.) As the quartermaster general and mortician for the Union Army, Meigs needed a place to put the bodies of all the Union soldiers who were dying in the war. Overlooking the Potomac River and directly across from the National Mall in Washington, DC, Arlington House was once the home of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and his wife. During the American Civil War, the grounds of the mansion were selected as the site for Arlington National Cemetery. Today, Meigs is a trustee of Save Historic Arlington House, a group dedicated to renovating the mansion. This Fourth of July he will be at this historic landmark to watch the fireworks over Washington, DC. “The mansion is one of the finest example of Georgian architecture in the country and I am grateful to be involved in the effort to renovate it,” Meigs says.
www.crossandcrescent.com
10
Cross & Crescent July 2011
FEATURE
Two Former ROA Presidents Retired U.S. Navy captains Dave Woods (San Jose State) and Jim Hannagan (Illinois 1952) both share the unique honor of having served as president of the Reserve Officers Association. Founded in 1922, and chartered by Congress in 1950, the association helps guide U.S. military policy to ensure adequate national security. By Tad Lichtenauer (Denison)
Friends since the 1970s, both Dave Woods (San Jose State 1953) and Jim Hannagan (Illinois 1952) share the unique honor of having served as president of the Reserve Officers Association. The two alumni brothers aren’t sure of the exact moment when they first found out they were Lambda Chis. They originally met while serving in ROA officer positions on the executive committee. Woods served as ROA president from 1985 to 1986, while Hannagan served from 1991 to 1992. ROA was founded on October 2, 1922, when several hundred officers, many of them combat veterans of World War I, first gathered with Gen. John J. “Black Jack” Pershing at the Willard Hotel in Washington, DC, to formally establish a new organization. Chartered by Congress in 1950, ROA serves as a professional association of officers, former officers, and spouses of all the uniformed services (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps, plus the U.S. Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). “We have about 30 past presidents now and I think that if you asked the average person, Jim and I would be selected as two of the most active of the 30,” Woods says. “As far as ROA was concerned, I was the new kid on the block and Jim was the one who was helping and guiding me to try to do something useful,” Woods says. Even though Hannagan wasn’t elected president until 1991, he has had a lengthy and enduring impact on the ROA. He served for 17 years on the ROA’s Board of Trustees, seven of those as chairman. The board provides management oversight of the investment funds of the organizations. “I’ve been in, I guess, 40-some years and I can’t think of a time when Jim wasn’t considered a key member, even when he wasn’t president and, since he’s been president, even more so,” Woods says. “I don’t think I can make that statement about me. I’ve been active but I don’t think I was considered key. I was doing smaller things like defense education and career planning seminars. Jim was in with the budget and finance, the big deals.”
www.crossandcrescent.com
11
Cross & Crescent July 2011
FEATURE
One other tradition of the presidency is that you usually have a meeting, 15 to 20 minutes in duration, with the sitting president.
The only one I was rushed by was Lambda Chi, possibly because they had that advanced notice.” Woods worked at a downtown restaurant and the brothers offered to pay for his room in the chapter house if he would agree to be the chapter’s cook.
“I met with George Herbert Walker Bush in the Oval Office,” Hannagan says. “I gave him a little saying from Winston Churchill in a frame that says ‘An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.’”
“I wouldn’t have had quite enough resources to live on campus if not for the free room,” Woods says. “We were a colony. We were chartered later that same year. I was in the first pledge class of the chartering. In the final year I was president. We were just filled with veterans. All my fraternity brothers were 28, 25, 22, Navy lieutenants, sergeants. I was 17. I was a kid on the block. I learned a whole lot about life from these veterans.”
Woods met with President Ronald Reagan during his tenure as president.
Naval & Civilian Careers Having spent more than 30 years on active and reserve duty, both men have held naval reserve commands. Woods has held two and Hannagan has held an astonishing 10.
Hannagan, on the other hand, went through formal rush at the University of Illinois. He was elected freshmen class president. “During rush week when I was a freshmen that was one of the fraternities I visited and I accepted their
“I don’t know any other naval officer who has had 10 commands,” Woods says. “I had two. I was more typical. There are only so many commands to go around. You have to be there. You have to be willing. You have to be available. You have to be wanted.”
invitation to join,” Hannagan recalls.
Serving Our Country
In addition to serving in the Reserves, Woods went on to earn his doctorate at Ohio State University. He has spent more than 50 years as adjunct professor at various universities and he is currently in his 17th year at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.
Woods and Hannagan believe there is great value in the opportunities the military service can provide for young adults. “I think there’s a great opportunity in the military to serve and better yourself, at the same time serving and bettering the nation,” Woods says. “I would recommend to any young Lambda Chi who wants to get out and find himself and do something, that he go into the service and take advantage of all that the service has to offer.”
Hannagan went on to earn a master of business administration from the University of Detriot and then enjoyed a successful career as a district manager with Michigan Bell, which eventually became a part of AT&T. After his retirement he served as an adjunct professor of theory and practice at Walsh College in Troy, Michigan.
The two veterans don’t believe you have to make a full career out of the military but career and life experiences can be invaluable.
Lambda Chi Experiences
“It’s definitely a good place to learn leadership principles and skills,” Hannagan says.
“Well, Lambda Chi discovered me,” Woods says. “I think a vice principal at my college tipped them off that I’d be a good person. I think we had 13 fraternities at that time. www.crossandcrescent.com
12
Cross & Crescent July 2011
FEATURE
Washington State’s Rebound The Tau chapter at Washington State finished with a cumulative 3.27 GPA, the No. 1 ranking on campus out of more than 40 Greek organizations. On the verge of being closed only a few years ago, the chapter has now found success in many forms: scholarship, philanthropy, leadership...and they even have their own fire engine. By Jon Williamson (Maryland)
Our chapter at Washington State has found success in many forms: scholarship, philanthropy, leadership... and they even have their own fire engine. Reuben C. Youngquist (1928) served the International Fraternity as a traveling consultant from 1928 to 1933 before attending law school and becoming a successful attorney. From the archives of Lambda Chi Alpha comes this history of the founding and early years of Tau chapter as compiled by Youngquist: “Late in 1912 two sophomores and two freshmen conceived the idea of founding a fraternal club. Perry Atwood (1914) and W.J. Illman (1917) suggested the name Tolo for the newlyorganized group, which is Native American and means ‘Get There.’ John Savage (1916) and Ross Gridley (1916) were two of the men active in the early stages of the organization and it was through Savage that Al King was brought into the group. King was made the first president of the Tolo Club and has the honor of being Tau Zeta No. 1. On April 20, 1913, a constitution was adopted and the Tolo Club became a permanent society. Ten charter members were the nucleus of that group, which existed less than a year as a local society and which never adopted a badge. A house was leased. The roll was increased to 14 men, who were approached early in 1914 regarding the possibility of becoming a chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha. On April 7, 1914, 14 men were initiated and installed as the 14th chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha. No elaborate ceremony marked Tau’s entrance. An early member writes: ‘(Warren) Cole just shipped along a Ritual and a bill for the installation, and someone read both of them to the rest of them and they put on the pins.’”
Chapter President Moving forward almost a century, I checked Google for the latest fraternity news. One of the articles I found stated that Washington State University’s fraternities and sororities had performed extremely well academically for the spring semester. I wondered how Lambda Chi had done and checked the IFC website. Happily, I noted that our Tau chapter
www.crossandcrescent.com
13
Cross & Crescent July 2011
FEATURE
finished with a 3.27 GPA, the No. 1 ranking on the campus.
officers sit on the Humane Society’s Executive Board. In February of each year the Society puts on an auction for the citizens of Pullman. The chapter organizes it and staffs the event while we team with sorority members who also support our efforts. Over $50,000 was raised at the event this year.”
Definitely news worth celebrating, so I called John McMullan, the chapter president to congratulate him, not yet realizing how good the news would become. “This has been an exceptional year for us. Everything from scholarship to philanthropy, with brotherhood as the foundation, has been excellent.”
Your website features your accomplishments and what you believe in. “Yes, it features the Seven Core Values of Lambda Chi Alpha and we stress this with potential members. It wasn’t always this way. Six years ago we had 15 total members and only six lived in the house, which sleeps over 50. There were some conversations about closing the chapter. Today’s graduating seniors are the ones who joined and then set the standards that are used today. They asked the question, ‘What is a fraternity supposed to be?’ and set about being a real fraternity. They recruited men who wanted to be part of something bigger, and to work for the greater good. They wanted to help men accomplish more than they ever thought they could. They didn’t haze, and we still don’t, and, as noted on our website, all of our Initiation Week events are open. We don’t tolerate hazing. We receive many benefits of being a member but we must meet the standards -- become something bigger and part of a team.”
The brothers didn’t achieve a 3.27 by luck. “No. Definitely not! Our actual goal was 3.3 and we just missed it. We have learned that this 3.27 is the highest GPA ever recorded by a fraternity on the campus.”
Are the men active in other organizations? “Many of the 62 brothers have taken an active role in outside organizations: Kyle Spane is the current IFC President; Jens Jensen is the men’s athletic trainer for the basketball team; Tomas Saleik is president of the Ski Club; Liam Sweeney is treasurer of the Natural Resources Club; Trevor Sordorff is a pole vaulter on the track and field team; Spencer Stumph is in the Marching Band; Dave Simpson is program coordinator for the YMCA; Max Sodorss and Marc Eglan are 4.0 GPA Scholars; and Alex Leider has been named the Washington State University cadet of the year in ROTC and is currently undergoing Ranger training.”
Is scholarship your primary recruiting filter? “No, we seek men who are well-rounded, although academics and previous academic achievement play a major role in our recruitment process. Our foundation in the process is Cole Recruitment. We make friends and determine the individual’s academic success. We invite them to our study tables so that they can see the chapter’s expectations if they join. They are also invited to participate with the chapter in a philanthropic event. They are exposed to the True Brother Initiative and we build events around that concept. This year we were awarded the Washington State University 2011 Center for Civic Engagement Outstanding Group Award, which is awarded to one group per year. We teamed up with the Whitman County Humane Society, which is an animal shelter. The chapter www.crossandcrescent.com
Tell me about the fire engine. “We bought the 1923 fire truck in the mid-1950s and we have been working on it ever since then. Over the past two years we started a ‘fire up the engine campaign’ and it is now fully restored with 14
Cross & Crescent July 2011
FEATURE
a working engine and tires. We ride around the campus on game days and the alumni love riding in it. It is a staple of the Greek community.”
at 7 a.m. We left Easton at 7:30 a.m. Our trip took us to Ellensburg, Vantage, Othello, Washtucna, Colfax, and finally Pullman. We stopped in front of the house at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.”
Are the chapter alumni supportive? “Yes. Over the past few years the chapter alumni association, led by Jim King, has put over $200,000 into renovating the chapter house. Jim does it because he believes in Lambda Chi Alpha and wants the chapter to be the best on the campus. His efforts inspire the undergraduates and he is like a father figure to everyone in the house. Another important figure in our history is Brian Churchill, a former president, who made the decision to keep the house open during the challenging times. We are very fortunate to have chapter advisers, Dr. Dan Eveleth and Dr. Scot Hulbert, both professors. They work together as a team and attend every meeting. We also keep up with our alumni through the website, and Tau Talks, and a weekly blog.”
Chapter Adviser I spoke with Dr. Dan Eveleth (1979), a professor at the University of Idaho about the chapter. “Three of us, Scot, Tim Pavish, and I returned to Pullman about five years ago. Each of our wives is a member of Pi Beta Phi and they became involved in Pi Phi activities. At the same time the Lambda Chis were looking for alumni to become involved in the alumni association. Jim King invited us to be a part so we jumped in and began attending the meetings. The brothers were already working to change the house and they realized that change was needed. The undergraduate leadership focused on brotherhood which included alumni, and the actives became more involved in campus activities.”
The rest of the story of how the 1923 fire engine was acquired and how it got to the Lambda Chi house was told in the Fall Semester Tau Talks 1956 by Don Dolquist (1958). “This fall Tau Zeta purchased a 1923 White hookand-ladder fire engine. The engine was bought from Moore Auto Sales in Monroe, Washington. After the engine was purchased the real work began, namely that of getting the truck from Monroe to Pullman, 350 miles across the state. I took it upon myself to deliver the truck to Pullman. Brother Bob Grove (1961) volunteered to help me, and preparations were made for the trip. We left Monroe at 2:15 p.m. Monday the 17th of September. We could only drive about 25 mph because of the length of the truck (36 feet), hard rubber tires and mechanical brakes (it is a real jewel). We reached the summit of Snoqualmie Pass about 5 p.m. and took on a sizable quantity of water (it’s a long grind uphill at 15 mph). We wanted to reach Easton by dark (no lights) and spend the night there. We didn’t make it for we broke down by Lake Keechelus at 5:30. The fuel line was clogged and the battery was dead (if you have never been in this situation, you don’t know what you are missing). Bob and I caught a ride to Easton and spent the night there. An S.O.S. phone call brought my father to Easton (at 5 a.m. Tuesday morning) with a new battery. We got the engine running and ate breakfast in Easton www.crossandcrescent.com
What was the biggest change agent? “The chapter leadership. The undergraduate leaders made hard choices of enforcing the rules and setting standards because they wanted to be a part of something bigger. Their decisions were practical and fair and we helped the brothers think through these business decisions, giving them the ‘how’ to implement them. They treat all of the brothers with respect, but make them responsible for the consequences of their actions. These leaders led the way and made sure they didn’t just pay lip service to being a brother, but led
15
Cross & Crescent July 2011
FEATURE
by example instead. They got to the sources of problems, such as academics, and confronted them. They made sure brothers who were challenged by a particular course went to class, did their homework, attended study tables, and took advantage of meetings with their professors.”
Why have you made such an unselfish commitment to the fraternity? “There are several reasons, but the ones that are in the forefront are my undergraduate memories and the lessons learned in those days. I want to give back.”
Alumni Association President
How will the chapter maintain their success? “The last time I spoke with the brothers I shared with them how individual bankers/brokers on Wall Street feel: ‘Previous successes don’t necessarily translate to future successes. They must continue to strive to be better and grow.’”
What is the primary reason for the chapter’s success? “Just How have alumni responded to these changes? “Very a few years ago the chapter, with only a handful of men well! When they saw the quality of men and their living in the house, was on the verge of being closed and accomplishments the alumni returned to the house and the property being sold. Then a few men were attracted to re-engaged. In 2009 we re-invested money in the chapter being better men and achieving things together. Those men house and the brothers keep it clean. Now alumni bring began to attract others with the same goals, not just to fill their families back to the house, enjoy a welcoming the house, but to build a brotherhood and to accomplish atmosphere on the part of the undergraduate brothers, and things they weren’t currently achieving. I give a lot of credit take pride in the house’s appearance.” to Kyle Spane, the current IFC president, who served two terms as the chapter president and recruited top men. Why do you remain involved in the fraternity? “I have Overall, the undergraduate leaders are the ones responsible spent my adult life with young men and women in for the chapter’s success. In 2009 we took out a mortgage, the classroom, which is only a small part of the college and, together with alumni donations, built a study area in learning experience. These are great men to work with and the basement large enough to hold 20 men with tables, and it is so very rewarding when you see the results they are it was wired. That has made a tremendous difference and currently achieving.” contributed to our academic success.”
Fittingly, part of the Creed of Lambda Chi Alpha reads: “... the crescent is our symbol – pure, high, ever growing....”
Notable Tau Brothers • • • • • •
• •
Jim King is the current president of the Lambda Chi Alpha Alumni Association and is given credit for getting many of the alumni re-involved.
www.crossandcrescent.com
• • • • •
16
Dr. Berge A. Anderson (1966), dentist, Olympia, Washington Martin A. Anderson (1974), chapter consultant from 1974 to 1976 Dr. Jim Arthurs (1964), physician, Coeur D’Alene, Idaho Dr. Edwin M. Bailor (1914), professor of psychology at Dartmouth College Dr. Don L. Barbee (1946), professor emeritus at Cal-State @ San Francisco Brig. Gen. Robert W. Berry (1948), Brigadier General, retired general counsel with Georgia Wright Marketing Inc., professor of law at the United States Military Academy, awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star Medal Dr. Herbert Berquist (1948), retired oral surgeon Harrie O. Bohlke, former director of public relations for the Washington Brewers Institute, served on the Fraternity Board of Lambda Chi Alpha from 1950 to 1960 Dr. Steven O. Brough (1966), dentist/endodontist, Sonoma, California Lewis C. Callow, former chapter president, former chapter adviser of the Tau chapter, recipient of Lambda Chi Alpha’s Order of Merit in 1964 Dr. Thomas B. Carey (1961), former veterinarian Dr. Howard F. Carroll (1936), retired veterinarian, Boulder Creek, California Casualties of World War II: Harland F. Burgess (1921), Keith H. Carr (1944), Rene J. Duprez
Cross & Crescent July 2011
FEATURE
•
• • •
•
•
• •
• • • • • • • •
•
•
• •
(1941), John B. Hurley (1931), Lee D. Kerr (1942), Raymond C. Kraus (1940), Joseph L. McClellan (1940), Arthur W. McCulloch (1939) (United States Naval Academy), Clifford O. Miles (1938), William J. Roberts (1941), William H. Schildroth (1922) (United States Military Academy and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart (2)), John S. Streeter (1933), and Frank H. Todd (1939). Clifford D. “Lefty” Chambers (1948), played major league baseball winning 48 games while with the Chicago Cubs in 1948, the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1949 – 1951 and the St. Louis Cardinals from 1951 to 1953, pitched a no-hitter on May 6, 1951, inducted into the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame Dr. Richard Clark (1949), retired dentist Dr. Roy Clarke, former veterinarian Howard N. “Pink” Colman, alumni secretary of Lambda Chi Alpha from 1947 to 1950, recipient of Lambda Chi Alpha’s Order of Merit in 1937 Gerald Conine (1962), 6th place in freestyle wrestling at 214 pounds at the 1964 Olympics, inducted into the Southern California Handball Association Dr. James E. Dalen (1954), dean emeritus and professor emeritus of the University of Arizona College of Medicine; executive director of the Weil Foundation; associate editor of the American Journal of Medicine; author or co-author of over 350 publications; former president of the American College of Chest Physicians; former president of the New England Cardiovascular Society; former governor of the American College of Cardiology and American College of Physicians; many honors have been bestowed upon Dr. Dalen including in 2010 the Harvard School of Public Health’s highest honor for its alumni: the 2010 Alumni Award of Merit, former chapter chapter president Jack B. Doty (1950), traveling secretary for Lambda Chi Alpha in 1950 Dr. Glenn Doornink (1947), retired physician, former president of the Yakima County Medical Society, former president of the Washington Academy of Family Physicians, and former president of the Washington State Medical Association Dr. Robert Doornink (1949), professor of kinesiology & leisure studies at Washington State University Jameson N. Dowell (2004), educational leadership consultant from 2004 to 2005 Dr. Gordon G. Duskin (1956), veterinarian, Stanwood, Washington Daniel Eveleth (1979), professor of business at the University of Idaho, chapter adviser for Tau Per O. Fjeld (1971), architect, author, professor of architecture at the Oslo School of Architecture in Norway, Brig. Gen. Daniel W. French (1947), retired general Dr. Lawrence Gardner (1961), dentist, Alameda, California Douglas F. Gibb (1942), supervisor of the aquatics program and swimming coach at Washington State University from 1942 to 1980, swimming pool at Washington State University named in his honor Dr. Robert Gibb (1944), physician, retired clinical professor pathologist at University of Washington, and member of the Washington State University Foundation Board of Trustees Col. Samuel A. Gibson (1913) United States Military Academy, awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Legion of Merit, Commendation Ribbon (2) Marvin Gilberg (1943), retired veterinarian, former chapter president Dr. Edgar V. Hansen (1946), retired dentist
• Vincent G. Hanson (1948), all-American in basketball and also lettered in baseball and track, inducted into the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame, inducted into the PAC-10 Conference Hall of Honor, and former insurance broker • Dr. Gerald L. Hartman (1963), oral surgeon, Tacoma, Washington • Dr. George Hendrey (1960), distinguished professor of earth and environmental sciences at Queens College, City University of New York • Joseph W. Heslin (1951), traveling secretary for Lambda Chi Alpha in 1951-1952 • Dr. John Holt (1968), dentist, Lake Oswego, Oregon • Dr. Leland Hudson (1958), dentist, Marysville, Washington • George Hurley (1932), played professional football with the Boston Braves who became the Boston Redskins • John Hurley (1931), played professional football with the Cleveland Indians, killed-in-action during World War II • Dr. Claudius O. Johnson, former professor of history and political science at Washington State University, career spanned four decades, scholarship named in honor of him and his wife, building is named in his honor on the Washington State University campus • Dr. Rick L. Johnson (1954), retired physician • Dr. Roger D. Johnson (1969), dentist, Gig Harbor, Washington • Dr. Wynne Johnson (1943), professor emeritus at California State University @ Sacramento • Dr. Brian L. Juel (1967), dentist, Sequim, Washington • Richard Ketelle (1951), ceramic artist • Dr. Charles G. King (1918), “recognized as the first to isolate pure crystals of Vitamin C., was honored in 1964. A leading authority on nutrition, he also identified Vitamin C as the anti-scurvy substance in citrus fruit, Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and Columbia and served as executive director and president of National Nutrition Foundation;” served as chapter president; 1973 recipient of Lambda Chi Alpha’s Order of Achievement • James E. King (1977), owner of Hudson Bay Insulation, Seattle, Washington, member of the Washington State University Foundation Board of Governors, and president of the chapter alumni association • Mark A. Knowles (1989), PGA at Gold Mountain Golf Course, Bremerton, Washington, recipient of the 2010 PGA President’s Council on Growing The Game • Dr. Dennis C. LeMaster (1998), professor emeritus of forestry & natural resources, Purdue University • Dr. Clifford Dale Lobaugh (1960), veterinarian • David Longanecker (1968), president of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, Boulder, Colorado, Assistant Secretary for postsecondary education at the U.S. Department of Education • Gary Manchester (1965), president and CEO, American Heating Co. • Dr. Alton Markley (1919), professor and chairman of the Department of Chemistry at Skidmore College • Dr. Robert A. McAlexander (1951), retired vascular surgeon • Dr. Chad D. McCormick (1991), ear, nose, and throat physician, Coeur D’Alene, Idaho • Art McLarney (1932), played major league baseball with the New York Giants in ’32, inducted into the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame • Judge W. McPhee (1966), Thurston County Superior Court of the State of Washington • Kevin A. Morehart (1991), firefighter, Auburn Washington
www.crossandcrescent.com
17
• Dr. Walter L. C. Muenscher (1914), professor of Botany at Cornell University • Kraign Richard Naasz (1983), president and CEO of the American Frozen Food Institute, former president and CEO of the National Mining Association, member of the Washington State University Foundation Board of Trustees • Dr. Irwin J. Parker (1956), dentist, Phoenix, Arizona • Dr. Normond Passmore (1976), dentist, Walla Walla, Washington • Don R. Paul (1950), played professional football with the Chicago Cardinals from 1950 to 1953, and then the Cleveland Browns from 1954 to 1958; member of the NFL Champion team in 1954; all Pro in 1955; inducted into the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame • Tim Pavish (1978), vice president for university relations at Washington State University, inducted into the Murrow College of Communication Alumni Hall of Achievement, executive director of the Washington State University Alumni Association • Donald C. Pelo (1981), CPA, member of the Washington State University Foundation Board of Trustees • John E. Pelo (1978), president and CEO of Swire Coca Cola, USA, former chairman and member of the Board of Directors of the American Beverage Association, Director of Key Technology, Inc. • Dr. Ronald L. Persing (1952), retired veterinarian • Dr. Ronald E. Polk (1970), professor of pharmacy and medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University and the Medical College of Virginia • James W. Richards (1957), Head Athletic Trainer at Northwest College, recipient of National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics award for Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2005 • James T. Roberts (1920), recipient of Lambda Chi Alpha’s Order of Merit 1952 • William “Bud” Roffler (1954), played professional football with the Philadelphia Eagles • Col. H. “Bud” Rothgeb (1964), former director of communications for Bethany College • C. Dale Schwant (1947), former special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, traveling secretary with Lambda Chi Alpha from 1948-1949, served in World War II and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with 2 Gold Stars • Judge Thomas R. Stiger (1932), Snohomist County Superior Court • Dr. Orin g. Swanson (1951), veterinarian • Dr. William A. Tomaras (1943), known as “Father of Washington Wrestling,” coached at Washington State University, University of California @ Berkeley, and Western Washington University from 1948 to 1965, member of the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame, member of the Helms Foundation Hall of Fame, Athletic Director at Western Washington University, inducted into the Western Washington University Athletic Hall of Fame, president of the Evergreen Conference in 1970 • Dr. Frank D. Waldron (1953), retired physician • Reuben C. Youngquist (1928), prosecuting attorney for Skagit County, traveling secretary for Lambda Chi Alpha 1928 to 1933, former chapter president
Cross & Crescent July 2011
FRATERNITY NEWS
5th Annual Steward Summit Approximately 75 brothers from across North America attend educational training event in Indianapolis.
By Jordy Miller (Miami-FL)
The professional staff of the International Headquarters hosted approximately 75 alumni brothers from across North America during the fifth annual Steward Summit, from June 9th to 12th, 2011, in Indianapolis. The kick-off to this year’s event was a Welcome and Charge address from Executive Vice President Bill Farkas (Butler 1988). He spoke about the increased importance of alumni brothers in helping to implement Lambda Chi Alpha’s educational programming at all of our chapters. As a component of Lambda Chi Alpha’s educational programming, Fraternal and Master Stewards are approved by the Board of Directors based upon their service, experience, geographic location, and willingness to participate in ongoing education and training.
Fraternal Stewards The primary purpose of a Fraternal Steward is to support Lambda Chi Alpha through involvement with Lambda Chi Alpha’s educational programming at a local level. The focus of this position is the implementation, stewardship, and advancement of the Fraternity’s values-based educational curriculum at the chapter level. The Fraternal Steward is responsible for providing assistance and supporting the Outer Circle Curriculum, TRUE Leader I and II, or the Inner Circle Journey. A Fraternal Steward should model the way of a TRUE Brother at all times in front of the undergraduates. As a partner to the professional staff and Master Stewards, this assignment will provide chapters with immediate, consistent, and bolstered support in their aspirations to take full advantage of today’s Lambda Chi Alpha experience.
www.crossandcrescent.com
18
Cross & Crescent July 2011
FRATERNITY NEWS
Master Stewards The primary purpose of a Master Steward is to support Lambda Chi Alpha through involvement with Lambda Chi Alpha’s educational programming and curriculum. The focus of this position is the endorsement, stewardship, advancement, and support of Lambda Chi Alpha as the co-curricular leader in the Greek movement through the education and development of our undergraduate brothers and alumni volunteers.
At the approval of the executive vice president, Master Stewards commit to three-year terms of service in this capacity, with potential opportunities to continue on for additional terms if conditions are such that warrant continued service at this level.
Training & Education Key training and programming highlights from this year’s summit included:
The Master Steward is responsible for teaching the components of Lambda Chi Alpha’s educational curriculum, introducing Outer Circle programming to chapters, and modeling the way of a TRUE Brother all times in front of undergraduates.
-Cole Recruitment -Call to Brotherhood -Exoteric Mysteries -TRUE Leader I & II -How to Engage the Inner Circle -Purposeful Facilitation in Lambda Chi Alpha -Presentation Skills & Training -The Art of Advising -Inner Circle Evolutions -Sharing of Brotherhood -2011 Stead Leadership Seminar Overview -Review of Roles, Responsibilities, and Expectations
As a partner and adjunct to the professional staff, this assignment will provide chapter support, continue the development of educational materials, and ensure the General Fraternity has a strong cadre of brothers to support operations at local, regional, and international Lambda Chi Alpha events. Furthermore, specific Master Stewards may be selected to support the Chapter Services Department as a “lead Master Steward” in the management and accomplishment of conclave objectives.
Both the Fraternal and Master Stewards report to Senior Associate Director of Chapter Services Jordy Miller (Miami-FL). If you have any questions, please contact him via email at jmiller@lambdachi.org.
www.crossandcrescent.com
19
Cross & Crescent July 2011
TRUE BROTHER
Duty & Service to Country
An Alpha-Pi alumni brother from Denver shares his harrowing story.
By Sal Lievanos (St. Mary’s)
With Independence Day around the corner we thought it would be appropriate to recognize a brother who shows what it means to be a TRUE Brother of Lambda Chi Alpha. The Core Values are the main foundation of Lambda Chi Alpha and our approach to building a better man. In the TRUE Brother Initiative, our Seven Core Values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Service & Stewardship, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage) are taught to be embraced so each Lambda Chi Alpha undergraduate brother and associate member is equipped with clear understanding and vision, always attempting to grow and learn.
Core Values in Action: Service & Stewardship Patrick Glavey (Denver 2006) lives every piece of what this Brotherhood believes and stands for. A graduate of Denver University, he became a U.S. Marine Corps officer after college. While on a combat tour in Afghanistan in the Fall of 2010 with the Fox Company, 1st Regiment, the explosion of a mine destroyed both of Glavey’s legs.
Lambda Chi “My Lambda Chi experience was great from the beginning,” he says. “I rushed my first semester as an undergraduate at DU. I had participated in some events when I visited the campus while I was still a high school senior. I really respected what Lambda Chi stood for. The diversity of guys in the Chapter at Denver is what also attracted me and made me want to join.” He continues, “Most of the guys in Lambda Chi were involved in other organizations on campus. We had the captain of the lacrosse team. We were really in touch with campus life and what was going on almost all of the time. I stayed involved by doing some journalism work and also by working in the campus finance department. Being involved like that gives you a broader view of life in general. When you have so many guys guiding you through the educational and social processes of college and in the fraternity, you grow so much.” www.crossandcrescent.com
20
Cross & Crescent July 2011
TRUE BROTHER
“I can say honestly that my time as an undergraduate was some of the most carefree and joyous parts of my life. To the young brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha,” he says, “study and care for one another. Never forget that life is fleeting and enjoy your friends and everyone you love.”
He continues, “As an officer, I believe you personally transition through the core values of Lambda Chi Alpha. A sense of duty, loyalty, and service draws nearly every Marine to honor when his nation calls. But leadership comes to define you as a person. The qualities of honor, integrity, and personal courage are the backbone of every infantry officer. Marines will forever lead from the front. As Lambda Chi expects its brothers to lead society, so the Marines expect the same - at home and at war.”
Honor Glavey had little knowledge about the military when he
The Future For now, brother Glavey says he is still in the healing process. “I am still learning to how to walk and slowly reintegrating myself into society.” He says,” As far as my future looks, I am either going to start my own water company and utilize my knowledge of water resource engineering or get back into the financial world. Both these choices really speak to me, so I will have to wait and see what happens. I really hope I can take one of those routes in the near future.” first began thinking about becoming a marine. He learned more when he met with a recruiting officer. Relating back to the core values of Lambda Chi Alpha, Brother Glavey says Honor best describes what the military holds highest, day in and day out. “There is absolutely nothing anywhere else like the opportunities and the responsibilities given to a young officer with regard to the places you will eventually go and the people you will lead,” he says. “It was truly an honor to have done so.” “Without a doubt it is one hundred percent about Honor. This is a fundamental value of the Marine Corps and, obviously, for Lambda Chi as well. I have never met a person in Lambda Chi or in the Marine Corps who didn’t live with honor, who didn’t value personal integrity and do so with the utmost courage. Those values spread across both institutions in every possible way.” www.crossandcrescent.com
21
Cross & Crescent July 2011
HISTORY
When POW Rick McDow Came Home
Remembering a hero and an Alpha-Phi alumnus brother from Alabama.
By James Brasher (Memphis)
Editor’s Note: The following article was published in the May 1973 edition of the Cross & Crescent magazine. After his POW release, Richard H. McDow continued his military service for another 20 years, retiring as a U.S. Air Force colonel on September 1, 1994. For his outstanding service he was awarded the Legion of Merit (2), the Distinguished Flying Cross (5), Bronze Star, and Prisoner of War Medal. Today, he lives in Alabama. Bruce Baggett, Alabama ‘70, a friend of many years, and I were on our way to visit with a fraternity brother, Rick McDow, Alabama ’70, who had just returned from the prison camps of North Vietnam. As you might imagine, Columbiana, Alabama, is a very small Southern town, not too far from Birmingham. It’s the kind of town where everyone knows everyone else, and, whether intentionally or not, the people get caught up in each others’ lives. Just today they have turned out in record numbers to the lawn of the Shelby County Court House to welcome back one of their own. As we drive through the streets, we see the signs that have been hurriedly and lovingly erected to welcome Rick home. They read, “Happy Day! Rick’s Home!” “Thanks Rick, we love you!” “Glory Be!!! Rick’s back from the Flatlands.” And stretched across the street of the town, that’s almost deserted by 7 p.m., is a banner which reads simply, “Welcome, Rick.” This is a town where Rick had played high school football and become a hero in doing so. A serious injury had prevented Rick, however, from playing college football with “Bear” Bryant. As we drive down the streets viewing the evidence of a hero’s welcome, passing the stadium made of simple concrete blocks where Rick had captured the hearts of the townspeople as a football player, we are aware that our meeting with him will be beautiful and rewarding. I first met Rick and Bruce, my traveling companion, when I arrived at the University of Alabama to begin my Ph.D. study. In fact, the first chapter activity in which I participated was Bruce and Rick’s initiation. It was obvious from the beginning, that both of them were to be chapter leaders. Rick went on to become High Kappa, and Bruce, High Delta. As the chapter’s High Pi, I worked with them for more than three years and, even though we didn’t agree on all points –and, in fact, at times bitterly disagreed on some points –a great deal of mutual respect and brotherly love developed among us. www.crossandcrescent.com
22
Cross & Crescent July 2011
HISTORY
strafe flight.
Bruce and I had been in contact with Rick’s wife, Beverly, and had tried, like so many other fraternity brothers, to be of some spiritual assistance to Beverly and to Rick’s family in his absence. Since Beverly’s letter appeared in the August issue of the Cross & Crescent, hundreds of Lambda Chis throughout North America have asked about him, even though most of them have never met him.
“We took off and executed the primary mission with no problem. We encountered their normal defensive maneuvers against us, but we didn’t encounter any MIGs on the primary escort. We did have a few SAMs shot at us, but we evaded those with no great problem, and we egressed the area and were refueling off a tanker when we were advised that we would be needed to go back in and look for another air crew that had been shot down that day.
Driving from Tuscaloosa to Columbiana on this dreary, misty night, Bruce and I reviewed the fraternity experiences that we had shared with Rick and realized their impact on our lives. Now it was time to meet Rick –- after he had been through an ordeal that neither of us could comprehend. Bruce and I were honored and will be forever grateful that Rick and Beverly were inviting us to one of their first dinners at home since Rick’s return.
“After we filled up on gas at the tanker, we went back in, searching the area approximately 60 to 70 miles westsouthwest of the North. We searched for approximately 45 minutes with no results. We went back and refueled on the tanker again, and came back inbound. At this time there was MIG activity. We did not get engaged, but there were MIGs in the area. We continued searching for 20 to 25 minutes.
It was hardly possible for us to believe that Rick had been through all that he had been through. However, his firm handshakes and warm smile told us that in spite of the cruel treatment he had received at the hands of our enemy, he was the same Rick McDow that had left us several months before. Rick had lost considerable weight and, believe it or not, was even one inch shorter than he had been before his imprisonment. But, in spite of all he had been through, he really looked good. We asked Rick to tell us about his capture, his treatment, his reaction to visiting Americans, and his feelings about his country and his welcome home. The following Columns carry Rick’s words. My words, or anyone else’s, are really incapable of describing Rick’s happiness in returning home and his gratefulness to his countrymen, his friends, and his fraternity brothers for their sincere concern for his wellbeing.
“Our flight was one of 4 aircraft and I was flying the No. 3 position. As I said, we were aware of a lot of MIG activity in the area, but we actually saw none of the MIGs before we were hit. Two MIGs came in from behind us. They came out of the weeds, as we say; they evidently were flying low level near the ground. They came in with a lot of ‘smash’ –that is, they came in with a high overtake on us, a lot faster than we were going, and they evidently popped off a couple of missiles. Our No. 4 man was hit and we were also hit. The airplane was heavily damaged and quite obviously wasn’t going to fly much longer, so the pilot and I decided to get out. There was actually no communication between us at the time, because we had lost our intercom after we were hit. We both ejected at about the same time and were not really sure of the altitude that we got out at. It was a safe ejection, a normal ejection under combat circumstances –as normal as you can get. I didn’t get both my hands on the ejection handle before I pulled, which led to some problems, because we were going approximately 400 to 450 knots indicated air speed. This would correspond to roughly 550 to 600 miles per hour, so you can imagine the wind blast you get when the canopy comes open and your seats gets up into the air stream. Because my left arm wasn’t on the handle, it failed
Being Captured “On June 27, of last year, the day I was shot down, we’d taken off out of Doc Lee, flying F4E Phantom Jets. Our Mission was to escort other F4’s that were going on a strafe-dropping mission over North Vietnam near Hanoi. We were equipped as air defense aircraft, except that we had an internal gun on the E-model, and we were carrying air-to-air missiles. Our job was to keep the MIGs off of the
www.crossandcrescent.com
23
Cross & Crescent July 2011
HISTORY
a fair amount. When I did get on the ground I found out my left shoulder was injured, and it was bothering me to some degree. “When I got on the ground, I immediately left my chute and helmet and started getting as far away from them as I could. The area I went down in was rather mountainous. I landed on the side of a hill or ridge line. I tried to go up the side of this ridge line and was trying to find some cover to hide –the undergrowth wasn’t particularly thick. Shortly after I found the best hiding place I could, I heard another rescue aircraft overhead. I established radio contact with him, and he informed me that the rescue helicopters were inbound and that they would be there in 15 to 20 minutes. At that time, the rescue aircraft overhead had established contact with my pilot, so he asked us to remain silent on the radio, since he had established our position and was going to search for the crew members in the other aircraft. I, of course, complied with his request, and was just lying there in the grass trying to look as inconspicuous as I could. At the time I felt that I would be rescued. “After I’d talked to the rescue aircraft overhead and was waiting for the arrival of the helicopter, I heard a couple of men talking. I looked up, and there were two Vietnamese men standing about 12 feet away from me. At the time, I didn’t think they were looking straight at me, so I hoped they hadn’t seen me. I ducked my head and tried to become as small as I could. I heard them talking a bit louder, looked up, and they were staring right at me. This was the moment of capture. Both of them were armed, and there was not too much I could do to resist, so I tried to get off one more radio transmission to the rescue aircraft. I’m not sure they heard me. These men took my radio from me as I was trying to call, and they started searching me. I had lost my watch during ejection. They searched my pockets. We try to fly in what we call a sanitized condition –generally we didn’t wear our wedding bands. The only thing we carried was an I.D. card, Geneva Convention card, immunization record, and, in my case, a little bit of money. My dog tags, I.D. tags, were around my neck. “The two men that initially captured me brought me down the side of the hill, and we got down into a creek
www.crossandcrescent.com
24
bed at which time we were joined by a number of other Vietnamese who had been out searching too. All the group finally totaled about 12. These were a mixture of civilian and what I believed to be militia. We started marching out of the creek bed, walking up the side of the hill. We probably walked about 15 or 20 minutes, but we were probably no more than 75 to 100 yards from where I went down, as the crow flies. “We heard a rescue helicopter coming inbound at which time I was directed to sit down, and the Vietnamese guards that I was with fanned out around me and took cover in the bushes so they couldn’t’ be seen. The rescue helicopter was coming after my pilot who had not been captured. I couldn’t see my pilot at this time, but as the helicopter stopped over his position and lowered the forest penetrators device for him to get on I saw him pulled back into the helicopter. The rescue helicopter egressed the area, but there was no chance for them to pick me up, because I had no communication with them, and they couldn’t’ see me. However, it was somewhat relieving at that time to know that at least one of us had been rescued. “After the rescue aircraft had left the area, we started walking on a path through the jungle 4 to 5 miles to this little village. Periodically, we could hear aircraft overhead who were continuing the search for me, since they had no confirmation at this time that I was captured. We would periodically hide as the rescue aircraft would fly overhead. “I arrived at a small village of about four major structures, probably 20 to 25 feet wide and about 30 to 35 feet long, and a number of smaller houses of the thatch bamboo type. Initially, I was put on display, so to speak. A number of people in the village came by making hostile gestures with sticks and knives. Fortunately, the few members of the militia that were there kept the hostile members of the populace away from me. I remained there overnight in one of the larger buildings under heavy guard. Somewhere around 3 o’clock in the morning they started walking me out. I didn’t realize how early it was until we had walked 3 to 4 hours before the sun came up. “We went to a number of villages where I was put on display a number of times and encountered the same
Cross & Crescent July 2011
HISTORY
hostile gestures. Fortunately, the militia again kept the people away; they obviously wanted to make sure that I lived to get to Hanoi. I had been stripped and they had searched my clothes. They had returned my flight suit to me but they did not return my boots, so I walked during the entire time barefooted through mountainous areas.
The guards took me outside so the people could look at me. They forced me to sit down –I’m not an extremely tall person, about 5’10”, but I was taller than most of the Vietnamese. I gathered they did not like me looking down at them. I had doubts as to the efficiency of the militia men for awhile, but they kept the more hostile people away from me. I spent the second night in this village.
“After an estimated 7 to 8 hours, we came to one of the larger villages that I had seen. Evidently it did have telephone communication with another larger place up along the road. They phoned for a jeep which was sent for me. At this time I was handcuffed –previously I’d just been tied in basically a halter type deal with a rope running around my neck and going out behind me held by the man following me. It was a very simple device but very effective; any time he wanted to get my attention, he could just pull on the rope and all of the tension was around my neck. “I was handcuffed and blindfolded in the jeep and driven to another village west of Hanoi. Again I was put on display, this time to a much larger and more vocal group of people. I was put into a small building, but a number of people crowded around, trying to come through the walls.
Hanoi Hilton “They again woke me up early in the morning, and at this time, they took my flight suit off, blindfolded me, handcuffed me, and put me into another jeep. We drove for a number of hours and got to Hanoi. When we arrived I was taken directly to the prison camp that we called the ‘Hilton.’ At that time I was put into a small room where I was kept in isolation for a period of approximately a week. “At this time, which was June of 1972, my treatment was not typical of that of the earlier prisoners, especially the pre-1969ers. I don’t want to characterize my treatment as good, because it fell short of what the Geneva Convention describes as a minimum, but there had been a change which I understood occurred in 1969 to 1970. It is my own personal opinion, which I think a lot of people share, that it came as a result of outside pressure on the Vietnamese in the way of a great deal of concern by the United States, and also the people of other countries, for the fate of the prisoners in Hanoi. I think that everyone involved in this mass effort to call attention to the plight of the POWs deserves a great deal of credit, because the effects were quite visible in the treatment of POWs in Hanoi. “I personally feel quite fortunate in that, if I did have to get captured, it happened when it did. In comparison with a lot of the older POWs, I spent a relatively short time in captivity -– nine months and one day –- although at the time, it felt like an eternity. Looking back on it, it was an interesting experience. It was not an experience that I would submit to voluntarily by any means, but there were a lot of things I would not have learned had I not been through it.
Rick’s chapter, Alpha-Phi, at the University of Alabama welcomed him home with a reception and banquet held in his honor on April 24, 1973. Guests at the banquet included U.S. Congressman Walter Flowers, guest speaker and Tuscaloosa, Alabama Mayor Snow Hinton, who presented Rick with a key to the city. Representatives of the Air Force ROTC and the university administration also attended. Rick had a chance to meet with the new brothers of his chapter as well as renew old friendships with his former classmates. The festivities ended with a presentation to Rick of the plaque for the 1973 Alpha-Phi Outstanding Alumnus Award. Shown presenting Rick (left) the plaque is Chapter President Jack Dewitt.
www.crossandcrescent.com
25
Cross & Crescent July 2011
HISTORY
“Probably, aside from the separation from my family and friends and country, the greatest ordeal for me, as it was for any of the other Americans, was the lack of freedom. The state of ‘no freedom’ is just something an American is not used to living with. I learned that I had had some misconceptions about communism before. I now consider communism very definitely an enemy of the United States and of our form of government, but in a way, I don’t feel that communism is as great a threat to us as I did before. I think the military threat still exists, but I think that as far as a complete government, of the American way of life, communism is not capable of life, communism is not capable of it, because it’s just so alien to what Americans are used to. There would be no way that 200 million Americans could live under communism.
were accepted in the packages. None of the POWs that I know of received any medicines in the packages. Some articles of clothing that she sent which were again officially accepted by the North Vietnamese were not given to me, but of course, I didn’t know of these until I got home and talked with my wife. She wrote a number of letters as she was instructed to do in the standards that were supposedly acceptable to the North Vietnamese, but I received no letters from her until after the agreement was signed. Then I received two letters almost simultaneously; these were the only letters I received during the nine months (she wrote 20 or more). “I suppose probably one of the most important things I learned from this situation was a greater sense of appreciation for our country -– not necessarily a greater sense of loyalty, but a greater sense of patriotism because of pride and appreciation for what we have, for the freedoms we have, for our basic form of government where an individual is allowed the personal freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
“Communism as I saw it in North Vietnam admittedly represents rather narrow view, but I believe it has some total application. Their whole doctrine depends upon complete commitment of the individual to their government, and by this, I mean total obedience and total belief in everything the government says. The official name of the North Vietnamese government is the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, but it was quite apparent to us that this government channeled to the people the information that they wanted them to receive.
“You promise yourself many times while you’re sitting up there in a forced situation –while you’re doing nothing but wasting time –- that if you ever get out of this, you’ll never waste another minute in your life, you’ll never let an opportunity go by that you won’t take. You learn to appreciate your friends, because up there all you had were your fellow prisoners. You had to depend on each other, and in some cases you had to depend on yourself a lot more than you did before. You find out a lot about yourself, strengths that you didn’t have. You also develop a greater insight into other peoples’ actions and reactions and a greater appreciation for what they do to help you.
Love of Country “As to being able to communicate with my wife back home, after I’d been there about 2 ½ to 3 months, we were allowed to start writing letters home. This consisted of one seven-line letter per month under tightly supervised conditions. We were also told we would receive, or that our families were able to write, one letter per month and to send us a package once every two months. As far as what I had received, it fell short of what was available. I did receive a package after I had been there for three months. During the nine months that I was in captivity, I received three packages from my wife, and after the agreement was signed and about 4 to 6 weeks before we were repatriated, I did receive a Red Cross package. The packages I received from my wife did not contain everything that she said she sent –for example, a number of medicines that the North Vietnamese said officially
www.crossandcrescent.com
“Basically, I think we all came out of there with a profound love for our country. I don’t think any of us are going to be embarrassed at all to be flag-waving Americans, to say ‘I’m proud of this country and I’m proud of this flag.’ One way in which we found out how great this country was in that we were forced to live outside of it.”
26
Cross & Crescent July 2011