March 2012 . Issue 02
Cross & Crescent
FROM THE EDITOR In 2008, I officially joined the Professional Staff and had the fortunate opportunity to attend the 52nd General Assembly held at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix. This was my first General Assembly. It was amazing. I never attended a General Assembly as an undergraduate brother and that was my mistake. From July 26-29, 2012, Lambda Chi Alpha’s 54th General Assembly will again be held at the Arizona Biltmore. This is the last year of our contract and we currently don’t have any plans to host another conference there.
Tad Lichtenauer Director of Communications/IT (317) 803-7322 tlichtenauer@lambdachi.org
For those who don’t know, the General Assembly is Lambda Chi Alpha’s legislative body and biannual conference, where undergraduates and alumni determine the laws and policies of the Fraternity and elect members of the Fraternity Board. At the conference, we also offer educational programming for our undergraduate brothers in the areas of ritualism, leadership training, accountability, conflict resolution, recruitment, Outer Circle implementation, and much more. This is truly a unique opportunity for brothers from your chapter to spend time at a worldclass, five-star resort, especially for the price –- three nights lodging, meals, a professional baseball game, all programming and meeting materials, and more are included in the registration fees. Registration for the 54th General Assembly will open on Monday, March 5, 2012, and we will send you the registration link via email. If you haven’t done so already, ask your chapter how many of you can attend and how you can budget to cover the event and travel costs. We hope to see you in Phoenix. In ZAX and friendship, Tad Lichtenauer Managing Editor Cross & Crescent Magazine
Cross & Crescent
Header
YOUR ONLINE SOURCE FOR ALL LAMBDA CHI ALPHA NEWS March 2012 ISSUE 02
Features 15
Departments Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death.
1
30
32 34
Fraternity News
Harm Reduction Case Study
Alumni Recognition Akron’s Steve Moore
TRUE Brother Core Values in Action
A RISING STAR Congressman Kevin Yoder has quickly risen through the ranks of state and national politics. He attributes his success to his humble origins and his involvement with the Fraternity. By Andrew Talevich (Washington State)
18
MIT’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION The Lambda chapter began in 1912 at the specific invitation of our founder Warren Cole (Boston 1912). During the weekend of June 8-12, 2012, hundreds of undergraduate and alumni brothers are expected to come together to celebrate the past and plan for the future. By Jon Williamson (Maryland)
22
THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE: THE LEGACY OF SCOTT WOOD SEMO’s Delta-Phi chapter president shares his reflections about his friend and Fraternity brother. By Benny Dorris (Southeast Missouri) CREDITS Publisher: Managing Editor: Assistant Editor: Layout & Design: Photographer: Research: Editors:
Bill Farkas Tad Lichtenauer Andrew Talevich Thomas Roberts Walt Moser Jon Williamson Jono Hren Bob McLaughlin
CONTRIBUTIONS Content for consideration should be submitted by the 25th of the month (except Aug/Jan) Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity 8741 Founders Rd Indianapolis, IN 46268-1338 (317) 872-8000 editor@lambdachi.org www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
25
GIBBONS’ COMMUNITY SERVICE PROVES KEY Earlier this year, Brian Gibbons (Baldwin-Wallace) received the key to the city of Berea, Ohio, in recognition of his leadership, along with the Kappa-Phi brothers, in making improvements to the c ommunity through their service. By Andrew Talevich (Washington State)
28
THE GIFT OF GIVING Former Lambda Chi Alpha employee, Ernie Vargo, recently solicited a $40 million gift for a new hospital.. By Andrew Talevich (Washington State)
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Akron (Gamma-Alpha)
Arizona State (Zeta-Psi)
The chapter added six associate members.
The chapter held its third annual Watermelon Bust, raising thousands of dollars for the children of Haiti through the Restavek Freedom Foundation.
Thomas Planz (2005) is the founder of a new outfitting company, LCA Outfitters. This Greek-licensed company has a wide selection of Lambda Chi Alpha merchandise.
Recent brotherhood events included attending the Phoenix Open and holding a paint ball competition. The chapter won the intramural championships for both Greek basketball and bowling.
American (Colony 295) Congratulations to the 12 founding fathers of the Lambda Chi Alpha colony at American University in Washington, D.C. They became members through their Associate Member Ceremony held on February 18, 2012. The new associate members are: Rob White, Mark Eckstein, Billy Erickson, Corey Parks, Nick Pilipowskyj, Will Petersen, Michael Rosenberg, JonSidney Apfelbaum, Harry Goldman, Francesco Furfaro, Kevin Iannone, and Chris Bergh.
At the 2012 Greek Awards, Jacob Fishman won the individual award for academic excellence.
Baldwin-Wallace (Kappa-Phi) Alan W. McDorman (1993) died January 28, 2012. From his early childhood he had had an irresistible love of books. Therefore it was natural that he should share that love as an English teacher in the Mentor and Jackson High School districts. He coached football, shot-put, and discuss. His loyalty as a Pittsburgh Steelers fan was legendary.
Angelo State (Beta-Alpha) The chapter added six associate members. Chapter brothers helped to staff different events at the 80th Annual San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo, including the Mutton Bustin’ for kids. They also collected cans from attendees as part the North American Food Drive, totaling 3,774 pounds over two days, that were donated to the Concho Valley Regional Food Bank.
Ball State (Iota-Alpha) The chapter is hosting the largest campuswide philanthropic event, called McKinley Mile. This event was started during the chapter’s hiatus from campus and in place of their former annual bike race, the Bike-aThon. The chapter hopes to have more than 30 teams competing and all proceeds from the race will benefit the Cardinal Greenway. The chapter held an event to celebrate the one-year anniversary of their rechartering.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
1
Cross & Crescent March 2012
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Bucknell (Delta)
Cal-State Chico (Phi-Chi) The chapter hosted the 2012 Atlantic Conclave from February 10-12, 2012. Board Vice Chairman Greg Smith (Washington) delivered the keynote address.
The chapter alumnus brothers will host their first reunion in more than 20 years on June 23, 2012. The mixer will be from 5-9 p.m. at The Madison Bear Garden. All brothers and their families are welcome to attend. For more information please contact Hayden Price at hprice1@mindspring.com
Butler (Alpha-Alpha)
Cincinnati (Gamma-Gamma) On February 11, 2012, chapter brothers traveled to the International Headquarters and enjoyed sharing the experience with both the newly-initiated brothers and current associate members.
Andrew Brown was selected from the audience to participate in a segment of NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, which was being taped during the Super Bowl in downtown Indianapolis. With the sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, the chapter brothers volunteered at the Humane Society
The chapter would like to thank the Theta-Zeta brothers from Hanover for helping them perform the Initiation Ritual Exemplification at the beginning of winter quarter.
Nearly 60 chapter brothers attended an Indiana Ice hockey game as part of a brotherhood event with young alumnus brothers. The chapter would like to thank the alumni for hosting the event.
Clemson (Delta-Omicron)
Chapter members participated in the Polar Plunge, an event that raised money for Special Olympics.
Brockton Hall was elected as Southeastern IFC vice president. With more participation than any other fraternity, the chapter formed three different teams to compete in Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropy, Dodging Domestic Violence.
As a cultural event, chapter brothers and their dates attended the Indianapolis Symphony. Following the performance they enjoyed dessert and beverages at the Columbia Club, hosted by Board member and Chapter Advisor Dr. Elgan Baker.
The chapter has a new website.
The associate members won the Freshmen Skit competition.
Coe (Zeta-Alpha)
The chapter hosted Butler President Jim Danko and his wife, along with Director of Greek Life, Becky Druetzler, for dinner at the chapter house. Following dinner, Danko gave the brothers some insight on the future of the university and entertained an extensive question and answer session. The chapter brothers presented him various Lambda Chi items including an autographed Paedagogus so that he can learn more about Lambda Chi Alpha’s principles.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
Frank A. Bosh (1947) died January 22, 2012. A military veteran, he owned and operated College DX, was owner of Bowes wholesale auto parts, and was a partner in Midwest Dynamics. Bosh was elected to the Cedar Rapids City Council in 1962, first as public safety commissioner and then as mayor. He moved to Arizona in 1969. As executive director of Valley Forward Association in Phoenix, he advocated for mountain preservation, the Rio Salado Project, managed Project “Pool It” and VFA’s Beautification Awards, and led the efforts to renovate Pioneer
2
Cross & Crescent March 2012
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
East Texas State (Iota-Kappa)
Cemetery and develop the Arizona Capitol Mall. In 1976 Frank became the first deputy director of the Arizona Department of Transportation. He left ADOT in 1980 to work in real estate. Frank retired to Prescott Valley in 1985, but remained active as chairman of both the Prescott Valley Planning Commission, and the Prescott Valley Voters Association and with the Yavapai County Blue Ribbon Committee and Habitat for Humanity. He was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2003.
Kelvin A. Branch (1988) died February 9, 2012. He was the athletic director at Goddard Jr. High in Midland, Texas. He has coached at Dallas Carter, John Tyler, North Lamar, and Paris High Schools.
Eastern Illinois (Phi-Alpha) The chapter added nine associate members.
Drexel (Epsilon-Kappa Colony)
The chapter’s Greek Week outstanding brothers are Rob Curtis and Dylan Greger.
The chapter added 10 associate members. Sixteen chapter brothers attended the 2012 Atlantic Conclave at Bucknell University. Ryan Pratt was elected the Student Advisory Committee representative for the Atlantic Conclave at the event.
James “Tab” Kelley (1980) died February 12, 2012.
Eastern Kentucky (Phi-Beta)
The chapter’s rechartering banquet is scheduled for March 31, 2012.
The chapter will host its 35th Anniversary Celebration during October 12-14, 2012, which is the same weekend as homecoming. Contacts for the event are Alumni Association President Chris Farris and Alumni Association members Keith Daniel and Daryn Morris.
Chapter Advisor Mark Stitz attended the Mastery Circle Summit in Memphis. The undergraduate chapter brothers thank him for his participation in this event. The undergraduate brothers expressed their gratitude to the alumnus brothers for their donations to the annual giving fund. The donations will help to complete necessary repairs to the chapter house and to fund undergraduate activities such as attending conclave.
Edinboro (Beta-Delta) The chapter is hosting an alumni-versus-undergraduates softball game and fundraiser on July 20, 2012, on the Edinboro campus. The proceeds of the Chinese auction will go to the family of Regis Short to help with expenses for his son’s heart transplant. Any brother interested in attending or helping, please contact Frank “Pizza” Purrachio at pizzaz244@comcast.net
East Tennessee State (Iota Omicron) Kenneth Clarke (1963) died February 14, 2012. After his graduation he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He completed his military obligation as a company commander with the 80th Division and was honorably discharged with the rank of captain in 1965. In 1990 he retired from Raytheon where he had worked in corporate management.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
The chapter Alumni Association is hosting its annual Crazy John Ernst/Lambda Chi Alpha Memorial Golf Outing on July 21, 2012, at the Culbertson Hills Resort in Edinboro. Proceeds benefit the Alumni Association and includes a clothing drive (Thrifty Threads), can goods drive (Boro Food Pantry), baby items, and an
3
Cross & Crescent March 2012
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Evansville (Iota-Mu)
office supply drive (Boro WOman’s Services). If you are interested in attending or would like to send a donation, please contact Frank “Pizza” Purrachio at pizzaz244@yahoo.com
Todd Meyer (1994), a prosecuting attorney in Boone County, Indiana, was named to the 2012 Forty Under 40 by the Indianapolis Business Journal. Meyer grew up with an interest in politics. His uncle Sherrill Colvin, a Fort Wayne lawyer and past president of the Indiana State Bar Association, encouraged his desire to practice law. After earning his law degree from what is now the McKinney School of Law at IUPUI, Meyer worked in private practice for two central Indiana firms. In 2000, he ran for Boone County Council. Two years later, at the age of 30, he was appointed prosecutor. He oversees an office of 25 people, including 11 other attorneys.
Elmhurst (Pi-Zeta)
Florida Gulf Coast (Colony 292)
On February 19, 2012, the chapter received the following Greek Life Awards: 2011 Philanthropy and Community Service Award, the 2011 Greek Alumni Relations Award, and the Chapter of Excellence Award. For the past 10 years or more, only sororities have received the Chapter of Excellence Award. Alexander DeFranco received the Lambda Chi Alpha Brother of the Year Award and Jacob Meding was selected Greek Man of the Year. This is the third year in a row that a member of Lambda Chi Alpha has been named Greek Man of the Year. Chapter Advisor Kenneth Schultz was given the Cheryl A. Leonia “Spirit of Being Greek” Award.
The colony held an Associate Membership Ceremony on January 29, 2012. The colony now has 39 brothers and 11 associate members. The chapter held an inaugural Dancing with the Greeks event collecting $835 for the North American Food Drive. The chapter hosted a Peanut Butter Jelly Time event among Greek organizations, collecting $200 for the North American Food Drive.
Florida Southern (Epsilon-Xi) Elon (Delta-Pi)
The chapter added three associate members and held an Associate Member Cermeony on February 19, 2012.
Jamie Sclater was among nine other recipients selected to receive a Top 10 under 10 Alumni Award, which recognizes outstanding graduates of Elon’s undergraduate programs from 2001 to 2011. The event will be held on March 31, 2012, on the Elon campus.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
The chapter has continued its volunteer work with Lighthouse Ministries, serving dinner to the residents. Jackie Novick is now the new chapter sweetheart and was serenaded by the brothers in celebration of the event.
4
Cross & Crescent March 2012
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Florida Tech (Beta-Nu)
Georgia Tech (Beta-Kappa) The chapter added 10 associate members, one of the largest spring classes on record.
The chapter elected new officers and are pictured with alumnus brother Andy Mangione who was the architect of our current chapter house. The officers are, from left to right, Adam Kitain, house manager; Alex Han, treasurer; Clark Howell, president; Jarrod Stein, alumni chairman; Trond Liu, vice president-external; Bhavuk Tandon, social chairman; Shane Gizzi, secretary; Patrick Chevalier, harm reduction; Hunter Brennick, recruitment chairman; Austin Harvey, vice president-internal; Theodore Capaldi, fraternity education chairman.
The chapter held its 40th Anniversary in February 2012 with Founders’ Weekend and a slogan of “Replanting the Seed.” The weekend consisted of a pig roast, an alumni versus undergraduates competition, and was capped off with a White Rose dinner and silent brother auction benefiting Relay for Life. More than 50 alumnus brothers were in attendance.
The chapter is supporting two large philanthropic initiatives. The first is the North Atlantic Food Drive, which raised more than 4,800 pounds of food. The second, still on-going, is a fundraiser for St. Baldrick’s fund for Childhood Cancer Research. More than 40 chapter brothers are shaving their heads to show they stand in solidarity with kids fighting cancer, and to raise money to find cures. The chapter has raised more than $11,585 so far. To learn about the cause, or donate, visit this website.
Franklin (Kappa-Gamma) The chapter will celebrate its 70th anniversary with a dinner from 7-11 p.m., on April 14, 2012, on the Franklin College campus .This event is formal and the cost per person is $15. Invitations will be mailed to the address the chapter has on file for alumni brothers. Please contact Pat Burks at pburks@franklincollege.edu for more information.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
5
Cross & Crescent March 2012
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
High Point (Iota-Phi)
Kettering (Lambda-Epsilon A) Chapter brothers provided valet service for a philanthropy hosted at a McLaren Hospital. They raised about $350 and donated the funds to the hospital. The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 12 brothers, one of the larger new member classes on campus.
During February, 2012, the chapter brothers voted to raise the required community service hours from 10 per semester to five per month. So far the chapter brothers have logged 220 community service hours at more than 10 organizations.
Kutztown (Sigma-Gamma)
Illinois State (Beta-Omicron) The chapter Alumni Association will hold a Founders Day celebration on March 31, 2012. For details and a link to purchase tickets please visit the Alumni Associations’ website.
In February 2012, 70 chapter brothers from different decades celebrated the 40th anniversary of becoming a chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha. The celebration was held at the chapter’s annual Alumni Winter Gathering in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
Indiana State (Iota-Epsilon Colony) The colony has added 17 associate members since it began recruiting on January 21, 2012.
Lake Forest (Pi-Pi)
Chapter Vice President Grant Mansard and his sister, Amanda, have launched a new self-established philanthropy, Youth Embracing Service.
Kenneth Clady-Mason played as a defensive end for the Stripes team during the All American Bowl in Minneapolis. During his four years on the varsity football team, Clady-Mason has amassed 75 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. He has also been recognized by the conference as a Second Team AllConference defender and an Academic All-Conference student in the classroom.
The colony will host an Initiation Ritual Exemplification on March 24, 2012. All alumnus brothers are invited to attend.
Kansas (Zeta-Iota) The chapter will host an inaugural alumni golf tournament on June 30, 2012, at the Alvamar in Lawrence, Kansas. The event will be four person scramble. Please contact Bob Walrafen at bwalrafen@ reeceandnichols.com if you have questions or are interested in attending.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
6
Cross & Crescent March 2012
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Louisiana-Lafayette (Iota-Omega)
Miami-OH (Zeta-Upsilon)
Chapter brothers participated in an Outer Circle retreat facilitated by Master Steward Rick Scauzillo.
John G. Gold (1956) died October 22, 2011. A military veteran, he retired from Republic Storage after 30 years of service. He was an avid sports fan, especially of Ohio State, and of watching his grandkids playing sports. John was a loving husband, father, and a friend to many and will be greatly missed by everyone.
The chapter added four associate members.
Louisiana State (Upsilon)
Miami-FL (Epsilon-Omega)
The chapter added 21 associate members.
The chapter added 24 associate members.
The chapter is organizing a new spring philanthropy, named Tanner I. Ash Beach Bash, in memory of brother Tanner Ash who died last summer. The event will consist of sorority teams competing in a beach volleyball tournament and all proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.
The chapter will host the 2012 Peninsula Conclave on March 1618, 2012.
Michigan (Sigma) Louisville (Zeta-Sigma)
Kevin Mantay and Matt Van Parys competed and won a wrestling competition, which included a grand prize of a new flat screen TV for the chapter house.
The chapter added seven associate members.
Alex Hamlin will be working as an intern at Zappos, helping improve their security.
Maine (Beta)
Ben Clark has been appointed to the Greek Activities Review Panhel (GARP).
The chapter will host its first philanthropy golf tournament. The event is open to all Greek undergraduates and alumni. It will be held on April 22, 2012, at the Penobscot Country Club. All proceeds benefit the North American Food Drive.
George J. Busby (1966) died October 8, 2011. An Eagle Scout, he was an architect and practiced in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, until he retired and returned to Salisbury in December 2003.
Memphis (Zeta-Theta)
Michigan Tech (Phi-Phi)
The chapter added four associate members.
The chapter brothers participated in a polar plunge at a Finnish festival in Hancock, Michigan.
Chapter brothers volunteered at Delta Gamma Day of Caring. Sgt. Richard Easter was featured in the GX: The Guard Experience magazine as an “100-mile Man� for completing a 100-mile marathon. He also recently completed Army Hero Training.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
7
Cross & Crescent March 2012
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Nevada-Las Vegas (Delta-Lambda)
The chapter added seven associate members.
The chapter has two brothers in the top 10 for “Mr. UNLV,” a campuswide pageant that donates all proceeds to the winner’s charity of choice.
Minnesota State (Lambda-Delta) The chapter added six associate members.
Every Monday, alumni brother Derek Imig opens his mixed martial arts (MMA) training camp to all brothers for conditioning work.
Associate Director of Harm Reduction Chris Cole (Gettysburg) visited the chapter and conducted a Harm Reduction Retreat that included a TRUE ID session about gender issues.
New Mexico (Zeta-Mu Colony)
Five chapter brothers attended the 2012 Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values (AFLV) Conference in St. Louis, Missouri.
Montevallo (Sigma-Epsilon) The chapter and Alumni Association will host a 40th anniversary celebration on April 28, 2012, at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. The chapter earned the highest fraternity GPA for the second consecutive semester. The chapter will be awarded the best grades trophy at this year’s Greek Week.
The colony brothers held their first fundraiser with the help of a local Panda Express restaurant. Colony brothers completed a community service project by helping to clean at the Albuquerque Zoo.
Nebraska-Lincoln (Gamma-Beta) North Dakota (Epsilon-Zeta)
On January 21, 2012, the chapter hosted an Outer Circle retreat with two Master Stewards and their ELC. The event included completing a Vision of Change document in which the chapter set goals and discussed ways of overcoming shortcomings.
The chapter added 10 associate members, raising the chapter to 25 brothers. John Mitzel was elected IFC vice president in the Greek Senate.
The chapter held a brotherhood event by watching the NCAA National Football Championship.
The Grand Forks Herald newspaper wrote an article about the positive community service work the chapter is doing in conjunction with the North American Food Drive.
On January 18, 2012, the chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 14 brothers.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
8
Cross & Crescent March 2012
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Northwestern (Alpha-Iota)
Northeastern State (Delta-Beta)
Twenty chapter brothers spent more than 15 hours helping Habitat For Humanity in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The work included re-flooring, re-roofing, and re-vamping a disabled veteran’s house.
The chapter collected canned goods for the North American Food Drive on the last weekend in February 2012. The chapter’s winter formal will be held in March at a venue in Wrigleyville, Illinois.
Northern Colorado (Sigma-Omega)
Any Chicago-area alumnus brothers who are interested in serving on the Alumni Advisory Board should contact Duke Ferguson at 773.230.3316. John F. Aberson (1951) died February 25, 2012. A military veteran, he was retired from Gerhardt F. Meyne, Co.
Oklahoma (Gamma-Rho) Paired with the women of Tri Delta sorority, the chapter finished first overall in the Homecoming competition for the second straight year. Paired with the women of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority in University Sing, the chapter finished second overall. Kevin Brandon (2015) was named Best Male Lead.
The chapter hosted the 2012 Rocky Mountain Conclave on February 18, 2012. During the event, Shane Kern was elected the new Student Advisory Committee (SAC) representative for the conclave.
The chapter received four of the 2011 Fraternity and Sorority Student Life awards. In addition, Rennie Cook was named IFC’s Outstanding Alumnus. The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 57 brothers.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
9
Cross & Crescent March 2012
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
The chapter placed second in overall GPA of fraternity men for the 2011. Bill Hodde (1965) died February 1, 2012. He practiced law in Hendersonville and Nashville for the last 42 years and founded Hodde & Associates, where he most recently practiced law with his daughter. He dedicated himself to a lifetime of community service with the Downtown Sertoma Club, Hendersonville Soccer League, Hospital Hospitality House, Hendersonville Pastors Association, and as the founder of the Homebound Meals Program in Hendersonville.
Laboratory and the Brown Crew Boathouse.
Rhode Island (Eta) Chris Ferretti was featured in the New York Post for his impression of actor Christopher Walken. The skill was never more than a clever party trick until he advertised his Walken talking on the micro-gig site Fiverr, where users can advertise any jobs, services or talents they’ll provide for $5.
San Diego State (Zeta-Pi) Frederick Conrad Jr. (1951) died February 5, 2012. He was responsible for planning and zoning in his role as the chief deputy city attorney for the City of San Diego, serving for more than 30 years. His knowledge of real estate law proved invaluable when the city’s Planning Department oversaw significant growth during the 1970s and 1980s. Following his retirement, the City Council proclaimed November 29, 1993, as Fred Conrad Day in honor of his years of service and his remarkable contributions. While he once played in the Over The Line games, Fred was most often seen on volleyball and tennis courts. An avid player, he frequently participated in the Senior Olympics in volleyball.
Oklahoma City (Theta-Delta) Dr. David A. Cross was awarded the Resident House of Delegates Distinguished Service Award by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
Oregon State (Alpha-Lambda) President Barrack Obama has nominated Brig. Gen. Jeff Lofgren (Oregon State) to receive his second star. Lofgren is currently the commander of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command in southwest Asia.
Shepherd (Phi-Iota) William F. Foster II (1929) died February 16, 2012. He was admitted to both the West Virginia State and Federal Bars in 1995, began practicing law with the firm of Jacobson, Maynard & Tuschman, and served as a partner in the Kay, Casto & Chaney law firm for five years before starting The Foster Law Firm in Charleston. He possessed extensive medical legal knowledge, and was adept at handling medical litigation matters. His clients knew he cared for them in a very professional and personal manner. Foster was a member of many fraternal and legal organizations, and proudly served on various community organizations, including the board of directors for Covenant House; Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center; and Charleston ArtWalk. He served on the corporate relations committee for the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences.
Purdue (Psi) Edward J. Luppi (1949) died January 24, 2012. A World War II veteran, he worked at the former Sholhorn and Sergeant Companies in New Haven, Connecticut, as an engineer. He was the president of the Rivolta Construction Co. and became a construction manager, working for the former W.J. Megin and Edwin Moss Construction Companies. For 12 years he was the director of physical planning at Brown University, overseeing all construction and renovation on the university’s campus, retiring from that position in 1992. Among the noted buildings built under his direction were the Yale Health Center, the renovation of the Yale Medical School, the Masonic Home and Hospital (Ramage Building & Wooster addition), the Brown University Geology & Chemistry Laboratory, the Computer Science
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
10
Cross & Crescent March 2012
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
South Carolina (Epsilon-Psi)
The chapter held its Spring Parent’s Day, which included dinner, chapter awards, house tours, and attendance at the 89th Annual Strollers Show where the chapter won first place, for the second consecutive year.
The chapter held a Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 10 new brothers and for a new faculty advisor, Dr John Grady, who is a
Southeast Missouri (Delta-Phi) The chapter added six associate members. Chapter brothers helped raise money for the Special Olympics and participated in the annual Polar Plunge. The chapter held a candlelight vigil for Scott Wood, an undergraduate brother who died from cancer. Many students and community members attended, including Wood’s family. On February 4, 2012, chapter brothers traveled to Indianapolis to visit the International Headquarters and to conduct a retreat focused on the chapter’s implementation of the Inner Circle Journey.
professor in the Department of Sports Management. The ZetaOmega brothers from Mercer University conducted the Ritual. Thomas P. Herbkersman (1983) died November 14, 2011. He was a forensic accountant, co-owner of the Brown Trout Mountain Grille, owner and broker in charge of Brown Trout Mountain Properties in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, Broker in Charge of Promenade Real Estate Co., and CFO of Paddocks Realty and Development on Hilton Head Island, as well as CEO of Bernard Neil and Associates. His father and six brothers were also brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha.
Susquehanna (Iota-Eta) William David Gross died January 5, 2012
Tennessee-Chattanooga (Zeta-Phi)
Lawrence R. Sisk III (1996) died December 21, 2011. He was employed as a supervisor with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.
On January 28, 2012, the chapter sponsored more than 75 Cub Scouts for a Badge-a-Palooza Leadership Day on the campus. Chapter brothers managed six rotating, 45-minute classes on civility, working with people with disabilities, kickball, badminton, chess, and table tennis. The university administration received multiple phone calls from parents thanking the university for the chapter’s involvement.
South Dakota (Alpha-Gamma) The chapter had the highest attendance out of all teams during the Relay For Life event, which raised funds for Dance Marathon - Children’s Miracle Network. www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
11
Cross & Crescent March 2012
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Virginia Tech (Sigma-Lambda) The programs established by the Special Olympics have been proven to provide an incredible athletic environment for children and adults with special needs. As brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha we decided that we should help this prestigious program because it promotes equality for people living with special needs and benefits our community, about which we care so much. At 7:00 PM on Tuesday nights a group of brothers attend the Unified Basketball League at the community center in Blacksburg. We help lead practices and teach the athletes about sportsmanship, teamwork, and striving to achieve their personal best.
Texas A&M Commerce (Iota-Kappa) Kelvin A. Branch (1988) died February 9, 2012. He was the athletic director at Goddard Jr. High in Midland, Texas. He had coached at Dallas Carter, John Tyler, North Lamar, and Paris High Schools.
Texas-El Paso (Zeta-Epsilon)
Washington State (Tau) On January 28, 2012, the chapter teamed with the Whitman County Humane Society to host the Annual Fur Ball auction. This is a large event during which the entire chapter volunteers. From ushering, to servering, to spotting for the auction, Tau Zeta’s members helped make sure that there were enough ready hands to carry out this event.
On February 9, 2012, Cpt. Dennis J. Maher, Charlie Company Commander, was front and center while conducting an all Army Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the Australian Army Chief of Staff.
Texas-San Antonio (Phi-Upsilon) Chapter brothers attended the 2012 Hazing Town Hall meeting.
Troy (Sigma-Tau) Chapter President Christian Laing was selected into the Order of Omega and also elected to the Ingalls Committee.
The chapter will host the 2012 Pacific Northwest Conclave from March 2-4, 2012.
Chapter Vice President Scott Hubbard was recently elected Southeast IFC president, overseeing all Greek chapters in the region.
Brigadier Gen. (Ret) Robert W. Berry (1950) died Dec. 6, 2011. After his high school graduation in 1944, he enlisted in the Army and served at Camp Roberts, CA., during World War II. He then attended Washington State University, graduating summa cum laude in 1950 with Phi Beta Kappa honors. While at Washington State, Bob joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps and received
The chapter added nine associate members.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
12
Cross & Crescent March 2012
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
his commission as a second lieutenant of infantry in the Army Reserves in May 1950. He then moved east in to attend Harvard Law School. While in law school he was called back to active duty to serve during the Korean War as the public information officer for the 40th “Balls of Fire” Division. He returned to Harvard Law School in 1953, graduated in 1955 with a juris doctorate, and accepted a position in the Department of Defense General Counsel’s office where he was instrumental in drafting the Defense Reorganization Act of 1958. Bob continued to serve in the Army Reserves with duty in the Pentagon, and then as an instructor in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point. In 1959, Berry joined Philco Corp. in Philadelphia as senior defense counsel. In 1960 he accepted a position with Litton Industries, at the time a major defense contractor, as senior counsel at its headquarters in Beverly Hills, Calif. In 1964 he moved to Washington DC to establish Litton’s new office there and to serve as its director of Washington operations. Appointed by President Nixon as general counsel of the Army, Berry served from 1971 to 1974 as the senior civilian lawyer, offering advice and counsel to two secretaries of the Army, Bob Froehlke and Bo Callaway, as well as to Army chiefs of staff, Generals Westmoreland, Palmer, Abrams, and Weyand. In 1978, after several years as the founding resident partner of the DC office of the law firm of Quarles & Brady, Berry returned to active duty as a professor and head of the law department at West Point. While at West Point, he received his master of arts from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He left West Point as the head of the law department in 1986 and retired a year later as a brigadier general. Bob then moved to Denver to accept a position as vice president and general counsel for G.A. Wright Marketing, Inc.
The undergraduate brothers request that any alumni who are interested in the new chapter house plans, other future updates, or have any other questions about chapter activities, send an email to WKU.LXA@gmail.com
Widener (Beta-Chi) The chapter will host an alumni reunion from September 21-23, 2012. The first reunion event was held in 2010 with approximately 40 alumnus brothers in attendance. Questions can be referred to Larry Mulligan lawrence@mulligan-pa.us
William & Mary (Epsilon-Alpha) During the fall semester the brothers recruited and eight new associate members. With 43 undergraduate brothers, the chapter ranks fifth in size out of 22 fraternities on campus. The brothers held their annual Watermelon Burst Philanthropy, raising more than $1,000 for prostate cancer research.
Wilmington (Pi-Delta)
“Good Job” to Travis Lykins for all your hard work setting up the chapter’s Alumni Organization and becoming officially the chapter advisor. Only good things can be in the future for the position based upon your hard work.
Berry was recognized in March 2011 by his alma mater with the inaugural Alumni Achievement Award.
Western Kentucky (Lambda-Lambda)
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
The chapter would like to welcome the new associate members; Timmy Wiederhold, Justin Arehart, and Galen Carrington to the Fraternity. We would like to wish you good luck on your journey to full membership.
“Job Well Done” to chapter Vice President Matt Bates. Your efforts to produce the best newsletter the chapter has ever seen are appreciated by everyone.
13
Cross & Crescent March 2012
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
On February 25, 2012, the chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 28 brothers, bringing the chapter total to 88 brothers.
Wittenberg (Nu-Zeta) The chapter added 13 associate members, bringing the total membership to 50 men. This is the largest the chapter has been since recolonizing in 1995.
Chapter brothers traveled to a Boy Scout camp for an overnight brotherhood retreat, which included competitions, activities, reflection sessions, and some much needed relaxation.
The chapter won the following campus awards last semester; highest community service hours performed, most philanthropic
The chapter is hosting the 2012 Northeast Conclave on March 24-25, 2012. The chapter’s Alumni Association conducted a capital campaign, raising more than $11,000 to be used for chapter house renovations. On February 25, 2012, members of the Alumni Association held their annual retreat to set goals and to develop an updated action plan.
Wyoming (Delta-Rho) The chapter plans to send two delegates to the 54th General Assembly to be held this summer in Phoenix, Arizona. dollars raised, highest campus involvement, and most attended fundraising event (Turkey Fry).
Chapter brothers participated in Relay for Life. The chapter added two associate members.
The chapter thanks Master Steward, Jon Williamson (Maryland), and Director of Education, Tim Reuter (Simpson), for their inspiration and guidance. The chapter held a brunch to thank the members of the House Corporation for another year of service. Four alumnus brothers donated funds to purchase a new refrigerator for the chapter house.
Worcester (Pi)
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
14
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FEATURE
A Rising Star Congressman Kevin Yoder has quickly risen through the ranks of state and national politics. He attributes his success to his humble origins and his involvement with the Fraternity. By Andrew Talevich (Washington State)
C
ongressman Kevin Yoder (Kansas 1998) knows how it
feels to be the new guy. He remembers the ominous feeling he had as a freshman at the University of Kansas, on a campus of 25,000 students, and how he felt more than a year ago when he traveled from his Third District in Kansas to Washington, D.C., and took his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. His remedy to the problem: become involved in various leadership opportunities and forge meaningful friendships.
Commitment to Fraternity Yoder’s first involvement in leadership was during his sophomore year. He was surprised when his brothers elected him treasurer for the Zeta-Iota chapter. “My experience at Lambda Chi was really the beginning of my leadership potential,” Yoder said. “I quickly found a real liking for the responsibilities and leadership within the fraternity.” The treasurer position served Yoder as a jumping off point into a handful of other leadership opportunities within Lambda Chi Alpha. Yoder would go on to become the president of his chapter. For the General Fraternity he volunteered on the Student Advisory Committee and the International Ritual Team. He also attended several General Assemblies and was the runner-up for the Duke Flad Award. Beyond his Lambda Chi Alpha commitments, Yoder was the student body president of KU his senior year.
After graduating with a political science and an English degree from KU, Yoder continued his involvement with the fraternity. He was the alumni advisor for the Zeta-Iota chapter from 2001 to 2003 and the house corporation president from 2005 to 2007. “We are made up of the experiences we’ve had in our lives,” he said. “Through Lambda Chi I learned leadership at its rawest and purest form.” Yoder enjoyed helping to pave the way for undergraduates
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
15
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FEATURE
while serving as an alumnus volunteer. He points out that many of the problems undergraduates face in fraternities today are the same issues that he once faced as an officer in his chapter. “[Alumnus volunteers] want to give undergrads a leg up and give them an opportunity to achieve even more than we had an opportunity to achieve when we were in the fraternity,” Yoder said.
Democratic opponent in the general election, Yoder secured a spot in the 112th Congress. “It’s been an amazing ride. I never expected to be where I am today. I just count my blessings every day and learn from my experiences,” Yoder said.
Tracing it Back Two wooden paddles hang above the congressman’s office desk at his home in Overland Park, Kansas.
A Rising Star
One is the paddle he received from his big brother while an undergraduate at KU. The second is the paddle of his grandfather, William H. Alexander, which was crafted in the 1920s while Alexander was a member of the Fraternity at Knox College.
The experiences Yoder obtained during his fraternity years carried over into a successful political career. Over the last decade Yoder has been a rising star, quickly making his way through state and national political arenas. After graduating from law school in 2002, Yoder took the bar exam during the last two days in July. On the first Tuesday in August Yoder ran for a position in the Kansas House of Representatives in a Republican primary. “It was a very stressful time,” Yoder remembers. After winning the seat, Yoder served in the Kansas House of Representatives for eight years. He gained valuable understanding of the state budget while he chaired the House Appropriations Committee. In 2010, Yoder threw his hat in the ring for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. After winning a contested, nine-way Republican primary, and defeating his
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
Alexander’s paddle is large, wooden, and hand-carved with the membership pin etched in the middle. “He used to speak to me about how Lambda Chi had an impact on him, so when I came to KU I was naturally interested in joining the same fraternity as my grandfather,” Yoder said. Yoder attributes much of his success to two factors: his humble origins of being raised on a farm in Kansas, and his officer roles in Lambda Chi Alpha that first taught him leadership. The larger paddle serves as a link to both these factors. It
16
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FEATURE reminds Yoder of his family and the generations of individuals who came before him to help pave the way. Yoder takes pride in being a fifth generation Kansan and says his experience growing up on a farm helped to mold him into a hard worker.
Yoder admits he’s still learning the landscape of Washington politics as a freshman congressman. To help navigate the pitfalls of his position he relies on his big brother in Congress, Georgia Representative Jack Kingston.
The paddle also reminds Yoder of his time as an undergraduate 14 years ago in the Zeta-Iota chapter house. The values he learned during that time include the importance of unity of purpose, sharing a common set of goals with a group of people, and implementing tough brotherly love.
Much as Lambda Chi Alpha employs the big brother program to help mentor associate members as they learn the lessons of the Fraternity, Congress uses the same approach.
“I can recall a lot of challenges we faced as a fraternity,” he said. “I quickly learned that we are stronger together than we are divided.”
“I just thought, isn’t that perfect? There’s a Lambda Chi still showing me the way,” Yoder said.
Those lessons Yoder picked up as a brother at Zeta-Iota Zeta still resonate with him today. “As a member of Congress, I see that this country is very divided, so trying to unite a body of people around common principles is certainly a challenge for Congress, and it certainly was a challenge in the fraternity house,” he said.
Kingston is also a Lambda Chi, from the Nu chapter at the University of Georgia.
Kingston gives Yoder advice such as which committees or groups he should join and which areas he should avoid. “It’s just nice to have someone that you can rely on because you have that common bond,” Yoder said. Yoder also interacts with Kevin O’Neill, co-chairman of the North-American Interfraternity Conference Legislative Committee, and a brother from Syracuse University. He has supported O’Neill in the passage of legislation that would allow tax deductible contributions to non-profit student housing such as fraternities and sororities. Yoder credits Kingston and O’Neill for serving as mentors to him during his first year in Washington, D.C. Throughout his journey from being the new guy in the fraternity at KU, and being surprised when his brothers elected him as treasurer, to his current position that holds great power and responsibility, Yoder attributes his success to his family, his wife, Brooke, and the lessons he gained through Lambda Chi Alpha.
Continued Brotherhood
“I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without the Fraternity,” he said.
Even in Washington, D.C., Yoder continues to share close bonds to fellow Lambda Chis. These bonds help extinguish that new-guy feeling.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
17
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FEATURE
MIT’s Centennial Celebration The Lambda chapter began in 1912 at the specific invitation of our founder Warren Cole (Boston 1912). During the weekend of June 8-12, 2012, hundreds of undergraduate and alumni brothers are expected to come together to celebrate the past and plan for the future.
W
henever a new subject for a feature article in
Cross & Crescent is proposed, that becomes a time of great excitement and discovery because the staff gets to work, identifying those items that will be of greatest interest to our readers.
By Jon Williamson (Maryland)
Fraternity’s Board of Directors. Years later his son would also be initiated into the MIT chapter. Two other brothers, Alvah S. Holway (Lambda 13) and Arthur W. Carpenter (Lambda 16), played significant roles in the national organization. Holway served on the Fraternity Board as the Supreme Eminent Consul, Grand High Gamma, and Grand High Pi while Carpenter served as the Grand High Tau. I began my research for this article by reading the Lambda ‘Lumni Lantern, the first issue of which was dated February 1, 1917. It was an excellent publication, used to keep the chapter alumni informed of events and news of interest.
Military Heroes The second issue, dated March 1, 1917, identified Dinsmore “Dins” Ely (Lambda 41) as the newly-elected chapter president. Leaving school before he graduated, Dins enlisted, eventually becoming a member of the Lafayette Flying Corps in France, and saw frequent combat action during World War I. He wrote to his parents on numerous occasions and expressed these feelings in his last letter to them:
Of course it is always a challenge because we are unable to include everything and everyone in the article. In this issue we feature our Lambda chapter at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The chapter’s beginning was in 1912, at the specific invitation of our founder, Warren Cole (Boston 1912), to establish a chapter at MIT and to become a part of Lambda Chi Alpha. Zenas Crocker (Lambda 1), with the assistance of Allen Brewer (Lambda 8), organized the group of eight men to be installed. The installation team consisted of brothers from Boston, Massachusetts State College, and Brown. Crocker later played a major role in the early history of the chapter with his financial support and his purchase of a house at 441 Beacon Street, in the name of the chapter. In addition, he held the position of Supreme Eminent Quaestor on our www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
“And I want to say in closing, if anything should happen to me, let’s have no mourning in spirit or in dress. Like a Liberty Bond, it is an investment, not a loss when a man dies for his country. It is an honor to his family: and is that the time for weeping? I would rather leave my family rich in pleasant memories of my life than numbed
18
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FEATURE in sorrow at my death.”
Notable Lambda Alumni
Brother Ely died in combat on April 21, 1918. His death received a great deal of press in American and French newspapers and his final letter was released to the press by his father. Both the undergraduate and alumni brothers were devastated by his death. Determined to perpetuate his memory they petitioned the Fraternity’s Board for special dispensation for the name of the chapter. In 1919, the Board authorized the use of Dinsmore Ely Zeta for our MIT chapter.
•
Another brother, Col. Edwin T. Cole (Lambda 34), also saw considerable action in World War I. Col. Cole had become an honorary initiate in June, 1914, and served as the chapter advisor. On numerous occasions he and his wife welcomed the brothers to their home for dinners and social events. At the time, Cole was the professor of Military Science at MIT. Brother Cole holds a distinction within Lambda Chi Alpha of being the first of more than 100 brothers to have graduated
•
• • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
from West Point. He also fought in the Spanish-American War and was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery.
• •
As an undergraduate in the early 1960s I kept hearing stories about some brother named Smoot who, as part of a pledge (today called associate member) assignment, was used to measure a bridge in Boston. It took more than 40 years but I finally had a chance to meet him, at a fraternity event in Washington, D.C. His name is Oliver Reed Smoot, Jr. (Lambda 454) and he is the former chairman of the
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
• • • • •
19
Dr. John E. Ohlson, retired vice president, Stanford Telecom, Kirkland, Washington Dr. Michael N. Parker (1964), CEO at Rincon Research Corp., Tucson, Arizona John W. Paterno, president, Synthetic Specialties Co., Farmingdale, New Jersey Edwin C. Pearson, administrative law judge, State of New York Nino Pedrelli (1978), instructor at University of Wisconsin @ Madison Steven Pettinato (1980), proprietary trader at Archelon LLC, Director – US Derivative Trading at Archelon LLC, chapter advisor and House Corporation president Dr. Samuel C. Prescott, fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, president of Society of American Bacteriologists, president of Institute of Food Technologists, first dean of MIT’s School of Science, colonel in U.S. Army John S. Reed (Washington & Jefferson/MIT 1961) in a 3-2 program, former CEO of Citi Group, chairman of the board, New York Stock Exchange, present chairman of The Office of Corp. of MIT Richard J. Resch, president/CEO KI, Green Bay, Wisconsin Peter Richardson (1976), retired Director of Admissions, MIT George Ricker, senior scientist at MIT Dr. Michael D. Ries (1979), orthopedic surgeon, chief of the University of California @ San Francisco Anthroplasty Service Stephen J. Roe (1985), patent attorney at Oliff & Berridge, Alexandria, Virginia Warren E. Ross (1992), CEO, The Ross Group Construction Corp., Tulsa, Oklahoma Dr. Thomas A. Romanowski (1952), retired professor of physics at The Ohio State University Dr. Arthur P. Rosiello (1975), professor of neurological surgery, Stony Brook University Peter A. Santoro (1990), managing director, Citadel Investment Group, Chicago, Illinois David W. Schneider (1987), senior engineering manager, Dell, Austin, Texas Richard S. Simons, president/CEO Los Amigos de los Ninos, Del Mar, Californa Oliver R. Smoot (1959), former executive vice president of Information Technology Industry Council, Washington, DC; “a Smoot is a unit of measure” Dr. Steven Spiro (1974), medical director/anesthesiologist, Providence Holy Cross Surgery Center, Calabasas, California Dr. Clay J. Stanek (1990), vice president and general manager, Datapath, Duluth, Georgia Dr. Robert F. Stengel (1957), professor of mechanical & aerospace engineering, Princeton University Dr. Ralph W. Stevens III, professor of biology, Old Dominion University Dr. John W. Strieder, thoracic surgeon, teacher, recipient of the Henry D. Chadwick Medal Dr. Calvin Swift (1959), professor at University of Massachusetts @ Amherst Carl Van Tassel, former president of A.B. Dick Co. Dr. Ronald P. Uhlig, chair of the Department of Computer Science & Information Systems, National University, San Diego, California
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FEATURE board of American National Standards Institute, and the former president of the International Organization for Standardization.
• •
I must add that the “Smoot” is an official unit of measure, named in his honor. It seems that in 1958, when a pledge, he was used by a group of Lambda Chis to measure the length of the Harvard Bridge. Brother Smoot is 5 feet 7 inches and the other Lambda Chis made a mark as they laid him, again and again, across the bridge. The marks are repainted each year and the bridge is officially 364.4 Smoots plus or minus one ear in length.
• • • •
Chapter President
• •
I called the current chapter President Nick Davis, to catch up on .
•
“Currently we have 55 men in the chapter, 22 of whom will be initiated this semester. This summer we will be celebrating our 100th continuous year as a chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha. Bruce Twickler at bruce@docema.com is the person to contact for the event. Most of the celebration will be taking place in our mansion and the main focus will be our capital campaign to renovate the house. The theme will be ‘spring forward for the next 100 years.’ Our alumni have been very supportive in contributing money which has already been used in several renovation projects. The mansion used to belong to a former governor of Massachusetts and it was purchased by the chapter over 50 years ago. It sleeps 47. The library is the main social hub of the house with all chapter meetings held there. Almost everything is held in that area from recruitment events, to social functions, to our poker tournaments.”
Edward O. Vetter (1942), retired executive vice president of Texas Instruments, former undersecretary for the Department of Commerce of the United States Kenneth Whipple Jr., former executive vice president of Ford, former president of the Ford Financial Services Group, chairman of the board, Ford of Europe Dr. Brooks S. White (1945), retired physician, Quincy, Massachusetts Dr. Robert W. Wilson, principal, The Brattle Group, Cambridge, Massachusetts Caleb Wong, vice president and portfolio manager at Oppenheimer Funds, New York City Dr. Jerry M. Woodall (1960), is the C. Baldwin Sawyer professor of electrical engineering at Yale University, issued 67 U.S. Patents, many awards and honors including IEEE Jack A. Morton Award, the 1985 ECS Solid State Science and Technology Award, 1998 Electrochemical Society’s Edward Goodrich Acheson Award Dr. Gary M. Zartarian (1975), physician, Falmouth, Massachusetts Walter Zielenski (1978), president of Applied Business Systems (ABS), Teterboro, New Jersey Dr. Jacob P. Zucker, surgeon, Reno, Nevada
are all brothers. (At the time this article is prepared the team has lost but one game and is ranked 5th in their division.) The brothers involved in varsity sports are excellent their time management. They know when they have to get stuff done and they do it. We have very strong support groups in courses, taking classes and doing homework together.” It must be great to have alumni support! “Yes, we are very fortunate to have William Coleman (Lambda 777) who provides support and lives close. Steve Pettinato (Lambda 713) visits the chapter, meets with parents, and is always available providing assistance.”
House Corporation President Today, alumni and undergraduates continue to celebrate the long legacy of the Lambda chapter at MIT. The current fundraising campaign looks to raise $3 million, with the majority of the funds going toward
Looking back to the beginning of the chapter it seems that we have always been well represented on the MIT varsity teams. “Today’s brothers are no different. The overwhelming majority are involved in one or more varsity sports and about 15 years ago the chapter was written up in an article in Sports Illustrated. Traditionally, the chapter has always had many basketball players and the starting five on the current team www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
20
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FEATURE
the renovations of the chapter’s historic Boston house that was built in 1906 and served at one point as the governor’s mansion. The house still includes some of the original wiring that was installed more than a century ago. Tom O’Connor (Lambda 417), a Lambda alum, recently presented a quote for repairs to the house and he will likely lead the renovations. O’Connor has deep roots into the famous Smoot story since he was the pledge trainer who tasked the group of pledges, including Smoot, to measure the Harvard Bridge. Thus, the Smoot legend was born. Now, O’Connor plans to further his role in the chapter’s legacy by assisting with the renovations.
brotherhood that developed during their time at MIT. “In some ways I’m going to get more out of it than anybody because I’ve been talking to these people for such a long time that I know more of the spread than anybody,” he said. “There will be a lot of neat things. We’re going to put together a lot of faces. It’s going to be a great time to tell stories, there’s going to be a lot of laughs. We’ll do ceremonies and this and that. We’ll do songs but it will just be a reminder of what a great bonding experience we’ve all had in common.”
The rich history of Lambda will be honored in June during the chapter’s Centennial Celebration. Pettinato is eager to see the hundreds of brothers of all different ages who will be in attendance for the weekend ceremonies. The expected plans include a gala dinner at the Harvard Club, a golf outing, a barbeque, and a groundbreaking ceremony for the renovations on the historic chapter house. The 100-year celebration will be held over the same weekend as the MIT graduation. Additionally, the Centennial is the same weekend as the 50th anniversary of the graduation of Smoot and the members from his pledge class. Pettinato expects several brothers from that generation to be in attendance. Pettinato recalls a conversation he had with a friend, a member of Delta Tau Delta, who had recently participated in a ceremony honoring his own chapter’s 75th anniversary. For the event their committee had hired a band to entertain the attendees. Unfortunately the band never had a chance to play because the microphone was always commandeered by a brother sharing a story from his fraternity days. Pettinato hopes Lambda’s Centennial will be similar; a collection of brothers sharing memories and enjoying their deep bond of www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
21
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FEATURE
The Greatest of These is Love: The Legacy of Scott Wood Header SEMO’s Delta-Phi chapter president shares his reflections about his friend and Fraternity brother.
By Benny Dorris (Southeast Missouri)
“Even the death of Friends will inspire us as much as their lives... their memories will be incrusted over with sublime and pleasing thoughts, as monuments of other men are overgrown with moss; for our Friends have no place in the graveyard.” -Henry David Thoreau I’ll never forget that phone call. It was Tuesday. I was on my way to an intramural soccer game when an alumnus called me about our brother, Scott Wood (Southeast Missouri), who had been fighting cancer off and on for five years. He was taking a turn for the worse; his lung had failed, he had been hallucinating, and he had spent most of the day unconscious. The prognosis was grim. Scott had been given only through the weekend to live. I felt as though I’d been punched in the stomach. The air grew thin and the world around me got a lot more real. There’s nothing in the chapter president’s manual to prepare one for situations like this; nothing that tells you what to do or what to say.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
22
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FEATURE
Brotherly Love
The second call came late Thursday afternoon.
I called a ZAX session that night. I don’t know if my brothers were expecting the news I brought to them, but I could feel the emotions in the chapter room pulsing through my veins. There was a lot of pain in the house, but there was also a lot of love. We came together as a brotherhood that night in a way that I have never seen before; it’s what Scott would have wanted.
I was expecting it, just not so soon. Once again the world around me froze. I quickly called another ZAX session. Although everyone knew what this meeting was about, I felt it necessary to bring everyone together. Each brother spoke that night about how his life had been touched by Scott. There were tears, there were laughs, and there was love; pure, brotherly love.
Then, we waited.
The funeral will never leave my memory.
On Wednesday, a group of brothers went to Scott’s home to visit him. I stayed back, feeling the need to be around the house for anyone who was unable to make the trip. When I saw the pictures of Scott that were posted on Facebook later that day, I broke down at my desk. He was frail in body, but strong in spirit. From what I heard, the day was spent reminiscing with Scott, making jokes and acting as if everything was normal. Scott was just being Scott. I truly believe that he held on that last day so that he could see his brothers one more time. I think it’s what he needed before he left.
At the end of the service our chapter was given the opportunity to form an honor guard along with Scott’s family as his casket was carried from the church to the hearse. The sky was gray, but it was still bright. Snowflakes drifted lazily about as they made their way to the ground. The world fell silent. The only noises I can recall were intermittent whimpers and sobs, sounds that cut straight to my core. I’ve never in my entire life been so aware of my surroundings. Everything around me was so real. The scene was straight from a movie, except there weren’t any credits. Once it was over I didn’t know what to do. There was
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
23
nothing to bring me back to reality. This was reality, and it was visceral. I stood there for about 15 minutes, completely lost. The snow continued to fall but the rest of the world, it seemed, was at a standstill.
The Healing Process From the beginning, I believe, the chapter was ready to begin the healing process. Although Scott’s final days will forever be imprinted in our hearts, it was his life that served as an inspiration to the chapter. Scott never drew attention to his condition. He never desired sympathy. He never complained. He never wanted to be anything but normal. He was normal. A person wouldn’t have known Scott had cancer unless he removed his hat, revealing his hairless scalp. He was going through so much, but was always willing to lend a hand to others. Scott was just one of the guys. If you said something stupid he would slap you with the green St. Louis Cardinal’s hat that he always wore. As the chapter vice president he organized brotherhood events and, aside from that, he was always willing to hang out.
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FEATURE
He appreciated life in a way that I doubt any of us will ever understand. It’s been said in our chapter house many times that Scott was the epitome of Personal Courage. He stared cancer and death straight in the eye and didn’t let it get him down. If he was scared, he certainly didn’t let it show. Scott also loved movies. He and I could carry on for hours about different movies, actors, and directors. He always impressed me with his knowledge, and every time we discussed films I learned something new. He introduced me to an array of great movies that I never would have otherwise watched. He loved Disney films, especially Toy Story. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to listen to “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” the same way again. I haven’t tried yet.
happy to see how we’ve coped thus far. Scott’s spirit will live on forever in our hearts. Indeed, we will be our brother’s keepers. Scott isn’t gone. Scott has left a lasting legacy within the Delta-Phi chapter. He had nothing but pure love for his brothers and nobody will ever forget that. He has given us the hope and strength to persist in his absence. He has given us faith in Lambda Chi Alpha because of his own passion for the fraternity. Life is short, and Scott has reminded us to enjoy every glimmering, beautiful, precious moment of it. Death is real and death can be harsh, but the story of Scott Wood is so much bigger than all of us. And there’s something humbling in that.
Scott’s suffering has ended. He’s having way too much fun right now to concern himself with earthly things, but I think he would be
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
24 24
CrossCross & Crescent March 20122012 & Crescent March
FEATURE
Gibbons’ Community Service Proves Key Earlier this year, Brian Gibbons (Baldwin-Wallace) received the key to the city of Berea, Ohio, in recognition of his leadership, along with the Kappa-Phi brothers, in making improvements to the community through their service. By Andrew Talevich (Washington State)
Above the TV in the chapter room of the Kappa-Phi colony’s fraternity house sits a gold key encased in glass with a label that reads “Spirit of Community Award, City of Berea, Ohio.” This is the award that Brian Gibbons (Baldwin-Wallace 2012) received for his service to his community and the new colony’s efforts to improve their city. Shortly after his KappaPhi colony was established www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
at Baldwin-Wallace College in October 2010, Gibbons assumed the role of philanthropy chairman and encouraged his brothers to initiate a food drive. “I was very much pushing for local. I don’t have a problem with the Cleveland Food Bank, by any means, but I wanted to make sure that we were making a difference in our own community,” Gibbons said.
Collecting Cans Gibbons decided to partner with Berea Welfare Assistance, an organization that supports citizens in financial need until they can get back on their feet. Gibbons contacted their representative, Tom Norton, and told him that his chapter wanted to help Berea Welfare Assistance.
25
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FEATURE
Last spring, Norton gave Gibbons information on how to lead a successful food drive. Gibbons organized his chapter brothers in dropping off bags at households along with notes that described the food drive, asked the families donate food and/or cash, and to then leave the bags out for collection. The Kappa-Phi colony followed up a few days later and collected the canned food for Berea Welfare Assistance. The chapter brothers also ran a food drive that targeted the Baldwin-Wallace faculty.
Honoring Teamwork On January 24, 2012, Barea Mayor Cyril Kleem honored Gibbons at a banquet for local leaders in the community. At the banquet Kleem quoted an old adage: “All people have the right to criticize but who has the heart to help?” According to Kleem, Gibbons is a person who has a heart to help.
During Gibbons’ year-long tenure as philanthropy chairman the colony ran four food drives and collected more than 1,200 items of food. Each food drive provided enough food to last three days out of each month for all the families who depend on Berea Welfare Assistance.
“As much as we hear negative things about (Baldwin-Wallace) students, it is those like Brian that make our community a really great place to live and a great place to go to college,” Kleem said.
Nevertheless Gibbons wanted to do even more for the organization. Last July he and the colony partnered with Alpha Phi sorority to host a dunk tank at Berea’s Grindstone Festival. Over the course of a day the participants raised $319 for Berea Welfare Assistance.
The Spirit of Community Award, that included the key to the city of Berea, represents not only Gibbons’ desire to help his community, but the team effort of his brothers at Kappa-Phi as well. Gibbons is the first to admit that his efforts supporting the community would not have been possible without the help of his brothers.
Norton and the community of Berea are very grateful for Gibbons’ leadership and for Kappa-Phi’s eagerness to follow their brother in making a difference in their community.
Moving Forward
“They are a pretty bright group of kids, and they’re pretty creative, and they set goals for themselves, and they always seem to exceed them,” Norton said. Because of Gibbons’ impact on the City of Berea, Norton nominated Gibbons for the Spirit of the Community Award.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
There’s a saying that goes, “from small beginnings come great things.” This can be applied to both Kappa-Phi’s philanthropic efforts and the colony’s progression toward becoming a chapter. The community service project that started as a simple food drive
26
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FEATURE
In addition to the food drives, the brothers of Kappa-Phi also hosted a family during the holiday season, another program sponsored by Berea Welfare Assistance. Each member of the colony donated money so a family in financial need could receive presents for the holidays. The brothers were once again supported by the sisters of Alpha Phi in this project. The colony is slowly progressing toward becoming a chapter and Gibbons hopes they will establish their charter by the end of this spring. The final step in the process will be to increase the number of members in the colony. Gibbons wants to make sure his colony recruits the right character of men for this final step in gaining a charter. “We can get numbers but if we want quality men that will represent our organization well, we need to take time,” Gibbons said. has gone on to greatly benefit the city of Berea. Concurrently, the colony is on its way to becoming a strong chapter. Both these processes began in the fall of 2010 when Gibbons first looked to join Lambda Chi Alpha. Gibbons admits he was hesitant about joining the effort to start a colony at Baldwin-Wallace. Influenced by stereotypes, Gibbons originally had a misconception about Greek life.
Norton looks forward to the continued partnership between Lambda Chi Alpha and Berea Welfare Assistance. He believes that leaders like Gibbons will step forward and fill the role that he has put in place. “We always know (the Kappa-Phi Colony) will go above and beyond. They’re a nice group of kids and they’re easy to work with,” Norton said.
“What led me to join the Fraternity were the Core Values as the well as the opportunity to be involved and actually make a difference,” Gibbons said. During his undergraduate experience Gibbons has been on the varsity cross-country and track teams. He also joined the Global Partner Society and studied abroad in Argentina. Upon being initiated into Lambda Chi Alpha and becoming one of 14 founding fathers, Gibbons took the role of philanthropy chairman and was immediately enabled to make that difference he had longed for. “[Gibbons] went out there and worked hard. He recruited people. He basically did what he said he was going to do and lived up to his commitment,” Norton said. www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
27
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FEATURE
The Gift of Giving Former Lambda Chi Alpha employee, Ernie Vargo, recently solicited a $40 million gift for a new hospital. By Andrew Talevich (Washington State)
P
resident and CEO of the newly renamed Eskenazi
Health Foundation and former Lambda Chi Alpha employee Ernie Vargo (Akron) recently solicited a $40 million gift for Wishard Health Services in Indianapolis. The gift, given by Sidney and Lois Eskenazi to open a new hospital, ranks 33rd among the top 50 donations in the United States in 2011. In the realm of fundraising, extracting a donation of this magnitude is a significant achievement for the head of a foundation. Vargo credits both his experience as an undergraduate officer and employee at Lambda Chi Alpha for his knowledge in leading groundbreaking philanthropy campaigns. As an undergraduate, Vargo served as the president of the Gamma-Alpha chapter at University of Akron. He was also the IFC president for the university. “In college I basically felt that I was getting two separate educations,” he said. “One was my formal education through the university and the second was as president of my fraternity; just learning how to manage finances and the fraternity was so important.” Vargo went on to work with the General Fraternity for seven years. He first served as Associate Director of Communications and Development followed by Director of Communications and Conferences. One of his main responsibilities during his tenure at the General Fraternity was editor of our Cross and Crescent publication. While at Lambda Chi Alpha International Headquarters, Vargo discovered his passion for fundraising and development. www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
Five of the eight years Vargo spent at IHQ were under the direction of former Executive Vice President George Spasyk. Vargo remembers the dynamic lessons Spasyk taught him. Some lessons were frivolous, as when Spasyk told Vargo to always carry a pen in his blazer pocket so he would be ready to write something down, a habit that Vargo still practices. Other lessons Spasyk taught Vargo, such as how to run a major organization, had much more importance. “One of the things I admired about George was that he would have a vision and then follow through with that vision,” Vargo said.
28
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FEATURE After leaving the General Fraternity, Vargo went on to work in the field of development at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. There, Vargo led a $50 million campaign that solicited a $10 million gift, the largest gift by a single donor in the symphony’s history. “It really comes down to whether donors really believe in what’s happening with your organization, and if they don’t feel that from you it will be tough for you to ask them to make a significant investment into your organization,” Vargo said. Vargo joined the Wishard Foundation in June of 2010. Upon accepting the position Vargo’s first priority was to guide the Foundation’s development campaign to raise $50 million. He quickly surpassed this expectation after soliciting the $40 million gift from the Eskenazi family. “We had met with the Eskenazis on several occasions and finally we made a bold offer,” Vargo said. Throughout his discussions with Sidney and Lois Eskenazi about the Wishard Health Services’ financial needs, Vargo forged a deep friendship with the family. “I would be remiss without saying that the Eskenazis are the nicest people that I’ve ever met,” Vargo said.
In recognition of their gift, the new hospital located in downtown Indianapolis will be named the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital and will be completed in 2014. In addition, to also recognize the great philanthropic support of Sidney and Lois Eskenazi, Wishard Memorial Foundation recently changed its name to Eskenazi Health Foundation. The vision of supporting a new hospital in Indianapolis struck a deep chord within Sidney. According to Vargo, Sidney grew up poor during the Depression on the south side of Indianapolis. He feels very privileged to help those in need of a new hospital. Currently, Wishard Memorial Hospital receives 1.4 million outpatients each year, teaches one-third of Indiana’s physicians, and includes the state’s only adult burn center. The Eskenazi gift will enhance the hospital’s impact on the community. “They just genuinely care about the hospital and what’s going on and they come and visit with our employees. They just love being part of the organization and we love them being part of that,” Vargo said. Similar to the example that Sidney and Lois Eskenazi set, Vargo believes that philanthropy needs to be a continued priority for brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha. He urges all Lambda Chi Alpha brothers to utilize their time, talent, and treasure in initiatives that benefit their community. “I think it’s important to always remember to give back to the community. It’s a matter of finding your passion and ensuring that you continue to support that passion,” Vargo said.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
29
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FRATERNITY NEWS
Harm Reduction Case Study The tragic death of our brother from the Phi chapter at Rutgers University.
By Chris Cole (Gettysburg)
Wi t h i n t h e h a rm re d u c t i o n s t o r i e s a n d e x p e r i e n c e s t h a t o u r Fr a t e rn i t y h a s b e e n t h ro u g h , i t i s i m p o r t a n t t o k n ow w h e re i t a l l started. The focus of harm reduction for chapters didn’t truly start until the 1980s. Those were the first years of the Risk Manager within our chapters as well as stricter guidelines in the Constitution. The change started in 1988 at Rutgers University. A new member of Lambda Chi Alpha’s Phi chapter died of alcohol poisoning after a night of heavy drinking at a Fraternity event.
A Tragic Wake-up Call It was a cool winter’s day in New Jersey and young James Callahan was being recruited by Lambda Chi Alpha. He decided to attend one of the events that the chapter was hosting. He and 14 other prospective members were going to their Associate Member Ceremony where 70 brothers were waiting for them. There were up to 300 drinks out and ready for the soon to be new members to drink. It was deemed “Kamikaze Night.” The new members were told to “drink until they were sick.” The drinking continued through the evening
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
30
Cross & Crescent March 2012
FRATERNITY NEWS
and many, if not all, of the new members got sick from the alcohol. At 6:18 a.m., university police were called because Callahan was not responding, and medical assistance was requested. Police and an ambulance arrived at the scene of a house that had been destroyed from the inside out. Chairs and tables were broken and all fire extinguishers had been emptied. It was later noted that the only thing still working in the house was the fire alarm. The EMTs transported Callahan to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he was treated. But it was too late. At 7:46 a.m. James Callahan died of cardiorespiratory failure and acute ethyl alcohol intoxication. He had BAC, or blood alcohol content, of .434 percent.
This incident was a tragedy and is certainly something that we hope will never happen again. The incident caused Lambda Chi Alpha to take a stronger and more proactive look into preventing incidents such as these from reoccurring. This truly marked the beginning of Risk Management and the current Harm Reduction program we see today at Lambda Chi Alpha.
Following the incident, the General Fraternity, the chapter, and 15 men from the Phi chapter were brought into a civil lawsuit. The 15 men were charged by a grand jury with aggravated hazing. The General Fraternity paid more than $500,000 in the case - the most that was ever paid out at that time by a fraternity.
In the wake of this tragedy, the foundation for a safer fraternity has been created and strengthened by the new laws and policies within both our Constitution and our Statutory Code, the creation of the FIPG (Fraternal Information Programming Group), and finally the numerous programs that Lambda Chi Alpha has put together and laid out for our undergraduates.
Being More Proactive In many ways, this story isn’t different from the myriad other cases that have occurred since that incident. Throughout the Greek world, there have been deaths due to binge drinking, forced consumption, and over intoxication since the 1988 incident at Rutgers, and certainly since then, Lambda Chi Alpha needed to take a stronger look at risk management. Issues like fraternity insurance and potential litigation were some of the things that could potentially destroy the organization and it was time to look forward into preventive measures. For Lambda Chi Alpha, the wake-up call was in February of 1988 at Phi Zeta.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
Future harm reduction articles will provide more specific information about what Lambda Chi has done to put policies, procedures, and programs in place to educate our chapters and help prevent future tragedies from occurring.
31
Cross & Crescent March 2012
ALUMNIHISTORY RECOGNITION
Akron’s Steve Moore With more than seven years of volunteer service to Lambda Chi, Stephen Moore (Syracuse) currently serves as a fraternal steward and chapter advisor for Gamma-Alpha at Akron. By Tad Lichtenauer (Denison)
Name: Stephen Moore///////////// Chapter & School: Initiated in 1980 at Syracuse University (Alpha-Upsilon); Currently volunteering with the Gamma-Alpha chapter at University of Akron//////// Years of Volunteer Service: 7/ /////////// Volunteer Roles: Chapter Advisor (3 years), Fraternal Steward (1 year)////////// Professional Career: Hospitality Industry; Currently serve as Hotel General Manager within the Hilton Worldwide family of hotels/////////////////
Why do you volunteer for Lambda Chi? Lambda Chi Alpha was instrumental in my development as a man, as a responsible adult, as a productive member of society, and as a leader. The opportunity to give back to the Fraternity in more than just a financial way has always been a priority for me and I am fortunate at this point in my personal and professional life to be able to give back to the organization that helped shape the man that I have become.
What advice would you give other interested volunteers? First, pick a level of involvement that is most comfortable for you, whether it is attending a chapter meeting, assisting with a specific philanthropy, mentoring an undergraduate who is majoring in the field you are professionally associated with, etc. Identify the nearest chapter to you and just introduce yourself as a potential resource to them. Then take whatever level of involvement is most comfortable to you, and take it up just one notch. It will not seem to be a sacrifice to go above that comfort level, but rather it will be a source of even more gratification to see that you are making such an impact on today’s
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
32 32
Cross && Crescent Crescent March March 2012 Cross November 2011 2012
ALUMNI RECOGNITION
young men. Staying in your comfort zone of involvement does help and impact others, but when you take this one step further you yourself learn and grow. Nobody is asking you to relive your fraternity days or to travel back in time to when you were in college. We’ve done that already. The Fraternity continues to evolve and develop. Lambda Chi Alpha is not the same as it was when we were undergraduates. Our Fraternity is, no doubt, the leader of the Greek community when it comes to values-based recruitment and in developing young associate members into educated, productive, and energized brothers ready to enter life after college and make a difference in the world. You will be amazed at how volunteering with today’s undergraduates will teach you new things about our great Fraternity, in addition to enriching your life by what you give back.
Why are alumni volunteers so important? This is easy to answer. Our young brothers need role models. They need to hear about real world experiences. It benefits the undergraduates’ success rates after college if they have had opportunities while in college to interact with alumni. Lambda Chi needs more role models who will take a personal interest in these young men; volunteers who are genuinely concerned and interested in hearing about the successes and challenges of being an undergraduate brother.
What do you find is the most rewarding aspect about being a Lambda Chi volunteer? For me it is that light bulb moment; the time when someone you have been mentoring or guiding, or the chapter you are developing, or the chapter officers you are guiding, or the Executive Committee that is having difficulties, finally realizes that you are not a three-headed monster who has no clue what he is spewing forth for guidance and that what you’ve been saying all along actually makes sense. I definitely have tons of respect for the men I advise and there are no doubts that they have the same respect for me as a mentor, guide, developer, advisor, etc. But when they come up and say thank you, or you see on their faces they finally “get it,” that’s very rewarding. www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
Please provide an example that validates why you volunteer for Lambda Chi? This past summer I had an opportunity to organize and facilitate a road trip out to the Stead Leadership Seminar in Iowa. Brothers from several Lambda Chi Alpha chapters in our area endured the 10 hour ride in a crowded 15 passenger van, out and back with me, in order to have the experience of attending a national Fraternity event. Had that group transportation not been made available I believe most would not have been able to attend. It was a captive audience on the highway and we had some pretty awesome discussions about Fraternity, brotherhood, Ritual, Core Values, etc. A good amount of personal time, energies, and expense went into creating this experience for those undergraduates. The brothers and I actually went to Iowa a day early, went to dinner as a group, and spent the night in a hotel before opening day of the conference in order to make the most of the trip. When I heard the energy levels of those who attended as they relayed details back to their chapter, and saw the motivation derived from what the brothers had learned, that validated it for me. In addition, the regular emails, texts, and calls from individuals within my chapter who are reaching out for guidance, also validates my efforts. They don’t always listen, but they are asking. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Senior Associate Director of Chapters Services Jordy Miller at jmiller@lambdachi.org.
33 33
Cross && Crescent Crescent March March 2012 Cross November 2011 2012
TRUE BROTHER
Core Values in Action Iota-Phi alumni brother Trey Scott (High Point 1997) helps save lives in Haiti. By Tad Lichtenauer (Denison)
How does a guy from Georgia end up in Haiti? Trey Scott (High Point 1997) has asked himself that question many times since December of 2007, when he and his wife made their first trip to Terrier Rouge, Haiti. “I strongly believe that life is about developing relationships,” Scott said. “One such relationship led me to Ecole St. Barthelemy (Saint Bartholomew School) in northeast Haiti.” On that first trip he and his wife distributed Christmas shoeboxes to school children, met many Haitians, and enjoyed the culture. This school and various other programs were the direct result of a partnership between an American couple and a Haitian Episcopal priest. This relationship led to the formation of a non-profit organization called Bethlehem Ministry, Inc.
www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
34
Cross & Crescent March 2012
TRUE BROTHER
LOYALTY | DUTY | RESPECT | SERVICE & STEWARDSHIP | HONOR | INTEGRITY | PERSONAL COURAGE
“We approach the people of Haiti in love, looking for ways to work with them to create opportunities for advancement toward a healthy, happy life,” he said. “Since 2007 I have traveled to Haiti more than seven times, taking along various groups of people both young and old. Over the years, I have made some great friends and feel blessed to know their story.” Over the years Scott has seen the construction of a healthcare clinic, expansion of the school to ninth grade, and various agricultural projects.
procedures that included attending to a four year-old boy (pictured) minutes after he had been struck by a motorcycle. Several of his teeth had been broken or knocked out and he had received a 2 ½ inch laceration across his forehead. After taking an X-ray of his leg they discovered he also had a fractured tibia. “His mother was extremely grateful, and our team was thankful for the opportunity to use our skills to change a life,” Scott said. For more information about the work of Bethlehem Ministry please visit www.bethlehemministry.org or contact Scott at bmindirector@bethlehemministry.org.
Finally, in late 2011, he and his wife took over as co-executive directors of the non-profit. “My Haitian brothers and sisters continue to be thankful for all our donor support, but I assure you it is the Americans involved in these endeavors and trips that benefit from a transformed perspective of life,” Scott said. Most recently he helped organize two orthopedic surgical teams to visit Ft. Liberte, Haiti. They performed 18 different www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
35
Cross & Crescent March 2012