Cross & Crescent
MAY 2014 . ISSUE 04
FROM THE EDITOR As our undergraduate brothers wrap up the academic year, we are pleased to offer a wide variety of stories for our readers. The cover story profiles an undergraduate brother from our Epsilon-Rho chapter at the University of Alberta. Daniel Vu suffers from Down syndrome but that hasn’t stopped him from being an outstanding brother, student and advocate. The article is written by Kyle Brant, another undergraduate brother from Epsilon-Rho and a former chapter president. Also in this issue is a profile about alumni brother Ron Cordes (California-Berkeley). A former financial advisor, he is the co-founder of the Cordes Foundation and a non-profit organization called ImpactAsset. He has dedicated a large portion of his time to blending his expertise in financial strategy with his passion to take up big causes such as global poverty.
Tad Lichtenauer Director of Communications/IT (317) 803-7322 tlichtenauer@lambdachi.org
Our third feature article is about alumni brother and Olympic gold medalist Phil Dalhausser. We originally profiled him in 2008 and since that time he’s become a father and now is the spokesperson for the Gillette Body Razor. Finally, we have a recap of the 100th anniversary celebration from the Tau chapter at Washington State University, the introduction of our new educational leadership consultants, and an overview article about how the undergraduate dues and fees are used to fund the General Fraternity. As always, we greatly appreciate your feedback, chapter news submissions and article ideas. Please email me at tlichtenauer@lambdachi.org with any comments or questions. In ZAX and friendship,
Tad Lichtenauer Editor, Cross & Crescent Magazine
Cross & Crescent
YOUR ONLINE SOURCE FOR ALL LAMBDA CHI ALPHA NEWS Header MAY 2014 ISSUE 04
Features 16 Departments 1
Chapter News
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death.
29 Fraternity News New Educational Leadership Consultants
31 Fraternity News Where Does My Money Go?
A HERO AND EXEMPLARY BROTHER WITH DOWN SYNDROME Kyle Brant (Alberta) shares the story of undergraduate brother Daniel Vu (Alberta) and how he has inspired his chapter by overcoming life’s challenges with his positive attitude and never making excuses. By Kyle Brant (Alberta)
20 SOLVING THE WORLD’S PROBLEMS After years of success as a financial manager, Ron Cordes (Cal-Berkeley 1981) has spent the second half of his life finding solutions to some of the greatest global problems. By Andrew Talevich (Washington State)
23 CREDITS
Publisher: Bill Farkas anaging Editor: Tad Lichtenauer M Assistant Editor: Andrew Talevich Layout & Design: Thomas Roberts Photographer: Walt Moser Research: Jon Williamson Editors: Jono Hren Bob McLaughlin
PLAYING FOR KEEPS Professional beach volleyball player and Olympic gold medalist Phil Dalhausser (Central Florida) discusses his family, his new double’s partner, Gillette’s #BODYREADY campaign, and his Lambda Chi days. By Andrew Talevich (Washington State)
26 CONTRIBUTIONS
Content for consideration should be submitted by the 25th of the month (except July/Aug./Jan.) Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity 8741 Founders Rd Indianapolis, IN 46268-1338 (317) 872-8000 editor@lambdachi.org www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
TAU ZETA’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION On April 5, 2014, alumni and undergraduates of the Lambda Chi Alpha chapter at Washington State University gathered in Pullman, Washington, to celebrate the chapter’s centennial anniversary.
By Andrew Talevich (Washington State)
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Akron (Gamma-Alpha)
During the Student Excellence Awards, the chapter received recognition for their excellence in the categories of scholarship and community. Jacob Switzer was named the Greek Man of the Year and Sam Globetti was inducted into the Greek Hall of Fame.
On October 26, 2014, 40 chapter members participated in the University of Akron’s Make a Difference Day. Undergraduate brother Jonathan Wickham, a human resources management major from Wooster, Ohio, and his chapter brothers made blankets for the homeless and repaired toys for disabled kids.
American (Pi-Omicron)
On April 12, 2014, the chapter conducted an Initiation Ritual Exemplification.
The chapter held a Spike Ball Tournament with proceeds benefiting Feeding America.
The chapter raised nearly 800 cans of food for Feeding America as part of a canned castle food drive competition. In addition, the chapter also conducted a family feud game night where teams donated either 10 cans or $5 a team.
Arkansas State (Iota-Theta) The chapter held its annual Founders’ Day Celebration. The weekend included a Texas Hold’em Tournament, a golf tournament, the annual Housing Corporation meeting, and the Founders’ Day Banquet. Lon Simmons (Arkansas State) was the keynote speaker at the banquet. Awards also were presented for: Best Brother - Peter Hasik; Cross and Crescent Girls - Cassie Smith and Lindsay Mauldin; and seven Pearl Girls.
The chapter held its 43rd annual Bathtub Pull competition raising more than $2,000 for charity.
Alabama (Alpha-Phi) University of West Virginia Psychology professor Dan McNeil was named a Claude Worthington Benedum Distinguished Scholar Award winner for 2013-2014. The award recognizes faculty distinction in research, scholarship, or creative activity.
Peter Hasik was elected chapter president. On April 19, 2014, the chapter held its annual Sandblast Volleyball Tournament, raising nearly $5,000 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Alabama-Birmingham (Sigma-Chi)
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death Paul B. Madden Jr. (1967) died April 10, 2014. After earning his doctorate in physics at Florida State University in 1976, he worked as a staff computer scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, principal engineer at Digital Equipment Corporation, and engineering manager at Apollo Computer in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. He was a former chapter president.
California-Los Angeles (EpsilonSigma) The chapter was recognized for having the highest cumulative GPA of any fraternity on campus. Chapter brothers participated in Relay for Life, a national fundraiser for the fight against cancer.
Baldwin Wallace (Kappa-Phi)
The chapter won first place at Gamma Phi Beta’s “G Phi Joe” philanthropy event, benefiting CampFire USA and the Laurel Foundation.
Cal State-Fullerton (Phi-Epsilon)
On April 26, 2014, the chapter held its annual Chi Cardboard Campus event to raise money for Feeding America. During the event, teams of four built their own small houses out of cardboard and competed in events throughout the day.
Butler (Alpha-Alpha)
On March 22, 2014, alumni brothers gathered for their annual alumni baseball game watching party.
Central Virginia Area Alumni Association On April 16, 2014, the Central Virginia Area Alumni Association held a luncheon hosted by the Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Foundation. Undergraduate brothers from the Alpha-Chi chapter at the University of Richmond and from the colony at Virginia Commonwealth University were in attendance, along with approximately 20 alumni brothers.
The chapter held its annual Teeter-Totter Marathon philanthropy, raising more than $20,000 for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. The chapter conducted an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 33 associate members.
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Cornell (Omicron)
Chapter brothers participated in Philanthropy Week, hosting multiple food drives on campus. On April 25, 2014, the chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 11 associate members. Chapter President Dylan Gallimore was elected IFC vice president.
Chapter President Dan DeFlumeri and former chapter Treasurer Nick Polera counted and organized the food the chapter collected during its spring semester food drive. The chapter collected nearly 400 pounds of food for Loaves and Fishes, a local food bank.
Denison (Gamma-Iota) The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for nine associate members.
Chapter brothers volunteered to help clean up the nearby gorge so it could be reopened for the season.
The chapter conducted a food drive with the help of City Barbeque and raised over $1,000 for the Mid-Ohio food bank.
Chapter brothers raised $2,120 for Relay for Life.
Delaware (Lambda-Beta)
Drexel (Epsilon-Kappa)
The chapter won first place in Relay for Life, raising more than $5,000.
The chapter hosted the Atlantic Regional Conclave, with more than 100 brothers in attendance.
The chapter held its Spike and Strike philanthropy event, www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Elon (Delta-Pi)
collecting nearly 300 pounds of food and raising more than $1,000 for Feeding America. Twelve undergraduate brothers and three alumni brothers attended the Atlantic Conclave. They received an award for being the biggest delegation. Blackfish BYOB owner and chef Chip Roman received the 2014 Alumni Entrepreneurship Award from Drexel University.
Edinboro (Beta-Delta)
The chapter held a Watermelon Bust, raising $4,000 in donations and collecting more than 35,000 pounds of food for Feeding America. On April 26, 2014, chapter brothers and their fathers participated in Chops & Pops and spent the weekend enjoying time with their dads while meeting those of fellow brothers.
Embry-Riddle (Sigma-Phi) The chapter won the All Greek Week Sports Award for the second consecutive year.
Nine chapter brothers attended the 2014 Great Lakes Conclave held at Kettering University.
The chapter earned the most improved GPA on campus for fall semester with three members scoring a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Tyler Picotte was elected as the Fraternity’s new Student Advisory Committee representative for the Great Lakes Conclave.
Eureka (Theta-Chi)
The chapter hosted its annual philanthropy event, Fulcrum for Food. The event involved teetertottering for 72 straight hours to raise money and collect donations for Feeding America, specifically to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank and the Edinboro Food Pantry. In total, the chapter collected canned food donations and raised nearly $3,000 over three days. www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
Bruce Darnall has written two articles on Milwaukee Brewers coaches John Shelby (One Question Changes Life Direction of Hitting Coach) and Lee Tunnell (Childhood Lessons Still Shaping Pitching Coach). They were published online by Athletes in Action, the sports ministry for Campus Crusade for Christ. The articles tell about the coaches lives and their Christian faith. The articles can be found at: www. athletesinaction.org/news then click on Pro Ministry.
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Florida (Epsilon-Mu)
many other services that help individuals and families get back on their feet and into the job force to become self-sustaining once again. More than 200 students, families, professors, faculty, and community members attended the event and more than $3,000 was raised. At the Greek Banquet, the chapter won seven other awards, including Chapter Advisor of the Year, Philanthropy Award, Community Service Award, Collegiate Involvement Award, Greek Varsity Athlete of the Year, Educational Programming Award, and most importantly the President’s Cup. Pictured in the photo is chapter President Dennis Propp receiving the President’s Cup award from university President Dr. Dwaine Greene.
The chapter won first place in Chi Omega’s annual philanthropy, Chi O Sandblast volleyball tournament. The chapter won first place in Kappa Kappa Gamma’s annual philanthropy, Kappa Kasino. On April 24, 2014, chapter brothers volunteered at the Bread of the Mighty Food Bank. They spent the day landscaping and planting flowers in the yard surrounding the food bank.
George Washington (Delta-Xi) The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for four new brothers: Rory Gowing, Michael Merriam, Michael Munn, and Derek Wong.
Florida Tech (Beta-Nu) On April 6, 2014, chapter brothers co-hosted a soldier for a day with Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
The chapter won the Kappa Delta and Pi Beta Phi sorority philanthropy events, raising money for children’s literacy and the Girl Scouts of America.
On April 12, 2014, chapter brothers participated in Habitat for Humanity with Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
U.S. Congressman Kevin Yoder (Kansas) spoke with the undergraduate chapter brothers about Fraternity values and leadership lessons. Scheduled for only 15 to 20 minutes, Yoder spent over an hour with the Delta-Xi brothers. Billy Erickson helped coordinate the meeting and Troy White helped represent the Washington, D.C. Area Alumni Association at the event.
Georgetown (Kappa-Omega) On March 28, 2014, the chapter hosted a Green Eggs & Lambs Silent Auction Dinner, benefiting the Gathering Place that provides hot meals and beds for the homeless. They also provide www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death Gabriel Felder was chosen as the university’s commencement speaker on May 18, 2014. He plans to give an optimistic speech with a universal message: gratitude. He is a political communication major in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences’ School of Media and Public Affairs.
Indiana State (Iota-Epsilon) The chapter held a teeter-totter philanthropy event and raised more than $600 and over 200 pounds of food. The chapter partnered with Circle K and raised $500 for Connor Aaron, a boy who suffers from cystic fibrosis.
Gettysburg College (Theta-Pi) Frank Arigo was elected 2016 class president and re-elected as a student senator.
Iowa State (Alpha-Tau) Paired with Farmhouse, the chapter won first place overall for Greek Week, first place in the canned food drive competition, second place in VEISHEA service day, and third place overall in community service. They also placed first in basketball, third place in treads football, while Farmhouse put together an amazing karaoke show that earned the pairing first place.
Scholarship Chairman Blake Chiappetta won the Order of Omega Sophomore of the Year Award.
Illinois (Chi) The Alumni Advisory Board is developing a chapter mentoring program to connect undergraduate and recent graduate brothers with alumni brothers. If you would like to get involved with the chapter mentoring program, please contact Seth at sethellis83@ gmail.com.
Indiana (Alpha-Omicron)
During formal spring recruitment the chapter offered nine bids. On April 12, 2014, alumni brothers, undergraduate brothers, and guests gathered for a donor recognition dinner.
Kansas (Zeta-Iota)
The Lambda Chi Cycling Team qualified 19th out of 35 teams vying for 33 spots in the 2014 Little 500 Bicycle Race. The team placed 17th in the race. Participants included Shane Moreillon, Dan Jackson, Matt Chartier, Devin O’Leary, Ron Moore, and Team Captain Dylan Nash. As a chapter tradition, the brothers hold a rider send-off in front of the chapter house before the riders go to the race track.
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Chapter brothers participated in the Big Event, a city-wide community service event directed toward cleaning up different residences and areas of town. Co-sponsored with Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, the chapter hosted its annual Watermelon Bust with proceeds benefiting the Heartland Community Health Center and Feeding America.
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Maine (Beta)
The chapter will be hosting an alumni golf tournament on June 28, 2014. For more information, please visit the chapter’s Facebook page.
On April 25, 2014, the chapter conducted an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for seven associate members. The chapter held a food drive and raised more than 1,000 pounds of food for Feeding America. On April 13, 2014, chapter brothers volunteered at the Children’s Museum in Bangor to help educate young children about science and technology.
Maryland-Baltimore County (Phi-Delta)
Kettering - B (Lambda-Epsilon B) The chapter co-hosted the Great Lakes Conclave at Kettering University. The event was planned by Dave McChesney, Joel Bloch and ELC Josh Gamse. The chapter held an Associate Member Ceremony for six members.
Louisiana-Lafayette (Iota-Omega) The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for associate member Roane Dekeyzer. Chapter members volunteered at the Festival International working various volunteer positions such as security and handling tickets.
Louisiana State (Upsilon) On April 5, 2014, chapter members conducted an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for the new brothers from the colony at Shippensburg University. On April 25, 2014, the chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 10 brothers.
The chapter hosted its third annual Tanner Ash Beach Bash Volleyball Tournament and philanthropy event.
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Lambda)
graduating seniors. The chapter won first place in Pi Beta Phi’s philanthropy, raising money for literacy. The chapter received second place in Greek sing, raising money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The chapter hosted its annual Lambdapalooza concert, raising more than $1,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of Gerold Blum.
Methodist (Sigma-Theta) Varsity men’s basketball players Andrew Acker, David Bender, Joseph Campion, Ryan Frankel, Dennis Levene, Matt Redfield, and Lampros Tsontzos were selected to the 2014 New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Winter Academic All-Conference Team.
On April 5, 2014, the chapter conducted an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for six associate members: Jordan Douglas, Alexander Hurst, Christian Jacoby, Charles Maness, Mark Re and Christopher West. On April 10, 2014, the chapter hosted its annual Watermelon Bash to raise money and canned foods for Feeding America. The event raised a total of $700 for Feeding America.
Miami-OH (Zeta-Upsilon)
The chapter hung a banner for the 2014 Boston Marathon to honor the heroes from the local police and fire departments for their work during last year’s bombing tragedy.
Memphis (Zeta-Theta) At the Fraternity/Sorority Awards presentation, the chapter won the Pillar of Excellence in Brotherhood Award and Leadership Development Award. In addition, Jason Jones and Alex Galbraith were inducted into Pistos Tigreis, the society for top
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On April 18, 2014, the chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 24 brothers.
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Michigan Tech (Phi-Phi)
Fund Raising Executive’s most prestigious award presented to a fundraising professional who has demonstrated utmost excellence in the field of development. Huffine currently serves as the vice president for advancement at St. Joseph’s Villa, one of the country’s longest operating children’s organizations providing services in mental health, education, developmental disabilities and homelessness. Attendees at the event in the photo included (seated) Larry Matthews, Austin Pajda, Justin Reed, John Kanipe, Jr., Chris Withers; (standing) John Harlow, David Huffine, and Rick McKeel.
The chapter hosted a bake sale to raise money for child cancer research. Chapter brothers participated in American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and raised more than $1,200. The chapter feels very strongly about supporting this cause as undergraduate brother Charlie Hubbard had to take a semester off to be treated for cancer. The chapter earned the 2014 campus Philanthropy Award.
North Carolina State (Gamma-Upsilon)
The chapter hosted a faculty recognition dinner at the chapter house.
Murray State (Lambda-Eta) As part of the potato drop philanthropy event, the chapter and the Society of St. Andrews donated 42,000 pounds of potatoes to local food bank agencies. The potatoes came bagged and ready for delivery. Chapter brothers then loaded them into U-Haul trucks and began transporting them to the local food banks.
North Carolina-Charlotte (Beta-Upsilon) On April 25, 2014, the chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for six associate members.
North CarolinaGreensboro (Phi-Theta)
On April 5, 2014, the chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 12 brothers.
On April 8, 2014, Fraternity Board member and Virginia Commonwealth University Colony Advisor David Huffine received the Nina Abady Award, Virginia Association of www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
North Carolina-Wilmington (Delta-Sigma) On April 12, 2014, the chapter conducted an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for four associate members: Brandon Shope,
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death Devin Hofknecht, Walker Rose, and Malik Sanford.
Alumni members Mike Lienert and his big brother Mike Purington (1999) attended the Frozen Four NCAA Hockey Tournament in Philadelphia to cheer for the University of North Dakota.
On April 24, 2014, the chapter hosted a philanthropic event called Pies 4 Paws to raise money for paws4people. The chapter charged $1 for students to throw a pie at a chapter brother. The event also included a silent auction, where the chapter auctioned off dates with members.
North Dakota (Epsilon-Zeta)
The new House Corporation president is Kevin Till, the vice president of operations and maintenance is Brent Skjerseth, and the director of safety and risk management is Jody Gunlock.
Northeastern State (Delta-Beta)
Paired with Alpha Sigma Alpha, the chapter won Greek Sing, performing songs from Grease. Collectively, the teams raised more than $11,000 to help an 11-year-old girl afflicted with spinal cancer. The chapter won the following Greek Week awards: Greek Male of the Year (Ethan Hayman), Excellence in Scholarship (Casey McCullough), Chapter President of the Year (Matthew Ozturk), Excellence in Campus Leadership (Jacob Jones), Chapter Leadership, Greek Week Champions, Excellence in Greek Unity, Excellence in Chapter Scholarship, and the Five Columns Award. Ethan Hayman was inducted into the university Hall of Fame. Tim Hicks and Wes Horton earned Outstanding Senior Awards.
Northwestern (Alpha-Iota)
Paired with with Phi Delta Theta and Gamma Phi Beta, chapter brothers participated in Greek Week activities.
Michael Kaminsky (1990) is participating in the Pan-Mass Challenge, a cycling fundraiser. Launched in 1980, the PMC has grown to nearly 6,000 riders and has raised $375 million for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Kaminsky rides in memory of his 5-year-old nephew who died from leukemia, and for his father who died from pancreatic cancer.
Dan Frank, John Mitzel, and Shane Schuster were elected to the student senate. The chapter hosted its annual White Rose Girl competition with sororities on campus. Alpha Phi won first place.
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Oklahoma State (Alpha-Eta)
Pittsburg State (Lambda-Chi)
Partnered with the women of Pi Beta Phi sorority, the chapter participated in the Oklahoma State Big Event on April 12, 2014. The combined group volunteered at six different homes of elderly citizens in Stillwater and helped them with yard work.
On March 29, 2014, the chapter hosted a 45th anniversary alumni event that included founding fathers and 11 new associate members. The event included many awards that were donated by the new chapter advisor, Chad Nolan. Tours of the chapter house were also provided.
On March 30, 2014, chapter brothers participated in the cleanup of its adopted stretch of Highway 51.
At the university’s Order of Omega awards dinner, the chapter won the following awards: Fraternity of The Year, Highest New Member GPA, Highest Fraternity Chapter GPA, Chapter Excellence in Community Service/Philanthropy, Chapter Excellence in Recruitment/Retention, and Volunteer of The Year - Faculty Advisor Doug Younger.
The chapter donated $1,000 to the Kasey Waychoff Foundation. Waychoff, a undergraduate and member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, was struck and killed by a drunk driver during spring break in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Waychoff ’s father, Shelby Waychoff, is an alumnus brother from Alpha-Eta. The chapter’s Alumni Association matched the chapter’s donation.
Rollins (Rollins Colony)
Pennsylvania (Epsilon) The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 10 associate members. The chapter raised nearly 150 pounds of food and donated it to a Philadelphia food bank. On April 26, 2014, Lewis Ellis, Max Scheiber, and Ian Sibner organized and executed a Philadelphia Classic, one of the East Coast’s largest high school computer programming competitions, with approximately 150 students. On April 28, 2014, the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Rollins College recognized the colony as this year’s Student Organization for Social Justice for its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the campus community and its distinction as the
Nathan Weinbren earned the IFC’s runner-up award for the outstanding recruitment program.
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
South Carolina (Epsilon-Psi)
first campus organization to become diversity trained. The colony is the first university organization not under the Office of Multicultural Affairs to receive this award. The photo shows Colette McLeod (OMA Graduate Assistant), Michael Kitchin, Armando Santin, Zakiya Brown (OMA Assistant Director), Derrick Boisette, and Mario Montoya.
Thomas Landzert is featured on the University of South Carolina website for his hard work and leadership helping to
Samford (Theta-Alpha) The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for three associate members. Chapter members participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. On April 10, 2014, the chapter hosted its semi-formal.
Sewanee (Iota-Nu)
On April 6, 2014, at the 2013-2014 Fraternity and Sorority Life Order of the Omega banquet, the chapter won Chapter of the Year, Silver Award Chapter of Excellence, Outstanding Chapter President of the Year (Thomas Landzert), Achievement in Scholarship Award, and Outstanding Chapter/Graduate Advisor of the Year (Jim Tothill).
The chapter added five associate members: Andrew Korn, Benjamin Sadler, Jack Russell, David Terrell, and Ryan Regal.
Shepherd (Phi-Iota) Tyler Hulton raised more than $200 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life by shaving his head. In total, the chapter raised more than $1,000.
Organized by Zach Rankin, the chapter raised more than $1,100 for Jayden Watts, a six-year-old with leukemia, by pulling a firetruck 50 feet.
South Dakota (Alpha-Gamma)
Shippensburg (Shippensburg Colony)
Nick Bratvold was elected as the Student Advisory Committee member for the Great Plains Conclave.
On April 26, 2014, colony members volunteered at a campus event, RaiderFest. This year RaiderFest raised money for the Drew Michael Taylor Foundation. Taylor died in a tragic car accident at three and a half years old. This foundation provides educational opportunities and grief and loss support programs for children, teens, and their families. The colony brothers ran the tie-dye station. www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
rebuild the Epsilon-Psi chapter. “Our core group of guys are passionate about what they are doing on campus,” he says. “We don’t want to just be one of the best fraternities on the USC campus, we want to be one of the best fraternities in the Southeastern Conference and we want to measure ourselves against other chapters nationwide.”
On April 5, 2014, Fraternity Board Member Tyler Tordson was elected SGA president. The chapter collected more than 4,000 pounds of canned food for local food banks. The chapter won the Greek Life Fraternity of the Year Award.
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Southern California (Zeta-Delta)
Vietnam; commander, 120th Assault Helicopter Company, Alaska; executive officer, 1st Aviation Battalion (Combat) and inspector general, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas; battalion commander, 1st Battalion, 145th Aviation Regiment, Fort Rucker, Alabama. He returned to Alaska in 1990 where he served as senior army advisor to the Alaska Army National Guard and commander, Alaska Army National Guard. He was a graduate of Infantry Officers Basic and Advanced Courses; Fixed Wing Aviation Course; Rotary Wing Qualification Course; Airborne Course; and Command and General Staff College among others. Byington’s many awards and decorations included the Army Legion of Merit, State of Alaska Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Parachutist Badge, and Master Army Aviator Badge. He retired from the Army in 1996 and became coordinator, Alaska State Emergency Response Commission; then assistant manager, Merrill Field airport, Anchorage, Alaska, before relocating to Signal Mountain, Tennessee.
Pat Ryan died March 31, 2014. He was a former Fraternity staff member and Educational Foundation Board member. In his professional life he served as president & CEO of Skystone Partners (formerly Staley/Robeson/Ryan/St. Lawrence, Inc). The firm provides fundraising and management consulting services to America’s leading nonprofit organizations throughout the country. He was recognized as a distinguished expert, regularly writing and speaking to audiences throughout the United States and around the world.
Southern Indiana (Phi-Xi)
Texas-Austin (Alpha-Mu) The chapter conducted an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for nine associate members. The chapter hosted a spring alumni reunion.
The chapter held its annual Teeter-Totter-a-Thon, raising nearly $5,000 for the Vanderburgh County Special Olympics.
For the academic year, the chapter has collected more than 23,000 pounds of food for Feeding America.
Tennessee-Chattanooga (Zeta-Phi) Col. (Retired) Michael S. Byington (1967) died April 11, 2014. He was an active alumnus member of Zeta-Phi and more than 25 chapter brothers were in attendance at his funeral. After college he was commissioned as a second lieutenant, U.S. Army Infantry. Among his Infantry and Aviation command and staff positions during 30 years of active service were rifle platoon leader, 1st Air Cavalry Division, Vietnam; company commander of Infantry, 6th Infantry Division and 101st Airborne Division; army aviator, Command Aircraft Company, www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
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Chapter brothers were crowned intramural track and swim meet champions.
Texas Christian (Iota-Pi) The chapter hosted a mothers’ weekend during the final weekend of March. More than 50 chapter brothers attended a Dallas Stars vs. St. Louis Blues hockey game as part of a brotherhood event.
Cross & Crescent May 2014
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
On April 25, 2014, the chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for six associate members.
The chapter hosted its annual Watermelon Bash philanthropy benefiting the Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry. In total, the chapter raised more than 3,500 pounds of food.
Virginia Commonwealth (Virginia Commonwealth Colony)
Several chapter brothers formed a new club for business majors on campus called the Mergers and Acquisitions Club.
Washington (Alpha-Psi)
The colony conducted an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for seven associate members.
Virginia Tech (Sigma-Lambda) The chapter added 12 associate members. The chapter earned a cumulative 3.08 GPA for the fall semester, eighth highest of all Greek organizations. On April 5, 2014, chapter members participated in the university’s Big Event, a student-run community service effort that has grown into the second largest event of its kind in the country. It involves more than 7,000 students and more than 1,000 community service projects in Blacksburg and Montgomery County.
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On April 26, 2014, the chapter hosted its 96th Annual Founders’ Day celebration at the Sand Point Country Club in Seattle. The event included a record turnout of alumni brothers, including the entire surviving class of 1952. The featured speaker was Gary Helling (1976), a former ELC. Scholarships and other awards also were presented. George Raymond (1947) died January 8, 2014.
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Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Dr. George Pigott (1950) died January 2014.
On April 26, 2014, alumni brothers volunteered at the university’s alumni annual meeting and service project. After the work was completed the chapter hosted a pig roast for alumni at the chapter house.
Eugene L. McAllister (1959) died January 2014. He was a former chapter president.
William Jewell (Epsilon-Nu) On April 18, 2014, the chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 14 associate members. On April 6, 2014, 10 chapter brothers participated in the William Jewell College Concert Choir, performing Haydn’s Creation at the world-renowned Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri. Jonathan Duncan (1992) was selected as the NCAA’s vice president of enforcement. Before joining the NCAA in March 2013 as the interim vice president of enforcement, Duncan worked with the association for 15 years as outside counsel from multiple perspectives, including service to both the Enforcement and Rules Working Groups.
Worcester (Pi)
The chapter hosted Summer Fest, raising nearly $1,000 for charity.
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FEATURE
A HERO & EXEMPLARY BROTHER WITH DOWN SYNDROME Kyle Brant (Alberta) shares the story of undergraduate brother Daniel Vu (Alberta) and how he has inspired his chapter by overcoming life’s challenges with his positive attitude and never making excuses. By Kyle Brant (Alberta)
We are all familiar with Lambda Chi Alpha’s open motto “Vir Quisque Vir,” translating into English as, “every man a man.” This motto applies to every member of the Fraternity, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other traits that have little bearing on what it means to be a man. As a trendsetter in the fraternity world, Lambda Chi Alpha has always had inclusive policies supporting and encouraging the recruitment of the best and brightest university and college students across North America, even if they do not fit the traditional mold of a fraternity brother.
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There is no more fitting example of this principle than undergraduate brother Daniel Vu (Alberta) from the Epsilon-Rho chapter at the University of Alberta. I have been very fortunate to have met Daniel and have his positive presence in my life, and the brothers of Epsilon-Rho have benefited tremendously from getting to know Daniel ever since he was first introduced to the Fraternity. Three years ago, while I was serving as chapter president, I received a phone call from the Greek advisor at the University of Alberta saying that she had met a truly
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remarkable student that was interested in joining a fraternity. She told me that the student had Down syndrome and asked if I would be willing to meet with him. While I admittedly knew little of the disorder at the time, I was happy to set up a meeting with the young man, as I am proud of our Fraternity’s open-minded and accepting nature. Upon meeting Daniel, I noticed immediately that he was a very bright, strong-willed, and caring individual, but most of all, he made everyone in the room laugh with his witty comments and jokes. I introduced Daniel to the other brothers and they were in unanimous support of offering him a bid. Daniel accepted the offer and it has been an incredibly rewarding and beneficial experience for everyone involved ever since that day. Brother Vu was born with Down syndrome, meaning that he has three genetic copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two copies. Many adults with Down syndrome have reduced mental capacities similar to that of a child or teenager, yet Daniel has been described as “highfunctioning.” He is currently enrolled as a full-time student at the University of Alberta and is looking forward to graduating next year. Despite the obvious challenges he faces in life, Daniel is incredibly ambitious and upbeat and has been an inspiration to his brothers in the fraternity. He selflessly gives back to his community in a variety of ways. He always strives to be the best version of himself and has achieved some outstanding accomplishments. He helps others by making them laugh and inspiring them to do great things, and he has demonstrated all of the traits that exemplify what it means to be a good brother. Recently, Daniel was recognized nationally by the Canadian www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
Down Syndrome Society as a 2014 Down Syndrome Hero, an award given out annually to people with Down syndrome that “inspire their communities” and “represent a new generation of leaders in the Down syndrome community.” An example of Daniel’s commitment to service and stewardship is that he chose to donate the $500 cash scholarship that came with the award to the local Ronald McDonald House.
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The chapter voted unanimously to initiate Daniel into Lambda Chi Alpha in the winter of 2011, and that year’s Initiation Ritual Exemplification was one of the highlights of my time as an undergraduate. Upon the conclusion of the Ritual, Daniel turned to me and asked, “Are you my brother now?” to which I replied, “Of course.” His response was, “I love you, brother.” It was one of the proudest moments of my life, and Daniel continuously reminds each one of his brothers how much he cares about them every time he sees them.
Important Chapter Asset As an associate member, Daniel worked to improve the chapter through recruitment, philanthropy, and educational efforts. When recruiting students to join the Lambda Chi Alpha, Daniel was one of the first brothers that we would introduce them to. Upon meeting him, many students were inspired to join the organization because of Daniel’s charm and enthusiasm.
“I wish that everyone had an opportunity to have someone as positive and funny as Dan in their life,” said Kevin Smith (Alberta), former chapter president and the chapter vice president at the time of Daniel’s Initiation. “No matter what is going on in the chapter, school, or the outside world, Dan is always able to put a smile on the faces of those around him.”
”every man a man.”
Daniel was also regularly involved in many of the chapter’s philanthropic endeavors, including volunteering for Lambda Chi’s food drive, as well as other local charity events. Daniel also successfully completed the chapter’s Kappa Education Program, where he was guided through the Seven Core Values, aptly demonstrating all of them. “I met Daniel when he first wanted to join fraternities,” said Konstantin Strukov, Daniel’s chapter big brother. “He was very talkative and showed great interest. We have talked many times on the way to and from fraternity events. Daniel always said that he wanted to make his family proud. When I asked him why, he responded by saying, ‘because my family loves me and helps me. Everyone: my parents, my sisters, and my (Lambda Chi) brothers.’ I think that Daniel is an extraordinary man that taught our chapter, and me, many life lessons.”
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Daniel’s presence in the chapter has provided an eyeopening experience for all of the brothers, many of whom had never met anyone with Down syndrome prior to meeting Daniel. He has changed the perceptions of many on campus and educated everyone he has met. His status as a university student alone would suffice to demonstrate the extraordinary capabilities of a person with his condition, yet Daniel does not limit himself solely to his post-secondary achievements.
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to brave the frigid Edmonton winter at the EDSS Buddy Walk to raise money for the society and increase awareness of Down syndrome throughout the city. “Daniel has shown us that we should strive to do whatever we dream of,” said Matthew Peynenburg (Alberta), a former chapter president. “Daniel’s willingness to take on any obstacle that life throws at him and push forward is empowering motivation for each and every brother of the chapter.”
Overcome Any Obstacle I have had the pleasure of seeing Daniel successfully pass his Tae Kwon Do test to receive his black belt, which is a very rare and difficult achievement for anyone and something I could not even dream of doing myself. I was also fortunate enough to have Daniel volunteer for me during the Edmonton Scarecrow Festival for several years in a row. The Scarecrow Festival is an event held annually at Halloween to raise money for ABC Head Start, a charitable organization that supports low-income families with young children.
Daniel serves as a source of inspiration for all those around him and brightens every room that he walks into. He makes everyone laugh and never uses excuses, instead choosing to outwork everyone else to the best of his abilities. He demonstrates the extraordinary feats that people with Down syndrome are capable of and is an exemplary brother of Lambda Chi Alpha that any member of the Fraternity would be proud of. While not every one of you will get the opportunity to meet Daniel in person, I hope that his story serves as inspiration that you can accomplish great things in life if you have the right attitude and are prepared to overcome challenges.
Epsilon-Rho has been partnered with ABC Head Start for more than 10 years, constructing and operating a 30-foottall haunted house for the event and donating the admission fees to the charity. Every year, Daniel chose to dress up in costumes for the event and scare people as they went through the haunted house. He worked tirelessly through eight-hour shifts during the multi-day event and even managed to make a few grown men scream (which is a great way to attract more people to go through the haunted house). The haunted house alone raised over $10,000 in proceeds each year and Daniel was a huge part of this contribution towards a great charity. Daniel is also a major advocate for the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society (EDSS), and each year he recruits a large team of friends, family, and brothers
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FEATURE
SOLVING THE WORLD’S PROBLEMS After years of success as a financial manager, Ron Cordes (Cal-Berkeley 1981) has spent the second half of his life finding solutions to some of the greatest global problems. By Andrew Talevich (Washington State)
Ron Cordes’s schedule is cluttered with non-stop travel and meetings with people who share the common cause of supporting social entrepreneurship. From a groundbreaking ceremony at an artisan facility in India, to a keynote speech for a conference on impact investing in Miami, to a tour of a banana farm in Costa Rica to promote the fair trade movement, Cordes is constantly on the go. Cordes’s world is one where no idea is too far outside the box, and the possibilities for solving some of the greatest global problems are limitless. “One of the things I can do effectively is inspire others to make a difference in a new and unique way,” he said.
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As the co-founder of his family’s foundation, the Cordes Foundation and a non-profit organization called ImpactAssets, Cordes has dedicated a large portion of his time to blending his expertise in financial strategy with his passion to take up big causes such as global poverty.
Using the Head and the Heart Prior to diving head first into social enterprise, Cordes was a highly successful financial adviser. In the early 1990s Cordes, along with two business partners, founded AssetMark, a company that provided services to financial
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advisers. The company’s assets grew to $9 billion before it was sold to Genworth Financial in 2006. At that time, Cordes and his wife, Marty, established the Cordes Foundation. The two had always had a desire to have a greater impact on the world around them. The process of shifting more of his time to figuring out how to make the most out of his foundation’s investments is what he refers to as connecting his head to his heart. “We’re not the Gates Foundation. We have several fewer zeroes on our balance sheet. We wanted to figure out how to punch above our weight,” he said.
Encore: From Success to Significance In November 2008, Cordes found himself in Buyobo, a small village in lush, green countryside of rural Uganda, during a trip for the Cordes Foundation. The povertystricken area had been devastated by a civil war. Through an interpreter, a local woman thanked Cordes for a microfinance loan that his foundation had provided her to start a profitable business. She told Cordes that this loan had empowered her and given her the means to support her children.
The solution was impact investing. Impact investing is an investing strategy which aims to create a large social impact along with a financial return. About 40 percent of the Cordes Foundation’s total endowment is tied up in impact investments. These include micro-finance loans for small businesses in developing countries and projects that affect women and girls.
I WOULD ARGUE “THAT A LOT OF LAMBDA CHI ALUMS... ARE FEELING... IN THEIR GUT THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE A LEGACY.
“I am a firm believer that if we are going to solve the big problems of the world, we need to unleash more capital to do it,” Cordes said. “One way to do that would be to have people consider not only giving money away but also making intelligent investments that can solve problems.” To encourage other philanthropists and organizations to adopt the concept of impact investing, Cordes co-founded ImpactAssets in 2010, a non-profit organization that connects philanthropists with investment opportunities that will have positive social outcomes.
THEY’RE NOT ALONE
Cordes is constantly traveling, mostly on his own dime, to speak to people about the principle of impact investing. “I consider it to be an investment in spreading the word and trying to inspire others to make a difference,” he said. Cordes said that his travel schedule can be tough but his decision to dedicate his life to philanthropic causes is rooted in one single experience.
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”
The experience can be summed up by a Mark Twain quote Cordes likes to share during speaking engagements. The quote states: “the two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you discover why you were born.”
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Merging his financial savvy with his philanthropic desires, Cordes is involved with a handful of companies and organizations.
AssetMark, Co-founder and executive co-chairman
It was on that day that Cordes discovered why he was born: to use his knowledge from 30 years in the investment field to solve social problems. Cordes classifies this epiphany as part of his encore, his transition in life from success to significance. Aside from the work with ImpactAssets, the Cordes Foundation, and AssetMark, the 54-year-old also serves on the board of Encore. org, an organization that targets the baby boomer generation to become involved in philanthropic causes. His goal is to steer people between the ages of 45 and 80 to transition from their successful professional careers and take up second acts of good. “I would argue that a lot of Lambda Chi alums... are feeling... in their gut that they would like to leave a legacy. They’re not alone,” Cordes said.
Co-founded by Cordes in the early 1990s, AssetMark is an investment business that provides services to financial advisers. The company’s assets grew to $9 billion before it was sold to Genworth Financial in 2006. At that time Cordes and his wife, Marty, created their family foundation. Genworth sold back AssetMark to a handful of private equity firms in 2010. Cordes has a part-time strategic role within the company now.
Cordes Foundation, Co-founder In 2006, Ron and Marty created the Cordes Foundation with $10 million. The family-run foundation focuses on social entrepreneurship. Some of the key issues included in the foundation’s portfolio are microfinance loans with a focus on benefiting women and children and ultra-low cost private schools in Africa. To capitalize on their funds, the Cordes Foundation employs impact investing, an investment strategy which aims to create a large social impact along with a financial return.
ImpactAssets, Co-founder
Back to the Beginning Before Cordes’s encore movement, and before his lucrative career as a financial adviser, Cordes was an undergraduate brother at the University of California, Berkeley chapter, Mu Zeta. During that time he served as the chapter president, his first leadership role. The men from Mu Zeta held a philanthropic event on Easter week where they would sell daffodils to raise proceeds for a camp for underprivileged kids. They also had an ulterior motive to enlist the help of women from different sororities. At this event in 1979, Cordes met his future wife, Marty, a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. The two have been married now for 26 years. “I guess it’s ironic,” Cordes said. “We met at a philanthropic event and today our joint passion is our family foundation that we run. How cool is that?” www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
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Predicated on impact investing, Cordes co-founded ImpactAssets in 2010 with the Calvert Foundation, a large social investment foundation. ImpactAssets is a non-profit financial services company that connects philanthropists with investment opportunities that will lend a positive social impact. The organization has a $25 million donor advisory fund.
Encore.org, Board member Encore.org is an organization that encourages and inspires the baby boomer generation to use their talents, resources, and personal funds to solve some of society’s greatest problems. Cordes offers advice to people transitioning from a first career of professional success to a second career of personal significance in supporting social causes.
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FEATURE
PLAYING FOR KEEPS Professional beach volleyball player and Olympic gold medalist Phil Dalhausser (Central Florida) discusses his family, his new double’s partner, Gillette’s #BODYREADY campaign, and his Lambda Chi days.
By Andrew Talevich (Washington State)
How do you manage that balance between being a professional volleyball player and a family man? It’s not too bad. I get up early in the morning and I lift, then drive down to Los Angeles and practice, and then in the afternoon I’m on baby duty to give mom a break.
Your wife is a former volleyball player. Does she still play? No. She’s actually pregnant again so she can’t exactly play right now. But once this second baby comes in another five or six months, she’ll get back on the court.
Are you expecting a boy or girl? We’re expecting a girl. So, we will have a boy and a girl and we’re done.
They’re both going to be volleyball players? Who knows? I’m not going to push it on them. They can be dancers or whatever, violin players; it doesn’t matter to me.
Do you feel any different being a dad. Or are you still the same guy? I would say I’m the same guy. I just have a couple more responsibilities now.
Since you last spoke to our Cross & Crescent staff, you have married and had a son. How has that transition been? It’s been great. The only problem is that now it’s a lot tougher to leave when I have to play in an event in the U.S. or overseas.
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Now you also have a new doubles partner, Sean Rosenthal. How is the chemistry between you two? I wouldn’t say our chemistry is the best ever, I guess. Some partners can get together and they have instant chemistry. We just don’t mesh as well as Todd (Rogers) and I. Todd and I, during our first tournament, Todd’s partner broke his finger for
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the 2005 World Championships. He asked me to play. I got there the day before the tournament and we got seventh (place). We had never practiced together so that’s like instant chemistry I guess. With Sean, during our first tournament, we won too, but we were kind of inconsistent. We won three out of eight World Tour titles which is great but only one out of seven AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) tournaments which isn’t that good.
Do you and Sean do anything outside of practice to develop your chemistry? Well he lives in Los Angeles and I live about an hour north so we don’t hang out too much but we play video games online together and against each other, so that’s how we hang out.
Call of Duty? Call of Duty and lately we’ve been playing FIFA.
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What are your goals over the next few months with your volleyball schedule? I have my eyes set on the Olympics. That’s why I chose to play with Sean. I think he’s my best chance at winning the Gold in 2016. My goals this year, I would like to win the AVP points championship and the World Tour points championship. And doing that, we would have to win a few tournaments here and there.
Tell me about the Gillette #BODYREADY campaign that you currently serve as a spokesperson for? It’s basically Gillette’s first body razor. For me I like to look good on the court. I have a lot of body hair to deal with. So this razor is perfect for me. It cuts down my man-grooming by half. It’s really fun working with them. Once I’m freshly shaved I don’t have to worry about how I look on the court.
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You recently posted a picture on your Twitter profile of yourself when you had a full head a hair.
Have you kept up with any Lambda Chi brothers? A couple brothers. They come out to a Florida event if I’m in South Florida.
Did you guys have a volleyball pit at the Lambda Chi chapter house? Our house was off campus so we didn’t have much room but I always played on the intramural team and we were always pretty good. Obviously I helped out but we had a couple of volleyball players on the team too. I think we made the finals just about every year but we ended up losing the championship game to a random team.
What are some of your fondest memories from your Lambda Chi days? Some of my best memories of college and Lambda Chi were just playing sports. Not only volleyball, but basketball and football. We had an interfraternity football league which was kind of fun. Those were basically my best memories of college; just hanging out with the guys and playing sports. Those were the days; a full head of hair. When I graduated college I moved up to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A friend invited my volleyball partner at the time and me to live at his house. He had a house right on the beach with a court in the backyard so it was hard to say no to that. We were out one night and someone took a picture and I found it lying around the house. My wife was like, ‘you should throw this on Throwback Thursday’ and I was like ‘what’s Throwback Thursday.’ And she said ‘that’s what people do on Thursday on social media.’ So there you go.
You had a full head of hair while you were an undergraduate in the Lambda Chi chapter at Central Florida right? I did.
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TAU ZETA’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION On April 5, 2014, alumni and undergraduates of the Lambda Chi Alpha chapter at Washington State University gathered in Pullman, Washington, to celebrate the chapter’s centennial anniversary.
By Andrew Talevich (Washington State)
The Lambda Chi Alpha chapter at Washington State University, Tau Zeta, celebrated its centennial anniversary over the weekend of April 5th, in Pullman, Washington.
Tau Zeta was installed as a chapter on April 7, 1914. The WSU chapter is one of Lambda Chi Alpha’s longest running zetas. It has operated continuously for over 100 years.
Nearly 200 brothers and guests took part in the Centennial events that included a welcome reception at WSU’s Lewis Alumni Centre, a golf tournament, tours of WSU’s new Football Operations Center, and the Centennial Banquet.
As the Centennial Banquet’s keynote speaker, WSU Director of Athletics Bill Moos spoke to the crowd about his memories of Tau Zeta and the role the chapter has played in the long history of WSU. Though Moos is not a Lambda Chi brother, his father, Don, was an initiate of the chapter in 1942.
“The weekend was a great success,” said Trevor Sodorff, alumni historian and one of the centennial coordinators. “We had attendees from all eras; men whose active years spanned over 60 years.” www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
After graduating from WSU in 1945, Don was elected to the state legislature in 1958. During his life he also
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served as the Director of Agriculture and the Director of Cabinet Affairs for the state of Washington. Don stormed the beaches of Normandy during World War II and was a decorated combat veteran. Bill said that Don’s many achievements stemmed from his experience as a Lambda Chi member. Don passed away earlier this year on February 28, 2014. After Bill spoke, he was presented with a framed copy of his father’s Lambda Chi Alpha membership records, which now proudly hangs on the wall of Bill’s den. Representing the General Fraternity, Andrew Talevich, Lambda Chi Alpha’s associate director of communications and a Tau Zeta initiate, spoke about the significance of this one-hundred year anniversary and the chapter’s place within the greater Fraternity.
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“One hundred years of continuous operations is an achievement few chapters have reached and of which the brothers of Tau Zeta should be immensely proud,” he said. To end the night Sodorff highlighted the history of Tau Zeta from 1914 to today. Sodorff ’s main message was the importance of persistence to any organization that intended to be successful for so long – persistence through great successes and also great hardships, both of which Tau Zeta has known well. Tim Pavish, executive director of the WSU Alumni Association and a Tau Zeta initiate, served as the Centennial Banquet’s master of ceremonies. Pavish thanked the undergraduate members of the chapter for all of the work they put into the weekend and expressed personal thanks to chapter President Keaton Gray, and
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centennial co-chair Blake Rowe for their efforts. He also acknowledged the leadership and many contributions of alumni leaders Jim King, Don Pelo, Scot Hulbert, Dan Eveleth, Kyle Spane, and Sodorff. “We gather together to salute 100 years of Lambda Chi at WSU, to reconnect with brothers across the generations, and to support the active members of today,” Pavish said. “As we bring this celebration to a close and return home, it is important for us to remember we were then, we are now, and we will forever be members of Lambda Chi Alpha.” Rowe acknowledged that the undergraduates left the Centennial Banquet feeling inspired after sharing stories with many alumni who had similar experiences as undergraduates in the Tau chapter. “Being able to be a part of such a monumental event was an honor,” Rowe said. “Meeting all of our brothers that helped form the fraternity into what it is now was very special to all of us undergraduates.”
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FRATERNITY NEWS
New Educational Leadership Consultants
On June 3, 2014, five new brothers and college graduates will join the Professional Staff of the International Headquarters in Indianapolis.
By Tad Lichtenauer (Denison)
On June 2, 2014, the International Headquarters will welcome five new educational leadership consultants. These new hires will spend the summer being trained and working to help coordinate the 55th General Assembly and Stead Leadership Seminar. In August they will hit the road and begin their chapter visits. Though they come from a variety of backgrounds, each man has served in leadership roles at his university and home chapter, and they include an SGA president and a colony founding father.
Matthew Bibby (Delaware) Originally from Falls Church, Virginia, Bibby is an elementary teacher education major and will be graduating from the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware. As a student and a campus leader he has served as a tour guide, a new student orientation leader, and a peer mentor for first year students. As an undergraduate brother he served the Lambda-Beta chapter as recruitment chairman and alumni secretary. He also played on the chapter’s intramural basketball team.
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FRATERNITY NEWS
Brandan Bonds
Colin Nelson-Pinkston
(New Orleans)
(Iowa)
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Bonds is a political science major and will graduate in May 2014 from the University of New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a student leader, he serves his campus as Student Government president, campus ambassador, orientation leader, and leadership cabinet member. In addition, he served the University Council as the student representative and a voting member of the Strategic Planning Subcommittee. As an undergraduate brother, he served the Lambda-Alpha chapter as fraternity educator, risk manager, secretary, house manager, and Executive Committee at-large member.
Hailing from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Nelson-Pinkston is double-majoring in Spanish and international studies at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, and will be graduating in May. On campus, he has served as the alumni events and sports night director for the 2013 Homecoming Council; on-site coordinator for the 2014 session of LeaderShape Iowa; and was a founding father, director of character development, and chairman of the Fraternal Values Society. As an undergraduate brother, he has served the Iota-Chi chapter as scholarship chairman, ritualist, and Inner Circle Council member, and had the honor of serving on the 2013 International Ritual Team.
Justin Reed
Josh Womack
(Virginia Commonwealth Colony)
(Montevallo)
Having grown up in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Reed is a criminal justice major who will be graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, where he has had the opportunity of a lifetime. Reed is a founding father of the colony that is currently being evaluated by the Fraternity Board to receive its charter. As an undergraduate brother, he served in many officer roles including fraternity educator and harm reduction manager. Currently, he is a deputy sheriff for Henrico County Sheriff ’s Department and works with inmates in the back of a jail. www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
Womack is a native of Huntsville, Alabama, who graduated from the University of Montevallo with degrees in English and history. He served his university as a tour guide, ambassador, residence assistant, and residence hall director. He completed the McNair Scholars Program and achieved senior elite status within the History Department. Womack also served Sigma-Epsilon chapter with a passion for Ritual and intramurals, and he held the offices of secretary and president.
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FRATERNITY NEWS
Where Does My Money Go?
Answers to commonly asked questions about General Fraternity budget expenses.
By Michele Camarco
This is a commonly asked question from undergraduate members of Lambda Chi Alpha, and rightfully so. Although we make our complete financial statements available every year to members, we want to provide this simple overview of where your money goes. A common misconception among undergrads is that each due or fee, such as Associate Member fees or Member dues, pays for one thing in particular. This is true for only two of the fees. The Risk Management Assessment (RMA) is allocated for Risk Management expenses of the General Fraternity. Likewise, payments for conferences are allocated toward the costs of upcoming
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conferences. All other fees and dues, such as Member dues, Associate Member fees, Initiation fees, and the Base Chapter fees, go to support the remaining general operating expenses of the fraternity.
Risk Management The largest category of the General Fraternity’s expenses is the Risk Management Program which is budgeted to comprise 31% of the total expenses for the current fiscal year
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(July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014). Fifty-one percent of your Risk Management fees go directly to the insurance company for Lambda Chi Alpha’s Liability Insurance. Twenty-two percent of your risk management fees directly fund the insurance claims reserve, which allows us to pay our annual deductible. The annual insurance deductible has risen from $250,000 to $350,000 this year (and is increasing further to $500,000 next year due to recent poor claims history). The two other large expenses for Risk Management are salaries and benefits, as well as travel costs, at 15% and 9% respectively. While these expenses are high in total, Lambda Chi Alpha’s RMA costs have historically been below average compared to the other top fraternities.
Chapter Services Chapter Service expenses are the second largest category of the General Fraternity’s expenses, and are budgeted to comprise 20% of the total expenses for the current fiscal year. The Chapter Services department is comprised of nine Educational Leadership Consultants (ELC’s), three Expansion Managers, and four additional full time employees. The salary, benefits, and travel costs of the ELCs are the majority of the Chapter Services budget. Every ELC’s first year pay is the IRS minimum salary of $23,660.00. Alumni involvement, chapter operation, and education are also a part of Chapter Services.
Annual Conference Our yearly conference, either the General Assembly or the Leadership Seminar, is provided to you at a discount. We are budgeting to collect only half of the expected expenses from undergraduates for the 2014 General Assembly. The other half will be funded by the Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Foundation. The Educational Foundation’s funds come from thousands of generous alumni and undergraduates who support the Annual Operating Fund and the current capital/endowment campaign, investing in Future Leaders Campaign. In essence you only pay for the non-educational aspects of the conferences such as rooming and food, with the Educational Foundation supporting all of the costs of the educational programs and services.
The Bottom Line The General Fraternity’s goal is to provide you with the best possible fraternal experience at a reasonable cost. We have competitive dues and risk management costs compared to other top fraternities; but we are constantly looking for ways to save you money. To summarize, below is a list of where your money goes: • Insurance and Risk Management services • ELC and Headquarters Staff who support your members and officers
Management and General Expenses
• Officer Portal, Lambdachi.org, and the member database
The Management and General expenses of the General Fraternity are expected to make up 19% of the total expenses this fiscal year. Expenses included in this category are related to the Grand High Zeta (GHZ), CEO, and Business Affairs Department. The Grand High Zeta, or Lambda Chi Alpha’s board of directors, oversees the General Fraternity. The members of the Grand High Zeta use their expertise in their various fields to help guide the direction of the organization. The Grand High Zeta roles are voluntary and no member of the Grand High Zeta is paid for his service. The only expenses that come from the Grand High Zeta are travel, plus room and board costs for fraternity meetings.
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• General Assembly & Leadership Seminars • Costs associated with alumni training (High Pi, Master Steward, Housing Corp, etc.) • Administrative costs • Any extra revenue goes into a reserve fund that will protect Lambda Chi Alpha in hard times. It is considered our “rainy day” fund.
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