Chapter News
by John Holloway • December 2006 • 14 Comments •
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Chapter News |
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Alumni News |
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Omegas (report of death) |
Alfred (Kappa-Sigma)
Robert M. Barton (1983) was promoted to chief operating officer for U-Save Auto Rental. He previously served as executive vice president.
Bowling Green State (Phi-Mu)
Lt. Col. Brett Meyer (1983), commander of the 732d Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, visited security forces personnel in Taji, Iraq.
Butler (Alpha-Alpha)
Joey Frasca (2007) was crowned Mr. Butler at the annual Mr. Butler Pageant sponsored by Kappa Kappa Gamma and Kappa Alpha Theta and benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
For nearly 12 years, anchor Brian Hammons (1983) of The Golf Channel has covered every aspect of the game. Now a play-by-play announcer for the LPGA and Senior Tour, he has found his legs and is enjoying some time away from his desk as host of the network’s award-winning news show "Golf Central."
California-Berkeley (Mu)
Joseph Warne (1923) died. He was 103 years old.
California-Riverside (Delta-Nu)
Nicholas Walker (2007) of the Student Advisory Committee was elected Grand High Sigma on October 28, 2006.
California State-Fullerton (Phi-Epsilon)
On October 19, 2006, the Grand High Zeta declared the chapter inactive due to risk management violations. Under inactive status, the chapter is closed and no member can represent the organization, or conduct events in the name of Lambda Chi Alpha.
Case Western Reserve (Alpha-Nu Colony)
Eugene V. Haake (1944) died June 12, 2005.
Cincinnati (Gamma-Gamma)
Dr. Maxwell C. Kimball died October 28, 2006. A World War II veteran, he will be buried on December 23, 2006, in Arlington National Cemetery.
Colorado-Boulder (Gamma-Mu)
On November 9, 2006, the Grand High Zeta declared the chapter inactive due to their own desire to terminate operations. Under inactive status, the chapter is closed and no member can represent the organization, or conduct events in the name of Lambda Chi Alpha.
Cornell (Omicron)
Stanton Lenahan (2008) was elected 2007 IFC vice president of finance.
East Tennessee State (Iota-Omicron)
Brett Baker (2007) of the Student Advisory Committee was elected Grand High Theta on October 28, 2006.
Kenny Chesney (1990) won entertainer of the year at the 40th Annual Country Music Association Awards on November 6, 2006. Chesney also won the honor in 2004.
Eastern Kentucky (Phi-Beta)
As a part of the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department Christmas program, the chapter is providing for Santa phone calls to area children.
Evansville (Iota-Mu)
More than 275 alumni, brothers and guests gathered to commemorate the chapter’s 50th anniversary during this year’s homecoming. Events included a reception with founders and alumni from Phi Zeta Fraternity, the predecessor to Lambda Chi Alpha at Evansville. At a formal banquet special guests included alumnus and former Executive Vice President Tom Helmbock (1968) and university President Dr. Stephen Jennings. The anniversary planning committee was co-chaired by Bo Gebbie (2003) and Order of Merit recipient Bob Zimmerman (1966).
Henry C. Preher (1941) died August 30, 2005.
Ferris State (Iota-Psi)
State Farm Insurance named Marty O’Neill (1992) their first agent for Ferndale, Michigan. O’Neill plans to open an office in early December.
Florida Southern (Epsilon-Xi)
John Reynolds, Jr. (1952) died March 25, 2006.
Florida State (Zeta-Rho)
William T. Aspey (1950) died April 29, 2005.
Gettysburg (Theta-Pi)
Douglas Walo (2003) was appointed the housing administrator for Harvard Law School. He previously worked in Harvard’s Financial Aid Office to the Dean of Students Office.
Nathaniel Craley (1950) died June 18, 2006.
Iowa Wesleyan (Theta-Iota)
Gilbert T. Bottger (1926) died October 1999.
Georgia Tech (Beta-Kappa)
T.W. Edmund Hankinson (1936) died July 2005.
Illinois (Chi)
Earl Laing (1954) died September 6, 2006.
Kansas State (Gamma-Xi)
Elliott Morse (1948) died October 2005.
Kentucky (Epsilon-Phi)
Clifton P. Johnson (1940) died December 8, 2005.
Los Angeles Alumni Association
The area alumni association held its first event on November 2, 2006, at The Culver Hotel in downtown Culver City, California. The association is currently seeking brothers to head up a regional steering committee and area alumni can expect future events in San Fernando Valley and Long Beach, California.
Maryland-College Park (Epsilon-Pi)
With a number of the chapter’s founding fathers in attendance, the chapter held successful alumni events in conjunction with parent’s weekend and homecoming.
Miami-OH (Zeta-Upsilon)
1st Lt. Dennis Joseph Maher (2004), a member of Charlie Company 3rd Battalion of the 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, is currently serving just outside Baghdad, Iraq.
John McLaren (1950) died February 28, 2006. McLaren was the owner of the All Seasons Real Estate Agency.
Jeffrey Snodgrass (1965) died August 3, 2006. He was president of Snodgrass Opticians and past president of the Opticians Association of Ohio.
Michigan State (Gamma-Omicron)
The chapter won 12 of the 24 2006 IFC awards, including Chapter of the Year, Public Relations, Campus Relations, Service and Philanthropy, Greek Community Relations, Financial Management, Chapter Standards, Leadership Development, and Risk Management. Paul Shkreli (2009) was named Greek Male Rookie of the Year, Marcus Belanger (2007) was named Greek Academic Man of the Year, and Mark Inglot was named Greek Ivy.
Mississippi State (Epsilon-Chi)
Dr. Austin P. Boggan (1944) died December 15, 2005.
Missouri-Columbia (Gamma-Kappa)
John Minton (2007) was chosen as a member of the Top 30 Royalty for homecoming.
Nebraska-Omaha (Iota-Delta)
Erin Myron Pollat (1958) died.
New Mexico State (Zeta-Gamma)
Chapter members performed community services for the offices of Las Cruces Downtown. Activities included a painting party and moving furniture as a part of the effort to help with the downtown revitalization efforts.
Northwestern (Alpha-Iota)
All Josh Lewin (1990) ever wanted to do was put on headphones and announce sporting events. Today, he is living that dream as he splits his time doing play-by-play for Fox Sports, the Texas Rangers, and the San Diego Chargers.
Oregon State (Alpha-Lambda)
Jeffrey Bernard Schmidt (2008) died November 21, 2006. Schmidt was a junior geography major and member of Marine ROTC.
Pittsburgh (Gamma-Epsilon)
William Baird (1953) died April 15, 2006.
Polytechnic (Theta-Upsilon)
For their biannual reunion, chapter alumni from the 1950s and 1960s went on a cruise to Bermuda.
Purdue (Psi)
Forty alumni from the 1967-1968 classes attended a reunion at the chapter house before the Wisconsin football game. Participants spent the weekend playing golf, tailgating, and having a dinner celebration.
Rhode Island (Eta)
Tighe Flatley (2007) is one of three seniors being chronicled by projoJobs to explore their experiences with leaving school, finding a job, and becoming an independent adult. Flatley is in the honors program and is a political science major with a cumulative 3.8 GPA.
San Diego State (Zeta-Pi)
J. Darrel Gerhard (1970) died.
Simpson (Theta-Lambda)
Robert Lane (1980) was named vice president of college advancement for Simpson College.
William Cobb (1934) died August 11, 2006.
Robert M. McVay Jr. (1960) died on September 10, 2006.
South Carolina (Epsilon-Psi)
During the broadcast of ESPN’s "College GameDay" football show, chapter members from South Carolina and Tennessee held up a Lambda Chi Alpha flag that was visible throughout the show.
Southeast Missouri State (Delta-Phi)
Matt Knickman (2008) was elected IFC president, initiated into the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society, and named Delta Delta Delta sorority Man of the Year. Scott Crean (2008) was initiated into the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society and is the Gamma Phi Beta sorority Man of the Year. Tory Moore (2008) is the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority Man of the Year. Tyler Surman (2009) was elected the IFC assistant vice president of recruitment and retention.
Southern Methodist (Gamma-Sigma)
With 16 teams competing, Gamma Phi-Lambda Chi finished first in the third annual College Bowl tournament, a game of academic knowledge and quick recall.
Southern California (Zeta-Delta)
Walter P. Acosta (1947) died on June 2, 2006.
St. Mary’s (Sigma-Beta)
John Quinones (1974) has won six national Emmy Awards, shared a Peabody Award, and received the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for foreign reporting. His investigative journalism provides a voice for the people who otherwise may never national exposure.
Texas A&M-Commerce (Iota-Kappa)
Ted Peters (1966) died November 8, 2006. Peters was the executive director of the Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano, Texas. Highlights of his 12-year tenure included installing a replica of a one-room schoolhouse and landing a coveted accreditation from the American Association of Museums.
Tulsa (Epsilon-Upsilon)
James C. Steele (1946) died.
Union (Lambda-Zeta)
Timothy L. Tucker (1988) was elected president-elect of the American Pharmacists Association and will automatically succeed to president on March 17, 2008, at the conclusion of the 2008 annual meeting. Tucker also serves as a Lambda Chi chapter adviser for Union University.
Washington & Lee (Gamma-Phi)
Peter R. Merrill (1958) died September 8, 1992.
Kenelm L. Shirk, Jr. (1933) died January 19, 2006.
Washington State (Tau)
James K. Barron (1930) died December 30, 2005.
Hubbard F. Burrows (1954) died.
Jim Ruetz Lambda Iota 481 Says:
December 2nd, 2006 at 11:42 amNational HQ,
I’m an alumni member of the Lambda Iota-chapter in Whitewater, WI. I was amazed by what occurred at our chapter a couple of years ago. Obviously very disappointed in the actives whose actions caused the closing of our chapter, but also very disappointed with Nationals inability to recognize a chapter (brothers) in trouble and step in to prevent the worse case scenario, which is what occurred. When I was an active, close to 30 years ago. We had national inspectors coming in at least once a year. I assume this was still the case a few years ago. If so, National should have stepped in and gotten a handle on things before they got to the point they did. Now the alumni members are paying for the sins of those that came later. The alumni want to see our chapter reinstated NOW. A 3 to 5 year term is a tantamount to a death sentence to a chapter and is much too severe. I would like to know what Nationals plans are to help get the alumni to get their chapter back, even if we operate for a year as an alumni only chapter. This will allow us to continue our Homecoming gatherings, etc.. and raise funds from the alumni for when chapter is reactivated. No one wants to contribute to National or the chapter when there is no idea as to when the chapter will be reinstated. Particularly when the alumni feels National, (as well as the actives involved) let down our chapter. Both of my older brothers, and a cousin are alumni of this chapter. I also have at least 20 members that still get together from time to time through out the year. However, something is lost with out the focal point of our house and chapter.
Sincerely,
Jim Ruetz (Cleats)
Oak Creek, WI.
jruetz@allfast.com
Matt Butler, ZT-551 Says:
December 2nd, 2006 at 12:59 pmI am not an alum of the chapter Mr. Ruetz speaks of. He is right in the sense that 3-5 years is the end of that chapter. There is no “coming back” even after a year. The education experience for those kids is now lost forever. Mediation is always a better method to resolve a problem. Closing a chapter never resolves a problem, and nothing is ever resolved. I would be happy to help the national office set up a mediation plan for chapters it might ordinarily now close.
Tom Earp Says:
December 2nd, 2006 at 2:38 pmI can understand the feelings of Brothers who have had a Chapter closed and the heart ache attached with it.
My Chapter was not closed, but, with the help of IHQ and two outstanding ELCs, we at LX Z are back on track and growing once again.
It is I am sure never an easy task to close a Chapter of LXA anywhere. There had to be specific reasons for something this drastic to take place. Unfortunitly, the blame is always placed on IHQ for being lacking, but, there is usually no mention of the lack of leadership in the Chapter or the aid of the Alumni. This many times is the main problem that is not considered and should be. But I am sure that IHQ gave this Chapter and any Chapter a chance to become a better Chapter.
It might be better to look within than place the blame where it doesnt belong.
The term of suspension is dictated by how many Brothers were in the Chapter and become graduates from said school.
I am sure that if there is enough interest to re colonize there, IHQ would in the future be more than willing.
In ZAX,
Tom Earp
LX Z 1,
Pittsburg State Univeristy, Kansas.
Michael Brzozowski Says:
December 2nd, 2006 at 7:20 pmI feel the same as Brother Ruetz. My Chapter Beta Delta was also closed and to the best of my knowledge Alumni were never consulted.
MIke Brzozowski zeata #51
Daniel Rojas, ZE660 Says:
December 2nd, 2006 at 8:59 pmCorrection:
1st Lt. Dennis Joseph Maher (2004), a member of Charlie Company 3rd Battalion of the 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, is currently serving just outside Baghdad, Iraq.
Is a member of Zeta-Epsilon in the University of Texas-El Paso, not Zeta-Upsilon in Miami OH.
John Salyer Says:
December 3rd, 2006 at 9:07 amWhat about Gamma Upsilon, North Carolina State University? Even thought there is no longer a chapter there, I am still interested in happenings of my follow brothers.
KENNETH WALSH Says:
December 4th, 2006 at 7:42 amI have written in the past, I was wondering if anyone is checking into re-colonizing Bloomsburg
University?
Jeff Lambert Says:
December 4th, 2006 at 9:35 amDear Mr. Jim Ruetz -
It is your responsibility as an alumnus of your chapter to be involved in your alumni organization and be active in the affairs of YOUR chapter - not nationals.
Not knowing what your situation is, I can assume that if nationals closed your chapter down they had to for liability reasons.
Sincerely -
Jeff Lambert
Chad Harris Says:
December 5th, 2006 at 12:24 pmAs an alum from a chapter that was closed - North Carolina State, I, too, feel disconnected from everyone that was in my class and those before me because there is no lines of communication for us. For example, I heard just last week that some alums were trying to bring the chapter back. I would love to know more about it, and how I could help.
In ZAX,
Chad Harris GU918
Tim McLeod Says:
December 8th, 2006 at 10:42 amI would certainly be willing to be of help with a recolonization of the NC STATE chapter. I would also be very interested in serving on a mediation panel to keep chapters from being closed.
Tim McLeod IY387
East Carolina Alum
Past ECU Alumni Association President
Steve Arndt Says:
December 9th, 2006 at 9:54 amOur chapter alumni association has been using a third party service to manage our communications efforts for our chapter for the past 10+ years. While it isn’t the most cost effective solution, with turnover in volunteers and managaing a timeline, we have found it best for our 1200+ alumni we have in our database. We have moved to having most of our communications online now. Feel free to check it out at http://www.msulambdachi.org. You can also email me from the website if you have any specific questions or comments.
Steve Arndt
Gamma Omicron (MSU) Alumni Association President
Herb Norman Says:
December 10th, 2006 at 6:43 pmDear Editor, My chapter,
Epsilon-Sigma at UCLA, has been closed for several years. If any alumni news is available, I should like to obtain it — especially obituaries for the past 48 months.
Reg Tilley Says:
December 13th, 2006 at 2:04 amI saw 2 comments in the last edition about North Carolina State. I too, would like to hear from alums of Gamma Upsilon and any efforts to reestablish the chapter.
Rev. Kelly Smith Sr Phi-Mu 24 Says:
December 19th, 2006 at 1:48 pmBrother Lambert wrote:
“Dear Mr. Jim Ruetz -
It is your responsibility as an alumnus of your chapter to be involved in your alumni organization and be active in the affairs of YOUR chapter - not nationals. ”
Who then is supposed to be involved in the affairs of the national office when they may be taking actions that hurt the entire brotherhood? Alum’s are to be active in the local chapter as well as their “home” chapter along with calling items to attention that impact everyone.
Yours in ZAX,
Rev. Kelly Smith Sr.
Phi-Mu #24
Bowling Green State University