Cross & Crescent

Chapter News

by John Holloway • May 2008 • 1 Comment •

Key
	Chapter News
	Alumni News
	Omegas (report of death)

There are 45 of our 300 chapters included in the May 2008 issue of the Cross & Crescent:

Alfred (Kappa-Sigma)

A former chapter vice president, Mark O’Meara (1974) received Alfred University’s Athletics Award of Distinction, which recognizes long-term exceptional service to, and involvement in, the university’s athletic programs. He is the first recipient of this award.

Angelo State (Beta-Alpha)

Dillon Koen (2008) won the Greek Man of the Year Award.

A.J. Lopez (2010) was elected as a member of the Student Government.

Paden Johnson (2011) was elected IFC academic chair.

Ball State (Iota-Alpha)

Grand High Rho Tom Cochrun (Ball State 1968), a broadcast veteran and former general manager of WISH-TV in Indianapolis, was inducted into the Indiana Associated Press Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame during the annual awards banquet held on April 5, 2008.

Butler (Alpha-Alpha)

The chapter brothers held their annual teeter-totter-a-thon from March 16-22, 2008, raising about $10,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The 24-hour, seven-day marathon has been an annual chapter tradition for more than 20 years.

Along with Kappa Alpha Theta, the chapter brothers placed second at the annual Spring Sing competition, which took place on April 5, 2008, at Clowes Memorial Hall.

Cal State-Northridge (Beta-Rho)

The chapter hosted a pancake breakfast on April 6, 2008, to raise money for the Relay For Life charity. More than 30 brothers, associate members, and guests attended, including alumni Samir Bijlani (1999), Terry Lucero (1981), and Rick Childs (1978). In addition, the chapter participated in the 24-hour Relay For Life team event, raising a total of more than $1,200 for the American Cancer Society.

Case Western Reserve (Alpha-Nu)

At the request of John Vacha (1960), several chapter brothers donated part of their spring break to help with his project, District 3’s History Day, on March 15, 2008. The brothers spent a combined 30 hours guiding students and visitors, running errands, delivering lunches to the judges, and settting the stage for the awards program. The chapter now has completed more than 500 hours of community service for the school year.

Chicago Area Alumni Association

More than 30 alumni brothers gathered on April 17, 2008, at the University Club of Chicago in downtown Chicago. Educational Foundation Board Chairman Gregg Behrens (Iowa State 1974) hosted the reception for this alumni group. Executive Vice President Emeritus George Spasyk (Michigan 1949) served as keynote speaker and also enjoyed connecting with former Fraternity staff member Bob Curran (Tulsa 1980) and Order of Merit recipient John Schmitt (Eastern Illinois 1976).

Cincinnati (Gamma-Gamma)

Chapter brothers conducted the Initiation Ritual for two new colonies: Wilmington College and Hampden-Sidney College.

Coe (Zeta-Alpha)

The chapter organized a Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser, benefiting a local family services shelter and helping raise awareness for preventing sexual violence against women.

The chapter received five awards at the college’s annual Leadership Convocation, including Most Philanthropic Organization on Campus, Most Positive Organization Growth Award, Most Money Raised for Charity, Most Service Hours Completed, and also Largest GPA Improvement.

The chapter won first place in this year’s intramural water polo competition.

Eastern Michigan (Sigma-Kappa)

The chapter placed second in Greek Week 2008 with Jeff Kliman scrambling to the top of the first place pyramid. The team of Zach Ohs, Craig Bently, Adam Blanchford, Josh Barnett, Matt Williams and Chris Russell finished third in the obstacle course. The biggest highlight occurred when Lambda Chi Alpha beat Sigma Nu (Greek Week champions) in the tug of war competition.

Georgetown (Kappa-Omega)

The chapter brothers conducted an Initiation Ritual for 12 associate members in March 2008.

Andrew Jones (2010) was elected secretary to the Student Government Association.

The chapter raised $2,500 to benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children at its annual Run Like a Fool 5K Marathon,

Matt Stull (1996) was a contestant on the TV game show Jeopardy! on March 28, 2008.

Gettysburg (Theta-Pi)

A Texas Congressman and 2008 U.S. presidential candidate, Dr. Ron Paul (Gettysburg 1957) visited the Lambda Chi Alpha chapter house at Gettysburg College while campaigning before the April Pennsylvania primary. The undergraduate brothers gave him an enthusiastic reception and a tour of the chapter house. Paul was featured in the November 2007 Cross & Crescent.

Incarnate Word (Pi-Epsilon)

The chapter launched its new website, which was created by Sergio Suarez (2007).

James Madison (Phi-Eta)

The colony is scheduled to regain its charter this semester after losing it due to alcohol violations in 1997. To regain the charter, the colony had to meet 14 standards established by Headquarters. These include having 80 percent of men active in extracurricular events, having a GPA higher than the all-men’s average for the campus, and having membership equal to the average for the campus. Chapter President Ian Hallada (2010) submitted the chartering application earlier this semester.

Louisville (Zeta-Sigma)

Jeremy Watts (2008), pictured with the Louisville mascot, and Mike Oghia (2009) were featured on the University of Louisville’s website.

Marietta (Kappa-Alpha)

Chandler Wittel (2011) was elected as a member of the Student Government Association.

For the fourth consecutive year, the chapter had the highest GPA on campus among all fraternities.

Chapter Vice President Patrick Hahe organized a brother auction, which raised more than $700 for the Micheal J. Conte Scholarship Fund, created in memoriam of a fallen brother. On April 19, 2008, the chapter held an event called Music for the Masses, a battle-of-the-bands style concert, benefiting the same fund.

Millersville (Delta-Tau)

The chapter held Buzz-A-Chi, a charity event to raise money for 9-year-old Ian Swarr of Washington Boro, who has epidermolysis bullosa, a genetic disorder characterized by extremely fragile skin and recurrent blistering. Participants included Chris Torres (2008) and Pat Egan (2008), the event organizer.

Millsaps (Theta-Eta)

Brian Mitchell (2009) was elected IFC vice president of programming. Ben Cain (2009) is IFC president.

Bjorn Carlsson (2008), Woods Curry (2008) and Kyle Doherty (2008) will graduate with honors from Millsaps College after successfully defending their independently researched theses in mathematics, chemistry and history respectively. The honor program is a multi-semester commitment that requires independent and original research while working closely with department faculty. Carlsson’s project title is Outwitting the Half-Lying Oracle, Curry’s is Synthesis of Novel Organic Molecules with Specific DNA Binding and Cleaving Properties, and Doherty’s is José Martí: The Spiritual Battle for Modernity.

Mitchell and Thomas Richardson (2008) both claimed first place awards at the 10th annual O.C. McDavid Journalism Conference in March 2008 for their work on the university’s newspaper, The Purple & White. Mitchell won best sports feature and Richardson won for his sports column. Mitchell currently serves as the paper’s sports section editor and Richardson served previously as graphics editor and then sports editor.

At the Greek Life Awards, the chapter won Excellence in Greek Spirit; Unsung Greek Leader — Joshua Downer (2008); and the overall Chapter of Excellence Award.

Nashville Area Alumni Association

More than 50 alumni brothers joined Grand High Pi Lynn Chipperfield (Drury 1973) for an alumni reception on April 10, 2008, in Nashville, Tennessee. The event was held at the Belle Meade Country Club and hosted by Educational Foundation Board member Jack Bovender (Duke 1967).

Nebraska-Omaha (Iota-Delta)

The chapter won the Theta Chi Olympics and placed second overall in Greek Week. Chapter Adviser Bo Gebbie (2002) won the IFC Adviser of the year award. The chapter was recognized for excelling at several Greek Ideals, including Academic Performance, New Member Orientation Program, Chapter Management, Chapter Adviser, Active Participation in IFC, Internal Judicial System, Community Service Program and Outreach Program. During the week, the chapter also collected more than 20,000 pounds of food for the North American Food Drive by partnering with the Boy Scouts. The chapter capped off the week by hosting its annual Jail House Rock party for the entire Greek community.

New Hampshire (Alpha-Xi)

The chapter received the Phoenix Award and the Community Service Project of the Year Award from the Student Organization Services.

At the Spring 2008 Greek Awards banquet, chapter President Chris Keeley (2008) received the Unsung Hero Award.

North Carolina-Charlotte (Beta-Upsilon)

At the annual Greek Awards, the chapter won the Excellence in Community Service Award and Interfraternal Spirit Award. The chapter leads the university with the most hours of community service in the entire Greek Community. Former chapter Vice President Jonathan T. Hoyle (2008) won the Service Leader Award for his efforts to help collect donations for the 2nd Harvest Food Bank.

Chapter brothers participated in Relay for Life, a cancer awareness and fundraising event held on April 11, 2008.

Northwestern (Alpha-Iota)

(1951) died March 22, 2008. A World War II veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy and was awarded the Victory Medal, American Theater Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal with Two Stars and Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Two Stars. Zimmerman later worked as a sales engineer and salesman, selling instrumentation products for Morse Chain and Pall Trinity Micro. In 1967, he moved to Kent, Ohio, where he worked as a salesman for Taylor Instruments.

Oklahoma City (Theta-Delta)

On April 3, 2008, Nick Drago (2002) appeared on Bravo’s new TV series “Step It Up & Dance,” a reality competition series where contestants learn what it takes to succeed in the dance industry. As an undergraduate he served as both fraternity educator and vice president and he remains active with the chapter as an alumnus. Drago currently resides in Los Angeles where he has appeared in several music videos including Jessica Simpson’s “Boots,” My Chemical Romance’s “Helena,” Finger Eleven’s “Paralyzer,” and Duran Duran’s “Falling Down.” He also appeared as Theodore’s dance double in the movie “Alvin & The Chipmunks.”

William T. Kern (1953) died March 18, 2008.

Oklahoma State (Alpha-Eta)

Christopher M. Anderson (2009) died April 11, 2008. A business management junior from Colleyville, Texas, he was killed following a car crash when he swerved into oncoming traffic in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Oregon (Zeta-Omicron)

Earl D. Fowler (1950) died March 21, 2008. A former chapter president, he was a U.S. Army veteran and a retired high school teacher and vice principal in Oregon.

Penn State (Zeta)

Milton Morgan (1954) and his wife, Lois, have added a $1 million commitment to endow the Morgan Center’s position of Director. Annual income from the endowment will support a variety of program and equipment improvements. The Morgans have already given a leadership gift to support what is now the Morgan Academic Support Center for Student-Athletes which helps Penn State student-athletes achieve their academic goals while participating in intercollegiate athletic programs.

Rhode Island (Eta)

Jonathan Kaufman was recognized by the school newspaper, ”The Good Five Cent Cigar,” for his outstanding philanthropy to the community. He was also elected to the board of directors of The Welcome House, a local shelter, where he becomes the youngest person and first student to be elected to the board. The Welcome House of South County provides meals, emergency shelter, and supports transitional and permanent housing for the homeless in the Washington County area.

Sacramento Area Alumni Association

Fifteen alumni joined Educational Foundation Board member Mark Hoag (Michigan State 1972) for an alumni reception on March 27, 2008, at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento.

Sam Houston State (Sigma-Mu)

Chapter brothers participated in Relay For Life, walking for 12 hours around the track at the campus stadium to raise awareness and money for cancer research. The chapter also donated $200 to cancer research.

Samford (Theta-Alpha)

William H. Edgar (1946) died March 29, 2008.

San Francisco Area Alumni Association

More than 30 alumni brothers and guests gathered on March 25, 2008, at Moe Cevallos’ (Rensselaer Polytechnic 1967) golf club in Daly City, California. At the event, Executive Vice President Bill Farkas (Butler 1988) announced the scheduled return of our chapter at California-Berkeley. Order of Merit recipients John Gezelius (California-Berkeley 1978) and Bob Koch (California-Berkeley 1971) were in attendance as well.

South Carolina (Epsilon-Psi)

Dr. William T. Ward (1945) died April 7, 2008. In 1945, he was one of the chapter’s founding brothers and the first initiate. From 1951 to 1982, he served as a civilian contractor with the U.S. Air Force, stationed in the Philippine Islands. In 1982, until his retirement, he was the military historian with the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. An active brother in his later years, he attended several events, including the groundbreaking for the Edward F. Nolan Chapter House in 2004, the anniversary of the chapter’s 60th anniversary in 2005, and last fall’s homecoming event at age 89. For the memorial service, the undergraduate brothers sent a bouquet of white roses that were placed on the casket.

South Dakota (Alpha-Gamma)

For the first time in school history, Chad Lavin (1978) of The University of South Dakota has been named the Russell Athletic/WBCA NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year. Lavin was named the national coach of the year at the Elite Eight Championship Banquet held in Kearney, Nebraska, on Tuesday night. Lavin, who is in his 14th and final season at the helm of the Coyote program, has directed the Coyotes to a school record 31-1 record this season.

Southeast Missouri State (Delta-Phi)

During Greek Week, the chapter won third place overall, first place in Greek Games, second place in canned food collection, Outstanding Chapter Community Service Award for the 9th consecutive year, Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol Award for the 3rd consecutive year, and the President’s Award for Fraternal Excellence for the first time in over 10 years. In individual honors Nolan Ryan (2011) won the Outstanding Greek New Member Award, Matt Knickman (2008) was named the Greek Man of the Year, Ben Hooe (2011) was named the Order of Omega Greek of the Month, and Billy Garrett (2010) was initiated into the Order of Omega.

Southern Methodist (Gamma-Sigma)

The chapter hosted a charity concert event benefiting the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, which is a world leader in the treatment of pediatric orthopedic conditions.

Chapter brothers participated in the sixth annual Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build.

Texas-Austin (Alpha-Mu)

The chapter has 22 brothers as well as six associate members who are about to be initiated. We are committed to making a big recruitment push during the summer and fall rush and have set a very attainable goal of 10 new associates for the fall semester.

Chapter brothers are trying to reestablish relationships with alumni who may have lost contact with us. Toward this objective plans are being made for a Parents and Alumni Barbecue this coming November.

Vice President Scott Maddox (2009) and President Travis Carlson (2010) are leading a chapter team for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event sponsored by the UT’s student organization Colleges Against Cancer. We are currently the fundraising leaders, having raised nearly $3,000 for the ACS in under two weeks. This event is particularly important to Carlson because he is a cancer survivor.

Heading into the playoffs the chapter is currently undefeated in the intramural co-ed softball league.

Recruitment is under way for a faculty adviser willing to work with the brothers on chapter issues, as well as university relations.

Charles Maddox (2011), an associate member, is running for office in the UT IFC next school year and hopes to become the IFC’s Greek relations officer. In any event he will remain closely involved with the IFC. Already a Freemason and involved with Masonic community activities he brings valuable experience to the chapter.

Texas-San Antonio (Phi-Upsilon)

René Alonzo (1991) died April 6, 2008. In 2005, he was elected to a two-year term on the Windcrest City Council, a suburban community just outside San Antonio. With a passion for real estate, Alonzo also spent time converting an historic 1887 saloon into a dance hall.

Western Carolina (Beta-Zeta)

Justin Conley (2009) was elected IFC vice president-judicial.

Stephen Johnson was elected IFC vice president-recruitment.

The chapter placed first in the Downhill Derby. Vehicle construction was led by Jacob McMinn and Berl Childers with help from the rest of the chapter.

William & Mary (Epsilon-Alpha)

More than 400 guests attended our annual Crabfeast charity event on April 20, 2008.

Ben Brown (2011) served as a 2011 class senator this year and has been reelected for a second term.

The chapter won the intramural championship in softball and floor hockey; performed very well in flag football, basketball, and volleyball; and are currently competing in the soccer playoffs. An additional goal is the Fraternity Cup, awarded to the chapter that has the best overall year in intramural sports.

With a renewed commitment to academics, the chapter currently has the sixth highest cumulative GPA out of 16 fraternities and is just below the all-male average.

William Jewell (Epsilon-Nu)

Grand High Alpha Ed Leonard Inauguration at Bethany College President

Grand High Alpha Dr. Edward F. Leonard III (William Jewell 1979) was inaugurated as president of Bethany College on April 12, 2008, in a campus ceremony attended by approximately 200 guests, including Executive Vice President Bill Farkas (Butler 1988) and Educational Foundation President and CEO Mark Bauer (Cal State-Fullerton 1979).

Wisconsin-Whitewater (Lambda-Iota)

Jeff Reisdorfer (Wisconsin-Whitewater 2000)

Jeff Reisdorfer (2000) traveled to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to present his talk, Adopting New Technology 101, to a group of more than 50 agriculture educators from across the United States. During his stay he also visited the Oklahoma City Memorial and the Lambda Chi Alpha chapter house at Oklahoma City University.

Nick Schreck (2001) was presented with the 2008 Assistant Division Manager Award from Physicians Mutual during a ceremony that featured a video documentary of his accomplishments. Dave Baumgartner (2000), also a member of the Physicians Mutual family, was on hand for the presentation of Schreck’s award during the company’s 2008 convention held on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

Wittenberg (Nu-Zeta)

Lt. Col. Gary J. Milgate (1963) died March 26, 2008. A Vietnam veteran, he remained active with the PA National Guard 28th Division and the Army Reserve until his retirement. He was also retired from the PA Department of Welfare in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Most recently, he was an on-call driver for Caron Foundation in Wernersville, Pennsylvania.

Issue: May 2008 | Author: John Holloway | Filed in: Chapter News, May 2008

One Response to “Chapter News”. (leave your response)

scott Says:
May 6th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Is Murray State still an active chapter? I have not seen much, if anything, from you guys in years. I only get contacted when you want money? How about keeping the alumni up to date on the activities that are going on with the chapter?

In Zax,

Scott

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