Cross & Crescent

Chapter News

by John Holloway • November 2008 • 6 Comments •

Key
	Chapter News
	Alumni News
	Omegas (report of death)

There are 41 of our 300 chapters included in the November 2008 issue of the Cross & Crescent:

Akron (Gamma-Alpha)

Jeff Sumner (1991) was selected by the Greater Akron Chamber as one of the “30 For The Future” 2008 award winners. These recipients were chosen for their accomplishments in their industries in the greater Akron community.

Alberta (Epsilon-Rho)

The chapter held its 23rd Alumni Celebrity Dinner with guest of honor Executive Vice President Bill Farkas (Butler 1988). This was Farkas’ second visit to the Canadian chapter, his first being in 1989 as an ELC. Forty-one alumni and undergraduate brothers also attended the event, including past staff and Board Member Jack Walker (1972), Order of Merit recipient Ron Holland (1966), and former staff members John Orpe (Calgary 1990), Pat Haney (1998), and Ryan Haney (1999).

Angelo State (Beta-Alpha)

The chapter placed first in the Homecoming Tailgating Contest and second place in both in the Parade Float Contest and Think-Fast Game Show.

Chapter members held their second annual alumni tailgate and barbecue.

Arkansas (Gamma-Chi)

Chapter members participated in the “Walk a Mile in her Shoes” to raise awareness of violence against women.

Arkansas State (Iota-Theta)

Michael Creason (2010) was elected the 2008 homecoming king.

Boston Area Alumni Association

Executive Vice President Bill Farkas (Butler 1988), Educational Foundation CEO Mark Bauer (Cal State-Northridge 1974), and Associate Director of Alumni Relations Josh Lodolo (Cal State Northridge 2004) visited Boston for the Centennial Celebration reception on October 21, 2008. The keynote speaker was Board Member Fletcher McElreath (Mercer 1987). More than 40 alumni and undergraduate brothers were in attendance, including former staff member Kelley McCormick (McGill 1980) and Order of Merit recipient and Master Steward Eric Berger (Boston 1985).

Bowling Green State(Phi-Mu)

Anthony E. Snyder (1992) was named the manager of member engagement and community relations for Thrivent Financial, a ”Fortune 500” financial services organization in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Cal State-Northridge (Beta-Rho)

Cal State-Northridge Associate Member Ceremony

An Associate Member Ceremony was held for 20 new members on October 5, 2008. The ceremony was witnessed by nearly 30 undergraduates, 5 alumni and about 15 parents and guests.

Thirty Alumni and undergraduate members participated in the annual Alumni-Active Softball Game and Picnic on September 21, 2008, at Northridge Park. Once again, the alumni prevailed 8-5, but the chapter kept the score close with the help of four of its 28 new associate members.

Connecticut (Zeta-Lambda)

Christopher Hickey (2009) was elected IFC Vice President of Programming-Internal and Brendan Schlander was elected to the IFC Standards Board, and serves as the chapter’s IFC delegate.

At the 2008 homecoming, the chapter teamed with the UConn Kickline Team and placed first in the Greek Parade March and third for the Lip Sync competition.

Culver-Stockton (Kappa-Mu)

The chapter won first place in the homecoming float competition, earned the highest GPA of all fraternities and above the all-male average, and added 18 new associate members.

Dallas Area Alumni Association

The Dallas/Ft. Worth Area Alumni Association held a Centennial Celebration reception on October 28, 2008, at the Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas. Former Grand High Alpha Dr. Murphy Osborne (High Point 1958) was the fraternity speaker for the evening. Staff members present included Educational Foundation CEO Mark Bauer (Cal State-Northridge 1979), John Hauser (Theil 1971), Tad Lichtenauer (Denison 1987), and Dan Hartmann (Truman State 2007). Order of Merit recipients Larry Brinkley (North Texas 1968) and Wayne Gossard (Southern Methodist 1973) were also present. A big thank you to John Pierce (Louisiana State 1966)for assisting the Fraternity with hosting the event.

Denver (Alpha-Pi)

George C. Aucoin (1955) died October 15, 2008. A former IFC president and vice president, he played goalie for the University of Denver hockey team. He served as a deputy district attorney in Colorado and was elected president of the National Association of County Civil Attorneys.

Denver Area Alumni Association

John Dunn (Butler 1975) hosted the Denver Centennial Celebration reception on October 21, 2008, at the Columbine Country Club in Denver. Approximately 60 alumni, guests, and undergraduates attended, including seven staff members. Board Member Lynn Chipperfield (Drury 1973) was the featured speaker and he gave feedback to all present on the strength of the Fraternity. Other notable attendees were Executive Vice President Bill Farkas (Butler 1988), Order of Merit recipient Jeff Esbenshade (South Dakota 1969), Lambda Chi Alpha Properties President Mike Smith (Denver 1976), 2008 Duke Flad recipient Joey Hamm (Denver 2008), and two former staff members Ken Cope (Montana 2000) and Clint Wheelock (Washington & Lee 1992).

Drexel (Epsilon-Kappa)

Recently profiled in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Brian Gleason (1989) serves as a managing director and shareholder at Phoenix Capital Resources, and has managed or participated in more than 40 turnaround engagements since joining Phoenix. Gleason has been responsible for the successful turnaround of many of Phoenix’s clients over the past 10 years using his operational, financial and negotiating skills.

Drury (Theta-Sigma)

The chapter held its annual Watermelon Fest to raise money for the Ozark Food Harvest.

Eastern Michigan (Sigma-Kappa)

David E. Gallagher (1979) died October 20, 2008. He was a mental health social worker and enjoyed being a christian musician.

Florida International (Pi-Phi)

Henric Boiardt (2007) and Chris Rodriguez (2008) started a NASA satellite design project at Florida International University. Chapter adviser Dr. Kenneth Furton (Central Florida 1984) served as the mentor for the competition.

Gettysburg (Theta-Pi)

Former chapter officer Bryant Pappas (1995), a New York police sergeant, is an undefeated professional boxer.

Hanover (Theta-Zeta)

Lawrence Gloyd (1954) died September 6, 2008. He was the former president and CEO of CLARCOR and served numerous contributions to the community including serving on the Rockford College board of trustees, the United Way of Rock River Valley, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Indianapolis Area Alumni Association

The Columbia Club in downtown Indianapolis played host to the Centennial Celebration for Indianapolis area alumni, undergraduates, and guests. Ted Grossnickle (Wabash 1973) was the main speaker for the evening and gave great perspective about where Lambda Chi Alpha is today. Former Educational Foundation CEO Chris Molloy (Texas Christian 1980) brought Kennon Shank (Simpson 1942), a former Theta Kappa Nu pledge now living in Bloomington, Indiana. The Columbia Club also was blessed with the presence of Executive Vice President Emeritus George W. Spasyk (Michigan 1949) and a host of other notable alumni. The Indianapolis Area Alumni Association is looking to pick up more steam in the coming year especially with the International Centennial Celebration occurring in downtown Indianaplis next summer.

Indiana State (Iota-Epsilon)

At the annual Indiana State Police department ceremony, Master Trooper Frank Smith (1973) received a Silver Star Award for a rescue that occurred 26 years ago. On January 23, 1982, Smith was off duty when he rescued a mother and child caught in high floodwaters.

Iowa (Iota-Chi)

Chapter members and members of Delta Zeta spent 72 hours from October 16-19, 2008, on an 18-foot teeter-totter to help local charities in their second annual Teeter-Totter-athon. Proceeds benefited the Johnson County Crisis Center.

Massachusetts Inst of Tech (Lambda)

About 100 people attended an event on October 4, 2008, to commemmorate the 50th anniversary of the unofficial unit of measurement known a Smoot. Notable attendees include guest of honor Oliver Smoot (1962), Cambridge Mayor Denise Simmons, State Rep. Marty Walz, and MIT president Susan Hockfield.

Miami-FL (Epsilon-Omega)

Darren Dupriest (1991) is the president and owner of Validity Screening Solutions, a national provider of background checks and drug testing. Validity Screening Solutions announced the acquisition of Fairfield Information Services, a Lancaster, Ohio-based provider of background checks and drug screening.

Miami-OH (Zeta-Upsilon)

John Stulak (1989) serves as the co-CEO of EthoTech, Inc. Prior to forming EthoTech, he built his experiences in the Microsoft Business Solutions channel by leading channel management and consulting services efforts and participating on executive leadership teams for two Solution Developers, both of whom are ranked in the top 1 percent of Microsoft Business Solutions partners.

Jim Boughter (1966) retired five years ago after working as a software engineer for 34 years.

Tom Blunk (1970) has spent eight years with BCBS of Indiana, and the rest with various employee benefit consulting groups.

Jim Smekal (1974) has worked in marketing as a merchandiser for eight different companies in many regions of the United States.

Brian Kandell (1991) works for Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati.

Dr. Mark S. Dorfman (Hon) died December 22, 2006. During his 30-year career, he served as a professor of risk management and insurance for four different universities. He began his teaching career at Miami University and also served as the chapter adviser from 1970 to 1976.

Montevallo (Sigma-Epsilon)

The chapter added 22 new associate members, doubling the chapter size in one semester.

North Carolina-Charlotte (Beta-Upsilon)

Jeremy Wilkinson (2001) is the owner of Innovative Color Solutions.

Jack Stack (1983) has opened his own residential real estate brokerage firm in Winston-Salem, North Carolina under the name, Jack Stack Properties.

North Carolina-Greensboro (Phi-Theta)

Chapter members attempted to break the Guinness world record for the largest Twister board ever played; all in charitable support of the American Red Cross.

North Dakota (Epsilon-Zeta)

Approximately 20 alumni brothers joined with undergraduate brothers and the two representatives from the International Headquarters to make improvements to the chapter, including: building an outdoor storage shed, tearing down an old wood deck, erecting a new volleyball court and wood deck, touching up landscaping, cleaning mold in the chapter room and upstairs shower and repainting, volleyball recruitment event, chapter house Wii tournament recruitment event, Hungry Eye Alumni brick painting, and organizing assistance to undergraduate brothers.

The chapter doubled its membership by adding 10 new associates members.

Ohio State (Gamma-Tau)

Jeffrey Stevenson, president and founder of Crazy Uncle Jester’s Inferno World, won the The Golden Chile Award at the Fiery Food Challenge on September 5, 2008. They also won second place in Mustard with Crazy Uncle Jester’s Blazing Hot MustardT, 2nd place in XXX Hot Sauce for Crazy Uncle Jester’s Spontaneous CombustionT, and 3rd place in XXX Hot Sauce for Crazy Uncle Jester’s Select ReserveT. The competition is sponsored by Chile Pepper magazine and pits products against one another in more than 80 categories. Professional judges evaluate hundreds of sauces, salsas and other spicy treats and award first, second and third prizes in each category. Awards are proudly displayed at ZestFest, a spicy food event held the same week as the Fiery Food Challenge, at the Will Rogers Center in Fort Worth.

Oklahoma (Gamma-Rho)

Ben Bigbie (Oklahoma 2009) and Eddie Coates (Oklahoma 2008)

Ben Bigbie (2009) was named 2008 homecoming king. Eddie Coates (2008), the 2007 homecoming king, presented Bigbie with his scepter and crown during halftime of a recent football game.

Chapter members teamed with Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and Delta Tau Delta Fraternity for the homecoming competition. The group placed second overall.

Oklahoma State (Alpha-Eta)

The chapter held its annual Watermelon Bust, accumulating more than 8,500 pounds of canned food in support of the North American Food Drive.

For the first time in seven years, the chapter participated in the Oklahoma State homecoming celebration. With help from the women of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, chapter members constructed a monumental house dec and took 1st prize in the sign competition.

Steven Zamsky (1987) was recognized as one of the top 100 graduates of Oklahoma State University. He is a portfolio manager for Pequot Capital out of Westport, Connecticut. He went from OSU to a San Francisco CPA firm. He completed his MBA in finance at the University of Chicago in 1995 and began working as a securities analyst at Fidelity Investments. He then went to New York with Morgan Stanley as a credit strategist and was appointed a managing director in 2000. He became a portfolio manager for Pequot Capital in 2002 where his hedge funds pursue several credit-oriented strategies on an asset base of around $800 million.

Oregon (Zeta-Omicron)

Lt. Col. James L. Wiley (1984) died September 18, 2008, in Afghanistan, from injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 27th Brigade Combat Team, New York Army National Guard.

Oregon State (Alpha-Lambda)

Teaming with members of the Alpha Phi Sorority, the chapter won the IFC-All University Sing Competition. Serving as song leaders this year for the chapter were Cody Palmer (2010) and Zak Holt (2009). In addition, the group received recognition for the Best Costumes Award and the Committee’s Choice Award.

Albert H. Bryan, (1925) died November 25, 2006.

Lloyd H. Griggs (1929) died December 18, 2007. He was a rancher and tree farmer, a life member of Cottage Grove Lodge #51, A.F. & A.M., and a life member and past Potentate of Hillah Shriners in Medford, Oregon. Lloyd served on the Cottage Grove School Board for 24 years. He served as chairman of both Districts 14 and 15, and he was a member of the Cottage Grove Hospital Board of Directors. He was honored as the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce’s First Citizen in 1964.

Kenneth K. Kutch (1929) died December 20, 2005.

Clyde K. Sherman (1935) died February 10, 2006,

Richard L. Taylor (1937) died March 31, 2006. He became a prominent architect in Montana and served in the U.S. Navy, studying Naval Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

William D. Dennis (1940) died May 10, 2007.

Arthur E. Irish (1940) died May 1, 2007. He operated a fruit orchard in the Hood River Valley for more than 50 years. Irish served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army infantry during World War II.

William W. “Woody” Woodworth (1940) died June 12, 2008. He served in World War II as Amphibian Engineer Shore Unit Commander, 592nd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment, U.S. Army. He was decorated several times for valorous actions in battle. He later served in the Korean War and remained an active reservist, retiring from the U.S. Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. When he returned from World War II, Woody began a 34-year career with Crown Zellerbach Corp.

Bob D. Downing (1949) died December 27, 2006. After serving in the U.S. Army for two years, he worked as an educator, a coach, and a farmer.

Charles W. Harrison Jr. (1949) died July 31, 2007. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was a mechanical engineer for American Sheet Metal for 27 years. When the timber industry slowed down, he went to work for Rader Company.

Robert J. Laughter (1949) died October 4, 2006. He was a professor at the University of Nevada-Reno before moving to Portland in 1992.

C. Roderick Kvistad (1949) died November 10, 2007.

Charles “Chuck” Van Ummersen Jr. (1956) died January 3, 2007.

John W. Anderson Jr. (1965) died September 1, 2006.

Edward R. Gustamante (1984) died on April 18, 2006. He was controller and office manager for Food Chain Films and most recently a computer systems salesman for HTP in Vancouver.

Philadelphia Area Alumni Association

A Philadelphia Centennial Celebration reception was held on October 7, 2008, at the Union League of Philadelphia. Approximately 90 alumni, guests, and undergraduates attended. Grand High Alpha Ed Leonard (William Jewell 1979) spoke about the state of the Fraternity and why Lambda Chi Alpha is the best. Also present at the event were Executive Vice President Bill Farkas (Butler 1988) and former staff members and area alumni chairmen Jeff Glauser (Jacksonville 1999) and Joe Schneggenburger (Kentucky 2000), who helped make the event unique by providing four box tickets to a 76ers basketball game and a Flyers hockey game. Frank Bockius (Drexel 1953) and Brendan Ledwith (St. Joseph’s 2008) were the recipients of the raffled off tickets.

Purdue (Psi-Zeta)

Sam Utley (2009) was voted the 2008 homecoming king at the October 25, 2008 Purdue football game against Minnesota. He is a member of the chapter’s Executive Committee and is the current IFC president.

San Antonio Alumni Association

The San Antonio Alumni Association held its 3rd Annual LXA Open at The Golf Club of Texas on October 5, 2008. Tournament Directors Jonathan Rivera (Texas-San Antonio 2000) and John Arias (Texas-San Antonio 1984) ensured a fun-filled day of golf for area alumni. Walter Hidalgo (Texas-San Antonio 1998) flew in from Minnesota to participate in the activities. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit all three local chapters’ scholarship programs. The Texas-San Antonio, Incarnate Word, and St. Mary’s chapters assisted with the closest to the pin, longest drive, and the hole-in-one contest. The next SAAA event will be November 20, 2008, at Suede Lounge near the famous San Antonio Riverwalk for more information, send an email to lxa_saaa@yahoo.com.

Simpson (Theta-Lambda)

Joey Begovich is now a cruise director aboard the M/S Carnival Glory. He was promoted to full time cruise director earlier this year after serving as acting cruise director for a number of years. His responsibilities include managing a crew of 65 performers while keeping the guests on board Carnival’s newest cruise ship entertained.

Ed Guthrie is a buyer for Macy’s Corp. and has been recently transferred to their corporate headquarters in New York City.

Patrick Anderson currently works in Minneapolis as a buyer for Target Corp.

Jeremy Crozier is teaching in Texas and completed his Master’s degree this past year. He is now working on his Ph.D.

Craig Irvin is continuing his career in opera.

Charlie Chedester recently purchased his partner’s shares in
their business and is now the sole owner of Mortgage Innovations in Des Moines.

John Osborn is currently singing in a production of The Barber of Seville in Vienna and will be returning to Des Moines (DMMO) with John Michael Moore next summer; performing in the same opera.

Southeast Missouri State (Delta-Phi)

James Wells (2006), Billy Garrett (2008), Matt Knickman (2007)

Billy Garrett (2008) was named SEMO Man of the Year through an award process that recognizes outstanding student leaders who are balanced between academics and their service to the campus and community. Following James Wells (2006) and Matt Knickman (2007), Garrett is the third consecutive member of Lambda Chi Alpha to earn this outstanding distinction; a feat which is unprecedented at SEMO.

Chapter officer Matthew Huber (2008) was one of four recipients who received the 2008 Jim Wilkins Excellence in Education Scholarship during a ceremony held on October 14, 2008. The award selections were based on accomplishments in human resources, academics, campus and community involvement, and recommendations from professors, advisers, and/or employers.

Former chapter president Jackson Seemayer (2009) was elected IFC vice president of risk awareness and Nolan Ryan was elected as IFC vice president of community relations.

South Carolina-Aiken (Pi-Alpha)

Chapter members cleaned the pathway and road and participated the following day with nearly 200 North Aiken Elementary School students, parents, teachers and other guests in the Walk to School Day observance.

Southeastern Oklahoma (Pi-Sigma)

Chapter members participated in the 18th annual Domestic Violence Ceremony at the Southeastern Student Union. The members repeated a pledge promising that they would speak out against rape and all forms of sexual violence.

Texas A&M-Commerce (Delta-Mu)

The chapter held its annual Watermelon Bust philanthropy event in Spence Park. Eight sororities participated in events that included the crowning of a watermelon patch queen and outdoor competitions. All proceeds and collected food items went to the Brazos Valley Food Bank to benefit Hurricane Ike victims.

Texas-San Antonio (Phi-Upsilon)

Michael Gurka (2010) was crowned Mr. Phi Guy by the Phi Mu Sorority for his dedication to chapter leadership, campus involvement, philanthropic endeavors, talent show, Greek spirit and fundraising efforts. Alex Reyes (2009) placed second in the Mr. Phi Guy Competition.

The chapter held a Brick Ceremony for the local alumni who recently purchased bricks, and performed a memorial service for our fallen brothers. Jana Kenelly of the University of Texas-San Antonio Advancement Office was the keynote speaker for the evening, expressing the importance that the Lambda Chi Alpha chapter has played on the campus.

Washington & Lee (Gamma-Phi)

K.C. Schaefer (2004), general merchandise manager in the Washington and Lee University Store at W&L, was named one of 21 brightest and most effective young managers in the collegiate industry by ”The College Store Magazine”, published by the national association of college stores.

Wisconsin-Whitewater (Lambda-Iota)

Tom Kempfer (2007) is participating in Stuck in a Truck. a contest with 96.3 Star Country WMAD, where he is trying to outlast other contestants by spending his days and nights inside of a truck. The winner takes home a Ford F-150. The contest began on October 2nd and will go until there is one contestant left inside of the pickup truck. Track Tommy’s progress on his Facebook Fanclub or follow him on the webcams.

Western Kentucky (Lambda-Lambda)

The chapter became the first fraternity on campus to have had 1,000 members.

Paul W. Jones Jr. (1967), president and CEO of Plus3 Solutions, was recognized by Cambridge ”Who’s Who” for his dedication, leadership and excellence in all aspects of business development.

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

6 Responses to “Chapter News”. (leave your response)

Scott Says:
November 2nd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Hey Murray State Lambda Eta,

Yet another month with no report of how things are going. Status of the new house, IFC sports, grade point average, etc. Please provide an update in the coming months. We should would like to see something other than direct mail asking for money.

In Zax, Scott
William Smidt Says:
November 2nd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
How about some news about University of Massachusetts. GAMMA chapter. Any chance of a new chapter being organized. Alum News?
Jim Hodges Says:
November 2nd, 2008 at 3:02 pm
The San Diego Area Alumni Association continues a 20 year tradition of meeting for lunch on the first Friday of each Quarter (January, April, July and October)at the El Torito Restaurant in Mission Valley, San Diego. Area alums from all chapters are invited to attend. No reservations required. Contact Jerry Alford, Greg Ervice or Jim Hodges for details–all listed locally.
Bill Whitmore,UMASS 1953 Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 7:16 am
Gamma Chapter at University of Massachusetts
IS planning on recolonizing ASAP !!!!!!!!!!!

Bill Farkas, National Executive Director has
been on campus in Amherst, MA has been impressed.

Gamma alumni need to advise Bill Farkas at LCA HO
and
Bill Whitmore, Gamma 1953 of their interest
336 Falls Road, Sunderland, MA 01375.
e-mail billwhitmore@comcast.net Phone 413-665-7741
Zane Brisson Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 8:09 am
Any Gamma Upsilon guys from NC State out there?
G.U. 961
Zane Brisson
Chad Harris Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 8:51 am
Zane, G.U. 961:
There are some of us out here. I am in Chattanooga and do not get over to Raleigh very often, but try to keep in touch with a few guys. I, too, would love to see more from the “old” NC State chapter. I had heard that they were trying to start up a new chapter, but do not knew where that stands now.
Chad Harris GU 918

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