Cross & Crescent

At the International Centennial Celebration in Indianapolis, two alumni brothers were awarded the Order of Achievement during the Friday night Purple, Green & Gold banquet: Powers Boothe (Texas State-San Marcos 1970) and Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger (Evansville 1969).

The Lambda Chi Alpha Order of Achievement Award was first established in 1958 to honor those members who have distinguished themselves by achieving outstanding success in the fields of business, industry, the arts, science, or other professions. Their accomplishments bring honor to Lambda Chi Alpha and serve as an inspiration to their brothers.

These men represent the Fraternity’s ideals in action, and serve as an example for undergraduates who are preparing to step out into the world. When considering men who are qualified for this award, the Grand High Zeta takes into consideration the character of the individual in question.

Powers Boothe

During the Purple, Green & Gold Brotherhood Banquet held on Friday night, July 31, 2009, Boothe served as the master of ceremonies. He was presented with his Order of Achievement during this event.

Boothe was born on a farm in Snyder, Texas, and earned his undergraduate degree at Texas State University – San Marcos before going on to graduate from Southern Methodist University with a master’s degree in fine arts.

After SMU, he became a resident actor at the Oregon Shakespeare Company. Two years later, he made his New York stage debut in the Lincoln Center production of “Richard III.” Boothe’s career breakthrough came with a starring role on Broadway in James McClure’s critically acclaimed one-act comedy, “Lone Star.”

In addition to his background in theatre, his film credits include:

• “Men of Honor” opposite Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robert DeNiro
• Oliver Stone’s film “U-Turn” with Sean Penn and Nick Nolte
• “Nixon” with Anthony Hopkins
• “Blue Sky” with Jessica Lange and Tommy Lee Jones
• “Tombstone” opposite Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer
• “Extreme Prejudice” with Nick Nolte
• “Southern Comfort”
• “Sin City”

Boothe has also appeared in numerous TV series, including being a special guest star on FOX’s “24” where he played Vice President Noah Daniels.

In addition, he won an Emmy Award for best actor for his portrayal of Rev. Jim Jones in the TV movie “Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones.” He also starred in the critically-acclaimed HBO series “Deadwood.”

Boothe offered these comments when he accepted the Order of Achievement Award: “On reflecting on getting this award I seriously thought; ‘Well, why did I pledge Lambda Chi Alpha?’ It wasn’t just because all the guys were the best looking, had the best class, style, grace, gave the best parties, or had the best dates…although that was a big part of it. It was because I just thought they were great young men, and they were people I wanted to be associated with. And, as I then became a member of the Fraternity, this all became true…they had my back. When I messed up they were there to pick me up. When I did well, they told me I did well. The virtues that my father and mother gave me, they underscored and sent me forward with in my life. I never thought I’d become a professional actor. I never thought I’d become successful at it. But I can tell you that little things that are large things like honor, dignity, hard work, love of your fellow man, faith…have all gone with me. And many of those, what I think are great virtues in life, I learned through this Fraternity. And I am deeply honored and grateful to have been an part of it and to still be a part of it this evening.”

Boothe was featured in the July 2007 Cross & Crescent.

Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger

Umbarger also received the Order of Achievement during the Purple, Green & Gold Banquet, which he attended in order to pay tribute brothers in the military.

He was appointed Adjutant General of Indiana on March 11, 2004, and was reappointed by Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels on December 1, 2004.

As Adjutant General, his primary focus is to lead the Indiana Army and Air National Guard.

Umbarger began his career as an enlisted soldier for the Indiana Army National Guard in 1969. After graduating from the Indiana Military Academy he was commissioned in June, 1971, as a second lieutenant, infantry branch.

Prior to his current assignment, Umbarger served as the deputy commanding general, United States Forces Command. He graduated from the University of Evansville in 1969 with a business degree, and from the United States Army War College in 1997.

In accepting his award, Umbarger said: “Wow. I thought I was just supposed to come here and make a few comments to my brothers. I honestly was not expecting that. I am so honored and humbled…..Brothers, spouses, sweethearts it is indeed an honor to be with you all this evening as we assemble here in Indianapolis, the home of our national headquarters to celebrate the 100th year of our Fraternity. But also to recognize and give honor to those who have worn the cross and crescent but also have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to assure and protect the freedoms we have come to know as Americans.”

Umbarger was featured in the July 2008 Cross & Crescent.