John Baldecchi has worked with Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, James Gandolfini, and most recently with Al Pacino in the newly-released movie “88 Minutes.” A UCLA graduate, he has leveraged his economics degree into building a successful production company.
Hollywood Movie/TV Producer
by Tad Lichtenauer • May 2008Academic All-Star
by Tad Lichtenauer • April 2008
Alexander Hertel-Fernandez was named one of the 20 members of USA TODAY’s 2008 All-USA College Academic First Team. A political science major at Northwestern University, he has studied infant mortality in Chile, earned a Rotary Foundation ambassadorial scholarship, and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute research fellowship.
Choose Responsibility Founder
by Tad Lichtenauer • March 2008
Middlebury College President Emeritus Dr. John McCardell is the founder and director of Choose Responsibility, a nonprofit organization established to engage the public in informed and dispassionate debate over the effects of the 21-year-old drinking age. Having sparked renewed interest on this important topic, he will be featured in an upcoming segment on CBS’ “60 Minutes.”
Texas State Legislator
by Tad Lichtenauer • March 2008
Guest speaker at the Fraternity’s 2008 Winter Leadership Retreat, Joe Driver is currently serving his eighth term in the Texas House of Representatives. A former chapter president, he also is a successful businessman, serving as an agent for State Farm Insurance Companies for the past 34 years.
Member Feedback
by Tad Lichtenauer • March 2008Survey: Seeking your opinions about alcohol consumption and education.
94-Year-Old Tennis Great
by Tad Lichtenauer • February 2008
Gardnar Mulloy, an Order of Achievement recipient and chapter founder, spent 14 years ranked in the U.S. singles top 10, achieving the No. 1 ranking in 1952. A World War II veteran, and a member of seven halls of fame, he also partnered with Bill Talbert during a 10-year doubles dynasty in the 1940s.
Baker Receives Top Honor
by Tad Lichtenauer • January 2008
In November 2007, psychologist Dr. Elgan Baker received the Hans H. Strupp Award, his profession’s highest honor. In addition, he also has served the Fraternity in numerous capacities as an alumnus over the last 35 years.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
by Tad Lichtenauer • December 2007
After co-founding Crescent Real Estate Equities, taking it public, and selling it for $6.5 billion in August 2007, John Goff is eager to begin his next adventure. A significant part of his new focus will revolve around his philanthropy work and The Goff Family Foundation.
Rodeo Commissioner
by Tad Lichtenauer • December 2007
John Windwick serves as the commissioner of the Canadian Finals Rodeo, an annual indoor championship held in Edmonton, Alberta. A graduate of the University of Alberta, he was named the chapter’s 2007 alumnus of the year.
Award-Winning Poet
by Tad Lichtenauer • November 2007
B.H. “Pete” Fairchild is an award-winning American poet and an English professor at Texas Christian University. His book, The Art of the Lathe, won several prestigious awards and was a finalist for the National Book Award.
Pro Soccer Star Retires
by Tad Lichtenauer • November 2007
Cobi Jones, the Los Angeles Galaxy’s all-time leader in games played, goals, and assists, has retired after 12 seasons. A walk-on at UCLA, he has the most appearances for the U.S. men’s national team and played in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
2006-2007 Order of Omega Recipients
by Tad Lichtenauer • November 2007Fraternity News Members honored for leadership, community service.
NBA Nets’ 1-2 Punch
by Tad Lichtenauer • October 2007
Together, Brett Yormark and Lawrence Frank have partnered to reinvent the culture of Nets basketball. Ironically, they both grew up in New Jersey, attended Indiana University, joined Lambda Chi Alpha, but never actually met until they began working together at the Nets in 2005.
Decorated General Remembered
by Tad Lichtenauer • October 2007
Retired Gen. Russell E. Dougherty, former commander in chief of the Strategic Air Command, died September 7, 2007, at his home in Potomac Falls, Virginia. In addition to his numerous professional achievements and military honors, he was a charter member and first president of the Louisville chapter, an Order of Achievement recipient, and served on the Educational Foundation board and Grand High Zeta.
Indiana’s New Head Football Coach
by Tad Lichtenauer • September 2007
Previously an assistant coach, Bill Lynch was named Indiana University’s head football coach on June 15, 2007. He assumed the top job after Terry Hoeppner, the previous head coach, bravely fought and eventually lost a long battle with cancer.
Caterpillar’s Top Exec
by Tad Lichtenauer • August 2007
In 2006, under the leadership of CEO and Chairman Jim Owens, Caterpillar had more than $41.5 billion in sales and revenue and ranked No. 55 on the Fortune 500 list. The company is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines.
Pharmacy President, Chapter Adviser
by Tad Lichtenauer • August 2007
Tim Tucker, a community pharmacist, was elected as the 2008 president of the 60,000-member American Pharmacists Association. A 1998 Order of Merit recipient, he also has served as Union University chapter adviser for the past 20 years.
Member Feedback
by Tad Lichtenauer • August 2007Survey: Seeking your opinions about the True Brother Initative.
Emmy-Winning Actor Powers Boothe
by Tad Lichtenauer • July 2007
Powers Boothe stole the show last season in the Fox TV hit series “24,” and for three seasons in HBO’s critically acclaimed “Deadwood.” He also is starring in “The Final Season,” a family movie about a legendary high school baseball team from Norway, Iowa.
Retired Chaplain Honored
by Tad Lichtenauer • July 2007
After a remarkable career at Wake Forest University, Chaplain Emeritus Ed Christman received the university’s highest honor, the Medallion of Merit. As a spiritual leader for nearly 50 years, he touched countless lives as a friend and counselor to generations of students.
75 Years Ago in Theta News
by Tad Lichtenauer • July 2007History: Highlights of a 1932 speech given by Theta Kappa Nu Grand Archon Leroy A. Wilson.
Member Feedback
by Tad Lichtenauer • July 2007Survey: Seeking your opinions about the Lambda Chi Alpha badge.
Former White House Speechwriter
by Tad Lichtenauer • June 2007
Michael Johns is a health care executive, former federal government official, and conservative policy analyst and writer. In addition to his extensive private sector experience, Johns was a White House speechwriter to President George H. W. Bush.
Acting Icon Remembered
by Tad Lichtenauer • June 2007
Best known for playing the recurring roles of storekeeper Mr. Jones on “Gunsmoke” and Rev. Robert Alden on “Little House on the Prairie,” Dabbs Greer died on April 28, 2007. He was a character actor who performed many diverse supporting roles in film and television for more than 50 years.
Understanding Today’s College Student
by Tad Lichtenauer • June 2007Fraternity News: Alumni involvement can play an important role in helping to recruit and mentor this generation of young men.
Member Feedback
by Tad Lichtenauer • June 2007Survey: Seeking your opinions about the Millennial generation.
Salute to Dick Rubottom
by Tad Lichtenauer • May 2007
Retired and living in Texas, Dick Rubottom served as the Fraternity’s seventh traveling secretary. In addition to a successful career in the foreign service and as a college administrator, he served on the Grand High Zeta, Educational Foundation, and is an Order of Achievement recipient.
U.S. Lacrosse Exec
by Tad Lichtenauer • May 2007
At this month’s 2007 ILF World Indoor Lacrosse Championship in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Graham D’Alvia hopes the U.S. Indoor Lacrosse team will “Bring It Home.” With the U.S. team beaten by Canada in the 2006 outdoor championship finals, the U.S. indoor team has extra motivation.
Flying Man
by Tad Lichtenauer • May 2007
Whether Bill Auld is jumping out of airplanes or flying performers across stages, he knows there is no margin for error. As a flying director for Hall Associates Flying Effects, he recently made his Broadway debut with “Lookingglass Alice.”
South Dakota’s First Alumnus President
by Tad Lichtenauer • April 2007
2006 Order of Achievement recipient Jim Abbott is the first University of South Dakota graduate and Lambda Chi Alpha alumnus to become president. Over the past decade, he has successfully implemented a long-range strategic plan and spearheaded a $130 million fund-raising campaign.
South Dakota State President
by Tad Lichtenauer • April 2007
On January 1, 2007, David Chicoine returned to his home state to become the 19th president of South Dakota State University. He also is an alumnus of the university and Lambda Chi Alpha chapter.
A Voice ‘Like a Horn’
by Tad Lichtenauer • March 2007
Frankie Laine, an honorary member of Lambda Chi Alpha and one of the most popular entertainers of the 1940s and 1950s, died February 6, 2007. He is perhaps best remembered by younger generations for his recordings of the theme to the hit TV Western “Rawhide” and the theme to Mel Brooks’ 1974 big-screen Western spoof “Blazing Saddles.”
Viacom MTV’s Gaming Guru
by Tad Lichtenauer • March 2007
Ken Ruck is the head of wireless and interactive for MTV Network Kids and Family Group. He is responsible for the wireless and interactive content for any brand or property within MTV Networks that targets children or families.
Hall of Fame Sportscaster
by Tad Lichtenauer • March 2007
A Michigan Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Ray Lane spent 40 memorable years as a play-by-play man and sports broadcaster. Lane’s broadcast career spans football, baseball, and basketball, plus he also spent several years as a TV sports anchor and sports director.
USAF Major General Retires
by Tad Lichtenauer • January 2007
Officially retired, Maj. Gen. Larry L. Twitchell most recently served as chief, U.S. Military Training Mission, U.S. Central Command, Saudi Arabia, and as the U.S. Defense Department Representative to Saudi Arabia. In these roles, he represented the U.S. government and Saudi Arabian defense interests for military sales and the coordination of administrative and security matters.
International Art Dealer
by Tad Lichtenauer • January 2007
Since opening his new gallery in May 2005, Kenny Goss has received international media acclaim. His current exhibition centers around world peace and showcases the piano John Lennon used to write “Imagine.”
MLB and NFL Announcer Josh Lewin
by Tad Lichtenauer • December 2006
All Josh Lewin 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.
Top Military Adviser
by Tad Lichtenauer • November 2006
Maj. Gen. Vern M. “Rusty” Findley II is director, strategy, plans, and policy for U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. He is responsible for the U.S. military’s strategic activities in 27 countries, including both Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Passion for Politics and Subs
by Tad Lichtenauer • November 2006
Jay Love serves in the Alabama House of Representatives while also successfully managing 16 Subway restaurants in Montgomery, Alabama. He says Lambda Chi and politics have similarities.
Lance Krall Is Not Your Average Joe
by Tad Lichtenauer • October 2006
With acting roles on NBC’s “The Office” and “The Joe Schmo Show,” Lance Krall is just getting started. He is also a successful writer, director, producer, and recently finished a new pilot for ABC TV.
Reinventing the Pen
by Tad Lichtenauer • September 2006
It took 15 years, but two brothers finally got the ergonomically-designed PenAgain successfully launched. Together, they are reinveting the way people write.
A Shriners Legend Retires
by Tad Lichtenauer • August 2006
As one of the driving forces of the Shrine for the past 40 years, Executive Vice President Charlie Cumpstone will be missed. His achievements, influence, and good humor will continue to be felt for many years to come.
NBC Talent Executive
by Tad Lichtenauer • July 2006
Ross Mark is the talent executive for NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Usually behind the scenes for Jay Leno, Mark is now in front of the camera for “Last Comic Standing.”
A Fascinating Ride
by Tad Lichtenauer • June 2006
In 2005, under the leadership of CEO and Chairman Nicholas Chabraja, General Dynamics had more than $21 billion in revenue and was ranked No. 100 on the current Fortune 500 list. With more than 72,000 employees, the company is known worldwide as a leader in the aerospace and defense industries.
Living Your Dream
by Tad Lichtenauer • June 2006
Though you will find Brendan Harris listed on the Washington Nationals’ 40-man roster, he spends most of his time as a starting player for the Nationals’ Triple-A team, the New Orleans Zephyrs. A versatile athlete, Harris continues to dream Big.
