Cross & Crescent
October 2014 . ISSUE 07
FROM THE EDITOR In this issue of the Cross & Crescent, you will notice Kyle Jones’ (Montevallo 2013) byline on four different articles. On Sept. 1, 2014, we were very fortunate to hire Kyle as our second associate director of communications, and he went right to work. Kyle earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Montevallo in Alabama. Shortly after graduation, he relocated to Ashland, Wis. after being hired as copy editor and staff writer with The Daily Press. A few months into working with the Press he took on the responsibilities of assistant editor. As an undergraduate at Montevallo, Kyle served as social chairman and High Rho for our SigmaEpsilon chapter. He also served as the Sergeant-at-Arms, served on various committees and was an IFC representative. In addition, he served as the founder of The Falcon, an online university newspaper, and as assistant editor of the university’s newspaper The Alabamian from 2012-2013. In our October issue, Kyle writes about an 87-year-old Cornell alum; a Stetson alum who is both a lawyer and a comic book writer; the upcoming chartering of the Theta-Gamma colony at Rollins College, a new fraternity consortium to fight hazing, alcohol abuse and sexual assault; and the fall kickoff of the Educational Foundation’s Mentor Academy.
Tad Lichtenauer Director of Communications/IT (317) 803-7322 tlichtenauer@lambdachi.org
Together with our other talented associate director of communications, Andrew Talevich (Washington State 2011), who has a journalism degree from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University, we now have a sharp pair of communication professionals who are eager to tell your stories. Andrew recently attended the Sigma-Nu chartering banquet at Texas Tech University and writes about his experience in this month’s issue. If you have any suggestions or story ideas, please send them to Kyle at kjones@lambdachi.org or to Andrew at atalevich@lambdachi.org. In ZAX & friendship,
Tad Lichtenauer Editor, Cross & Crescent Magazine
Cross & Crescent
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YOUR ONLINE SOURCE FOR ALL LAMBDA CHI ALPHA NEWS OCT. 2014 ISSUE 07
Features 11 Departments Chapter News
1
Chapter news, alumni news and reports of death.
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Fraternity News
Lambda Chi Alpha helps form group to address sexual misconduct; hazing
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Fraternity News
Kansas City to host first Mentor Academy
87-YEAR-OLD CORNELL ALUMNI BROTHER BIKES 300 MILES FOR LITERACY Since taking up bicycling in the early 1980s, eighty-seven year old Bob McKinless (Cornell 1948) has always dreamed of taking a threegenerational ride with his son and grandson. By Kyle Jones (Montevallo)
13 AN UNLIKELY HERO JOINS OUR RANKS John Crowther (Stetson 1993), creator and writer of upcoming superhero comic series Rochelle the Teen Cockroach, is an attorney by day and a crime fighter scribe by night. By Kyle Jones (Montevallo)
CREDITS
Publisher: Bill Farkas anaging Editor: Tad Lichtenauer M Assistant Editors: Andrew Talevich Kyle Jones Layout & Design: Ethan Gassner Photographer: Walt Moser Research: Jon Williamson Copy Editors: Jono Hren Bob McLaughlin
CONTRIBUTIONS
Content for consideration should be submitted by the 25th of the month (except Aug/Jan) Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity 11711 N. Pennslyvania St. Ste. 250 Carmel, IN 46032-6959 (317) 872-8000 editor@lambdachi.org www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
15 LAMBDA CHI’S NEWEST RE-CHARTER: SIGMA -NU ZETA Sigma-Nu Zeta at Texas Tech University becomes a Lambda Chi chapter after a two year expansion and recolonization process. By Andrew Talevich (Washington State)
17 AFTER 40 YEARS, LAMBDA CHI RETURNS TO ROLLINS COLLEGE After 43 years of disassociation, and a recent re-colonization, Rollins College now gears up for its upcoming chartering banquet.
Kyle Jones (Montevallo)
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news and reports of death
American (Pi-Omicron)
Butler (Alpha-Alpha)
The chapter received a $500 prize for winning the Greek Challenge, which recognizes the top Greek organization that supported the 2013-2014 athletic teams.
The chapter hosted its annual Watermelon Bust, raising approximately $5,000 for charity. The chapter placed third overall for the homecoming competition.
The chapter hosted its inaugural Watermelon Smash, benefiting People Against Rape Culture. All proceeds will benefit this Washington, D.C., organization.
California-Los Angeles (Epsilon-Sigma)
Bowling Green State (Phi-Mu)
Alumni brothers and undergraduate brothers attended Bruin Woods, UCLA’s family summer camp at Lake Arrowhead. The four undergraduate brothers also served as staff members as part of the chapter’s longstanding tradition of service with the camp.
The chapter added 12 associate members. The chapter house was torn down to make room for the university’s $30 million Greek Housing Project.
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news and reports of death
Cincinnati (Gamma-Gamma)
in renovations will complete the conversion of the house to the more popular suite-style living quarters, conduct a total renovation of the electrical, plumbing, and heating infrastructure, provide a modernized kitchen and dining room along with the addition of exciting new functional spaces including an electronic learning center, a reading room, an exercise center, and additional bathrooms. The alumni hope that enough funding will be generated to allow for the reintroduction of the traditional old wooden central staircase that was part of the original design of the building. Any interested Omicron alumni who have not yet made a pledge to the campaign may do so by contacting Sandy Gilbert at sandem133@aol.com.
Delaware (Lambda-Beta) The chapter added 23 associate members. At this year’s homecoming, the chapter float won an award for Best Theme.
On Sept. 19, 2014, the chapter added 14 associate members. On Sept. 27, 2014, chapter brothers participated in the Sheldon Shuffle 5k Run/Walk to benefit the ECC Music Therapy Program.
Cornell (Omicron)
On Sept. 29, 2014, the chapter hosted its inaugural Watermelon Bash with the women of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Canned food collections were donated to a local food bank affiliated with Feeding America.
To accommodate the renovations to the chapter house, the chapter brothers moved into temporary housing at the vacant Zeta Beta Tau house across the campus. The $2.5 million
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news and reports of death
Eastern Kentucky (Phi-Beta)
Elmhurst (Pi-Zeta) At its 2014 Watermelon Bust on Sept. 11, Pi-Zeta Zeta raised $550 for the Elmhurst/Yorkfield Food Pantry’s capital campaign to build new facilities. Twelve teams participated in the event, all representing different campus organizations. The chapter also hosted its fall recruitment week from Sept. 15 to 19. On Sept. 28, Pi-Zeta held its Fall Associate Member Ceremony for 26 new members, who become the chapter’s largest associate member class in its history.
Eureka (Theta-Chi)
On Sept. 11, 2014, chapter members participated in a 126-story stair climb to honor the fallen heroes who gave their lives helping others in the World Trade Centers.
The chapter held a charity car bash, raising money for the Heart House in Eureka, Illinois.
Florida (Epsilon-Mu) Matthew Troy (2005) became board certified by the Florida Bar as specialist in workers’ compensation. Board certification requires practice of law for at least five years along with substantial involvement in the specialty of workers’ compensation law. It also requires handling of at least 25 contested workers’ compensation cases, 45 hours of continuing legal education, peer review, and passage of a written
Edinboro (Beta-Delta) The chapter added 14 associate members. Initiation is scheduled for Oct. 17, 2014, at First United Presbyterian church in Edinboro, Pennsylvania.
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news and reports of death
examination. Troy is an associate at the firm of Hurley, Rogner, Miller, Cox, Waranch & Westcott in Winter Park, Florida.
Georgia Tech (Beta-Kappa) The Beta Kappa Zeta Scholarship Endowment awarded its first scholarship in August to Lee Hagood-James (2016) from Orlando, Florida, by presenting him with their inaugural Academic Excellence Scholarship in the amount of $1,500. He is pursuing a double major in mechanical and electrical engineering, and currently maintains a 4.0 GPA while serving the chapter as the scholarship chairman.
Florida State (Zeta-Rho)
Illinois (Chi)
Educational Foundation Board Member Steve Pattison and more than 30 other alumni brothers gathered in Dallas to attend the Florida State University versus University of Oklahoma football game.
George Washington (Delta-Xi) The chapter added 13 associate members.
Georgetown (Kappa-Omega) On Sept. 19-21, 2014, approximately 150 alumni and chapter brothers attended an all-class reunion. The chapter added 15 associate members.
Indiana (Alpha-Omicron) On Sept. 20, 2014, chapter members picked up trash as part of their newly adopted highway project along Interstate 25 in Scott County, Ken.
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Charles H. Brownell (1960) died June 19, 2014. He was the CEO and founder of the Charden Co. in Troy, Michigan.
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news and reports of death
Indiana State (Iota-Epsilon)
Dr. Joe Wittmer (1960) died August 2014. He taught in the Fort Wayne, Indiana, public schools from 1960 to 1966. He then returned to Indiana State University and earned a doctorate in counseling psychology in 1968. He was a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of counseling at the University of Florida. He worked in the Counselor Education Department for 37 years, including being department chair for 18 years. He authored or co-authored 10 textbooks and published more than 75 articles in professional journals. His many professional awards include being named the second American recipient of an Honorary Professorship of Psychology Award at the Universidad del Valle in Cali, Colombia, South America.
On Aug. 2, 2014, more than 50 alumni and undergraduate brothers participated in a golf outing.
Johnson & Wales-Charlotte (Colony) The colony added 31 associate members.
The chapter added 10 associate members who will be initiated Nov. 15, 2014. Kurt Darling was nominated among the top four in the nation for best sports reporting through the College Broadcasters, Inc. Colt Barker organized the first mobile voter registration drive to register students to vote in Vigo County, Indiana. Brian Peterson received the Kemper Foundation Scholarship.
Seth Brode received the inaugural Bruce Moffett Scholarship, which goes out to one student on campus with an exemplary academic record and who shows great promise for the future.
Clifford E. Sedam died Aug. 29, 2014. He was a life-long teacher and football coach. www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news and reports of death
Miami-OH (Zeta-Upsilon)
The colony held rafting and hiking events and ran an obstacle course as part of their team building.
Al Schweizer (1966) was elected president of the Virginia Association of Museums. He is the site manager at the Children’s Museum of Virginia and has been in the museum field for 16 years.
The colony helped the local blood drive, which collected 60 units of blood.
Maryland (Epsilon-Pi)
Michigan State (Gamma-Omicron)
Richard G. Cole died Sept. 13, 2014.
The chapter added 15 associate members.
Memphis (Zeta-Theta)
Mississippi State (Epsilon-Chi)
The chapter added 32 associate members. The chapter held its Watermelon Bust on Sept. 27, 2014. The event benefits Feeding America, and the chapter’s goal was to raise 100,000 pounds of food. The chapter held an alumni banquet to celebrate its 65th anniversary at the University of Memphis.
Methodist (Sigma-Theta) To support Feeding America, the chapter held Watermelon Fest that included event competition between sororities. The week ended with Kappa Delta sorority winning the competition and more than 107,800 pounds of food donated to the local Church of God. The chapter recognizes Vice President Austin Harris for his leadership in organizing the events throughout the week.
North Florida (Delta-Alpha) Josh Lobs (1998) has released his first book, “COMPETE! Increase Sales by Competing with Confidence.” After 16 years in various sales and sales leadership roles, Lobs has focused his career on motivating and inspiring sales professionals through engaging keynotes and sales seminars.
The chapter added 10 associate members. Chapter members participated in Cardboard City to raise awareness for the homeless. Chapter members participated in the Adopt-a-Highway program as well as Pet Smart’s puppy adoptions. www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
North Carolina State (Gamma-Upsilon)
Richmond (Alpha-Chi)
W. Gordon Cole (1971) died Sept. 26, 2014. He began his real estate career as a commercial mortgage banker in 1971 at Stockton, White and Co., where he was vice president and lender. Cole left in 1976 to join John McCracken and Associates as a commercial real estate appraiser, earned the designation of MAI, and gained significant expertise in eminent domain evaluation. He also was the president of the N.C. Appraisal Institute and a faculty member of the N.C. Realtors Institute.
Old Dominion (Sigma-Iota) The chapter is raising funds for Feeding America through its online food drive. They hope to raise $2,000 by Nov. 13, 2014.
The chapter held its annual Watermelon Bash, raising enough funds to supply 1,700 meals to local food banks. Members from each sorority on campus, as well as other student groups, formed teams and competed in various watermelon-related activities such as watermelon toss, a watermelon eating contest, a seed spit, and of course a watermelon bashing station.
Pennsylvania (Epsilon) Lewis Ellis was the host of PennApps, one of the largest hackathons in the country. At the event, Kevin Huo helped create the hack, Watch My Step. His team won Best Healthcare Hack, Most Creative Hack and Best Hack for Electronic Medical Records. Inghu Siddarthan was certified as a Pennsylvania and National Registry Emergency medical technician. The chapter added three associate members.
Shepherd (Phi-Iota)
Daniel M. Barton (1952) died Aug. 21, 2014. While a student, he attended a tea dance at the Lambda Chi Alpha house in Philadelphia and met Patricia, the love of his life. This past May they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. After graduation, Barton enlisted in the Air Force and served in Japan during the Korean War. After the war he worked for Getty Oil Co. in New York City. In 1977, after Getty’s merger with Skelly Oil Co., he moved his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma, coming back full circle to his birthplace. He worked for Getty for 28 years and retired in 1986.
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On Sept. 13, 2014, the chapter held its inaugural Watermelon Bust, raising money the Jefferson County Community Ministries local food bank.
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Sewanee (Iota-Nu)
South Carolina-Aiken (Pi-Alpha)
The chapter added seven associate members.
The chapter held its annual Watermelon Bust, raising more than 1,000 pounds of food for Golden Harvest Food Bank. The chapter added nine associate members.
South Carolina (Epsilon-Psi)
Southern Methodist (Gamma-Sigma)
The chapter added 35 associate members, raising the chapter’s total undergraduate membership to 92. The brothers with the highest GPAs last semester were honored for their academic achievements at the Sigma Dinner. From left to right are Bruce Bott, Matt Means, Zach Lundberg, Tim Daly, Bryan Begane, Patrick Taylor, Faculty Advisor John Grady, Conor Myers, Rob Peters, Paul Seabrook, Nick Hall, Christian Styles and Scholarship Chairman Ryan West.
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Chapter members moved into a newly-refurbished chapter house. Any alumni brothers in the Dallas area who are interested in visiting may contact Alumni Chairman Cole Morgan at cpmorgan@smu.edu. The chapter awarded the inaugural Man of Substance Award, a
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Virginia Commonwealth (Colony)
scholarship for incoming male freshman. Freshmen were asked to write an essay about how they have displayed the core values of Lambda Chi Alpha in their daily lives. The scholarship winners were Tyler Jones, Kirk Presley and Tyler Roberts. Tyler Jones is pictured (center) with chapter President JB Stockslager (left) and Recruitment Chairman Grant Optican (right).
Tennessee (Epsilon-Omicron)
On Sept. 21, 2014, the colony held an Associate Member Ceremony for eight new members. The colony will host its chartering banquet on Oct. 18, 2014.
The chapter collected more than 1,100 pounds of food in five hours during one football weekend.
Wabash (Alpha-Kappa)
Texas Christian (Iota-Pi) On Sept. 24, 2014, the chapter held an Associate Member Ceremony for 36 new members.
Valparaiso (Iota-Sigma)
On Sept. 13, 2014, the chapter hosted a wiffleball tournament with six teams. The charity event raised more than $200 for Feeding America. Kevin Goldner received a scholarship package from the Indiana Department of Transportation. This award provides an internship, a job offer and college scholarship money.
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Ron Sexton, a member of Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Penny Seats performers, is helping to present the musical revue Tomfoolery, celebrating the words and music of satirist, mathematician, and cult favorite Tom Lehrer. The show will be performed Oct. 2, 9, 16 and 23, at Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in Ann Arbor.
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CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Western Ontario (Delta-Eta)
Wittenberg (Nu-Zeta) The chapter added two associate members. The chapter maintained the second-highest fraternity GPA on campus.
The chapter held its inaugural Watermelon Bust, raising more than 6,300 pounds for the local London Food Bank.
Wisconsin-Whitewater (Lambda-Iota The chapter added four associate members: Chris Miller, Kevin Adams, Josh Gerhard and Brayden Mitchell.
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FEATURE
87-Year-Old Cornell alumni brother bikes 300 miles for literacy Since taking up bicycling in the early 1980s, eighty-seven year old Bob McKinless (Cornell 1948) has always dreamed of taking a three-generational ride with his son and grandson. By Kyle Jones (Montevallo)
“(Rich) was planning to do it by himself if necessary because there was no way I could handle that anymore,” s aid McKinless. Luckily, McKinless’ grandson stepped in after finishing his medical residency.
“We were always fans of Lewis and Clark and their trip across the country,” said McKinless.
S
“So we got out the maps and decided to take the route of their return trip.” ince taking up bicycling in the early 1980s, eighty-
seven year old Bob McKinless (Cornell 1948) has always
The original plan was to meet his son and grandson in Bismarck, N.D., and bike the 210 miles en route to Pierre, S.D.
dreamed of taking a three-generational bicycle ride with his son and grandson.
“I looked for the flattest route,”
McKinless finally got his chance this summer when his son, Rich McKinless, embarked on a journey across the country with grandson Chris in an effort to raise money for literacy.
“Unfortunately, they got four days ahead of schedule so I had to join them in Pierre and ride to Sioux City, Iowa.”
“It was something my son has always wanted to do,” said McKinless.
His new route would add another 100 miles to what he had initially set out to do.
McKinless explained that throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s he and Rich completed dozens of cross-state rides and that a crosscountry trip was always on their minds.
McKinless explained that most of the trip was spent riding by himself since his son and grandson had to keep a pace of at least 65 miles a day.
McKinless admitted with a laugh.
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FEATURE
“My daughter-in-law was driving along with us in a van and would pick me up and take me to a thirty mile or so segment each day,” said McKinless.
“She could find me with her iPhone and I’d just tell her to expect me at point B at a certain time.” McKinless said that the highlight of his trek came when it worked out that he and his family were going to be able to match their paces on a 27-mile stretch from Yankton to Vermillion, S.D., the home of the University of South Dakota (USD) and the Alpha-Gamma Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha. McKinless, who is an active part of the Washington, D.C., area alumni group, has made it a priority in his life and his travels to keep a connection to the brotherhood wherever he may be.
“Cornell has a program for government students and many Lambda Chi brothers have been a part of it, so we make it a point to get to know them and offer support,” said McKinless. During his visit to Vermillion, McKinless stopped by the USD Lambda Chi house, where he found a dozen or so brothers preparing their house for rush. He and the chapter swapped stories and talked about their chapter’s recent or upcoming centennials.
It doesn’t just stop there for the Cornell alum. He’s also made the famed RAGBRAI ride across Iowa with chapter brother Tim Rogan (Cornell 1981), crossed the Natchez Trace with another and even topped mountains overseas, all while making stops at whatever chapter house might be closest.
“When I go on trips, I like to keep getting to know people and I make it a point to look for a Lambda Chi house to visit,” said McKinless. Through his bike riding and connection to Lambda Chi Alpha, McKinless added,
“I have friends of multiple ages because of this; and through visiting these houses, it has been a source of renewal for me. I’ve made new friendships and found plenty with which to share mutual interests even to this day.” Though McKinless admits his son does not share his affinity for
“I have enjoyed introducing my son to my Lambda Chi brothers. He’s definitely met a lot of my favorite young people.”
Greek life, he said that,
To aide McKinless’ son Rich and to help him meet his donation goal of $100,000, please visit biking-for-books.org. For every $10 donation, four books will find their way to underprivileged children.
“The chapter was very very welcoming,” McKinless added.
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FEATURE
An unlikely hero joins our ranks John Crowther (Stetson 1993), creator and writer of upcoming superhero comic series Rochelle the Teen Cockroach, is an attorney by day and a crime fighter scribe by night. By Kyle Jones (Montevallo)
M
ove over Dick Tracy, you’re not the only comic
hero with a connection to Lambda Chi Alpha anymore.
University in 1993 and then continued on to earn a law degree from their law school. It was from his time there with
John Crowther (Stetson 1993), creator and writer of upcoming superhero comic series Rochelle the Teen Cockroach, is an attorney by day and a crime fighter scribe by night.
the Zeta-Tau chapter that Crowther says he drew inspiration later in his life.
“I have always wanted to write,” says Crowther,
“and as I hit my early 40s the urge to step out and try something new kept growing, so I said ‘What the heck, why not give it a shot.’” Crowther then got to work on creating the world’s first female cockroach super-heroine.
But why a roach? “Most people think of cockroaches as the most detested creatures on the planet,”
says Crowther.
“I thought it would be interesting to take something that’s looked down on and show that just because it’s different doesn’t make it bad. It’s important to accept people and things for what and who they are, and a big part of that I learned from Lambda Chi.”
“There was amazing diversity in our chapter. Being that young, and learning that so many of us are different but that we can come together and see how much alike we are, only to become brothers in the truest sense of the word, was really fulfilling,”
he said.
After taking a gamble and recruiting accomplished artist and animator Dell Barras, whose 30 year portfolio includes work for Marvel and DC, Crowther’s creation will find itself in print in early 2015. Published by AC Comics, Rochelle the Teen Cockroach will make her debut in a special flip-cover of Femforce #170, the longest-running female superhero team ever. To pre-order a copy of Rochelle the Teen Cockroach, you may visit accomics.com or place an order wherever comics are sold. For more information on Crowther and his creation, please visit www.facebook.com/RochelleComic2014
Crowther finished his undergraduate work at Stetson
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FEATURE
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FEATURE
Lambda Chi’s newest re-charter: Sigma-Nu Zeta Sigma-Nu Zeta at Texas Tech University once again becomes a chapter of Lambda Chi after a two year expansion and recolonization process. By Andrew Talevich (Washington State)
On Saturday, Sept. 20, Sigma-Nu Zeta officially received their charter during a chartering banquet in Lubbock, Texas, making them an official chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha.
1987) the chapter’s alumnus advisor, served as the master of ceremonies. Close to 75 undergraduates, guests and alumni were in attendance.
The chartering banquet featured speakers from the chapter, the chapter’s alumni, the International Headquarters staff and the Grand High Zeta. Mark Tatkenhorst (Texas Tech www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
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From Colony to Chapter
The chartering banquet was a celebration of the successful recolonization efforts that led to Sigma-Nu Zeta regaining their charter. Originally established in 1976, the chapter had initiated 342 men by the time it closed in 2000 and was then dormant until recolonization. Recolonization efforts began in the fall of 2012 and since then the chapter has initiated more than 53 men and brought in 19 associate members.
Celebrating the Charter
During the chartering banquet, Erik Silvola (Florida Southern 2012) spoke about his experience as an educational leadership consultant for the Professional Staff and his early efforts at recruiting men to join the newly formed colony. He shared stories about several of the first members to join the colony. Nick Ludwig (Coe 2011), a former staff member of Lambda Chi Alpha, was also present on Texas Tech’s campus during the first weeks of the colony and worked with Silvola. In his speech he quoted from former Executive Director George Spasyk’s article, “On Watering Horses,” from his collection Reflections.
Brian McCourt (Texas Tech 1991) spoke about how proud the alumni are of the undergraduates’ efforts in reestablishing the Sigma-Nu chapter. He also said the chartering is a gift that the undergraduates have provided to the alumni and to future members of Lambda Chi Alpha. Like any gift, the charter is a valuable asset that must be protected, he said.
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The highlight of the night came when Grand High Beta Rodger Lalli (Oklahoma HON) presented the chapter with its charter. Lalli spoke about how the chapter will need to come together to “pull the rope” and how every man must continue to lead the chapter in a positive direction. Lalli concluded his address by reading the names of the 65 founding members who are listed on the charter itself. The banquet also featured a tribute to John Gezelius (California–Berkeley 1978) who served as an alumnus advisor for the Texas Tech chapter in the 1980s. Gezelius, who played a role in the reestablished colony’s first initiation in the fall of 2012, died earlier this year.
Upcoming Charterings
The Sigma-Nu chapter of Texas Tech is the first of five chapters slated to receive their charters this fall. The remaining four colonies are at Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., Virginia Commonwealth University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio.
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FEATURE
After 40 years, Lambda Chi returns to Rollins College After 43 years of disassociation, and a recent re-colonization, Rollins College now gears up for its upcoming chartering banquet. By Kyle Jones (Montevallo)
Up until 2011, Lambda Chi Alpha has been notably absent from the Rollins College campus. The former chapter at Rollins, which disassociated in 1971 to pursue a local experience, has ties to one of the General Fraternity’s greatest accomplishments because it was one of the first three to cross over during the merger with Theta Kappa Nu in 1939. Now, after 43 years of disassociation and its recent re-colonization, our Rollins College organization gears up for its upcoming chartering banquet. www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent
Professional staff member Joe Citro, who is assisting the colony in planning the banquet, said of the men of Rollins,
“It has been a privilege to watch them grow over the past few years. The men are eager and excited and have been waiting for this day for a long time. Their drive, commitment, and dedication in overcoming obstacles are a true testament to their colony.” Current colony president Armando Santin explains that trying to build credibility at a tiny school with a well established Greek system was difficult. “Luckily our alumni support really helped us, and the Beta-Eta chapter
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The colony, which now stands at 32 members, saw their biggest success last spring when they recruited an associate member class of 22 men, the largest numbers on campus for a fraternity.
“When I visited the colony in the spring of 2014 the men had a high level of motivation; the colony members had really come together,” said Education Curriculum Specialist for Lambda Chi Alpha Christopher Buck (Ball State).
“They worked hard to ensure they were meeting every standard required for chartering.” On Oct. 17 the Rollins Colony will again become ThetaGamma Zeta when they are presented their charter from the General Fraternity. Speakers at the event will include Lambda Chi Alpha CEO Bill Farkas and former Grand High Alpha Marty Smith.
(University of Central Florida) took time to assist as well. Without their help I don’t know if our path would have been the same.”
For more information about the colony and how to attended the event please visit www.rollinslca.org.
Santin and his colony brothers have worked hard over the past three years to establish a small brotherhood with a strong sense of ritualism.
“The founding class was privileged with this experience. When you go through this degree of hardship you really get to know people’s true character; we really had to work for what we wanted to get. That experience has really brought us a lot closer.” They also had solid alumni backing and financial assistance, but when it came to numbers found it hard until recently to meet Lambda Chi Alpha standards.
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FRATERNITY NEWS
Lambda Chi Alpha helps form group to address sexual misconduct; hazing Fraternal Health and Safety Initiative takes immediate action on college campuses nationwide to address sexual misconduct, hazing, and binge-drinking.
Lambda Chi Alpha, along with seven other international and national fraternity clients of James R. Favor & Company (JRFCo), announced on Sept. 23 the formation of a consortium to implement the Fraternal Health & Safety Initiative (FHSI) that fights the most pressing social issues facing college campuses today: sexual and relationship misconduct, bingedrinking and hazing. Through the FHSI and beginning in the 20142015 school year the consortium members will take immediate action to educate the undergraduate members of their fraternities to prevent, identify and intervene against these behaviors. Beginning this fall, the Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Alpha Mu, Sigma Chi, Tau Kappa Epsilon and Triangle fraternities will begin to expose their undergraduate members to three unique research-based curriculums focused on the dangerous behaviors college-aged men are at increased risk of exhibiting. In the first year alone the consortium is expected to reach more than 35,000 undergraduate students on more than 350 college campuses. “The FHSI consortium represents the first time a group of fraternal organizations is uniting to tackle these societal issues head on,” said Marc Mores, executive vice president of JRFCo. “As organizations rooted in the principles of leadership and integrity, we share a mission and responsibility to take charge of the health and well-being of our members and their college communities. Powered by our curriculums, ongoing prevention efforts, and the collective strength of the consortium, we believe the young men of these eight
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FRATERNITY NEWS
OUR CHAPTERS CAN TAKE EVEN GREATER LEADERSHIP BY EDUCATING THEIR OWN MEMBERS ON THESE CRITICAL ISSUES fraternities can be catalysts for the changes needed to create safer campus environments.” Under the guidance of an advisory council comprised of industry experts, academic researchers and campusbased professionals, JRFCo developed three trainer-led program modules, each focused heavily on bystander intervention to help empower students to recognize, diagnose and most importantly, intervene in potentially harmful situations. Each module also emphasizes informed decision-making and evaluation of risks/consequences, and challenges undergraduates to rethink their actions through the lens of their organization’s values. By forming a consortium and implementing the FHSI, Lambda Chi Alpha and its seven other fraternal colleagues represent a united front and leverage the powerful influence of peer groups (1). The FHSI training modules are also designed to help empower members to be change agents in their communities. Fraternity members often serve in leadership positions for other organizations
on campus, making them the ideal catalysts for holistic change. “I am thrilled to see Lambda Chi Alpha joining seven other fraternities to tackle these critical issues head on,” said former President of Lambda Chi Alpha Drew Hunter, who also oversaw the programming creation for FHSI. “Lambda Chi Alpha has long been a leader in the fraternity world and is recognized as the first major fraternity to address hazing. Four decades ago the fraternity implemented equal rights for new members through an Associate Member status, our industry-leading proactive approach to harm reduction practices. “Now through the FHSI Initiative, our chapters can take even greater leadership by educating their own members on these critical issues and by helping to foster better campus environments with other fraternity chapters at the same time,” Hunter added.
programming and will be reinforced by advisors, alumni, and staff members of Lambda Chi Alpha in accordance with its guidelines and policies. Strict criteria for implementation and for the measurement of learning outcomes will be upheld by JRFCo and the leaders of the FHSI. For more information about the Fraternal Health and Safety Initiative you may visit http://FHSI.jrfco.com. For more information about James R. Favor & Company please visit www. jrfco.com. (1) A Systematic Qualitative Review of Risk and Protective Factors for Sexual Violence Perpetration. Trauma Violence Abuse 2013 Apr 27;14 (2):133-67. Epub 2012 Dec 27. By Andra Teten Tharp, Sarah DeGue, Linda Anne Valle, Kathryn A Brookmeyer, Greta M Massetti and Jennifer L Matjasko
Completion of the FHSI curriculum will serve as the basis for ongoing
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Cross & Crescent October 2014
FRATERNITY NEWS
Kansas City to host first Mentor Academy
A new initiative from the Educational Foundation is pairing collegians and alumni together to develop personal and professional mentoring relationships.
By Kyle Jones (Montevallo)
A new initiative from the Educational Foundation is pairing collegians with alumni to develop personal and professional mentoring relationships. The mentor program, named for Joseph T. Charles, aims to harness the vast knowledge and experience of more than 180,000 living alumni and to pair them with junior and senior-level college members.
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“This opportunity allows alumni and collegiate members to remain involved and connect with brothers in a new and meaningful way,� explains Allen Horton, associate director of educational mentoring and alumni. It will bring alumni and actives together this fall in at least four different cities across the U.S. including Kansas City, Washington D.C., Orlando and Indianapolis.
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Cross & Crescent October 2013 2014
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FRATERNITY NEWS
The first, which takes place in Kansas City, Missouri, on Oct. 4 will deliver values-based activities that support, link and network collegians with alumni to further a collegiate brother’s growth academically, personally and professionally.
Through Mentor Academy, collegians will become more competitive and effective job seeking candidates, will
learn how to translate the Lambda Chi experience into preparation for the real world, and will establish relationships for personal growth, resume building and interviewing.
campus and will be held in Haag Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The deadline for registration is Oct. 1. The event is offered at no charge to those attending.
Alumni members will have the opportunity to grow closer to the General Fraternity and its members by means of a program that allows them to give back in a meaningful way.
To become a mentor or mentee, or to register for any of the other events, please log on to mylca.lambdachi.org.
The Kansas City Mentoring Academy will take place on Oct. 4 on the University of Missouri-Kansas City
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For questions or more information please contact AHorton@lambdachi. org
Cross Cross && Crescent Crescent October October 2013 2014