February 2012 Cross & Crescent

February 2012 . Issue 01

Cross & Crescent

FROM THE EDITOR As you can see from the symbol on this month’s cover, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity is celebrating a milestone in 2012: 40 years of associate membership.

Thanks to the vision of former Executive Vice President George Spasyk (Michigan 1949), our Fraternity made the bold decision four decades ago to offer a different experience for new members – one of equality.

Beginning in 1970, college men no longer “pledged” Lambda Chi, they “joined” us. To this day, we have a zero tolerance policy with regard to hazing, “hazing-light,” or any other form of demeaning behavior between initiated brothers and associate members.

Tad Lichtenauer Director of Communications/IT (317) 803-7322 tlichtenauer@lambdachi.org

Associate members have the same rights and privileges, except for voting on those matters concerned with Initiation and the Initiation Ritual.

To better educate you and remind our chapters about this important anniversary, we have provided a few resources on our website. One of the most notable ones is Spasyk’s article from the February 1970 Cross & Crescent, “Pledges–Who Needs Them?”

This article explains the basis for associate membership and why we evolved our curriculum and leadership development to be based on fraternity education and never pledge training.

In ZAX and friendship, Tad Lichtenauer Managing Editor Cross & Crescent Magazine

Cross & Crescent

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YOUR ONLINE SOURCE FOR ALL LAMBDA CHI ALPHA NEWS February 2012 ISSUE 01

Features 16

Departments 1

Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death.

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Fraternity News

2011 Financial Recap

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TRUE Brother Lambda Chis Unite for Cancer-Stricken Brother

History The Friendship Pin: A Mystery Fit for Dick Tracy

ROAD ID CO-FOUNDER RELIES ON LAMBDA CHI VALUES Along with his father, Edward Wimmer (Georgetown 1999) co-founded Road ID, a company that makes identification items for athletes. His inspiration came after training for a marathon with his fellow Lambda Chi brothers.

By Andrew Talevich (Washington State 2011)

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A LIFETIME OF KNOWLEDGE After celebrating his hundredth birthday, Alpha-Chi alum Jim Mims visited the University of Richmond chapter to experience the latest Associate Member Ceremony. The visit came after a chance encounter with fellow Alpha-Chi alum, Dan Wilkins.

By Andrew Talevich (Washington State 2011)

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PHELAN LOOKS TO TRANSFORM THE GAME OF BASEBALL Grady Phelan (Tulsa 1980) created the first-ever baseball bat with an angled knob. His hope is that the bat will reduce injuries and become widely accepted in the game of baseball.

By Andrew Talevich (Washington State 2011) CREDITS

Publisher: Managing Editor: Assistant Editor: Layout & Design: Photographer:

Research:

Editors:

Bill Farkas Tad Lichtenauer Andrew Talevich Thomas Roberts Walt Moser Jon Williamson Jono Hren Bob McLaughlin

CONTRIBUTIONS Content for consideration should be submitted by the 28th of the month (except Aug/Jan) Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity 8741 Founders Rd Indianapolis, IN 46268-1338 (317) 872-8000 editor@lambdachi.org www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent

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COLBY REVISITED: THE RICH HISTORY OF ALPHA-RHO Before the Greek community at Colby College was shut down nearly three decades ago, the Alpha-Rho chapter initiated 1,076 men who enjoyed successes in scholarship, sports, and various clubs. We look back at their vibrant history and not-forgotten legacy.

By Jon Williamson (Maryland)

CHAPTER NEWS

Chapter News chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death

Akron (Gamma-Alpha)

Angelo State (Beta-Alpha)

The chapter held its first week of recruitment events.

The chapter earned the second highest fraternity GPA for the fall 2011 semester.

The chapter will host a Founders Day celebration on May 4, 2012.

Alberta (Epsilon-Rho)

The chapter hosted its winter fall formal at Zetner’s Daughter, a restaurant in San Angelo, Texas. Undergraduate brothers, alumni brothers, and their dates were in attendance.

The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for six brothers, including Daniel Vu, a brother with Down Syndrome.

He has proven that, even with a disability, he still embodies the values that Lambda Chi Alpha represents and he displayed a great deal of personal courage throughout the Initiation process.

The chapter held its annual awards ceremony and announced the new chapter officers for 2012.

The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 11 brothers on December 13, 2011.

The chapter earned a 3.0 GPA for the fall 2011 semester, which is a significant improvement from a 2.4 GPA last year.

Arizona State (Zeta-Psi)

Chapter President Kyle Brant was elected IFC president.

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On January 15, 2012, 40 chapter brothers volunteered at the annual Rock N Roll Marathon in Phoenix. All proceeds from this event benefited the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS).

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Cross & Crescent February 2012

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chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death Three chapter brothers also completed the full marathon.

gracious hosts, providing drinks, hors d’oeuvres, coffee, and cupcakes at their home, and arranged for both a luncheon at the Dolphin Yacht Club and a guided walking tour of Marblehead.

The brothers were reuniting after 20, 30, and even 48 years.

The chapter earned a 3.41 GPA for the fall 2011 semester, highest of any men’s fraternity on campus.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has appointed Paul F. Kelly (1966)to a second five-year term on the board of trustees at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Originally appointed in 2006

by Gov. Mitt Romney, Kelly serves as chairman of the board, having previously served as vice chairman, chairman of the finance committee, and trustee.

The chapter was recently named Chapter of the Week due to their outstanding service and representation of the Greek community.

The chapter began spring recruitment events, which included a suite at the Phoenix Suns Game, a wiffle-ball tournament, and a barbeque bonfire.

Cal State-Fresno (Iota-Gamma) Ronald E. Beers (1966) died December 6, 2011. He joined the California Highway Patrol in 1966, retiring as a sergeant in 1985.

Beers enjoyed a second career as a computer analyst and later a systems engineer for Modular Computer Systems, retiring from there in 2001. He was most recently employed at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Ontario, where he was also a member.

Auburn (Omega) James J. Baird Jr. (1954) died November 27, 2011. An Eagle Scout, he served as SGA president when an undergraduate at Auburn. Baird received a commission through Army ROTC and served on active duty at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, attaining the rank of first lieutenant. He was a long-time employee of Sullivan, Long & Haggerty in Bessemer and retired as president and CEO of Insituform in 1997, before moving to Auburn.

Cal State-Northridge (Beta-Rho) The chapter conducted an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 16 associate members on December 2, 2011.

Bowling Green State (Phi-Mu) On January 9, 2012, Anthony Snyder (1992), cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 3022, received the Cubmaster Award from the Bay-Lakes Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The award recognizes a cubmaster for an outstanding pack program, recruitment, and training over a two-year period. Snyder, a former Cub Scout, has served as a volunteer Scout leader since 2006, first as a den leader and now as a cubmaster.

After flooding concerns forced the university to close its fields for the weekend of the event, the chapter held its first Watermelon Bust on November 13, 2011, off-campus at the chapter’s residence. Four of the Panhellenic sororities participated and donated 349 pounds of food toward the chapter’s North American Food Drive charity.

About 876 pounds of food have been collected by the chapter to date.

Brown (Iota) Brothers from the class of 1963 gathered in Marblehead, Massachusetts, on August 10, 2011. In attendance were host John Arata, Steve Billey, Colby Cameron, Joe Fisler, Dave Plimpton, Len Ronnie, Bill Savicki, Nick Spiezio, Bob Tortolani, and Mike Whitworth. John Arata and his wife, Nancy Perkins, were most www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent

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On December 6, 2011, the chapter’s Housing Corporation held its annual meeting and banquet at the Golden Hunan Restaurant about a mile from Cal State Northridge. The event attracted 37 alumni, undergraduates, and affiliates.

Vietnam. He was an industrial engineer for Chrysler at its plant in Newark, Delaware. In 1970 he joined the family business of Upstream Farm in Easton, Pennsylvania, operating the dairy plant for many years. He was a Prudential Financial Representative in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, before retiring due to disabilities.

Central Florida (Beta-Eta)

Denison (Gamma-Iota)

The chapter held its spring recruitment. Events included having alumni brothers come to speak and to share their knowledge and love for Lambda Chi Alpha. The week began with a barbeque night that gave the chapter brothers the opportunity to show off the new improvements to the chapter house, which include a new basketball goal and a gravel parking lot.

The chapter participated in Feed the Dream, a food drive project put on by many organizations in the surrounding community of Granville, Ohio. The event raised more than 62,500 pounds of food in one day.

Darrel B. Crow (1977) died December 31, 2011. After high school he served in the U.S Army. Upon his return to civilian life he enrolled at the University of Central Florida. After graduation he was employed by TSA for the Department of Homeland Security and worked at the Orlando International Airport.

DePauw (Xi) The Rt. Rev. Elliott Lorenz Sorge (1951) died December 6, 2011.

A baseball letterman at DePauw, he deliberated between a career in baseball or the ministry, eventually following his calling for ministry by attending Seabury Western Theological Seminary where he received a Master of Divinity degree in 1954. He was ordained in the Diocese of North Dakota where he served in various rural congregations. Sorge was then asked to serve as missionary in the Episcopal Church in Brazil. He was elected Bishop of the South Central Diocese in Brazil on January 31, 1970. In 1977, upon returning to the United States, he was appointed Field Officer for the Development of the Ministry at the Episcopal Church in New York. He was elected Bishop of the Diocese of Easton, Maryland, in 1983 and served until his retirement in 1993. In 1994, he moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina. While there, he continued his ministries serving the Sand Hills Cluster until moving to Colorado in 2001.

Clemson (Delta-Omicron) Chapter brothers participated in Generations, a charity event that included playing games and enjoying other outdoor activities with underprivileged children.

With the help of the Salvation Army in Easley, South Carolina, the chapter adopted a family for this past Christmas and provided gifts to each family member.

Colorado State-Pueblo (Delta-Omega) Chris Turner received the William D. Alexander Pro Bono Leadership Award from the Colorado Supreme Court.

Drexel (Epsilon-Kappa Colony) The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 10 brothers.

Delaware (Lambda-Beta)

George Carey (1958) died May 14, 2011. He was president of the Ambler Rotary Club in 1979-1980. He also served as president of

Robert C. Starke (1966) died January 20, 2012. A chapter founding father, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in

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Eastern Illinois (Phi-Alpha)

the Wissahickon Valley Chamber of Commerce and as executive director, appointed in 1991. Along with his brother. John Carey (1961), he operated Boiler Erection & Repair Co., formerly of 200 South Main Street in Ambler, where he served as president until 1988. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Scottish Rite, Benjamin Franklin Consistory, and Lulu Temple Shrine.

Andrew Gonzalez was elected IFC president, the second year in a row a chapter brother has become the IFC president.

Derrick Eskra earned the EIU IFC Greek Scholar Scholarship, awarded to a person of great integrity and high academic standing.

Kevin Piket (1997) was promoted to equity partner/senior vice president of Chicagoland Market for Sales Integrity. Sales Integrity helps emerging growth companies increase sales and earn more money. He will be responsible for the Chicagoland Market’s sales and operations as well as Marketing for the entire company.

Lowell S. Mercer (1952) died June 28, 2011. He was employed as an electrical engineer at Delmarva Power for 37 years. Mercer also loved working on lighting stage shows for the Wilmington Drama League and the Brandywiners at Longwood Gardens.

He was a gifted musician and directed the choir at Mt. Lebanon UMC for 37 years. He then directed at Calvary Presbyterian for another eight years during his 20 year membership of that church community.

Michael D. Rockhold (1982) died January 5, 2012. He won management salesman award for three years in a row at Radio Shack. He worked as an accountant for 21 years at H&R Block.

Daniel V. Dalzell (1957) died October 9, 2011. He was a cooperative student at The Campbell Soup Co. from 1953 to 1957. In 1961 Dalzell was appointed a corporate planning analyst and then a senior corporate planning analyst. He became manager of corporate planning in 1969, and later assistant advertising manager of canned foods. Subsequently he became director of operations for the Restaurant Division, Eastern Region, developing the Hanover Trail Steak House Restaurants. After leaving Campbell Soup he managed operations for the Newstand Restaurants in Philadelphia. Later he was director of finance at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and then worked in the finance department at Archer & Greiner.

Eastern Iowa Alumni Association

Drury (Theta-Sigma) Austin Seaborn (2013) was featured in My Drury, a publication of Drury University that provides visitors and prospective students an overview of campus life. Video portions of the promotion were filmed in the Theta-Sigma chapter room.

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On December 8, 2012, the Eastern Iowa Alumni Association hosted the 2nd Annual Holiday Reception at Cedar Ridge Vineyards and Distillery. The event coordinators were Bob Freeman, Charlie Litow, and David Tominsky. The event decorations included a custom-made ice sculpture with purple and green decorations around it.

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chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death Canned Food Drive the week before Thanksgiving, collecting more than 400 cans and raising over $250.

Elmhurst (Pi-Zeta)

With 17 brothers agreeing to have their heads shaved, the colony raised nearly $1,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for childhood cancer as part of a campus fundraiser.

A chapter officer retreat was held on January 21, 2012, to discuss the new chapter Tactical Operations Guides & Assessments document.

Florida Southern (Epsilon-Xi)

Embry-Riddle (Sigma-Phi)

Ryan Buckley and Alex Charwin, two amatuer code crackers, have tackled the deciphering challenge thrown down by the famed British foreign intelligence service, MI-6. In less than 48 hours, they solved it. Buckley, a broadcast journalism major from Shoreham, New Yok, and Alex Charwin, an undeclared major from Cranbury, New Jersey, modestly say they are not particularly gifted at math or at solving puzzles. Rather, using teamwork, persistence and a lot of Internet research, they found the keys to solving the code.

Chapter President Austin Donohoe was highlighted in a Daytona newspaper article about Larsen Motorsports, where Donohoe is currently serving as an intern.

Evansville (Iota-Mu) The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 13 brothers. In addition, the chapter recruited two new associate members.

Lt. Col. (ret) Earl M. “Sam” Greene (1956) died November 20, 2011.

Chris Jensen was elected IFC vice president of operations.

Colin Gray was given the ESPN Student Athlete Award.

Florida Tech (Beta-Nu)

The chapter earned a 3.01 GPA for the fall 2011 semester, with several brothers making the Dean’s List.

The chapter donated almost 2,700 pounds of food to the South Brevard Sharing Center in conjunction with the North American Food Drive.

Florida Gulf Coast (Colony 292)

The chapter added three new associate members during spring recruitment.

Franklin (Kappa-Gamma) David M. Yohn died September 11, 2011. He was self-employed and owned Snack Techniques in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Reflecting his passion for British cars, Yohn was a member of the Philadelphia Area Lotus Society and Lotus Limited. He also enjoyed British Car Shows. He was a member and judge of the American Orchid Society in Washington, D.C.

The colony held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for the first Founding Fathers on November 5, 2011. The colony now has 40 brothers.

The chapter held an inaugural, and very successful Harvest

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chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death

Georgia Tech (Beta-Kappa)

Hanover (Theta-Zeta)

Brad Bauerkemper was named a finalist for Mr. Ga Tech at Homecoming. A former ritualist chairman, he is a FASET Leader and is very involved in other campus and fraternity activities.

FASET is the campus orientation program for new students.

The chapter traveled to the Gamma-Gamma chapter at the University of Cincinnati to conduct an Initiation Ritual Exemplification. Following the event, the Gamma-Gamma brothers thanked the Theta-Zeta chapter by hosting a breakfast.

The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 26 brothers. Total chapter membership is now at 100.

High Point (Iota-Phi)

Former Fraternity staff member Jim Latimer (1979) has launched his own coaching business, StrongStart Coaching.

In addition, he has joined the faculty of Coaching4Clergy, a rapidly growing organization dedicated to the vision of deploying the art/resource of coaching throughout the ministry world.

On January 14, 2012, the chapter held an all-day officers retreat where each of the newly-elected officers discussed the chapter’s direction. Many positive and exciting ideas were discussed and planned, including their annual Pig Roast and Rock A Thon Philanthropy events that will be held this spring semester.

Illinois (Chi)

Gettysburg (Theta-Pi)

The chapter hosted its centennial celebration in honor of the chapter’s founding on October 1, 1911. A celebration banquet was held in the Illini Union Grand Ballroom. In addition, a cookout was set up before the home football game in which the Fighting Illini defeated then-ranked Arizona State.

In January 2012, the chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for its 2,000th initiated brother, with alumni from all over the world in attendance. Some of the alumni had also been in attendance when the 1,000th brother was initiated.

Chapter brothers are helping clean the backyards of elderly neighbors as part of their community service work.

Varsity soccer players Craig Heckman and Andrew Bellis achieved all-conference status and academic honor roll, respectively.

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chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death

Illinois State (Beta-Omicron)

is a current member of the Iowa State civil engineering advisory council. Denny earned an ASCE Citizen Engineer Award for his community service excellence in public policy and affairs for the city of Lenexa, Kansas. He also was recognized for his significant advisory support for the Iowa State civil engineering program.

The chapter is making plans to celebrate Founders Day on March 31, 2012. An alumni meeting will be held prior to the event. Please visit the chapter’s website for more details.

Kansas (Zeta-Iota) Indiana State (Iota-Epsilon Colony)

Thomas C. Fuller (1950) died January 23, 2012. He served in the U.S. Navy ROTC while studying engineering at the University of Kansas. Fuller retired from the University of Kansas in 1993 and moved to Salida, Colorado, to be an amateur researcher and to enjoy retirement.

In a return to campus after a 10-year hiatus, the colony added its first group of founding fathers. Undergraduate and alumni brothers from the Theta-Kappa chapter at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology helped perform the Associate Member Ceremony.

The new associates included: Eli Malooley, freshman information technology major; Anthony Butler, freshman construction management major; Marcus Steiner, freshman psychology major; Preston Lutz, freshman accounting major; Philip Ulrich, freshman computer science & information technology major; David Scafer, freshman construction management major; Kenny Lowe, freshman sports management major; Eric Foster, sophomore language studies major; Jacob Driver, sophomore exercise science major; Rafael Barboza, sophomore criminology major; and Andrew Baldauf, junior geology major.

J. Gregory Colston (1972) died July 17, 2011. He was a member of the Zeta-Iota House Corporation Board, and volunteered to help children almost his entire life, ranging from coaching kids’ sports to volunteering at his church’s Child and Family Development Center.

Kansas State (Gamma-Xi) The chapter recruited five new associate members during the spring 2012 semester.

Iowa (Iota-Chi)

Lake Forest (Pi-Pi)

Robert L. Fretwell of Front Royal, Virginia, died December 20, 2011. He was a program manager for Computer Sciences Corp. and Burroughs Corp. Fretwell served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and taught at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He volunteered at the Front Royal Visitor Center and as a concierge at the Warren County (Virginia) Government Center.

Chris Banville was elected SGA president.

Ivaylo Valchev was elected 2012 chair of the Student Center Committee.

Louisiana-Lafayette (Iota-Omega) Iowa State (Alpha-Tau)

The chapter earned a 2.82 GPA for the fall 2011 semester, the highest of any fraternity on campus. The following brothers exceeded a 3.5 GPA; Peter Broussard, Will Gardiner, Dominick Rancatore, Mike Rivera, Brody Leblanc, Dustin Rowland, and Jebby Soignier. Dustin Rowland and Jebby Soignier both earned 4.0 GPAs.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) chose Dr. Craig Denny (1972) for the 2011 Citizen Engineer Award, an honor designated to four civil engineers in the U.S. this year. Denny is a graduate of both Iowa State’s civil engineering bachelor’s and master’s programs in 1971 and 1973, respectively. He also www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent

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chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death

Maine (Beta)

followed by Karraker at 15 points per game.

Virgin Galactic has selected Keith Colmer (1989) as the first commercial astronaut pilot. He recently joined the flight team to begin training and testing of Virgin Galactic’s two commercial space vehicles: WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo. In the past 22 years, he has flown more than 90 different types of aircraft— including the F-16, F-15, and T-38C—for the U.S. Air Force and Colorado Air National Guard. The selection process was a competition among 500 pilots from around the world.

The chapter held officer transitions in late December 2011.

The chapter is conducting a clothing drive to benefit Hands of Hope, a nonprofit organization in Bangor, Maine.

Many of the chapter house renovations are complete, including replacement of the majority of the windows and conversion to a natural gas heating system.

McGill (Iota-Iota) Dr. David F. Merchant (1962) died January 21, 2012. After graduation he moved, in 1970, to Edmonton and completed his doctorate in clinical psychology. He practiced in Edmonton for many years, working with children, particularly those with learning disabilities. He was recognized by the Psychologists Association of Alberta for his outstanding contributions to psychology in Alberta, in 2002.

Maryland-Baltimore County (Phi-Delta) The chapter held its winter retreat where plans were made for spring recruitment.

Congratulations to the following brothers who graduated after the fall 2011 semester: Brent Alexander, Brad Borowy, Reece Peak, Cristian Song, Tony Hodge, and Patrick Sykes!

Memphis (Zeta-Theta)

Zhengran Jiang (2012) is training to participate in a 70-day bike ride across the United States to raise money for the 4K for Cancer Foundation. He will ride from Baltimore, Maryland, to Portland, Oregon, and visit cancer communities and support groups along the way, spreading awareness and hope while donating money to those who need it. Visit his website if you would like to make a donation.

Mass Inst of Technology Ten of the 16 varsity basketball players are Lambda Chis, including the starting five. The team currently has an 18-1 record and is ranked No. 3 in the nation for Division III schools. The Lambda Chis on the team are: Jamie Karraker, Mitchell Kates, David Bender, Will Tashman, Matt Redfield, Dennis Levene, Billy Bender, Will Dickson, Noel Hollingsworth, and Andrew Acker.

Averaging 18 points per game, Hollingsworth is the leading scorer

www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent

On December 21, 2011, the chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 23 brothers.

Chapter brothers traveled to Iota-Theta chapter at Arkansas State University to assist them with their Initiation Ritual

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James A. Smallenberger (1964) died on March 11, 2011. He lived and worked in Des Moines, Iowa, for 35 years, retiring as senior vice president and corporate secretary of AmerUs Group in 2006.

Exemplification.

Patrick McEntire was elected IFC president and Carlilse Jasper was elected IFC vice president of recruitment.

Miami-FL (Epsilon-Omega)

Miami-OH (Zeta-Upsilon)

The chapter donated 13,958 pounds of food, collected through monetary contributions and canned food donations, to Feeding South Florida.

John H. Kiess (1962) died November 19, 2011. He worked in computer program design and computer trouble-shooting and was well respected for his talents.

Timothy L. Thomas (1955) died August 2, 2011 in Wichita Falls, Texas. He received a commission in the Air Force upon graduation and, in September 1955, was called to active duty. He attended flight training in Florida and Texas and was awarded his pilot wings in October 1956. While on active duty he received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M and an master’s degree in astronautics from the Air Force Institute of Technology. In 1973 he was assigned to Sheppard Air Force Base and became squadron commander of the 90th Flying Training Squadron. He retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel after 21 years of service. His awards include the Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and numerous other service medals. He served in Vietnam and in several stateside assignments. He was a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. He served as Director of the Small Business Development Center at Midwestern State University until his retirement from MSU in 1999. Condolences to the family may be made online at www.lunnscolonial.com.

Minnesota State (Lambda-Delta) The following brothers were elected to IFC positions: Nick Jirik, IFC vice president of council management; Cody Nickel, IFC vice president of academic affairs and membership development; Ethan Nelson, vice president of recruitment; Jeremy Herkenhoff, vice president of philanthropy and community service.

The following five brothers are attending the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values conference on February 9-12, 2012: Erik Lopez, David Schieler, Nick Jirik, Cody Nickel, and Steven Yetter.

The chapter earned a 3.0 GPA for the fall 2012 semester, the most improved GPA and second highest of all fraternities.

Missouri (Gamma-Kappa) Andy Rosburg (2012) is a member of the varsity basketball team.

He joined the Tigers as a walk-on in October 2011 and will have two years of eligibility remaining. With a record of 19-2, the Tigers are currently ranked No. 4 in Associated Press NCAA men’s basketball rankings.

V. Arthur Whitmire Jr. (1961) died July 4, 2011. He worked for Sears, Roebuck & Co. for nearly 30 years and then was the national battery buyer for 16 years before retiring in 1993 at age 53. Shortly after retiring, he began pursuing his passion for collecting classic cars. His first purchase was in 1994. He continued collecting until he died. Art was very active in numerous car clubs, but his real love was for classic Lincolns and Continentals. Art had a flair for finding unique classic cars and detailed them until they were in pristine condition. His efforts did not go unnoticed; he won numerous awards throughout the years.

Art was well known and respected throughout the country in the classic car community. www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent

Missouri-Kansas City (Sigma-Rho) The chapter won two spring philanthropy events, including Chi Omega’s Walk for A Wish and Delta Rho’s Pig Skin Tournament.

The chapter raised more than 32,000 pounds of food during its

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chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death Indiana. He was ordained into the ministry in 1980 at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Hannover, North Dakota. He accepted a call at St. John in Hillsboro, North Dakota, and Grace Grandin in 1986. In 1995, Curtis retired and moved to Grand Forks.

Watermelon Fest in conjunction with the North American Food Drive.

The chapter brothers completed more than 300 hours of community service at a local food pantry to help fight hunger in Kansas City.

Northwestern (Alpha-Iota)

The chapter had a 92 percent chapter involvement at the UMKC’s Womens Center’s event, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, a race promoting the end of sexual violence against women. Two brothers placed fourth and seventh out of a total field of 200 participants.

Alfred J. Kuhn (1956) died January 20, 2012. He was selected as a member of the NCAA All American Collegiate Swimming Team each of his four years of college. He was the 100 Yard Freestyle NCAA National Champion in 1956 and received the honor of being a Northwestern Big 10 Medal of Honor All Time Winner.

He played volleyball from 1950 to 1962 across the country and abroad. He won a gold medal in volleyball in the 1955 Pan American Games and was named All American several years. In 2009, he was awarded the USA Volleyball All-Time Great Male Player Award. He was an Eagle Scout and involved in scouting until retirement. He served on the Hammond School Board, the Indiana State School Board, and the Hammond Sanitary District.

Two chapter brothers hold IFC positions.

Nevada-Las Vegas (Delta-Lambda) After witnessing a car accident on a freeway near Las Vegas, Randy Reichenfeld stopped his car and extracted a woman from the wreckage. The woman was immediately rushed to the hospital.

Certified in medical procedures, Reichenfeld clearly demonstrated our Core Values in action.

New Orleans (Lambda-Alpha) The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for seven brothers: Derek Genusa, Nathan Favaloro, Brandan Bonds, Kolby Heid, Hakon Lover, Garrett Stapp, and Conner Wood.

North Carolina-Charlotte (Beta-Upsilon) On January 12, 2012, the chapter hosted the 3rd Annual 49ers for Life Blood Drive, the biggest blood drive in the university’s history with more than 874 pints collected in one day for the American Red Cross.

North Carolina-Greensboro (Phi-Theta) The chapter conducted an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for five brothers: Vern Delic, Devon Honeyman, Zach Jones, Charlie Needham, and Juan Vazquez.

On November 13, 1981, the first Lambda Chi Alpha Initiation was conducted when it was a colony. Dave Ledwell and Dave Huffine (former Fraternity staff member) were two of the original initiates. Dave and Dave became college

North Dakota (Epsilon-Zeta) Curtis A. Olimb (1954) died January 11, 2011, in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force in 1956. While serving in Vietnam he twice received the Distinguish Flying Cross. He also received eight other medals during his time as a navigator. He retired from the Air Force in 1976 and entered the seminary in Fort Wayne,

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chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death Joshua Thaler, internal vice president; Terrance Craft, external vice president; Demetrio Hernandez, secretary; Brian Cash, treasurer; Joshua Stewart, Fraternity educator Joe Jennen, risk manager; Mitchell Pontikes, social chair; Joshua Attaway, TRUE Brother steward; Spencer Moore, ritualist; Shaka Robinson, recruitment chair; Cody Wimmer, educational chair; Terry Zinn, fraternal steward.

roommates, both married Alpha Delta Pis, and have remained close brothers. On November 13, 2011, Dave Ledwell’s daughter Kimmy was initiated into Phi Mu at James Madison University

by Dave Huffine’s daughter Suzanne. So 30 years to the day after these men became brothers, their daughters became sisters.

Ohio (Alpha-Omega)

Oklahoma State (Alpha-Eta) The chapter sponsored an event for Project HEAL to raise money for eating disorder treatments.

Founders of Oklahoma State Project HEAL chapter are Nate Nahmias (alumni chairman), Jordan McDow (Fraternity educator), and Bryan Stump (former chapter president and current IFC vice president). All three are pictured along with Oklahoma State’s star wide receiver, and NCAA receiver of the year 2010, Justin Blackmon, who attended the event.

The chapter added five new associate members during spring 2012 recruitment.

Timothy M. Fellows (1982) died January 11, 2012.

Donald J. Lehman died October 21, 2010.

Four chapter brothers won the 2011 intramural golf championship: Jameson Fenner, Bryan Stump, Tyler Lotto, and Jason Bye.

Dr. Richard D. Wulff died October 28, 2011. He was a former chapter president.

Former chapter President Bryan Stump was elected IFC internal vice president.

Ohio State (Gamma-Tau)

Oklahoma City (Theta-Delta)

Oregon State (Alpha-Lambda) The chapter added 48 new associate members during fall recruitment, one of the largest classes on campus and the largest in the chapter’s history. The chapter now has a total membership of more than 100 brothers.

Brothers Zachary Sutton, James Shackelford, and Justin White were cast in this year’s musical theatre showcase.

Terrance Craft was named Youth Leader of the Year by the Oklahoma City community.

Community Outreach Inc. presented the chapter brothers with an award of recognition for their continued service. Community Outreach Inc. is a multi-faceted human service organization that provides support for homeless and very low income men, women, and children in the mid-Willamette Valley.

On February 4, 2012, the chapter will host its first annual Chili Cook-Off to begin the second annual Lambda Chi Alpha Wheelchair Awareness Week.

The chapter installed its new officers: Kyle Randolph, president;

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chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death Richard T. Rictor (1972) died January 19, 2012. In 1974, he was hired by the Portland (Oregon) Police Bureau and during his career moved up the ranks. He worked for the bureau for almost 28 years, retiring in 2001. He held the positions of police officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, assistant to the chief, and commander. In 1987 Rictor graduated Magna Cum-Laude from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College. He was a member of the Oregon Bar but never practiced law. In 2006 Rick started working at the Oregon Police Academy as the Leadership Coordinator. In 2009 he started working for the State of Oregon Employment Division as an adjudicator and continued until March 2011.

Samford (Theta-Alpha) Hugh C. Bailey (1950), former dean of Samford’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences, has been inducted into the Pi Gamma Mu Hall of Fame. Pi Gamma Mu is an international honor society dedicated to encouraging and promoting excellence in the social sciences and to upholding the ideals of service and scholarship.

Bailey became a member of the organization as an undergraduate student at Samford.

Simpson (Theta-Lambda) Ten brothers have passed through the first evolution of the Inner Circle journey.

Penn State (Zeta) Robert A. Sheridan (1966) died January 7, 2010.

South Carolina-Aiken (Pi-Alpha) On January 14, 2012, chapter brothers volunteered at the grand opening of the YMCA in Aiken.

Rensselaer (Epsilon-Eta) The chapter held an officers’ retreat outlining the plan for the semester. On January 29, 2012, the chapter conducted its formal officer transition meeting.

On January 27, 2012, chapter brothers helped move books for the Aiken branch of the American Association of University Women book fair.

Richmond (Alpha-Chi) The chapter added 15 new associate members during spring 2012 recruitment.

South Dakota (Alpha-Gamma)

The chapter performed the Assocate Member Ceremony and is serving as the big brother chapter to Colony 294 at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Sam Houston State (Sigma-Mu) On January 7, 2012, Educational Foundation Board Member Charles W. Jones III (1981) sponsored a pre-game breakfast for 224 fellow Sam Houston State University Bearkat Alumni in Frisco, Texas, with Dr. Dana Gibson, the 13th President of Sam Houston State University. The Bearkats played North Dakota State for the Division 1 FCS National Championship at Pizza Hut Park. The Bearkats lost 17-6 but finished the season 14-1 and ranked No. 2 in FCS. www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent

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The chapter conducted an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for seven new brothers: James P. Dempsey, James Gulbranson, Joseph Erickson, Dylan Geuther, Cale Scofield David Estes, and Steve Afryl.

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chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death

Chapter brothers painted the Heartland Humane Society in Yankton, South Dakota, and hosted the first Anti-Hazing Seminar on the University of South Dakota campus.

Texas-El Paso (Zeta-Epsilon) The chapter conducted an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 12 new brothers.

Chapter brothers participated in a community service event with the West Texas Food Bank.

Southeast Missouri State (Delta-Phi) The chapter hosted alumni brothers at the annual St. Louis Blues hockey game.

Daniel Rojas (2007) was promoted to lead human resource specialist (labor/management employee relations) for the Civilian Human Resources Agency in Fort Bliss, Texas.

Chapter officers met with the Alumni Advisory Board during a retreat to establish 2012 goals.

Texas State (Lambda-Phi)

Stephen F. Austin (Sigma-Omicron)

Kelly Frels (1966) received the 2012 Leon Jaworski Award from the Houston Bar Association Auxiliary. The HBAA established the Leon Jaworski Award 25 years ago in order to honor an outstanding lawyer in the community, one who has given of his or her time and service and whose efforts benefit the great city of Houston and its citizens. Frels’ dedication and commitment to his volunteer efforts is certainly worthy of this, the HBAA’s most prestigious honor.

James E. Barnes Jr. (1981) died October 21, 2011. He was a human resource manager with Brown-Strauss Steel Co. Barnes had helped to organize a summer 2011 reunion of Fraternity and college friends.

Tennessee-Chattanooga (Zeta-Phi) The chapter added 23 new associate members.

Claude W. Whitehead (1951) died March 29, 2010. He served two years in the US Army in Japan. He began his work in the early 1950s with Goodwill Industries, following in his father’s footsteps, and continued to direct Goodwill Industry stores in Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, and Michigan for many years. He also worked tirelessly to improve the conditions and the goals of Sheltered Workshops, first in the state of Michigan and then for the nation. He wrote several articles, chapters, and reports on designing workshops, and supporting sustainable employment skills for individuals with disabilities. In his retirement he continued his work through his church and a number of organizations such as the Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Habitat for Humanity and others.

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Troy State (Sigma-Tau) The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 22 brothers, bringing the roster total to 68.

Scott Hubbard was elected IFC vice president of administration and risk management.

Tulsa (Epsilon-Upsilon)

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On January 21, 2012, chapter officers participated in Tulsa University Leadership Experience (TULE), a yearly campus-wide leadership conference. The brothers participated in sessions where

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chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death they learned skills such as how to be a more effective peer-leader, how to deal with respect, and how to effectively collaborate on group tasks.

The chapter has completed more than 100 hours of community service within the first three weeks, including 19 hours from Sam Meeks. Their goal for the semester is 900 hours, which will require more than 15 hours per brother. Ten brothers have given blood since school began.

Chapter brothers are participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma.

Dr. James W. Davis (1949) died December 15, 2011. He worked at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a biochemist for three years before joining the faculty of St. Louis University School of Medicine. Davis taught and conducted research at SLU for 40 years as a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology.

After teaching biochemistry to medical students for 30 years, he started a new career developing the Office of Environmental Safety at SLU and served as its director until his retirement in 1997. On his retirement, he was appointed emeritus professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and emeritus director of environmental safety.

Chapter brothers completed more than 100 hours of community service during the fall 2011 semester.

Wabash (Alpha-Kappa) The chapter earned a 3.19 GPA for the fall 2011 semester, ranking them second on the campus out of nine fraternities. The previous semester they had been ranked eighth.

Wake Forest (Theta-Tau) Chapter officers held a retreat to sharpen leadership skills and set goals for the semester.

Washington (Alpha-Psi) The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 10 brothers, which means the chapter has now initiated more than 2,060 brothers.

After a two-year hiatus from coaching as an analyst for the NFL Network, and broadcaster for Fox Sports, Jim Mora Jr. (1984) became the University of California-Los Angeles’ head football coach. He has served previously as the head coach of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons from 2004 to 2006 and Seattle Seahawks in 2009.

He played college football at the University of Washington from 1980 to 1983 and began his coaching career there as a graduate assistant in 1984. He is the son of retired NFL head coach, Jim E. Mora.

Union (Lambda-Zeta) On November 4, 2011, the chapter hosted its 50th Colonization Anniversary Banquet. Over 250 active members, alumni, faculty, and parents attended to celebrate. Among the attendees were five older members of the chapter, including the first initiated brother. The group participated in a panel discussion about their fondest memories and greatest lessons learned from Lambda Chi Alpha. Also during the night the Charles R. Barnett High Alpha Fraternity Badge was installed in honor of an alumnus who has fallen ill and donated his highly-decorated badge so that it will live on with each new chapter president.

Washington & Jefferson (Gamma-Zeta) Joe Philbin (1984) was named the 10th head coach in the history of the NFL Miami Dolphins. He has nearly 30 years of experience, including five years overseeing one of the NFL’s most prolific offenses. Philbin, the Green Bay Packers’ offensive coordinator since 2007, was chosen over the two other finalists.

Vanderbilt (Gamma-Delta) The chapter added 17 new associate members during spring recruitment.

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chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death

Washington State (Tau) John McMullan was elected IFC president and Liam Sweeney was elected IFC vice president of policy and procedure.

On January 28, 2012, the chapter hosted its annual Fur Ball Auction with Whitman County Humane Society.

Dean L. Johnson (1965) died November 30, 2011. He was elected mayor of Annapolis, Maryland, in 1997 and served until 2001.

Prior to that he served two terms as an Annapolis alderman.

William & Mary (Epsilon-Alpha) Joe Booker (1966) died December 22, 2011. After graduation he followed in the footsteps of his father, joining the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. After 33 years of dedicated service as an inspector, Booker retired in April 2000. He then joined the staff at Carmel CC golf shop and had recently celebrated his 10th anniversary.

Wisconsin-Whitewater (Lambda-Iota Colony) The colony has completed the process for chartering and has submitted the paperwork to the the Office of Administration.

Wyoming (Delta-Rho) On January 27-29, 2012, chapter brothers attended IMPACT, a gathering with Greek organizations in Wyoming to share ideas and best practices.

The chapter added three associate members during spring recruitment.

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FEATURE

Road ID Co-Founder Relies on Lambda Chi Values Along with his father, Edward Wimmer (Georgetown 1999) co-founded Road ID, a company that makes identification items for athletes.

His inspiration came after training for a marathon with his fellow Lambda Chi brothers.

ByAndrew Talevich (Washington State 2011)

A

t marathons, triathlons, bike races, and other

endurance events it is not uncommon to see participants sporting wristbands, dog tags, or shoe pouches. The product is often from Road ID and the inception of these popular items came from co-founder Edward Wimmer (Georgetown 1999) and his experiences while a member at the KappaOmega chapter more than a decade ago.

Road ID is a device athletes wear in case of emergencies.

Road ID’s main product is a wristband that provides the name of the wearer, his or her home city, emergency contact information, and a personal message.

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Wimmer said the product has saved the lives of numerous people. The idea to create Road ID came after Wimmer had a near fatal experience of his own.

In the fall of 1999, Wimmer and several members of his chapter started training for a marathon. Wimmer was a senior and had just finished his season on the soccer team when some of his fellow Lambda Chi Alpha brothers convinced Wimmer and his fraternity little brother, Jamie Johnson (Georgetown 2001), to join them in training for the Jenny Spangler Trustmark Marathon in Chicago.

Johnson told us, “Soccer season was over so Ed and I were kind of looking around and saying ‘what do we do now.’ Then we had the other guys that were runners in the fraternity and they were egging us on, saying ‘Why don’t you start training with us?’ So, without those guys in the fraternity, we would probably never have gone into training for the marathon.”

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While he was training, Wimmer’s dad Mike, who later started Road ID with his son, would call Edward and express concern about his safety. Mike’s main message to his son: bring identification in case of an emergency.

“I just always dismissed his concern as that of an overprotective dad,” said Edward.

Edward didn’t think much about his safety until one day, while running, a pick-up truck forced him off the road and into a ditch. Fortunate to be unscathed, Edward thought about the consequences if he had been hit by the truck.

college life but while being a part of college life and while being part of the fraternity,” Wimmer said.

Individually, Wimmer was proactive at Georgetown College by heading up Kappa-Omega’s food drive, serving as assistant fraternity educator, being a representative to the Interfraternity Council, and later becoming IFC president and captain of the varsity soccer team.

“Ed is the type of person who is successful at anything he does, mainly because of his passion and drive and work ethic. When he goes after something he’s always successful,” Johnson said.

Edward came up with two conclusions: “One, perhaps the hardest to admit, was that my dad was right; and two, I realized if that truck hadn’t missed me, and because I wasn’t wearing ID, I could have been in the hospital, unconscious, and a John Doe maybe fighting for my life.”

“That would have been a time when I wanted people by my side more than anything, but nobody would have been there because I wasn’t wearing ID,” he said.

Learning to Succeed

Among the notable achievements of the Kappa-Omega chapter were the 11,000 pounds of food collected for the North American Food Drive; an amount that would be doubled the following year.

The men at Kappa-Omega also achieved the highest GPA among fraternities that same year.

“The kind of guys we attracted at Lambda Chi were the kind who wanted to excel. We had guys from every walk of life it seemed in our organization. Everybody was an over-achiever.

We all fed off each other’s energies and talents and made each other better as a result,” Wimmer said.

After completing the marathon and graduating later that year, Edward and Mike went on to start Road ID in the basement of their Kentucky home.

Johnson agrees that the atmosphere at Kappa-Omega was electric.

Edward credits much of the success of Road ID to the life skills he picked up while an undergraduate at Georgetown College and a member of the Kappa-Omega chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha.

“We were obviously a pretty close-knit group to say the least.

We all had similar outlooks on life. Doing things like the philanthropy were always fun and training for the marathon was another way for us to challenge ourselves and do something different,” Johnson said.

“I think there was a culture of excellence within our fraternity that stuck with people and it was not only excellence after

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The tradition of excellence at Kappa-Omega translated into Wimmer’s overall success at Road ID.

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The Gift of Giving Another major component of Road ID is philanthropy. A portion of every purchase goes to one of nine charities.

When a customer buys a Road ID, they have the option of choosing which philanthropy their purchase will support.

“We take giving back to the community and philanthropy very serious,” Wimmer said. “It’s not something that we do as a side initiative. It’s a primary goal of giving back to our community.”

Since its inception, Road ID has continued to gain immense popularity with the endurance athlete community.

The product has become trendy among runners, bicyclists, and swimmers.

“Nearly every day one of our customers reaches out to us and says thank you Road ID for doing what you do, you made a big difference in my life,” he said.

“We think there is going to be a time when if you’re a runner, a cyclist, or a tri-athlete, an identification product like Road ID is just going to be part of what you wear. It’s going to be something that you wouldn’t go out without having,” Wimmer said.

Wimmer’s company went on to create Road ID Interactive, a specialized wristband that includes a code that emergency personnel can use to access an injured person’s emergency response profile; a database with the individual’s picture, address, physician contact information, medical history, and allergies.

Over a span of nine years, Road ID has generated greater than a 50 percent yearover-year revenue growth.

Endorsements for the product include high profile endurance athletes such as cyclists Levi Leipheimer, Bob Roll, Liz Hatch, George Hincapie, and Scott Nydam; Ironman world champion, Craig Alexander; and ultra-marathon runner, Dean Karnazes.

Saving Lives Beyond bottom-line profits of the company, Wimmer takes the most pride in Road ID’s track record of saving the lives of its users.

Wimmer said this information is crucial for medical personnel to have within the golden hour, the time right after an accident that can determine whether a person lives or dies.

“There are people that say they wouldn’t be alive if not for Road ID and that’s why we do what we do. There is somebody’s dad or mom or brother or sister that is alive today because of the product we created.”

“It’s very humbling, but it’s also very motivating,” Wimmer said.

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This year, Road ID will be donating nearly a quarter of a million dollars to the charities that the organization supports.

Wimmer credits much of Road ID’s selfless giving to the philanthropic spirit he learned while a member of Lambda Chi Alpha.

“Philanthropy wasn’t a part of my life prior to joining the fraternity in 1995.

We had significant experiences. They instilled and firmed up that value and it was a wonderful feeling to be able to give back,” he said.

Humble Origins Wimmer admits that the journey to creating Road ID wasn’t always easy.

The company went for several years after it started without making a profit.

Wimmer would spend his days working on Road ID and then work nights as a wine distributor in order to pay the bills.

Despite hearing others say that starting his own company was a bad idea, Wimmer kept his faith in Road ID.

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“I knew in my heart-of-hearts that Road ID was a real company and that it was just going to take time to make some headway and to build the company that I envisioned, and I wasn’t going to quit,” he said.

In order to be a successful entrepreneur and start a company like Road ID, Wimmer said it’s important to follow the model that Lambda Chi Alpha puts in place.

“You have to be confident, dedicated, and focused to the idea of the job and the task at hand. You also have to be willing to suffer and to sacrifice. Those are a couple of words in our creed,” he said.

Keeping Stride

of flack from Ed and from the other runners in the fraternity,” Johnson said.

However, Johnson made up for the marathon by later completing several triathlons. He is currently training for the Ironman Louisville.

As an endurance athlete, Johnson himself promotes Road ID. Sample pictures of a Road ID on marketing materials and Road ID’s web site include Johnson’s name and personal information. This is a tribute to their close bond.

“We make it a point to see each other and know what’s going on in each other’s lives and be supportive and to be the friends we are,” Wimmer said.

Today, Wimmer and Johnson are life-long friends. Their experiences at Kappa-Omega in the late 1990s have shaped their personal and professional lives.

Johnson was Wimmer’s best man at his wedding a couple years ago and the two recently traveled to Hawaii to witness the Ironman World Championship and promote Road ID. Looking back at the marathon, Wimmer likes to poke fun at Johnson because, despite training together for several weeks, Johnson never completed the Jenny Spangler Trustmark Marathon with his brothers in 1999.

“A couple weeks before, I’d pretty much done all the training, but I just didn’t want to do it. I wussed out and caught a lot

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FEATURE

Header A Lifetime of Knowledge After celebrating his hundredth birthday, Alpha-Chi alum Jim Mims visited the University of Richmond chapter to experience the latest Associate Member Ceremony. The visit came after a chance encounter with fellow Alpha-Chi alum, Dan Wilkins.

By Andrew Talevich (Washington State 2011)

D

an Wilkins (Richmond 1963) and Jim Mims

(Richmond 1940) had worked side by side as members of their Richmond, Virginia chapter of the Rotary Club for almost 20 years. Wilkins never had the slightest idea that his colleague and friend was also a Lambda Chi Alpha brother.

One day, while sitting around a table at a weekly Rotary Club meeting, Wilkins was talking with three of his brothers from the Alpha-Chi chapter of the University of Richmond about their experiences in the fraternity in the 60s.

At that point Mims, who recently celebrated his hundredth birthday, turned around and nonchalantly said that he too was a brother from Alpha-Chi, from many years earlier.

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“I about dropped my teeth, here’s a guy who at that time was 99 years old and was a Lambda Chi,” Wilkins said. “How many 100-year-old Lambda Chis are out there?”

Wilkins made a phone call to Lambda Chi Alpha international headquarters to check if Mims was in fact a brother and to find out his zeta number.

It was confirmed. The staff sent Wilkins a list of Alpha-Chi alumni. Mims had been an undergraduate in the chapter 23 years before Wilkins.

“I looked on the list and sure enough, James R. Mims, number 243,” Wilkins said.

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The Life of Mims Mims, who turned 100 on Dec. 2, is a man who lives a life full of service and compassion. He has been a member of Rotary Club for 56 years, the Society of American Military Engineers for 80 years, and the Navy League.

He joined Lambda Chi Alpha before World War II, first pledging with the University of Maryland, and then eventually joining the University of Richmond chapter. Mims said a favorite professor recommended he should give Lambda Chi Alpha a try.

Mims would later join the Navy in 1943, during World War II. While in the Navy, Mims became a captain and served throughout the Pacific theater.

“I joined the Navy to see what it was like to be on a ship but, because I was a civil engineer, I got to load a lot of them,” he said. “I traveled from one place to another; Pearl (Harbor), Saipan, Eniwetok, and Okinawa.”

Mims still honors his military service today by volunteering with the Navy League, an organization that educates, enhances, and supports the sea services of the Navy. Mims jokingly refers to his position at the Navy League as

“a telephone girl” who answers the phones in their office every Wednesday morning.

After his tenure in the military Mims worked in the fields of civil engineering and construction.

“I mean the man is just incredible.

I can’t say any more than that. He’s just incredible for what he does and everything,” Wilkins said.

Despite the astonishment many people have of Mims, he is humble about his accomplishments and his record of service throughout the years.

“They always figure that people are wise when they grow old and I’ve been waiting, and waiting, and waiting, but I need to live a little longer before this wisdom catches up with me,” Mims said.

Among his colleagues at Rotary Club, Mims is very popular, in part because he makes it a priority to call each of the members on their birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

“It’s a personal thing,” he said. “And some people tell me, ‘You saved my life, I forgot about my wedding anniversary.’”

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Mims is also the first person to arrive at the Rotary Club meeting every Friday morning. He takes the initiative to greet each person, sometimes upwards of 80 members, by name.

In his old age, Mims has not slowed down. He recently had his driver’s license renewed so he can continue to be engaged in his volunteer efforts.

“You better give the old man a lot of room when I come by in my old Buick,” Mims jokes.

Strong Alumni Connections Wilkins acts as glue that holds a faithful group of Alpha-Chi alumni together.

Mims is one addition to a list of several brothers with whom Wilkins has recently become reacquainted.

Four years ago Wilkins took up the task of finding those brothers who lived with him while he was an undergraduate in the Alpha-Chi chapter. He was able to track down a large number of brothers who lived as close as Richmond and as far away as Pennsylvania.

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FEATURE “Their continued support exemplifies the meaning of a lifetime of brotherhood,” Johnson said. “Also, the successes of alumni speak volumes to younger brothers and rushees when it comes to joining the fraternity in the first place, because they see how the fraternity helped shape the success of the alumni.”

Lessons to Learn From Mims’ secret to living so long is that he learned to say, “yes dear” at an early age and always put family first.

The reacquainted brothers now gather every year for Richmond’s homecoming football game.

The celebration is complete with bloody marys and lunch at Wilkins’ house, followed by a visit to the Alpha-Chi chapter house (called the Lodge), and topped off with the football game.

During the last homecoming gathering, Wilkins said that between 45 and 50 brothers attended.

A Reunion of Lambda Chis Wilkins’ efforts to reacquaint himself and his brothers coincide with the resurgence of the Alpha-Chi chapter.

The chapter recolonized in the spring and recently moved back into the Lodge.

Wilkins brought Mims to Alpha-Chi’s Associate Member Ceremony on Dec. 15. Surrounded by alumni and current members, Mims witnessed the next generation of young men joining the brotherhood of Lambda Chi Alpha.

Mims had the opportunity to meet the young men and pass along his wisdom.

“To meet an older gentleman like this who is a Richmond Lambda Chi is kind of interesting for the chapter,” Wilkins said.

Chapter president Thomas Johnson is grateful for the alumni support his chapter has received from brothers from the University of Richmond and other schools that have helped rebuild their chapter.

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As a testament to Mims’ close bond with his family, for his hundredth birthday 49 family members from 14 different states and Canada visited Mims in Richmond. Mims admits there were some family members he’d never seen before.

Wilkins and Mims now have a slightly different relationship since Wilkins found out that he and Mims are not only colleagues in Rotary Club but also brothers in Lambda Chi Alpha.

“I think it feels that we’re a little bit apart from the regular thing. I think it’s a brotherhood feeling that you don’t get everywhere else,” Mims said.

Asked if Mims would join Wilkins and his large gathering of Alpha-Chi brothers for next year’s homecoming celebrations, Wilkins said that it might be too much for Mims to handle in his old age.

Then he paused, thought and chuckled, “I don’t know, maybe he will.”

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FEATURE

Phelan Looks to Transform the Game of Baseball Grady Phelan (Tulsa 1980) created the first-ever baseball bat with an angled knob. His hope is that the bat will reduce injuries and become widely accepted in the game of baseball.

By Andrew Talevich (Washington State 2011)

I

t was a near tragedy that prompted Grady Phelan (Tulsa

1980) to create a baseball bat that would end up in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame and that could potentially revolutionize the sport.

The incident happened while Phelan was working with his youngest son, Brian, to improve his baseball swing by hitting hickory nuts in their backyard on a summer evening. Phelan ended up taking a few swings and accidently released the bat from his hands, almost hitting his son.

“I looked at my hand and I had a big bruise so the curiosity wheel started turning,” said Phelan. “I started doing research into why certain bats are used, what sort of hand injuries occur, and what sort of rules and limitations bats have in baseball.”

The epiphany prompted Phelan to create a one-of-a-kind bat; the ProXR. The main feature of the ProXR is an ergonomically designed, angled knob at the base of the bat that defies the traditional flat base. The angled knob gives players a more natural swing, preventing incidents such as the one that almost injured Phelan’s son.

“A standard knob acts as a speed bump to a swing,” Phelan said, “but by angling the knob we reduce that pressure dramatically to the point where batters get better plate coverage inside and out.”

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After creating the ProXR, Phelan patented his technology and marketed the bat at baseball shows and tournaments.

The ProXR made its debut in Major League Baseball on Sept. 5, 2010, in the hands of New York Mets infielder, Mike Hessman.

Shortly after its Major League debut, the bat was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

“There’s no big ceremony or anything like that,” Phelan said.

“We found out last year that it got accepted. That was kind of surreal.”

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understanding about how relationships work. You can make anything happen.”

While a brother at Epsilon-Upsilon, Phelan’s chapter won the Grand High Alpha Award.

“I really found that being surrounded by a group of guys who were driven, and focused, and success-oriented was probably one of the best things that I got out of Lambda Chi,” he said.

The ProXR continues to gain popularity in the baseball community. Phelan admits that it’s difficult to tap into the Major League markets because current professional players are dialed into the traditional bats. However, the ProXR is common in both minor league and college club houses.

The bat is used by the Reds, Mets, Brewers, Royals, Rangers, and Cardinals organizations.

Phelan also said the lessons he learned at Lambda Chi Alpha not only resonate in his entrepreneurial ventures but also in his personal life. The values he absorbed while at Epsilon-Upsilon guide him in his relationship with his wife, Jill, and sons, Brian and Michael.

“The things that really are core to being a Lambda Chi Alpha hold true to your daily relationships with your family, with your children, and with your friends,” he said. “Being a Lambda Chi is very value-oriented.”

“Ultimately it’s huge validation for something I basically discovered in my backyard, invented in my garage, developed in my basement, and then was able to find players willing to use in Major League games,” Phelan said.

Phelan considers himself a creative communications consultant, part-time inventor, independent designer, and product developer. He founded Giant Project, a development company that enables him to test new products and that led to the creation of the ProXR. He attributes much of his success to the values, lessons, and experiences from the two years he spent as a member of the Epsilon-Upsilon chapter at the University of Tulsa.

“You can do anything if you set your sights and your mind to it,” Phelan said. “Just tie all that back into the fact that Lambda Chi gives you foundational strength and www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent

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Colby Revisited: The Rich History of Alpha-Rho Before the Greek community at Colby College was shut down nearly three decades ago, the Alpha-Rho chapter initiated 1,076 men who enjoyed successes in scholarship, sports, and various clubs. We look back at their vibrant history and not-forgotten legacy.

By Jon Williamson (Maryland)

T

Now we turn to our history at Colby College. he genesis of this article on our eliminated chapter

at Colby College was a press release by the Board of Trustees at Lafayette College in December 2011 in which a number of concerns were expressed regarding their Greek community as a whole. A number of ‘metrics’ are to be created which, by June 2014, will measure success of the fraternities and sororities on the campus. Four critical areas to be measured are: 1. Fraternities and sororities must provide open access and engagement opportunities to all students at Lafayette (non-discriminatory in selection of members) 2. Fraternities and sororities must facilitate demonstrated learning opportunities for students and provide benefits to the College as a whole, 3. The academic performance of students affiliated with fraternities and sororities must be comparable to the student body as a whole, and 4. The disciplinary profile of members of fraternities and sororities, as well as the individual organizations, must be comparable to the student body as a whole and other student organizations.”

I quickly thought back to similar situations in which Lambda Chi Alpha had found itself involved at Norwich and Alfred.

At Norwich the findings were very brief and to the point, “…the Greek system is no longer contributing to the welfare of the university.” At Alfred the words of the chairman of the board were also very direct, The Greek system is beyond repair. From this report, it became clear to all of us that our Greek system simply does not contribute to the type of learning environment we want at Alfred University. www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent

Our Alpha-Rho Zeta at Colby College began as Omicron Theta in 1912, a member of the National Federation of Commons Clubs, that became a chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha on May 29, 1918. The chapter of Theta Kappa Nu was founded as Lancers Club in 1923 and installed as Maine Alpha on February 22, 1929. A total of 1,076 men were initiated before all Greek organizations were closed by the college at the end of the spring semester in 1984.

During the first year of Omicron Theta’s existence meetings were held weekly on the first floor of Roberts Hall dormitory.

The following year the school assigned them the top floor of the same dormitory. In the fall of 1915 they moved into the remodeled North College. By 1917 their membership had grown to 36. Twenty-five signed the petition to Lambda Chi in April 1918. This was a very active group on the campus with multiple varsity men in football, baseball, and trackand-field, as well as class officers, president of the drama club, officers in the ‘military company’, editor of the campus newspaper, and many outstanding scholars. Of their 64 alumni, 18 were members of the United States armed forces.

Paul Miller ’21, graduated from the United States Naval Academy. Arthur J. Roberts, then president of the college

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FEATURE

stated, “The Omicron Theta Fraternity of Colby College is in every respect the equal of the local chapters of Greek-letter fraternities. It contains in its membership important leaders in the various college activities.” The significance of his words can’t be overstated since the other six fraternities had been founded as early as the 1850s.

In a letter dated January 8, 1936, our first chapter initiate, E. Bliss Marriner, recalled that the local organization of the Commons Club came very close to joining Kappa Sigma and missed, by only a few days, submitting a timely petition to become a chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. “We came back from Fiji’s Ecclesia, more or less discouraged, when we heard of the new fraternity called Lambda Chi Alpha which was taking into its fold a number of disgruntled Commons Club chapters, so we made application. The founder, Warren A. Cole, called by many at the time, ‘King Cole’, came to Colby and installed the new chapter.”

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On the morning of December 4, 1922, the success of the chapter was challenged by a terrible tragedy. A fire broke out in the dormitory that resulted in the loss of the lives of four brothers, followed by a fifth two months later; Alton ‘Andy’ Leach Andrews, Warren ‘ Frizzer’ Leslie Frye, Ralph ‘Robbie’ Stevens Robinson, Charles ‘Hickey’ Merrill Treworgy, and Norman ‘Pee Wee’ Merrill Wardwell. In spite of the tragedy the chapter finished 1st among fraternities in scholarship while George J. Odom ’23 was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa for the spring of ‘23.

Our chapter at Colby won the coveted Tetrathlon Award for the year 1939-40 as the top chapter of the 107 chapters of Lambda Chi Alpha. Alpha-Rho Zeta received a first place in scholarship when it outranked all other chapters in both classroom averages and scholastic honor society members.

The chapter placed 11th in management, 19th in morale, and 29th in activities other than scholastic, to maintain a wellbalanced average. Two brothers, Myron G. Berry and Conrad W. Swift were inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

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FEATURE Notable Alpha-Rho Brothers

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• • • •

The 1950s and 1960s were a time of significant successes for the chapter with multiple varsity men, some of whom were elected captain of their respective teams, and continued excellence in scholarship. In addition, the chapter moved into a new home.

• • • •

Julia Hanauer-Milne’s story The End, Divisive Demise of Colby’s Fraternities detailed the end of a tradition and the beginning of a new era and captured the events leading up to that fateful evening when the announcement regarding the closing of Greek organizations was made.

•

In 1983 the Board of Trustees created the Trustee Commission on Campus Life and charged it with conducting ‘a comprehensive inquiry into residential and social life in order to determine whether contemporary arrangements sufficiently reinforce Colby’s educational mission and to recommend improvements’. The commission was to investigate ways to improve campus housing, leadership, and social life, and to ensure equal access to those things. The commission was chaired by Lawrence R. Pugh ‘56, a DKE brother, and was composed of 18 members, of whom 11 were fraternity or sorority members, plus two ex-officio members, college president Cotter and trustee chair H. Ridgely Bullock ‘55.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Commission worked for eight months, soliciting testimony on campus, holding alumni hearings in New York, Boston, Hartford, Washington, D.C., Portland, and Waterville. It conducted a campus survey and commission members visited peer schools including Amherst, Bates, Bowdoin, Hampshire, Haverford, Middlebury, Swarthmore, Trinity, Wesleyan, and Williams to see how other colleges organized residential life.

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•

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Robert N. Anthony (1938), professor emeritus of Management Accounting at Colby, former assistant secretary of defense, he was named to Colby’s Board of Trustees in 1959 and had a long history of service and generosity to the College. He was chair of the board from 1978 to 1983 and was one of only four life trustees at the time of his death.

He received the Colby Brick Award, the Marriner Distinguished Service Award, and the Distinguished Alumnus Award. He was a principal donor to the Anthony-Mitchell-Schupf Residence Hall.

David Arseneault (1975), head basketball coach at Grinnell College, Midwest College Coach of the Year on three occasions, head coach of women’s golf team at Grinnell College Dr. David M. Augeri (1984), professor at University of Rhode Island Dr. August V. Belott (1928), physician in New Jersey Lloyd D. Benson (1973), executive vice president of Schwartz Communications, Boston Dr. Myron Berry (1940), former professor of chemistry at Michigan Tech University, recipient of Distinguished Teaching Award Richard W. Blackburn (1971), tax assessor of Portland, Maine Dr. Richard M. Bonalewicz (1963), professor of earth science and biology at Gannon University, retired lieutenant colonel, U.S. Air Force Dr. Phillip Boyne (1946), surgeon and professor emeritus at Loma Linda University Dr. Peter G. Bridge (1958), professor of communications at Champlain College Dr. Herman T. Briscoe (1917), professor of chemistry at Indiana University, chair in department named in his honor, first dean of the faculties at IU Cdr. Kevin F. Bruen (1985), associate professor of law U.S. Coast Guard Academy Brig. Gen. John H. Bubar (1968), assistant adjutant for air with Maine National Guard Eugene M. Bullis, CFO and executive vice president of CNO Financial Group Stephen G. Carpenter (1962), vice chairman California United Bank Charles William Carey (1963), vice chairman of Fleet/Norstar Financial Group Dr. John N. Carvellas (1966), professor of economics and chairman of the department at St. Michael’s College, inducted into the St. Michael’s College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999 CASUALTIES of World War I: Ray Cawley Young; of World War II: Harold A. Costley, Robert M. Gray, Arnold H. Holt, Robert A. LaFleur, Edward D. McIntyre, Richard E. Noyes, Howard F. Rowell, and Robert W. Turbyne.

Jeffrey W. Coady (1969), director of computer facilities, Brown University Dr. Ronald E. Coe (1947), internal medical physician, Hamden, Connecticut Dr. Paul H. Coleman (1975), cosmetic dentist, San Diego, California Dr. Edward M. Cook (1920), physician in Maine Paul A. Cote, priest at Colby College Dr. Justin A. Cross, physician in Punta Gorda, Florida Stephen E. Cummings (1977), UBS managing director John J. Daley (1981), dean of students at Bridgton Academy in Maine Col. Paul L. Damren (1982), U.S. Marine Corps, deputy program manager of Saudi War Course at SAIC, received the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Stanley A. Douthty (1954), inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009, retired teacher and athletic director at Lisbon High School

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FEATURE • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • •

Dr. Linwood C. Downs (1983), assistant professor of administrative science Maj. Gen. Robert Wyman Drewes (1964), awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster and Joint Service Commendation Medal Michael J. Drouin (1981), teacher and head football and baseball coach at Noble High School in Berwick, Maine Justice Frederick H. Dubord (1914), justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine Dr. Emery S. Dunfee, former professor of physics at University of Maine @ Farmington Dr. Sidney W. Farr (1955), vice president for development, professor emeritus Colby College Dr. James M. Faulkner (1971), orthodontist, Maine Dr. David S. Fearon (1965), professor of management at Connecticut State University Raymond P. Gerbi (1969), vice president of Concord Hospital, New Hampshire Walter R. Gorman (1976), commercial airplane pilot Dr. Merrill S.F. Greene (1920), physician Dr. Frederick W. Grover 1899 MIT, physicist and electrical engineer and author, professor at Union College William E. Haggett (1950), former president and CEO of Bath Iron Works, former president and CEO of Irving Shipbuilding Ltd Dr. Irwin E. Hamlin, practiced medicine in Maine for over 48 years Judge Dana C. Hanley (1984), judge of Probate, Oxford County, Paris, Maine Dr. Walter K. Holbrook (1938), former physician, Florida Dr. Nelson E. Howlett, former physician/surgeon, California Clarke M. Keenan (1968), president of Waltham Services Co., Massachusetts Dr. Richard K. Kellenberger, professor of languages at Colby Dr. Raymond F. Keyes (1952), professor of marketing and business at Boston College Dennis R. Lundgren (1977), president of Dunlap Corp., Maine Dr. John Macklin (1955), internal medical specialist, Waterville, Maine Brian S. MacQuarrie (1974), journalist with the Boston Globe Edward R. Marchetti (1960), overseer of Colby College, founder, president and CEO of Office Environments of New England, partner at Swimex- Pearson Pilings, LLC David C. Marcus (1982), partner and vice-chair of the firm’s Litigation/Controversy Department at WilmerHale in Los Angeles, California Eugene B. Marriner (1918), Alpha-Rho No. 1, high school principal in Maine Dr. Joseph Mattos (1973), superintendent of Islesboro, Maine, School Department, recipient of the Milken Educator Award in 1990 Leonard W. Mayo (1922), helped shape the nation’s policies on child welfare, mental retardation and physical disabilities, served on four White House Conferences on Children and Youth from 1930 to 1960, and was an adviser to the Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Ford Administrations, in 1961-62 he was chairman and director of President John F. Kennedy’s Committee on Mental Retardation Dr. Carl I. Meyerhuber (1962), professor of history at Penn State Jeffrey A. Mullen (1978), senior vice president at Northwest Wealth Management Group, Seattle Carl E. Nelson, trainer and recipient of the Sports Achievement Award, athletic center named in his honor at Colby, member of the National Athletic Trainers Association Dr. Richard E. Nickerson (1954), retired dentist Robert T. O’Neill (1973), director California state lottery, former executive with KPMG Dr. Victor Paquet (1933), professor of mechanical engineering at the Univer-

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• •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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sity of Vermont Dr. Stanley A. Paine (1937), surgeon in Salinas, California Robert B. Parker, American crime author; Spencer For Hire Michael G. Picher (1965), 2006 Carl Nelson Award Dr. George D. Pirie (1953), dentist at University of Georgia James J. Plumer (1983), head coach of women’s ice hockey team at Amherst College, won 2009 and 2010 NCAA Championship Dr. Mark S. Plummer (1982), senior scientist at Parke-Davis Paul M. Prescott (1986), CFO of SourceOne Dr. Howard C. Pritham (1936), physician in Brunswick Dr. Charles F. Rabeni (1966), biologist at the University of Missouri @ Columbia John R. Rafferty (1986), vice president at AIG American General in Houston, Texas Dr. Cecil H. Rose (1928), lived to be 99, minister and teacher, he was a United Presbyterian Church “internal” missionary sent to revive struggling churches in locations stretching from Nova Scotia to Miami, Fla. Later he was dean of students, chaplain, and professor at Curry College in Massachusetts Karl Ruping (1986), author, associate at Harvard’s Asia Center Ronald K. Ryan (1961), all-American in Hockey and recipient of the Nelson Award, currently a consultant for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Coach of the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) for two seasons, 1973–74 and 1974–75, and was the team’s general manager from December 1975 to May 1977, joined the Flyers in 1988 as an executive vice president and was named the chief operating officer of the team in 1991. He was named the team’s president in 2003 and held that position for three years until his retirement.

Albert K. Sawyer (1940), professor of chemistry at the University of New Hampshire Dr. John E. Semonche (1955), author, professor of history at the University of North Carolina Frank P. Sephenson (1962), all-American in hockey Neil S. Stinneford (1954), 2009 inductee into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame Charles D. “Skip” Thayer, founder and past president of the National Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers Association, trainer with Chicago Blackhawks (1 championship ring), Pittsburgh Penguins (2 championship rings) and Tampa Bay Lightening Jarvis M. Thayer (193), former vice president of the federal Reserve Bank of Boston Dr. Richard W. Van Hall (1965), professor of history at the University of South Carolina Peter B. Wagner (1966), president of Applecrest Farm Orchards in New Hampshire Dr. William B. Ware (1968), physician/surgeon in Stonington Connecticut Dr. Clifford O.T. Wieden (1920), 1st president of the Aroostook State College of the University of Maine Dr. Donald R. White (1953), professor emeritus at the University of Idaho Dr. Jeffrey S. Willmann (1972), professor of mathematics at the Maine Mariime Academy Dr. James L. Wilson (1920), professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan Dr. John M. Wood (1944), internal medicine physician in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan Edward M. Woodin (1969), president of Woodin & Co., Inc., in Portland, Maine Dr. Herbert M. Wortman (1926), executive vice president and medical director of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Howard J. Yates (1971), senior vice president of Bath Iron Works, Maine

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FEATURE

Cotter presented the commission’s report to the Board of Trustees in January 1984. The trustees then voted unanimously by secret ballot to accept the recommendations which were; to withdraw recognition of the Greek organizations, create a common housing system which would be governed largely by students, and to build a new student union. It was the only way, Cotter said, to create true gender equity on campus, give the commons system a chance to succeed, solve behavior problems, and increase academic integrity.

Current President William D. “Bro” Adams acknowledges that the elimination of fraternities was painful but he says Colby is better off today without them. “All the reasons explained at the time were the right ones. ... The risk was we lost or would lose that sense of identity, and that has something to do with institutional identity,” he said. “There are other ways to achieve that.” Fortunately, the president of Colby is in the minority with his opinion. Fraternities have from the beginning provided an additional educational opportunity that complements formal classroom or book knowledge.

With this article we celebrate the occupational successes and continuing brotherhood enjoyed by many of the brothers of Alpha-Rho Zeta. For more information and to communicate with the alumni of this chapter, visit the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity at Colby College Facebook page.

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FRATERNITY NEWS

2011 Financial Recap

The Fraternity concluded the fiscal year 2011 (ended June 30, 2011) with total assets of $3.841 million.

By Michele James

Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity concluded the fiscal year 2011 (ended June 30, 2011) with total assets of $3.841 million.

The Fraternity had revenues of $4.4 million. The majority of revenue comes from undergraduate fees with the remainder coming from alumni contributions, investment income, royalties, and event registration. During this same period the Fraternity had expenses of $4.4 million. Net Income for the year came in flat. However, we have significantly reduced our liabilities from over $2.5 million to under $1.7 million in just two years.

Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity is well positioned for the future.

Net assets have steadily increased over time from $1,402,210 in fiscal year 2006 to $2,127,000 in fiscal year 2011. The goal is to achieve an operating reserve equal to six months.

\Over the last five years, total membership revenue has steadily increased with an annualized growth rate of over 5 percent.

While the average number of chapters remains around 193 the average membership size at each chapter has grown from roughly 41 in 2006 to 55 in 2011. The Fraternity spends more than 71 percent of its annual operating budget directly on programs and services for chapters.

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TRUE BROTHER

Lambda Chis Unite for Cancer-Stricken Brother After Craig Merimee (Kentucky 2000) learned he had life-threatening cancer, the brothers of Zeta-Sigma at Louisville granted him his wishto witness the Initiation Ritual one last time.

By Andrew Talevich (Washington State 2011)

What do brothers in the bond of Lambda Chi Alpha gain from the Fraternity’s Initiation Ritual?

For many young brothers it’s a rite of passage into manhood.

It may also be a sign of maturity and growth.

In the case of Craig Merimee’s (Kentucky 2000) second Initiation, it was a symbol of unity and true brotherhood in which the words and actions of Ritual were exemplification of the strong bonds that encompass all brothers in all stages of life.

Sixteen months ago Merimee, a loving husband and father of three young daughters, was shocked when he found out that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease that often holds a poor prognosis.

Recently, the 34-year-old opted to stop treatment so he could enhance his remaining time with his family and friends.

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TRUE BROTHER

LOYALTY | DUTY | RESPECT | SERVICE & STEWARDSHIP | HONOR | INTEGRITY | PERSONAL COURAGE In times when life offers the hardest

anything other than excitement about

A number of alumni from the Epsilon-

challenges, it is often difficult to find the

the opportunity to fulfill this wish. This

Phi chapter of University of Kentucky

necessary support and love to help cope

is truly ZAX.”

continue to keep in touch with

with a dire situation.

Merimee. They had recently purchased On January 22, 2012, nearly 70 men

a ruby and pearl badge for him as a

The brothers of Zeta-Sigma at the

representing five different chapters

small reminder of their time together

University of Louisville realized the

attended the Initiation ceremony for

at Lambda Chi Alpha. This gift sparked

severity of Merimee’s condition and

Merimee.

the simple comment from Merimee to

rallied around their fellow brother.

“Craig was able to participate in a small

a close friend that led to last month’s Ritual.

“Craig mentioned that seeing Ritual

piece of the event and was genuinely

again would have a different meaning

happy to see it come together,” Medley

Ultimately the example of chapters

for him now,” said Zeta-Sigma’s chapter

said.

uniting to honor a fellow brother as he

advisor Scott Medley (Kentucky 1997).

struggles with a life-threatening disease

In keeping with Merimee’s wishes, the Zeta-Sigma chapter decided to lead Merimee in the Initiation Ritual.

Directed by Ritual Chairman Richard “Gavin” Johnson the brothers were able to make time in the first two weeks of the semester, and between recruitment and an out-of-town formal, to prepare for the ceremony.

“I could not have been more proud of our chapters,” Medley said. “These undergraduates had nothing to gain.

This was time out of their extremely busy schedules but not once did I hear

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TRUE BROTHER

LOYALTY | DUTY | RESPECT | SERVICE & STEWARDSHIP | HONOR | INTEGRITY | PERSONAL COURAGE

signifies that the TRUE brotherhood of

wanted to perform our Ritual for me in

Lambda Chi Alpha lasts a lifetime. The

my honor. There’s a lot that goes into

Ritual we all go through applies to our

our Ritual so it was a big commitment

daily lives.

for them. I admire the way they stepped up for me [even though they] don’t

Very rarely do men get an opportunity

know me. Our chapter at U of L has

to fulfill a request like this. The choice

grown a lot the last few years and I’m

to take advantage of the situation

glad to hear they are strong these days.

despite the personal sacrifice is what

My witness firsthand is they have a lot

makes these men outstanding Lambda

of character and that’s what you are

Chis. The men of Zeta-Sigma reflect

supposed to learn in college when in a

the TRUE brotherhood of Lambda Chi

fraternity....My brothers mean a whole

Alpha.

lot to me and I love you guys.”

Merimee is very thankful for this

If you would like to learn more about

experience. In his blog he writes:

Merimee or send him a message of

“Through some connections here in town, the brothers of LXA at U of L...

support, feel free to visit the blog that he and his family keep: http:// merimeejourney.blogspot.com/.

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HISTORY

The Friendship Pin: A Mystery Fit for Dick Tracy While the plain friendship pin is well known, years ago they were made with jewels and of solid gold.

By Edmund McGovern (North Carolina A&T 2009)

I believe that is pretty safe to assume that we as brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha have a basic understanding of what our friendship pin looks like, but what else do we really know about it? This is one question that really intrigued me, so I set out on a little journey to see what I could discover.

The first glimpse we receive of the friendship pin arises out of the need for a suitable alternative for alumni who wanted to avoid spending excessively on an official badge. In a letter from John E. Mason (Pennsylvania 1913) to Warren A. Cole (Boston 1912), dated January 14, 1913, Mason offered two possible designs as a solution to this particular problem. The designs Mason envisioned can be found in the sketch below, as borrowed from page 53 of RITUAL - What and Why. One of these pieces would go on to become the pledge pin of the time, while the other made a brief appearance on the fraternity fez, then faded out of sight for a few years. Due to lack of interest it seems the fez was a short-lived novelty from our early years as a fraternity. You can see our earliest brothers wearing their fezzes with a large friendship-type pin as its emblem in the picture taken during the 19151916 Philadelphia Assembly.

In August of 1921, Mason wrote a letter to Grand High Alpha Ernst J. C. Fischer (Cornell 1910) about the creation of an alternate symbol to avoid violation of the proper use of our official badge, which was allowed to be worn only by a fully initiated brother or a brother’s wife, fiancée, or his mother. (Housemothers were sometimes permitted to wear it depending upon the chapter’s particular traditions). It seems that even at this particular time in history, our gentlemen were smitten by the ladies and sometimes indiscriminately offered our badge up to “casual females.”

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HISTORY As chairman of the Emblems and Ritual Committee, Mason wrote as Insignia Ruling #1, “If a woman wears the ΛXA badge it is a sign to the Brotherhood and to the world at large that she has the same right to aid and protection as a brother. I am (thus) having Balfour make up a cross and crescent pin with ΛXA on the shield as the Official Badge of Friendship. A member may give this to any woman that he takes a fancy to.

It carries no promise of protection from the Fraternity, and is simply a casual compliment.”

Also mentioned in the same letter to Fischer was the possibility of having these badges adorned with jewels as per the following excerpt from page 56 of RITUAL - What and Why: “Further: females like platinum, amethysts, opals, sardonyx, carnelian, agate, malachite, jasper, coral, rubies, topazes, garnets, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, tourmaline, bloodstone, jade, beryl, carbuncles and 18 k. as well as the standard 14 k. gold used for pins, if the record or requests for dispensation on jewelry, kept by the Emblems and Ritual Committee, be correct. By having a separate pin for novelty adornment the nervous system of the committee will (perhaps) be subjected to less strain.”

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The L. G. Balfour Company apparently sent out four samples of the friendship pin to Mason on September 21, 1921.

Balfour’s plan was to offer them in either plain gold for $5.00 and one with close-set sapphires for $12.00.

Now this is where it really started to get interesting for me.

If only the plain pins are sold today, whatever happened to jeweled ones? Were they ever available? Were they discontinued? I pushed the question to the back of my mind for some time, until one day when I was reading through The History of Lambda Chi Alpha: A Historical Perspective by Chuck Peyser (Sewanee HON). I happened upon a sketch that was drawn by one of our more famous brothers, Chester Gould (Oklahoma State 1923), on page 146. The detective in this particular cartoon is none other than Dick Tracy, and emblazoned upon his “2-way wrist radio” (or TV) is a friendship pin - and the pin appears to be jeweled. I didn’t really understand the significance of the drawing at the time, and it wasn’t until a few months later that more of this puzzle started to come together.

Shortly after my discovery of that sketch I again had some luck when I purchased a collection of old Fraternity papers from an estate. Buried in those stacks of miscellaneous items was an undated Badge Price List from the L.G. Balfour Company. Upon inspection of this brochure, I again noticed a reference to this mysterious little jeweled friendship pin. The price guide includes a picture, as well as a brief description of the available pieces along with the current price. The catalog was among several other papers that very obviously dated back to the late 1930s and we can also conclude that this guide was from around that same time period as it had yet to include any updates from our 1939 merger with Theta Kappa Nu. Although the jeweled friendship pin seems to have been produced as we can infer by the samples sent to Mason and by the price guide, I haven’t been able to locate one at our headquarters nor through speaking with various brothers who are a little more well versed on our jewelry and history. There may be several reasons this piece never caught on, but the best we can do is speculate on such a thing. It may have not been very popular and production was reduced or dropped entirely, it was possibly too expensive to have adorned with jewels, it may have been perceived as too ‘feminine’, or they’ve just simply been lost in history due to only having a few concretely

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HISTORY

known years of production. Who’s to say what happened, but at the very least we can conclude that it was produced sometime between 1921 and up until the merger in 1939.

In all likelihood this design was probably dropped after the merger to make room for our newly incorporated symbols and jewelry pieces. There is, however, at least one original example that is still in existence, as it was recently sold on a popular online auction site and now resides in one of our brothers’ personal collections.

Another curious point to make is the presence or absence of the friendship pin in the Paedagogus. The earliest editions through the 1920s and ‘30s bear illustrations captioned as the Badge of Friendship, but the pin is not mentioned again until the 46th edition of 1995, and this is what was written: “The cross and crescent with shield bearing Greek letters pin was originally designed to be worn by girlfriends of members when the relationship had not reached the stage of engagement or marriage. Today, the pin also is worn by members on occasions when the badge would be too formal, by members who have not purchased a badge, or by members who prefer its design. The cross and crescent may be worn by associate members as well as initiates.”

As you can see, the friendship pin has had some very significant meaning to our fraternity throughout the past hundred years. I personally have seen several brothers wearing these pins on occasion, and it makes sense to have a less formal alternative to the official badge that stands out, distinguishes who we are, espouses our ideals, and yet it is still elegant and simple in its design and function. So, for the individuals who are important in our daily lives, or provide our fraternity with the services that we sometimes require, show them some respect and gratitude by presenting them with an integral part of our history that was designed with just such a purpose in mind. Today you can purchase a small or large 10K gold friendship pin for approximately $50.00-$60.00 or a goldtone pin for about $15.00. They are currently available through our official jewelry retailer, Herff Jones, at HJGreek. com

This passage, along with the graphic, continues in the 1997 and 2000 editions, only to disappear again in subsequent printings.

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