Alumni News

Alfred Standish Milliken Honored at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman

Alfred Standish Milliken (MIT ’14) was honored in February by the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum in Bedford, Massachusetts with a Lights for Peace flag. Flags are donated by Empire Ford and then flown in honor of local veterans.

According to his Gold Star Record, Milliken was awarded the Silver Star citation “For distinguished and exceptional gallantry at Cambrai on March 30, 1918, in the operation of the American Expeditionary Forces.” A battery of coast artillery guns at Fort Rodman is named in his honor.

On March 21, 1918, near the Somme River in France, the German army launched its first major offensive on the Western Front in two years. The 6th Engineers were sent into the line near Villers-Bretonneux, France and Brother Milliken, who had charge of a section of Company D, defended the trench in front of the village of Warfusse-Abaucourt. All German assaults were driven back, but during the afternoon of March 30, the position was subject to heavy bombardment, during which Brother Milliken was killed.

Terrence Sawyer Named Loyola University Maryland President

Terrence M. Sawyer (Maryland ’92) has been selected by the Loyola University Maryland Board of Trustees as the University’s 25th President.

“Terry values Jesuit, liberal arts education, knows Loyola’s strengths and challenges, and has a compelling, foundational vision for defining and shaping Loyola in the years ahead,” said James Forbes, chair of Loyola’s Board of Trustees. “Our search identified many talented leaders, but it was clear that Terry holds the greatest promise as the president who can—and will—move Loyola University forward.”

Brother Sawyer led the University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing the planning and successful reopening and operations of Loyola’s campuses. He is also an affiliate professor in Loyola’s Sellinger School of Business and Management.

“I am humbled and honored to have this incredible opportunity to serve as Loyola’s next President,” said Brother Sawyer. “These are undoubtedly challenging times for higher education, but Loyola is extremely well-positioned for all that lies ahead.”

Bother Sawyer, who previously served as Loyola’s Senior Vice President, was chosen after a national search. He is the University’s first layperson to serve as President. All previous Presidents have been ordained Jesuit priests. He started his term on January 1.

Jim Schmitz Plays in Adult Baseball Tournaments

Jim Schmitz (UC/Santa Barbara ’80)

was part of a winning team at the 2021 National Adult Baseball Association World Series. Brother Schmitz played catcher on the 60+ San Antonio Lonestars. Brother Schmitz was also on the winning team for the MSBL Sunshine Classic in February.

Ted Van Horne Receives RIT Distinguished Alumnus Award

Edward (Ted) Van Horne (RIT ’99) was a 2021-2022 recipient of RIT’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. He is the COO of Global Medical Response (GMR), overseeing all

Ted Van Horne meets with brothers of the Upsilon Tetarton Chapter.

ground and air medical transportation, fire services, and other community and emergency management operations.

With 38,000 employees, 8,600 ambulances, 450 air ambulances and more than 13 million patient interactions each year, GMR operates in all 50 states.

Brother Van Horne has earned wide respect throughout the industry for his handling of emergency medical communications and operational components during major catastrophic events. Most recently, he has been a visible and vocal leader in the industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

He serves on the council of Austin Angels, a non-profit agency dedicated to helping children navigate the foster care system. He is also an active board member for the All Clear Foundation, supporting the overall well-being and longevity of those who serve our communities in times of need as first responders.

Brother Van Horne has also contributed to the Hope for Honduras project, a partnership with RIT’s design school to design, build, and deploy off-road capable ambulance units that specialize in prenatal care in Honduras, a severely underserved area.

New Foundation Trustees Named

Two brothers joined the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation Board as Trustees during the Foundation’s mid-year meeting, held in Austin, Texas February 18-19.

Chad Burney (Central Missouri ’05)

Brother Burney is a client relationship manager for Taylor Communications. Brother Burney is active with the Central Missouri alumni group, along with the greater Kansas City alumni group. Brother Burney resides in Kansas City, Missouri.

Vern Hackworth (Kentucky’89)

Brother Hackworth is a Senior CRA professional in the pharmaceutical sector and has more than 22 years of clinical monitoring experience. Brother Hackworth resides in Brookhaven, New York.

Xi Pentaton Holds Reunion

Several Cal State/Northridge brothers gathered on October 23 for a reunion at Sierra Canyon School.

Multiple generations of Xi Pentaton brothers were in attendance at the event, which also included the current undergraduate members.

Highlights of the day included the attendance of Cheech Marin (Cal State/ Northridge ’68), awards to several alumni, and the bonding between young and old brothers. The event was a highlight for this academic year for Xi Pentaton as it continues to grow and develop new memories.

Brother Marin was presented with an award for his lifetime dedication to the local Los Angeles community and serving as a role model for many young first-generation college students attending Cal State/Northridge.

Please watch for the fall issue of the Signet, which will feature an exclusive Phi Sig interview with Cheech Marin.