SigEp loses OGH and distinguished alumnus Jerry Stroud Jerry Stroud, Indiana State ’60, passed away in November 2010, after residing for the past few years in an assisted-living facility, and recently in hospice care. Stroud served as a volunteer for Indiana State for over 30 years, and was recognized with the Order of the Golden Heart (OGH) at the 1995 Conclave in Orlando, Fla. He was also honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991. Stroud shared the OGH honors with three other Indiana State alumni, Ernest “Pop” Long, ’58, William Mendenhall, ’65, and Dean Duncan, ’52. Stroud owned and operated Fujii Associates, a publisher’s representative company for over 30 years. He employed and offered internships to many Indiana Delta brothers. Trent Roberts, Indiana State ’98, said that Stroud was highly influential in his years of Fraternity service. “Jerry was the reason I strived to be a better SigEp. His support of the Indiana Delta Chapter as an alumnus allowed me to grow as a SigEp. Without Jerry, I never would have worked to become a regional director.” Jerry Stroud was a central figure in building a new home for Indiana Delta in 1999. He sponsored over 100 men to attend Conclaves over the years and helped send an average of 15 to 20 men a year to the Carlson Leadership Academy. Past Indiana State Alumni and Volunteer Corporation President Craig Williams, Indiana State ’93, said, “Those of us who knew Jerry know that his love of life probably filled up the building and now he’s free to spread that joy in the hereafter. Those of you who did not know Jerry…well, let’s just say you missed out on someone who loved SigEp and the guys that make up Indiana Delta.”
SigEps attending the installation of Bishop Richard L Shimpfky, 2002. From left, Trevor Shimpfky, Richmond ’90, John Stanley, Arkansas ’64, The Bishop, Mike Harris, San Jose ’62, Don Johnson, Kansas ’45, and Bruce Hasenkamp, Dartmouth ‘60.
SigEp laments loss of Citation recipient Bishop Dick Shimpfky By CHARLES WHITE, Western Michigan ’62, Former President, SigEp Educational Foundation
Richard L. Shimpfky, Colorado ’63, arrived in Richmond from Colorado to join the SigEp staff in 1963. Dick was a giant in a small frame. It was easy to take him for granted until you spent a few minutes with him, and then he brought you into his orbit and it was a great experience. We enjoyed a year together on the staff. After travelling as a regional director for a year, his management and leadership abilities were apparent, and he moved to a position on the Headquarters staff in Richmond. He was chapter services director, the number two man, until 1967, when he had the calling to the Episcopal priesthood. When Dick informed Executive Director Don Johnson, Kansas ’45, of his decision, I had been with Procter and Gamble for only a year. Don took the trip to Cincinnati and hired me to take Dick’s place. So my career with SigEp was a direct result of the Episcopal Church calling Dick. It is my church too, so we understood it well. Dick thrived in the church and was installed as Bishop of the Diocese of El Camino Real in Northern California from 1990-2004, one of the youngest Bishops in the Church and a candidate for presiding Bishop of the Church in 2002. He received the Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation for career achievement in 1993. It was a well-deserved honor that he humbly accepted. Dick was a true leader. And he followed the motto of, “Lead, follow or get out of the
way…with empathy.” He could be controversial but never unloved. He was SigEp National Chaplain for a time and at every occasion was eloquent and unforgettable. He loved Sigma Phi Epsilon, crediting his undergraduate experience with establishing his foundation and his staff experience with expanding his vision. He was proud that his son Trevor Shimpfky, Richmond ’90, selected Sigma Phi Epsilon at the University of Richmond, Virginia Alpha, as his Fraternity. What I remember most are Dick’s penetrating discussions, his always challenging outlook and his deep care and concern for all he came in contact with. Our Fraternity will miss its wonderful SigEp Brother, Bishop Richard L. Shimpfky. Excerpt of 1995 Interview with Dick Shimpfky and Dave Eskes, author of Our Journey of Brotherhood Eskes: Dick, what impact has the Fraternity had on your life professionally and privately? Shimpfky: I can’t define my life outside of the Fraternity. The Fraternity is essential to my self-definition, beginning as an undergraduate up to now. It is just part of my fiber. I wouldn’t know myself without the Fraternity. Eskes: What has it provided you? Shimpfky: Working for the Fraternity taught me everything I ever need to know about being with people, how to go about that. On the level of values I think the Fraternity was my source of mediated values. Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love are how everyone may define them. A pretty good shorthand list of values. Yep, to treat other people decently. IN MEMORIAM
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