february 2015 cross & crescent

Cross & Crescent

Febr

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201

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FROM THE EDITOR

Kyle JonesAssociate Director of

Communications(317) 803-7321

[email protected]

As you’ve probably guessed by now I am not Tad Lichtenauer.

That leaves you wondering then, “What’s with this guy’s picture to the left and why is he taking up space over here?”

Well, graciously, or maybe fool heartedly; Tad has handed over the reins and duties of editor of the Cross & Crescent to yours truly. What that means is from here on I will be taking the lead on what you’ll read and see in the C&C each month and on the web.

What you can expect are some major changes in our online presence and in each month’s issue, starting with a complete rehaul of our layout, see March’s issue for more. Have no fear though, what will not be changing are the type of stories and news you’ve come to expect. We’re still interested in telling your stories of success, triumph, service, brotherhood and everything in between.

Before we shake things up too much, here’s what you can expect in this issue. Our cover story details all the action that took place during the inaugural High Alpha Summit in Washington, D.C. this January.

Also in this issue we have a story of one brother’s journey to find his birth family and the advocacy that it inspired; while another story celebrates a brother who has received a major honor in his profession. We also feature a story from The Gainesville Sun on our Epsilon-Mu chapter and their recent decision to bring two World War II veterans into our bond.

Finally, we have an inside look at the ELC hiring process and number of photo features highlighting and remembering the brothers within our bond.

Thank you for joining us as we continue on into 2015 and take this storied insitution into the next generation. There are big things to come and I look forward to your feedback, contributions and ideas. Feel free to contact me at [email protected].

In ZAX,

Kyle Jones Editor, Cross & Crescent Magazine

mailto:[email protected]

HeaderYOUR ONLINE SOURCE FOR ALL LAMBDA CHI ALPHA NEWSFEB. 2015 ISSUE 01

Cross & Crescent

CONTRIBUTIONSContent for consideration should be submitted by the 25th of the month (except Aug/Jan)Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity11711 N Pennsylvania StreetSuite 250Indianapolis, IN 46032-6959(317) [email protected]/fraternity/candc

1 Chapter News Chapter news, alumni news

and reports of death.

24 Photo FeatureThree brothers named to

All-American football team

25 Fraternity NewsIHQ calls on committed brothers

for ELC positions

Features

Departments

CREDITS Publisher: Bill Farkas Managing Editor: Tad Lichtenauer Editor: Kyle JonesDigital Marketing Manager: Andrew TalevichLayout & Design: Thomas Roberts Research: Jon Williamson Copy Editors: Jono Hren Bob McLaughlin Mike Raymond

13HIGH ALPHA SUMMIT SUCCESS LEADS TO PLANS FOR CONTINUATION Lambda Chi Alpha hosts chapter and colony presidents for a weekend long event on values based leadership.By Kyle Jones (Montevallo)

17FINDING MY BIRTH FAMILY: A JOURNEY OF LOVE After 20 years of searching William Vinzetta was reunited with his family, and now looks to help others.By Kyle Jones (Montevallo)

19UTSA PHI-UPSILON BROTHER HONORED AS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Active alumni volunteer excels in his career by utilizing values of Lambda

Chi in life as an educator.

By Eric Kurbyun (Valparaiso)

20FRATERNITY WELCOMES WORLD WAR II VETERANS TO BROTHERHOOD The brothers of Episolon-Mu Zeta at the University of Florida have initiated two men who served in World War II into the bond of LCA.

By Hannah O. Brown (Staff Writer for The Gainesville Sun)

mailto:[email protected]

Cross & Crescent February 20151www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent

CHAPTER NEWS

Chapter News


Chapter news, alumni news and reports of death

Akron (Gamma-Alpha)Chapter News

The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for six associate members. Four of the six are chapter officers.

Boston (Alpha)Chapter News

The chapter held its annual Light ‘Em Up laser tag charity event.

The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for nine associate members.

Butler (Alpha-Alpha)Chapter News

The chapter added 33 associate members during formal recruitment.

Cal-Berkley (Mu)Omega

William B. Callaway (1966) died Nov. 25, 2014. A leader in the field of landscape architecture, he also attended Harvard University Graduate School of Design, earning a master’s in landscape architecture in 1971. Callaway started his career with the SWA Group in San Francisco and worked for the company there and in Sausalito for 45 years. He was SWA [resident before becoming the company CEO and then Chairman of the SWA Board of Directors. Some of his notable projects include Electronic Arts in Redwood City, a master plan for Mare Island in Solano County, Beijing Finance Street in China, Syntex Laboratories, Weyerhaeuser Headquarters, The Concord Pavilion, Arizona Center in Phoenix, Hyatt Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Barney Allis Plaza in Kansas City, Oakland City Center and Fireman’s Fund in Novato.In 1994 Bill was made a fellow in the American Society of Landscape Architects. In 2007, he received the ASLA Medal, the profession’s highest honor for an individual.

California-San Diego (Pi-Beta)Chapter News

The chapter hosted its Watermelon Bust from Nov. 3-8, 2014, raising $4,000 and over 600 pounds of of food for the local Feeding America San Diego food bank. This total equates to roughly 24,450 meals.

Cal State Northridge (Beta-Rho)Omega

Lawrence S. Greene died Nov. 4, 2014. Greene could be heard on various radio stations in southern California as a traffic reporter. Most recently he worked for CBS affiliates KNX and KFWB. Brothers remember Greene for his soothing baritone

www.lambdachi.org/cross



CHAPTER NEWS

Chapter News



voice, droll sense of humor and helping fellow Brother Desmond Shaw break into the broadcasting industry by letting him take over his traffic reporting during his vacation periods.

Central Florida (Beta-Eta)Omega

Dr. H. Trevor Colbourn (HON) died Jan. 13, 2015. He graduated from the University of London, Exeter and earned his master’s from the College of William and Mary and a second master’s and his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University. Colbourn’s academic career included teaching positions at Penn State University and Indiana University, and serving as the dean of the graduate school at the University of New Hampshire, and as academic vice president and then acting president of San Diego State University. From 1978-1989 he was the president of the University of Central Florida. Throughout most of his university presidency he continued to teach one course on American revolutionary history each year. He published several books in this field, relishing philosophical discussions of the beliefs of the founding fathers. He is well known as the person who established the football program at UCF, seeing in the rain and mud of the first game in hand me down high school uniforms the potential that became a top 10 ranked team in

2013. He was equally committed to the academic side of the university, starting the Honors College and and creating both UCF’s first endowed chair, and the first endowed chair in the southeastern United States in computer science. He was instrumental in developing the research park and increased research funding from $3.8 million to $16.4 million annually. He also increased the assets of the UCF Foundation from less than a million to more than $11 million.

Cornell (Omicron)Chapter News

Chapter undergraduates and alumni are very excited about the progress on the renovation of Edgemoor, the 115-year-old chapter house. As shown in the photo, the demolition of the former dining area was completed in early January. Since this picture was taken, the micro piles that will support the three-story addition have been installed in the bedrock, the formwork is in place and the concrete grade beam has been poured. With the completion of this phase of the project, the construction company is now erecting the exterior walls of the new building. The renovation is on schedule to allow for the reopening of the chapter house in August to begin the 2015-2016 school year.




CHAPTER NEWS

Chapter News



Denver (Alpha-Pi)Chapter News

Chapter brothers played croquet and helped Jiminy Wicket, an organization that uses croquet to bring people living with Alzheimer’s back into the game of life. Playing croquet improves the lives of seniors and their caregivers mentally, physically and socially.

Drexel (Epsilon-Kappa)Chapter News

Order of Merit recipient John McGarrigle gave the associate members a presentation about chapter history.

Undergraduates and alumni brothers attended the Drexel homecoming basketball game.

The chapter earned IFC Excellence Award for having the highest member participation in Greek life events last semester.

Rich Felix won homecoming king.

Eureka (Theta-Chi)Alumni News

Bruce Darnall has written an article titled “Wooten finds positive influenzers in Milwaukee” on Milwaukee Brewer relief pitcher Rob Wooten. It was published online by Athletes in Action, the sports ministry for Campus Crusade for Christ. It tells about his life and his Christian faith.

Ferris State (Iota-Psi)Chapter News

Chapter brothers partnered with the women of Delta Zeta sorority to create Valentine’s Day grams for the students at a local elementary school.

Florida State (Zeta-Rho)Omega

William A. Jackson (1967) died Nov. 29, 2014. He earned a master’s in educational leadership at The University of North Florida in 1976. He begain as an assistant coach at Forrest High School. During his time at Forrest he coached tennis, track, football and was ultimately the athletic director. He then became an administrator at Fletcher Senior High School, Darnell Cookman, Paxon Senior High and then Principal at Terry Parker High School. His next move was to become the budget director of the Duval County School System and at the time of his retirement in 1998 he was the assistant director of finance.

Florida (Epsilon-Mu)Chapter News

Jan. 25, 2015: Gainesville press gathered at the University of Florida chapter of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity when




CHAPTER NEWS

Chapter News



brothers unanimously decided to honor two World War II veterans, Frank Towers and Tom Santarsiero. Both men were invited to partake in the organization’s AM Ceremony and will be invited to watch Ritual. Unfortunately, Mr. Towers, 97, could not attend the ceremony due to an upcoming surgery. Mr. Santarsiero, 90, was in attendance and spoke to all of the Lambda Chi Alpha brothers about his life experiences and what they taught him as a man. Towers helped free over 2,100 Jews from crammed rail cars travelling to concentration camps around Europe. All 2,100 men, women and children aboard were released and sent to medical facilities. Mr. Santarsiero took part in D-Day, the Battle of St. Lo and Hertgen Forest. His unit was the first to enter German-controlled Paris and cross through the Rhineland. He later received a Bronze Star for his brave efforts throughout the war.

Fresno State (Colony)Omega

Edward “Ed” Palacios died Nov. 15, 2014. Ed was known in Fresno’s medical community as the former CEO of San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital, and Selma District Hospital. In the philanthropic community, he was a tireless fundraiser and advocate for Valley Public Radio. In 2012, he was promoted by the SJVR’s parent company, Vibra Healthcare, to serve as vice president of operations for its nine western facilities. He spent several days a week traveling for work and was in Dallas when he fell ill. He died at Baylor University Hospital. He worked as a nurse at Saint Agnes Hospital and Community Medical Center in the late 1980s and 1990s, progressing from telemetry nurse to cardiac and critical care, to charge nurse, to vice president. He said he wanted to improve hospital care by bringing his bedside experience to an administrative role. Palacios served on the Board of the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California. As an undergraduate, he spent two terms as chapter president and in the early 1990s served as president of the chapter’s House Corporation.

Georgia (Nu)Chapter News

The chapter will host its 100th anniversary weekend on April 24-25, 2015. To register visit the Alumni Association’s website.

Hanover (Theta-Zeta)Chapter News


The chapter held a retreat in Brown County, Ind., that included guest speakers who spoke about risk management and what brotherhood truly means at Lambda Chi Alpha.

The chapter won all of the awards at the Greek Awards event. Undergraduate brothers Mat Grau and Jace Gentil also won individual awards.




CHAPTER NEWS

Chapter News



High Point (Iota-Phi)Alumni News

Kevin Clement serves as the account manager at Displayit, Inc. Based in metro Atlanta, Displayit is a leading provider of portable display products for trade shows and other event marketing projects. Pictured in the photo are Clement with his wife Sara and two daughters, Morgan(16) and Bonnie (13).

Illinois (Chi)Chapter News

The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 11 associate members.

Indiana (Alpha-Omicron)Chapter News


Indiana State (Iota-Epsilon)Omega

David W. McKenney (1973) died Dec. 24, 2014. He was a starting defensive tackle on the Sycamore varsity football team. He served as a regional vice president at Healthcare Underwriters Group of Florida. He played an important role with the recent recolonization of Iota-Epsilon.

Iowa State (Alpha-Tau)Chapter News

On Jan. 22, 2014, the chapter held an Associate Member Ceremony for five associate members: John Finn, Matthew Eaton, Collin Still, Jason Lee and Chris Allen.




CHAPTER NEWS

Chapter News



Johnson & Wales - Charlotte (Colony)Chapter News

On Jan. 17, 2015, the colony held its first alumni dinner and silent auction. Approximately 15 area alumni brothers attended. The event raised $750 for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and $200 for the Chef Shane Pearson Memorial Scholarship fund. Pearson died last December. He was a beloved member of the Johnson & Wales family.

Kansas State (Gamma-Xi)Omega

Marvin C. A. Lundquist died Dec. 17, 2014. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in Ireland as a radio man. Through the years, Lundquist worked on his family’s farm and also as an agronomist for Kansas State University. He served on the chapter’s house corporation for nearly 65 years, spending many of those years as treasurer. Lundquist was a Lambda Chi Alpha Order of Merit recipient.

Murray State (Lambda-Eta)Chapter News

Sororities helped us during watermelon bust to raise food for Foodline. Kappa Delta’s theme was spartans and had us dress up like spartans.

North Carolina (Gamma-Nu)Omega

Robert Morris (1954) died Dec. 22, 2014.

North Carolina State (Gamma-Upsilon)

Chapter News

The chapter donated more than 100 toys to the Duke Children’s Hospital for terminally ill children.




CHAPTER NEWS

Chapter NewsChapter news, alumni news, and reports of death


North Dakota (Epsion-Zeta)Chapter News

Shane Schuster was elected IFC president and participated in a leadership conference in Indianapolis.

The chapter won Greek Life awards, including one for their chapter advisor.

The chapter elected officers and held an officer retreat.

Alumni News

Chief Justice Gerald W. “Jerry” Vandewalle was named by North Dakota Governor Dalrymple as the 41st Recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award:

Alumni brothers Mark Hayes, Earl Weber, Tom Anderson, Dave Hillesland and Ron Sitzer gathered for a luncheon in Fargo, N.D.

Ohio (Alpha-Omega)Chapter News

The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplfication for 12 associate members. They are: David Parkhill, Austin Collins, David Johnson, Shane Benson, Kyle Ghiloni, Jake Ryan, Joel Levis, Kareem Dixon, Nick Mucha, Joey Cantenese, Ian McPhaden and Tyler Rupert.

Oklahoma (Gamma-Rho)Omega

David A. Ronk died Nov. 29, 2014. He continued his education at OU’s Medical School, graduating in 1971, and all three of his children were born while he was completing his residency at OU Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. He and his family moved to Fort Riley, Kan. where he served as a major in the U.S. Army and worked as a physician. In 1976, the Ronk’s moved back to Norman, Okla. and he started in private practice as obstetrician/gynecologist. He delivered many babies in the coming years and even served as chief of staff at Norman Regional Hospital in the 1980s. In 1989, Ronk moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and joined California Pacific GYN/OB practice to support his wife’s job promotion to the West Coast.




CHAPTER NEWS



James P. Cates (1986) died Oct. 22, 2014. He served the chapter as fraternity educator and the IFC president. After college, he went to work in Oklahoma City for the Baer and Timberlake law firm, which later became Baer, Timberlake, Coulson & Cates, P.C., when he became a partner in 1998. Oklahoma City became his home for the next 25 years and he continued to touch all he befriended, adding many more close friendships over the years. James was an avid sports fan, especially if it was Sooner football or the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Oklahoma City (Theta-Delta)Alumni News

Michael Decker, director of the Office of Administrative Proceedings for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, received the Eugene Kuntz Award for Leadership at the 2014 Eugene Kuntz Conference on Natural Resources Law and Policy at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City on Nov. 7, 2014.

Decker earned the honor in recognition of his long and distinguished career as an energy sector professional whose contributions have had a major impact on energy law and policy. Decker oversees more than 30 employees, an annual budget of nearly $3 million and more than 40,000 cases annually in the commission’s departments of Oil and Gas, Public Utilities, Consumer Services and Transportation.

Pennsylvania State (Zeta)

Chapter News

The chapter has organized three canning weekends with a local sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha, and have gone on local canvassing trips in effort to raise money for Penn State’s Dance Marathon (THON) for pediatric cancer.

ROTC Cadet Lieutenant Garrett Zeiler spoke to the chapter about leadership and accountability. On a another night, a lawyer from Penn State Legal Services spoke to the chapter about social host liability followed by a presentation by Steve Blair, a fire director at Alpha Company Fire, about bystander behavior and intervention.

Pittsburg State (Lambda-Chi)Chapter News

For the second consecutive year, the chapter won the Mr. Cinderfella Pageant organized by Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority.

Chapter brothers participated in the Christmas Tree and Toys for Tots community charity event.




CHAPTER NEWS



Richmond (Alpha-Chi)Chapter News

On Jan. 19, 2015, chapter brothers participated in the University of Richmond’s Martin Luther King Day of Service. The brothers participated in two service projects. One project focused on creating art supplies tote bags that will be distributed to students at a local elementary school. The other involved renovating office space at a local middle school.

Omega

Jim Mims (1940) died Dec. 31, 2014. At 103 years of age, he may have been the oldest living Lambda Chi. He was a member of Rotary Club almost 60 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. Mims volunteered with the Navy League, an organization that educates, enhances, and supports the sea services of the Navy.

The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for 10 associate members and six associate members from the Wichita State University colony.

Purdue (Psi)Omega

Earl J. D’Amico (1949) died Dec. 11, 2014. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a well- known restaurateur in Joliet, Ill. for many years. During the 1960s and 1970s, he operated a supper club, D’Amico’s 214, and a nearby Sheraton Hotel. He offered dinner plays and performances by some of the leading entertainers and actors of the day. It was a stop over between New York and Hollywood for many big names. He had many stories to tell about them.

Penn State (Zeta)Omega

Linn S. Lightner died Dec. 7, 2014. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering from Penn State University and was a registered professional engineer. He served two tours of duty with the U.S. Army and was discharged with the rank of captain. He was retired from the former AMP, Inc where he worked for nearly 36 years, holding various engineering and management positions. He was a member of Camp Hill United Methodist Church, PA Pump Primers (antique fire truck enthusiasts) and the related national organization (SPAAMFAA), The PA National Fire Museum, Antique Automobile Club of America, and the Model T Ford Club International. He was also a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association, and a member and past master of Lowther Manor Masonic Lodge of Camp Hill. His father was Linn C. Lightner who was the editor of the Cross and Crescent for 50 years.




CHAPTER NEWS



Texas - San Antonio (Phi-Upsilon)Chapter News

In January, the chapter launched “The Truman,” a new alumni newsletter named after U.S. president and alumni brother Harry Truman.

Union (Lambda-Zeta)Chapter News

Former chapter president Will Tucker (2015) received the Mr. Union Award for being the man on campus who best represents Union University. Pictured wtih Tucker is the university president Dr. Dub Oliver and his wife. Oliver is an alumni brother from Baylor University.

At the chapter’s 50th anniversary, the seniors gathered for a final formal and photograph.

Rose-Hulman (Theta-Kappa)Alumni News

Colonel Eugene J. LeBoeuf, U.S. Army Reserve, was promoted to brigadier general and assignment as deputy commander, operations (Troop Program Unit).

South Dakota (Alpha-Gamma)Chapter News

The chapter held an Initiation Ritual Exemplfication for four associate members.

Construction was completed on the renovation of the exterior the chapter house.

The chapter has added an Alumni Advisory Board consisting of nine volunteers, including two former chapter advisors, a former ELC, and a former Fraternity Board member and Duke Flad Award recipient.

Texas (Alpha-Mu)During the fall semester, the chapter hosted a weekly alumni speaker series. Each speaker addressed one of the seven core values which was then further developed in each week’s fraternity education session. Speakers included Rick Gentry (Texas), who in addressing personal courage, discussed his and several others’ work in spearheading the movement away from pledge education in the 1960s and journalist Michael Mooney (Texas), who addressed duty by recounting his encounters with Chris Kyle (the focus of the film “American Sniper”) and his wife while working on a piece.




CHAPTER NEWS



Wabash (Alpha-Kappa)Alumni News

Commentator Roy Sexton (1995) has written a second book, Reel Roy Reviews, Vol. 2: Keep ‘Em Coming! In the book, Sexton reviews Sting’s new musical The Last Ship, offers musings on shows by Lady Gaga, Cher, Randy Newman, and Katy Perry; and has written one of the snarkiest pieces you will ever read about a Transformers film.

Wake Forest (Theta-Tau)

Chapter News


Omega

Chaplain Edgar D. Christman (1950) died Dec. 24, 2014. He served as the Wake Forest University chaplain for more than 30 years. He welcomed freshman to Wake Forest with his “What’s in a Name?” speech, in which he wove the names of students into his remarks. Christman was among the first administrators to promote integration of the student body in the early 1960s.

Virginia Tech (Sigma-Lambda)Chapter News

The chapter welcomed back three of its collegiate members. Samir Aljibar and Riley Saunders returned from an exciting semester abroad in Switzerland. While earning 24 credits, they got the chance to visit 12 countries and almost 30 cities including Paris, Rome, Florence, Munich, Nice, Barcelona, Capri, Morrocco and even getting to hike the scenic Swiss Alps.

Aaron O’Connell returned to the chapter after successfully beating cancer last year. To support O’Connell, the chapter held a fundraiser last semester, raising more than $12,000 to promote cancer awareness, fund research and support our brother.




CHAPTER NEWS



Wichita State Colony (Colony)Chapter News

The Lambda-Chi chapter at Pittsburg State hosted an Initiation Ritual Exemplification for five associate members.

The chapter added five associate members.

He received the WFU Faces of Courage award in 2012 for advocating integration and supporting the first black student, Ed Reynolds, who enrolled in 1962. He also served as a chapter advisor in the 1970s and 1980s.

Washington (Alpha-Psi)Chapter News

The renovations to the chapter house are completed.

The chapter earned first place during Greek week last fall.

The chapter hosted an alumni tailgate before a football game last fall.

Western Ontario (Delta-Eta)Chapter News


The chapter elected new officers.



13www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent Cross & Crescent February 2015

FEATURE

Lambda Chi Alpha hosts chapter and colony presidents for a weekend long event on values based leadership

HIGH ALPHA SUMMIT SUCCESS LEADS TO PLANS FOR CONTINUATION

By Kyle Jones (Montevallo)

Chapter and colony presidents from across the country gather for a photo while attending the inaugural High Alpha summit in Washington, D.C.



FEATURE

The inaugural High Alpha Summit took place in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 8 with Lambda Chi CEO Bill Farkas welcoming over 100 participants, staff and volunteers.

Chapter and colony presidents across the country assembled for the three-day event to participate in fraternity programming and education so that they may be better prepared to face the challenges encountered at the chapter and colony level.

Marcus Kelley, associate director of education at IHQ, explains that the initial idea came in January of 2014 with planning beginning shortly after General Assembly.

“We looked at what we were doing with the officer training program and looked to expand on it, so with the rollout of Officer Academy we thought this would be a great next step for our presidents and for the fraternity as a whole,” said Kelley.

Brother and Congressman Kevin Brady (South Dakota 1977), who has represented Texas’s 8th congressional district since 1997, opened the event by sharing his wisdom and experience on leadership to an eager crowd of young leaders.

“As men we are not truly measured by our position, or our salary, or the things we own,” said Brady. “That is how we are measured in society. What truly matters is how our character is measured and if we are respected by those that we respect.”

“I thought Congressman Brady was great,” said Ian Kinne of TCU. “Its nice to have a man in power who is a great example to other Lambda Chis, someone that we can aspire to be like.”

SHAPING THE BEHAVIOR FOR THEIR CHAPTERS

IHQ staff welcomed nearly 100 chapter and colony presidents to the event as well as multiple guest speakers and fraternity volunteers.



FEATURE

“The great thing about being a Lambda Chi besides the fellowship, growing yourself and trying to be a leader,” said Brady, “is that you get to meet and work with other leaders within the chapter and at other colleges: it helps you become a better leader yourself.”

“Having something like this where we can exchange experiences and talk about what works and what doesn’t, as well as being able to challenge each other, is truly critical,” he added.

Kelley reiterated that the event was able to accomplish exactly what was expressed in Brady’s opening remarks.

“Based off the feedback we’ve gotten so far, and from what I saw and witnessed during the conversations and consultations, the undergrads were able to take some good information away from this and become better High Alphas for their chapters and colonies,” he said. “I think they really enjoyed being able to have that one-on-one dialogue to find ways to take their chapter to the next level.”

The second day of High Alpha Summit began bright and early with a general session led by Dr. Sonja Ardoin, director of the office for student leadership and engagement for UNC-Wilmington.

Ardoin, who specializes in values-based leadership, spoke on exemplary leadership and finding a role within your chapter or colony, stressing that the core of exemplary leaders is that of being values-driven, being authentic and striving to achieve progress.

“I think it’s a great idea for Lambda Chi Alpha to bring together its High Alphas for training because they are the individuals who are going to be shaping the behavior for their chapters,” said Ardoin. “It’s also great for them to understand IHQ’s expectations and to also understand they are not alone in this journey and they have people all around the country who are experiencing the same struggles and successes as they are.”

Those attending the summit were also treated to a guided tour of the Capitol Building and were able to view the Senate.Brothers were treated to a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol Building on

day two of the three day event.



FEATURE

Additional speakers throughout the weekend included Tyler Tordsen (South Dakota 2015) who shared his personal experience as High Alpha and the struggles he faced, and executive vice president of James R. Favor & Company Marc Mores who specializes in helping Greeks craft risk management programs with a first-rate insurance component.

The last day of High Alpha Summit came to an end on Saturday, Jan. 10 after a long weekend of programming, education, speakers and fellowship, plans of action came together as chapter and colony presidents settled in for one last day of learning and consultation.

“During those consultations I popped my head in and noticed that guys were really able to take some ideas and goals to incorporate,” said Kelley. “Hopefully they will take what they learned and apply it to their chapters. This is great for our ELCs to be able to remind and encourage those who attended to stick to their plans and look at ways to approach situations during their future visits as well.”

“The main thing I’m taking away from this and what my group has come to agreement on, is that the best part has been the discussion,” said Brian Harriott, High Alpha at Cornell University. “You get to hear an unbiased, unrestricted account on issues that you have or haven’t considered. Most importantly I have an entire list of great ideas I’ve written down from other people. It’s given me dozens of ideas and solutions to bring back to my chapter.”

“This has been a great resource to have.”

Alongside visiting presidents and IHQ staff, the event was aided by a dedicated group of alumni volunteers looking to give back and aid in the process of developing the next generation of Lambda Chi leaders.

Nick Ludwig, a former educational leadership consultant, volunteered his weekend to facilitate group discussions and to guide undergraduates who are facing situations he has experienced in the past.

“When I first heard about this event I was so excited,” said Ludwig. “This idea of being able to get together with the High Alphas from chapters across the country who are going through the same struggles many of us have faced, and to give them this outlet and resource to come together and collaborate, was so wonderful to be a part of.”

The weekend-long event culminated in a speech by former Grand High Alpha Dr. Murphy Osborne, with a momentous and commanding cadence that no recollection or description could do justice.

Followed by a standing ovation from all those in attendance, Osborne left his captive audience with a inspiring order, “All of you now have something to take back, to give. Part of that giving has to be down deep because you are a brother, but also because you are a leader and a brother, and there is no exception to that.”

IHQ staff now look to adjust and fine-tune the keystone event for chapter and colony presidents before promoting the event again during the fall semester.

“We consider this a successful event and so now we look to the future in preparing for the next one,” said Kelley. “It’s hard to find a time that works best for everyone, but it seems like we will continue to do this again next January. We just want to make it affordable for everyone, so at the moment we are looking at various locations for next year.”

To take a look back on what you may have missed, search for #HighAlpha15 across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for a closer insight.



FEATURE

By Kyle Jones (Montevallo)

After 20 years of searching William Vinzetta was reunited with his family, and now looks to help others.

Finding my birth family: A journey of love

William Vinzetta has been in broadcast for over 17 years, he now puts his talents to use advocating for adoption with his documentary “Journey of Love.”



FEATURE

On Jan. 23, 2011, William Vinzetta (Oklahoma City 1996), full of nerves and full of anticipation, found his birth family after 20 years of searching.

A 20-year quest, which began at Oklahoma City University where Vinzetta was a brother of the Theta-Delta Zeta, came to a close.

“There is no question that Lambda Chi was, has been and will always be a true brotherhood for me,” said Vinzetta. “In fact, it was a brother who convinced me to have my birth records unsealed.”

Vinzetta then began searching for information on who and where his birth family may be. It wasn’t until much later in life, however, that an adoptive cousin was able to find the one thing he was unable to uncover after years of searching, his three sisters’ married names.

“I don’t mean to frighten you,” he typed.

Influenced by the “surreal and real” experience of meeting his siblings for the first time after 37 years of life, Vinzetta became a strong voice for adoption advocacy in the wake of his life changing experience.

“After my discovery, I really decided to amp up my advocacy,” said Vinzetta. “I always felt like something was right in front of me but I could never reach out and grab it.”

It wasn’t until Vinzetta moved to San Antonio, where he met Adoption Priorities founder Amanda Way and Director of Social Services Mitchell Way, that an outlet to speak for adoption presented itself.

“They asked me to lunch one day,” said Vinzetta. “That’s when they pitched this idea to do this documentary ‘Journey of Love.’ I was like wow, why didn’t the guy who has been in TV for 17 to 18 years think of this!”

“Journey of Love” tells the story of how the lives of both parents and children can be transformed with the gift of adoption through interviews with Vinzetta, as well as Retired Texas Tech University baseball coach Larry Hays and Lubbock TV news anchor Bryan Mudd.

Vinzetta’s own story begins as one of six children, and the only one to be given up for adoption.

“My birth mother was 40 years old when I was conceived,” he explains. “She was also single. My father was not involved, and she was struggling with life on welfare. I’ve been told that her situation with age and financial struggles forced her to make the decision to place me for adoption.”

With this documentary Vinzetta looks to spread a positive message for the cause of adoption through his own story as well as others, and to teach that the world of adoption can be a rewarding and loving process, built on faith and patience.

“We have so many youngsters out there in the world who don’t have that ‘Forever Home’ that they all deserve,” said Vinzetta. “I hope ‘Journey Of Love’ can answer those questions, whether it be about adopting private, international or through the CPS system.”

Looking back, Vinzetta describes that he draws on how Lambda Chi Alpha has shaped him during this journey, as a man and as a human being.

“Not knowing who I really was, if that makes sense, not knowing my birth story for many years. My brothers at Lambda Chi meant the world to me. I always considered them my real life brothers and I cherish that chapter of my life.”

For more information on Vinzetta , “Journey of Love” and how you can get involved, please visit www.journeyoflove.us and www.adoptionpriorities.com.

Vinzetta meeting his sister Noelle for the first time.



FEATURE

The Lambda Chi Alpha open motto “naught without labor” rang true for alumni brother Orlando Rummans (Texas-San Antonio 1995) who was awarded the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) Joel C. Harris Academy Teacher of the Year award.

Rummans was chosen among 3,400 educators employed by the SAISD in honor of his exemplary work as a science teacher and coach of seventh grade girls and boys track teams.

Rummans was recognized for his accomplishments at the district’s annual awards event on Nov. 18, 2014. He credits part of his successes in the classroom and as a coach to the lessons learned at the chapter level and as an alumnus. “The leadership skills I learned in Lambda Chi Alpha are used every day in my life as an educator,” Rummans said.

In addition, Rummans, an avid supporter of his alma mater, the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners, purchases tickets to sporting events for his students as rewards for their hard work and good behavior in his classes.

Before taking duties as a teacher, Rummans served in the United States Army as a medical service corps major. During his service, Rummans was apart of two combat tours in Iraq with the 62nd Medical Brigade of Fort Lewis, Wash. and the First Medical Brigade of Fort Hood, Texas.

In addition to being an outstanding educator, Rummans has continued to exemplify the seven core values, creed and open mottos of Lambda Chi Alpha after his college career at UTSA.

Rummans was a part of the Phi-Upsilon Zeta at UTSA and took the saying “not just four years, a lifetime” to heart. After graduating from UTSA in 1995 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in biology, he served a term as the chapter’s alumni adviser from 2010 to 2014 in addition to serving as a master steward in the San Antonio area.

“I teach in a tough district and deal with middle school kids; every day is a new adventure,” Rummans said. “One way of getting through it is living our ritual.”

“Our ritual, along with my family,” he added, “is what keeps me going.”

UTSA PHI-UPSILON BROTHER HONORED AS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

By Eric Kurbyun (Valparaiso)

Active alumni volunteer excels in his career by utilizing values of Lambda Chi in life as an educator.

ONE WAY OF GETTING THROUGH IT IS LIVING

OUR RITUAL.Rummans receiving the Joel C. Harris Academy Teacher of the Year on Nov. 18



FEATURE

By Hannah O. Brown (Staff writer for The Gainesville Sun)

FRATERNITY WELCOMES WORLD WAR II VETERANS TO BROTHERHOOD

Tom Santarsiero, a World War II veteran, speaks to the fraternity brothers at Epsilon Mu chapter of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity in Gainesville Jan. 25, 2015. Santarsiero was inducted by the fraternity as an honorary member in a secret ceremony before he spoke to the brothers.

Photo Credit: Brad McClenny/Gainesville Sun

The brothers of Episolon-Mu Zeta at the University of Florida have initiated two men who served in World War II into the bond of LCA.



FEATURE

This story originally appeared in the Jan. 25 edition of The Sun

and online at http://www.gainesville.com/article/20150125/

ARTICLES/150129749/-1/sports10?p=1&tc=pg

A secret ceremony followed by stories from decades past cemented a cross-generational brotherhood between two World War II veterans and the men of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at the UF chapter’s house on Sunday.

Veterans Tom Santarsiero, 89, and Frank Towers, 97, were honored with a formal induction ceremony at the fraternity house Sunday afternoon. Though Towers was unable to attend the event, Santarsiero accepted the honor on behalf of all American veterans.

“I want the veterans to get the honor, not me,” Santarsiero said. “They are still out there fighting for our country.”

Brian Joy, a UF senior and at-large member of the fraternity’s executive committee, said the decision to honor the veterans with the initiation was unanimous among the voting members of the chapter. “Sometimes age differences can form some kind of schism between generations, but I think having such incredible men here to kind of speak to our members about their experiences really helps to bind us together as a country, as men,” Joy said.

Lambda Chi Alpha is one of the largest men’s fraternities in North America with more than 275,000 members. The UF chapter was founded in 1933 and has about 80 active members, 19 of whom were initiated this semester.

Joy said the men in the fraternity are taught to live by seven primary values: loyalty, duty, respect, service and stewardship, honor, integrity and personal courage.

“These guys definitely represent all of our core values,” Joy said of the two veterans.

The idea to induct the two men came about after a recent event at the Phi Mu sorority. Towers was impressed with the ceremony and said, “Before I see my maker, I’d like to become a fraternity member.”

Don Gaddo, co-house director for Phi Mu, and Lambda Chi Alpha jumped at the opportunity to induct the men with a members-only ceremony that he called “emotional.”

“This is about the current generation honoring the greatest generation, and it really has been a phenomenal thing,” Gaddo said.

After the induction, Santarsiero stood beneath an American flag and told stories about his service in the infantry from 1943 to 1945. Rows of young men sat with their hands clasped, their necks craned in his direction. They asked about his time overseas, about the ups and downs of service, about brotherhood.

“You don’t realize what it’s like to really have true freedom until you see other people go through this misery that the people went through,” Santarsiero told them, recalling an instance where he witnessed a French child scoop water from a ditch to drink.

One member asked Santarsiero what moment he knew he was becoming a man.

“From the very first day you are drafted into the Army, you are on your own,” Santarsiero said. “You start to make your own decisions, and you grow up very, very fast.”

Santarsiero shared stories of wartime hardships with the group. After 47 days without changing clothes during the winter, Santarsiero woke up one morning and could not feel his feet. The cold had tortured his skin to the point of frostbite. One foot turned purple, the other black.

THE FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRY IS IN YOUR HANDS. WITHOUT YOU, WE HAVE

NOTHING. HANDLE IT WELL BOYS, WILL YOU?



FEATURE

Santarsiero said he crawled 800 yards in an icy ditch to reach treatment for his wounds, which eventually led to him being discharged. After nine months of treatment, Santarsiero’s feet were again functional, though never as they once were.

“I don’t have the same amount of circulation in my legs,” he said. “They have never been the same.”

Though Towers could not attend, his experiences during duty were honored as well.

Towers was a lieutenant who served in Europe toward the end of the war. In April 1945, Towers and his unit came upon an idling train stuffed with more than 2,100 imprisoned Jews traveling to concentration camps across Europe. His unit stormed the train, helping to release the prisoners, who were later sent to medical facilities.

Santarsiero said military service was something he would recommend to those interested because the experience came with many lessons.

Lambda Chi Library: “The Shadow Broker”

Trace Conger (Ohio 1998) has published his debut novel, “The Shadow Broker,” which is part one of the upcoming “Mr. Finn” series.

Conger, who has been a professional freelance writer and ad agency copywriter for the past eleven years, has put his creative writing degree from Ohio University to use by telling the story of an ex-private investigator straddling the fine line between investigator and criminal.

While the story is completely fictional, it was heavily influenced by the author’s chance encounter with an ex-private investigator who worked as an information broker.

“I came up with the idea for the book after meeting an ex-P.I. who admitted that early in her career, when she was desperate to make ends meet, she used some questionable tactics to obtain illegal information for a high-paying client,” said Trace

Conger. “The idea that there were people out there who specialized in acquiring and selling illegal information both intrigued and disturbed me. That was the seed from which the story of The Shadow Broker grew.”

“The Shadow Broker,” which was published in October, is Conger’s first big success in fiction writing. Though since its publication Conger has written several short stories, which will appear in upcoming issues of “Shock Totem”

magazine and “Between the Lines” anthology.

Without naming names Conger admits that several of the characters who appear in the book were inspired by his chapter brothers at Ohio University.

He also mentioned that the lessons learned through Lambda Chi Alpha had given him the confidence he needed down the road when looking for help from successful authors.

“I’m from a small family, so being in that group of guys, it was one of the first times I could go to other people for help,” said Conger. “With a house of 50 guys, if you needed help there was always someone around. That mentality to ask for assistance and go looking for information has definitely carried over into my writing experience.”

Conger is now at work on part two of the Mr. Finn series, tentatively titled “Scar Tissue,” with a release date set for late 2015.

“The Shadow Broker” is available in paperback and as an e-book through Amazon.com. For more information about the book and its author, please visit www.traceconger.com.

“Giving back to an organization that was so instrumental in shaping the man I am today is extremely rewarding.”

– Jarred Stetser, High Pi Arizona State, Zeta-Psi Zeta

PHOTO OF THE MONTH:ARIZONA STATE, ZETA-PSI ZETA



FEATURE

Wendell Ford (Kentucky)Sept. 8, 1924 – Jan. 22, 2015

Ford was an Order of Achievement recipient who served as a U.S. Senator and as the governor of Kentucky. His distinguished career in politics is an example for all brothers aspiring to serve in public affairs.



FEATURE

Congratulations to the three brothers who were recently named to the 2014 NIC All-Fraternity, All-American Football Team.

They are from top left: wide receiver Adam Drake (Eastern Illinois), quarterback Cody Kessler (Southern California) and center Max Tuerk (Southern California).

THREE BROTHERS NAMED TO ALL-AMERICAN TEAM


Cross & Crescent February 201525www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent Cross & Crescent February 201525www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent

“The best job I’ll ever have.”

The deadline to submit your application for a potential position as an educational leadership consultant (ELC) or expansion team member is Feb. 9, 2015. The ELC experience dates back to the earliest years of our fraternity, and with the Office of Administration and the IHQ staff, the position has been a critical component of our success. Though a time-honored component of the fraternity, the complete experience and duties of an ELC still remain ambiguous to many undergraduates and alumni. “It’s a chance to give back to Lambda Chi and experience it in a new way. It’s a chance to travel to parts of the country and world you may never visit,” explained Associate Director of Chapter Services Matt Roy. “But put simply, it is a fun job, as you get paid to ‘do Lambda Chi Alpha.’” For most the application process may seem daunting, as many brothers may have never held the top position in their chapter or attended a

IHQ CALLS ON COMMITTED BROTHERS FOR ELC POSITIONS

FRATERNITY NEWS

ELC Josh Womack extends a bid to join the new LCA colony at Syracuse University.

ELCs Anthony Linder and Justin Friend (far left) at the first AM Ceremony for the Johnson & Wales University colony.



Cross & Crescent February 201526www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent Cross & Crescent February 201526www.lambdachi.org/cross-crescent

FRATERNITY NEWS

General Assembly. Roy assures that those factors will not rule potential candidates. “We look for guys that have the passion and drive to do this job,” said Roy. “We look at guys who have strong communication, public speaking and writing skills. Men looking to improve themselves. “The strongest ELCs are the ones who make a point to never stop learning and improving, just like our crescent. Those are the best traits we can look

for: passion, open mindedness and commitment,” said Roy. Described as “non-stop,” the ELC and expansion training consist of over 200 hours of education, covering areas of operation, presentation and all things Lambda Chi needed to do the job while on the road. “The biggest thing I tell ELC candidates is that we don’t care what position you held in the chapter, we don’t care how much or how little you know about budgeting, the High

Kappa program or harm reduction programming because we’re going to train you on all of that,” said Roy. This opportunity to help countless brothers across the bond of Lambda Chi Alpha pushes the men involved to not only grow personally but also professionally during their tenure. “The skill sets consultants have after just one semester on staff is amazing. The growth I get to see from guys who come through puts them way ahead of almost any of their peers,” Roy explained. “The skills gained are transferrable to so many careers, whether that be business, management or communications. This is an opportunity to hone your skills while working with brothers.” There’s still time to submit applications if you or anyone you know would make a good candidate. Please do not hesitate to find more information at www.lambdachi.org/fraternity/resources/want-to-be-an-elc/

IT’S A CHANCE TO GIVE BACK TO LAMBDA CHI AND EXPERIENCE IT IN A NEW WAY. IT’S A CHANCE

TO TRAVEL TO PARTS OF THE COUNTRY AND WORLD YOU

MAY NEVER VISIT



february 2015 cross & crescent

Documents

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kyle jones montevallo

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