BETA-R HO BULLETIN Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity
California State University, Northridge
Volume 45, Issue 1 Winter/Spring 2017
Another Day at Dockweiler
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Newly installed associate members take their traditional first group picture with the rest of the actives at the southeast entrance of Sierra Hall. Front row (from left): Steve Arias, Edwin Moya, Collin Chan, Abel Martinez, Bryan Rios, Angel Torres Second row: James Mizuki, Wes Cole, David Burgos, Justin Punzalan, Alex Casiano, Andrew Willins. Third row: Tommy Noer, Jesse Martinex, Cisco Silva, Frankie Castanan, Alan Saavedra, Angelo Samson, Ozzy Robledo. Fourth row: Kevin Catalan, Nick Dinsmore, Alex Dinsmore, Jeffrey Perez de Leon, Eric Choi.
Features
On the cover: Frankie Castanon jots down notes while Francisco Silva checks his bag’s contents during the Dockweiler State Beach trash pickup party on Jan. 15. (Photos by Rick Childs)
Associate Member Installation: Spring, 2017
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High Zeta Officer Installation
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ELC Jim Gulbranson’s Harm Reduction Meeting
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Return to Dockweiler State Beach: Trash Pickup Party
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Watermelon Bust #6
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Spring 2017 Initiates
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Chapter Chronicles: Winter & Spring
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Alumni Chronicles
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In Memorium: Dan Ryan
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Graduates & New Alumni Ceremony
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Graduates of 2017
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Spring Associate Member Ceremony
The chapter installed five associate members during a ceremony in Sierra Hall 184 on Feb. 26 prior to the High Zeta Officer Installation and meeting. Among the actives were parents, guests and three alumni: High Pi Kevin Mojaradi, Darren Arrieta and Rick Childs. Around 30 were in attendance. High Alpha Chris Martinez’s work schedule overlapped the ceremony, so current High Rho and former High Alpha Jeffrey Perez de Leon (shown above with High Beta Eric Choi) stood in for him. Also among the presenters were the High Kappa, Angel Torres; High Phi, Ozzy Robledo; and the High Delta, Kevin Catalan. Brother Catalan invited the prospective associate members to file in and take the public oath of membership. The spring semester associate members were Steve Arias, Collin Chan, Abel Marinez, Edwin Moya and Bryan Rios. BETA-RHO ZETA OF LAMBDA CHI ALPHA INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY
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High Zeta Officer Installation The chapter’s High Pi, Kevin Mojaradi, swore in the Spring 2017 High Zeta before the start of the chapter meeting on Feb. 26. Standing above, from left, new officers were: Chris Martinez, High Alpha; Eric Choi, High Beta; Frankie Castanon, High Theta; David Burgos, High Gamma; Jason Fefer, High Tau; Angel Torres, High Kappa; Brother Mojaradi, Kevin Catalan, High Delta; Ozzy Robledo, High Phi; Alex Dinsmore, High Sigma; Angelo Samson, High Epsilon; Wes Cole, High Iota; and Jeffrey Perez de Leon, High Rho. Following the ceremony officers wasted no time giving reports. Brother Martinez reminded everyone of the upcoming Greek 101 session. Brother of the Week went to Brother Fefer. Reps from four sororities also dropped by.
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ELC Visit Hits Home with Harm Reduction The chapter welcomed Senior Educational Leadership Consultant Jim Gulbranson on his second visit of the school year. He arrived on March 1. After meeting individually with members of the chapter’s High Zeta, he conducted a Volume 45, Issue 1 Version 1.8 ninety-minute Harm Editor, reporter, designer & photographer: Reduction session at the Lindley House on March Rick Childs 3, the final night of his visit. The Beta-Rho Bulletin is the official publication of BetaRisk management has Rho Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha International Fraternity become an integral part of at California State University, Northridge. This alumni an ELC’s agenda. His publication is not funded by the housing corporation. It is published electronically and hard copy printing observations play a key expenses are supported by alumni donations. Article role in determining the ideas, directory revisions, weddings, anniversaries, insurance rates that the births and career info should be snail mailed, e-mailed or sent via Facebook to the editor. His mailing address chapter is charged so that is 44044 Engle Way Apt. 65, Lancaster, CA; 93536-. it can be provided with Email: eaglerick@twc.com. Made on a 2010 Mac property and casualty Mini with iWork Pages ’09 v. 4.1. Originally published coverage under on May 23, 2017. Last revised on May 23, 2017. Headquarters’ policy. Editor’s phone number/texts: (661) 313-5319 Once Brother Gulbranson Spring 2017 House Corporation Board had set up a display screen of Directors: on the fireplace mantle, he launched into his 2017 President Spencer Schmerling Secretary Rick Childs Harm Reduction Case Director Scott Press Studies presentation from Director Tim Pena his laptop computer. He Director Darren Arrieta said that the presentation Spring 2017 High Zeta: would illustrate some aspects of a chapter’s High Alpha Chris Martinez High Beta Eric Choi executive committee High Gamma David Burgos judicial role “and how that High Delta Kevin Catalan works in the chapter High Epsilon Angelo Samson High Iota Wes Cole setting. High Kappa Angel Torres “Right now I’m sure that High Phi Osvaldo Robledo High Rho Jeffrey Perez de Leon a lot of you probably see High Sigma Alex Dinsmore the exec. committee as this High Tau Jason Fefer dark demon in the corner High Theta Frankie Castanon that no one wants to talk On the Web: about because all it does is punish people,” Brother Headquarters Lambdachi.org & the Cross & Gulbranson said. “What Crescent we’re going to talk about is Back Issues Issuu.com/beta-rho_83 how the exec. committee Facebook CSUN Lambda Chi Alpha Lambda Chi Alpha, BP Alumni can work in some different Instagram CSUNLambdaChiAlpha ways [that dispel that idea].” Twitter #CSUNLambdaChi
Jim Gulbranson
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All photos by Rick Childs (except at the bottom of this page)
Another Day at Dockweiler Beach Back for its third trash cleanup party since it adapted a stretch of Dockweiler State Beach in 2014, the chapter picked up where it left off on Jan. 15. Once again, the party got underway near Lifeguard Station 55 in Playa Del Rey under the L.A. International Airport’s flight path. Around 25 brothers, associate members and guests attended. Frankie Castanon planned the event and kept track of all the trash bags that were collected.
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BETA-RHO ZETA OF LAMBDA CHI ALPHA INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY
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Frankie Castanon 8
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Watermelon Bust 2017 Edition won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” “Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, My name is Francisco Castanon, and I am the external vice president [for Beta-Rho Zeta of] Lambda Chi Alpha. My job title includes public relations, community service and, most importantly, philanthropy. Every year we do this event in partnership with our philanthropy Feeding America in hopes to create a difference within the lives of those who can’t obtain food for themselves and their families. “During Spring Break we had the opportunity to experience this firsthand when we volunteered at the San Fernando Valley Mission, feeding over 55 people with a meal we cooked ourselves. When we got there late because the food took a little longer to prep then expected, I remember looking around and thinking, ‘Man, if we wouldn't have got here these people would have got a bunch of leftovers from the kitchen, or worse they possibly wouldn’t have got a meal that day at all.’ I did apologize multiple times for the inconvenience, and hopefully they understood. But just the thought of that humbles me and makes me realize how insignificantly small our problems are compared to those who can’t even afford to put a hot plate on their table because of their daily struggles.
All Watermelon Bust photos by Rick Childs. Logo designs by Ezekeil Esquibel.
An hour into the chapter’s sixth annual Watermelon Bust on April 1, more than 4,000 cans of food had been stacked in the entertainment room at the Lindley House. Now the 60 or more brothers, associate members and guests from various sororities had packed the living room, study and kitchen watching as three alumni judges set out to determine the best decorated watermelons. Eric Planas, Zareh Baboomian and Corey Davis (pictured at right) puzzled over the seven watermelon entries from official game participants Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Phi, Alpha Xi Delta, Delta Zeta and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi. Although Delta Delta Delta and Phi Mu did not field teams this spring, they each submitted watermelons for the decorating contest. Alpha Phi’s entry topped the entrants followed by AOPi in 2nd and AZD in 3rd place. Seven more competitions awaited. Once the emcee had announced the winners of the first contest, he paused to reflect on the event’s charitable cause by reading a quote from spiritual teacher, author and lecturer Marianne Williamson from her book A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles.” (He wrote later that he had first used the quote for a high school speech.) “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people
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“Did you know that in 2016, 45.3 million Americans were reported to have fallen below the poverty level? Better yet, did you know that 34 percent of the people who are part of missions within the San Fernando Valley are from places like Pacoima, Sylmar, and even Northridge? These are people who you see on a day to day basis in your neighborhoods, driving down Nordhoff by the 405 freeway, and even people you go to school with! When realizing all of this, I don't know your exact sentiments, but this makes me want to be part of the solution to an ongoing epidemic we have here in the US. “That's why our brothers here at Beta-Rho continue to look for possible ways we can be part of this organization that is Feeding America. Feeding America is a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs that provides food and services to more than 46 million people each year. This partnership is not only an opportunity to secure and provide food for families in need, but to also educate the public about domestic hunger. “Last year we raised over, 4,000 cans for a local food bank, MEND. And this year our objective is to raise a minimum of 5,000 cans for the L.A. Regional Food Bank that is in direct alliance with our philanthropy. With your help I believe this will be possible. Ladies, I just want to take the time to tell you all how appreciative we are about your contributions to this cause. Without your efforts, we would not be able to put together an event like the Watermelon Bust, which is a fun way to compete with one another, but also a way in which we come together for something that is bigger than all of us and that is human life and the ability to live it to the fullest. I think I speak on behalf of my chapter when I say, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. I truly believe time and energy are our most important assets within this lifetime, and for that your hard work will not go unnoticed today.” According to Brother Castanon, the sororities brought in 2,872 lbs. of canned foods for charity. AOPi representative Carole Samson said that
her sorority donated 2,000 cans for the event. With sunny weather and balmy temperatures, the entourage reconvened at the basketball court for a watermelon relay. AOPi’s team rolled their watermelon to a 1st place finish followed by Delta Zeta and Alpha Phi. Brother Castanon handed each 1st place winning team rep an Olympic style medallion with a green ribbon. The shot put-style watermelon toss brought out the tape measures as one entrant after another took turns. Alpha Phi’s team splattered a watermelon the farthest at 29 feet 9 inches. SAEPi’s longest throw came in at 23 feet 1 inch and AOPi wound up in third with a 20 ft. 9 inch toss. Watermelon bust stunts saw another victory for AOPi. Delta Zeta and Alpha Phi were the runners up. Team action then moved across the yard to an area where a blue tarp had been littered with watermelon rinds. While no one was dragged through the mess that marked the middle of the tug of war zone, epic battles ensued. AZD pulled into 1st place followed by AOPi and Delta Zeta. A series of three red buckets of water placed one behind the other were the target of the melon ball contest. Entrants tossed watermelons for points; each bucket behind the other was worth more points. SAEPi scored the most points. AZD made a splash in 2nd followed by Alpha Phi. The crowd then reconvened at the stage for the Dance Off. AOPi’s performance earned them 1st place followed by Delta Zeta and SAEPi. Alpha Phi’s team sat this one out. To cap the day’s competitions, teams assembled onstage along a series of tables for the watermelon eating contest. Delta Zeta finished in 1st while seconds later AOPi and AZD took 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Back onstage to close out the games, Brother Castanon made his final announcements. “For the most spirited: AZD,” he announced. “In third place: Alpha Phi with 1,017 points,” he said. Emily Belt stepped onstage to accept the award. “In second place with 1,837 points: DZ. “And in first place with 3,605 points for a threepeat: AOPi! Aside from the coaches, other alumni in attendance were Tony Ball, Daniel Bermudez, Rick Childs, Adrian Morales Jr., Jorge Reyes and Eric Roberts.
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Alpha Omicron Pi
Alpha Phi
Alpha Xi Delta
Delta Zeta
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi
Beta-Rho’s Coaches
Sorority Team Coaches
Alpha Omicron Pi Francisco Silva Andrew Willins Angelo Samson Adrian Martinez Steve Arias
BETA-RHO ZETA OF LAMBDA CHI ALPHA INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY
Alpha Phi Jeffrey Perez de Leon Kevin Catalan Alex Dinsmore Abel Martinez
Alpha Xi Delta Tommy Noer Angel Torres William Arana Bryan Rios 11
Delta Zeta Chris Martinez James Mizuki Nick Dinsmore
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi Vince Pimentel Tyler Struck Alex Casiano
Watermelon Roll
Alpha Omicron Pi
Alpha Xi Delta
Alpha Phi
Alpha Xi Delta 12
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Ozzy Robledo and Tyler Struck with SAEPi
Alpha Omicron Pi
Delta Zeta
Alpha Xi Delta
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi
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Alpha Omicron Pi: 2017 Champions
Bust Champions: 2011-2017 Watermelon Bust #2 Nov. 13, 2011 Pumpkin Bust #9
Nov. 10, 2012
Pumpkin Bust #10
Nov. 17, 2013
Watermelon Bust #3 May 3, 2014
Watermelon Bust #4 April 25, 2015 Watermelon Bust #5 April 9, 2016 Watermelon Bust #6 April 1, 2017
1st: 2nd: 3rd: 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd: 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 1st: 2nd: 3rd:
Alpha Omicron Pi Alpha Phi Delta Zeta Delta Zeta Alpha Omicron Pi Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Alpha Phi Kappa Kappa Gamma Alpha Phi Alpha Omicron Pi Delta Delta Delta (tie) Delta Zeta (tie) Alpha Omicron Pi Delta Zeta Alpha Phi Alpha Omicron Pi Alpha Phi Delta Zeta Alpha Omicron Pi Delta Zeta Alpha Phi 14
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1 Alpha Omicron Pi Carole Samson 2 Delta Zeta Rose Merida 3 Alpha Phi Emily Belt
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The Class of Spring, 2017 Rick Childs (6)
Steven (Steve) Arias Collin A. Chan
Abel A. Martinez
Edwin (Eddy) Moya Bryan Rios
Class Level: Junior Major: Communication Studies Big Brother: Frankie Castanon Hometown: Northridge Birthday: Oct. 26 BP 728
Class Level: Junior Major: Public Health Big Brother: David Burgos Hometown: Los Angeles Birthday: Sept. 2 BP 727
Class Level: Freshman Major: Kinesiology/Exercise Science Big Brother: James Mizuki Hometown: Los Angeles Birthday: Dec. 2 BP 730
Class Level: Freshman Major: CTVA- Film Production Big Brother: Angelo Samson Hometown: Sacramento Birthday: Sept. 2 BP 729
Post-Initiation: April 28 Rush Chairman/High Delta: Kevin Catalan Fraternity Educator/High Kappa: Angel Torres Ritualist/High Phi: Osvaldo Robledo
Class Level: Freshman Major: Bus. Adm.: Management Big Brother: Angel Torres Hometown: Van Nuys Birthday: Nov. 22 BP 731
Post-initiation. Front row (from left): Angelo Samson, Osvaldo Robledo, Steve Arias. Second row: Abel Martinez, Collin Chan, Bryan Rios, Eddy Moya, James Mizuki. Third row: Tommy Noer, Justin Punzalen, Skyler Lee, Alex Dinsmore, Tyler Struc k, Bryan Martinez, Jacob Barron, Bryan Cardona, Eric Choi, Rodrigo Valenzuela, Kevin Catalan, Angel Torres, Devin De Leon, Andrew Willins, Jesse Espinoza, Frankie Castanon, Adrian Martinez. Fourth row: Jason Fefer, David Burgos, Alex Casiano, Nick Dinsmore, Jeffrey Perez de Leon, Dre Ghotra, Wes Cole, Francisco Silva, Josh Bascou, Alan Saavedra, Bryan Martinez (behind Alan), Jesse Martinez.
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Photos by Kevin Mojaradi (Clubs & Organizations Awards Ceremony; Jessie Martinez (3)
Chapter Chronicles: Winter & Spring Beta-Rho received the Matador Involvement Center’s Outstanding Fraternity Award for 2016-17 during the Clubs and Organizations ceremony on May 3. Among the brothers at the event were (in the lower left) High Rho Jeffrey Perez de Leon, Chapter Advisor Kevin Mojaradi, Assistant Director, Office of Student Involvement & Development Christopher Aston; High Sigma Alex Dinsmore and High Alpha Chris Martinez. During Spring Break on March 21 nearly a dozen brothers cooked and served lunch at the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission in Northridge. High Beta Eric Choi dispatched a delegation of the chapter’s gamers for a brotherhood event in the Newhall Pass hills for an afternoon of paintball on Feb. 25. A post on the chapter’s Instagram page at #csunlambdachi read, “We had a blast participating in AOPi’s Spike Out [Arthritis Tournament] this weekend [April 29] and are happy to have taken 3rd place overall!” AOPi rep Carole Samson and a few other sisters from her sorority delivered the trophy during the chapter meeting on May 7 along with several large trays of pasta.
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Mike Van Gorder / Courtesy of Jessie Arciniega
Alumni Chronicles: Winter & Spring To have and to hold comes to mind for Jessie Arciniega (clockwise from right) and Raquel Reve after their wedding on Jan. 7 at the St. Francis de Sales Church in Sherman Oaks. A reception followed at Sportsman’s Lodge in Studio City. Serving as Best Man was Anthony Pinkett along with groomsmen Neil Sanchez and Kevin Gregory. Also among the alumni were Eric Gonzales, Matt Ahmadi, Jose Fergoso, Rob Press, Chris Dyer and Patrick Duffy. Jay Friedman and Mark Swedelson ventured to Glendale, Ariz. for the Men’s Basketball Championship Final Four at the University of Phoenix Stadium on April 2. On Marc Ninapaytan’s Facebook wall he wrote, “Found my direction... Or so I’d like to think.” He is shown on March 16 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. He accepted a position with the [Leon] Panetta Congressional Internship Program and worked during the spring semester for the National Education Association. This summer he will be working with Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-Calif. 43rd District). Engagements: Ryan Parker presented a ring to Kaytlin Deutsch on a secluded stretch of Malibu beach on May 1. Jaryd Tashiro popped the question to Michelle Hoang on March 11, presumably somewhere in the vicinity of Staples Center where they could watch the Lakers take on another NBA team. Michael Paris and his wife Samantha welcomed their first child Lila Wendy on Feb. 1. His Facebook announcement read that she was born at 4:52 p.m. “Her Hebrew name is Lila Mayim,” he wrote. Wendy is for my grandfather William and Mayim is for my grandmother, Marilyn.” Justin Chapman and Patricia Ann Leffingwell’s son was born on April 20, Elijah David, at 7:09 p.m.: 7 lbs., 15 oz., 20.5” at a North Carolina hospital. Courtesy of Jaryd Tashiro
Courtesy of Michael Paris
Courtesy of Justin Chapman
Courtesy of Mark Swedelson Juan Ninapaytan
Ryan Parker
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Susan Dickman
Christopher Aston Receives 2017 CSUN Presidential Award Vice President of Student Affairs William Watkins presented Christopher Aston with the 2017 CSUN Presidential Award during the 51st Annual Staff Service Awards & Recognition of Excellence Event on May 4. CSUN President Dianne Harrison recognized Brother Aston, who is the assistant director for the Office of Student Involvement & Development, for his exemplary service as the director of New Student Orientation, coordinator of Commencement exercises, DIG LA (Discover, Inquire & Grow in Los Angeles) and the Peer Mentorship Program. He has worked in the Student Affairs division for 15 years.
Rick Childs (Clubs Fair)
Homecoming returns. A Clubs Fair was set up on the second floor of the Student Recreation Center to welcome alumni during a homecoming reunion and dinner before a basketball game on Feb. 11. From left: Edward Lopez, Jeffrey Perez de Leon, Chris Martinez, Eric Choi and Ozzy Robledo.
Stead Heads West to UCLA In a first for the Stead Leadership Seminar series, separate versions of this program will take place on three college campuses across the U.S. this summer. In prior odd years between General Assemblies, a single Midwest college or university hosted the event. UCLA will play host for Stead West on Aug. 10-13 in Westwood. Stead Central will take place at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. on July 27-30 while Stead East will unfold at the University of Maryland in College Park on Aug. 3-6. According to Lambda Chi Alpha’s official website, “the Stead Leadership Seminar is named in honor of Jerre and Mary Joy Stead. Jerre Stead was initiated as a brother of Lambda Chi Alpha in January, 1962 at Coe College. He transferred to the University of Iowa and graduated from there in 1965. Jerre is a FAITHFUL STEWARD of our BETA-RHO ZETA OF LAMBDA CHI ALPHA INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY
Fraternity, and has served on the Board of Directors of the Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Foundation since 1998, six of those years as Chairman of the Board.” Registration fees for alumni: $550 (whole conference with meals and programming only), $250 single day pass. Undergraduates: $650 (whole conference, which includes lodging, meals and programming). VISA, American Express and Discover are accepted on Headquarters’ website registration form; Mastercard is NOT. Registration closes on May 31. This may be the closest location for a Stead Leadership Seminar in this era. Any undergraduate High Zeta officer should attend this event, and every member of the chapter, be they an undergrad or alumnus, will benefit from heading to UCLA and participating. 19
Remembering Dan Ryan Courtesy of Susie Ryan
M
ore than 200 friends, family and fraternity brothers filled the Bridge Bible Fellowship church in Reseda to celebrate the life of musician, composer and music teacher Daniel Joseph “Dan” Ryan (BP 26) on Jan. 21. Brother Ryan passed away at home on Nov. 11, 2016 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 63. His wife of 26 years, Susie, survives him along with sons John and Michael, John’s wife and daughter Ceri and Madi, respectively; brother Tim and his wife Mayrene Ryan, his sister Linda and her husband Glenn Anton. Born on May 13, 1953 at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, Brother Ryan grew up in Northridge in a house his parents had built themselves in 1947. After graduating from Granada Hills High School, he took some classes at Pierce College. He majored in music/classical guitar at CSUN. In 1975 he took some time off from his studies to concentrate on his music career. He finished his bachelor’s degree work in 1993. Brother Ryan joined the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity on Sept. 22, 1971 and was initiated with a class of three others two months later on Nov. 27. He was among the 34 initiates listed as Beta-Rho’s original members who attended the charter banquet on Sept. 2, 1972. In May of 1975 he served as the chapter’s twelfth president. His big brother was Mark Eskander and little brother was Mike Culbertson. By the time he took a break from his CSUN coursework, Brother Ryan played recurring engagements at restaurants and clubs around the West San Fernando Valley like Squire Richard’s and El Paso Barbecue. No stranger to singing at chapter events, he performed during the Founder’s Day banquet where Tom Lawrence’s 25-year tenure as BetaRho’s first chapter advisor was celebrated on March 20, 1993 at the Women’s Club in Van Nuys. During the service the church choir performed in honor of their late soloist and guitarist. Brother Ryan was heavily involved with the Bridge Bible Fellowship’s choir and youth music program. During the service Brother Culbertson recited a poem he wrote entitled More Music – An Appreciation for Dan Ryan. “Because of you, Dan Ryan, there is more music in the world today. Because of you there is more singing, or writing of songs, or teaching or playing, or audiences who shout with approval and joy. Dear to you, a family making joyful noise thrives. Two fine sons on the cusp of manhood, and a saint in the guise of your loving wife who performs miracles without realizing it. Because of you Dan, the world stays a little more in tune, in a little closer harmony. Because of you, your friends know it is possible to ponder the mysteries of the universe—temporal and spiritual—and a moment later to down a Guinness[!] I can’t wait Dan to hear your next song, to consider your next razor-sharp observation. I am so fortunate, so very, very proud, to call you my friend. I don’t presume to know what ultimate plan God has for you. But I believe part of it must, MUST go something like this: ‘Let’s hear it for your music, Dan Ryan, in all its many forms.’ Thank you.” Jim Greene, recognized in the program as a part of Brother Ryan’s ‘second family,’ was known to perform duets with Brother Ryan and as part of their band Claddagh on many occasions. He was also best man at his wedding on July 29, 1991. Brother Greene eulogized Brother Ryan about their shared fraternal bond, family ties and music. “It’s a heartfelt honor to be here today and share Dan’s memory,” he said. “We all wanted to be Dan’s best friend because we loved him so much. I met Dan in the fall of 1972 at Cal State Northridge. Many of 20
our brothers are here today. It’s so good to see you. Forty-five years, that’s how long we’ve had the privilege of calling Dan our brother and our friend. We were 18 and 19 years old. But even as a teenager, Dan was definitely different than most. He was humorous, fun loving and a natural entertainer. But I’ll say he possessed a steady undercurrent of very deep thoughts about religion, ethics and education. “Generosity and kindness were traits that Dan put into practice. I remember when we were young and I think still roommates, Dan needed some medical attention for something fairly minor. He called and said, ‘Can you check back at the apartment for my files to see if I had this policy still in effect for my medical?’ And I said, ‘No, I don’t see it here. I see a savings account. It’ll cover the cost. It looks like a pretty nice account.’ And he goes, ‘Oh no, I was saving that for quite some time for charities, and I cannot touch it. I’ll just make payments on the medical debt.’ And I thought, wait a second, we’re 20 years old. Who thinks like that when they’re young? Really, I was just amazed. I remember what I was thinking. How was I going to get the money to buy new rims for my Volkswagen Bug? “Dan had a succession of roommates, including me. And of course Mike as he mentioned. But also my brother Bill who’s here today, my brother Tom, and a bunch of the Greene brothers, the Greene family. I shouldn’t have been surprised, when the brothers were reminiscing just recently, and the others talked about those quiet virtues that Dan could not hide, the silly humor or horseplay. And I felt like, gosh, I’ve been invaded. I thought only I knew that, but everybody knew that. He had virtues galore. And I blame Dan’s family. Yes, I’m looking at you, Tim, for a lot of his virtues. He picked them up at home. “His dad died when he was a toddler, but his mother Katie [Kathleen] was a wonderful, larger than life person. She was genuine, very intelligent, and intensely funny. That’s where Dan got that. His brother Tim and sister Linda are the best kind of folks you would ever meet. But Dan had a second family that a lot of folks didn’t know about, and that consisted of my folks, all my brothers and sisters. I was originally the oldest of nine children. Then when Dan came along he became the oldest of ten. He was a fixture at the Greene household. At times Dan would tease my mother, and my brothers are here as witness to this. He would tease her so much that she would chase him around the house with a broom. “My father had a special bond with Dan because they were both lifelong musicians, and they could talk about their passion for music for hours. Dan called my father the leader of the band… Dan would [become] the leader of our band. “We started our musical career around 1973. We were a trio, but the female vocalist—her name was Cathy—she jumped ship while the gettin’ was good, and Dan and I appreciated her… common sense. So we became the two-thirds majority for obvious reasons after that. My third iteration with Dan and the band was as a bass player for Claddagh, an Irish band, and we played together in some form for 35 years at such venues as clubs, restaurants, Irish fairs, parties, just all over the place and had a great time. We even played at the Los Angeles Hospital for the Criminally Insane. George, are you here? You remember that. Yeah, they didn’t let George out when we left! Our final gig together with Dan was our final gig as a band. Our final gig was last St. Patrick’s Day along with our longtime friend George Reese and the amazing talent of Michael Ryan, Dan’s son. “A few years ago Dan generously attended a family reunion in Kansas, and I say generously because he braved the terrible Midwest weather WINTER / SPRING 2017
Rick Childs (6)
Courtesy of Tom Pascucci
Clockwise from above: Howard Brightman, David Primes, Tom Lawrence, Scott Press, Sue Press, Joyce Primes, Dennis Crain. Dan with Jim Greene perform at Squire Richard’s in October of 1975. At Founder’s Day on March 20, 1993. With son John at El Paso Barbecue on June 29, 2013. Jim Greene. Mike Culbertson.
that year. And he blessed my dad with one last visit before my father passed away. They were both gentlemen in the finest sense; they were so alike. “I was deeply touched recently when Dan handed me the lyrics to a song, and he said, ‘These are for you.’ It was during his last months, and I think it was his last song. It’s entitled Bring Your Cup by the Fire. It goes, ‘Sit ye down by my side/my dear brother, my dear friend/Do not go far away from thee/Bring your cup by the fire/and say a prayer before you drink/And speak of your love, and joy, and hell/With your friends who know you so well/I’ll take a bit of tea that I have brewed/and drink a toast to you for friends/Let us walk this path together/and share each heavy load/Friends who do not walk alone/do not go far away from thee. “I’d like to conclude by quoting Paul in his second letter to Timothy. This quote to me sums up Dan’s life: ‘My departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.’ [2 Timothy 4:7] God bless you Daniel, I love you.” Recordings of Brother Ryan singing and accompanying himself on BETA-RHO ZETA OF LAMBDA CHI ALPHA INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY
original compositions like “Shanechie (Storyteller)” and “Celtic Impressions” along with covers of Jefferson Airplane’s “Embryonic Journey” and George Gershwin’s “Summertime” along with a duet with his wife on “Quarter Moon” provided the soundtrack for a slideshow projected above the sanctuary on two screens to close the service. A reception followed immediately behind the church in Burch Hall. Among the other alumni in attendance were Howard Brightman, Larry Burns, Rick Childs, Dennis Crain, Jeff Flocken, Brian Garfield, Doug Green, Richard Greenberg, Gary Henderson, Rick Isaac, Robert Kacik, Brother Lawrence, Terry Lucero, Scott Press and David Primes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dan Ryan Memorial Music Fund at the Bridge Bible Fellowship. The fund will be used to provide music education and opportunities to perform for young and new musicians. Also, some of his performances can be found on YouTube. Brother Ryan’s family would still like to have pictures (or stories) shared with them. They can be forwarded to dan53ryan@hotmail.com. If you would like to read the journal that Brother Ryan kept describing his cancer journey, you can go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/danryan. 21
All photos by Rick Childs
Graduates & New Alumni Ceremony Beta-Rho conducted its third annual Graduates and New Alumni Ceremony before its final chapter meeting of the semester in Sierra Hall 184 on May 7. Presiding over the presentation were the High Alpha, Chris Martinez, and Chapter Advisor Kevin Mojaradi, along with fellow High Zeta officers Eric Choi, David Burgos, Angel Torres, Angelo Samson and Josh Bascou. Graduating seniors Wes Cole, Tommy Noer and Jeffrey Perez de Leon stood before an audience of active members and guests totaling 50. Two others were finishing their eighth semesters in the chapter: Skyler Lee and Osvaldo Robledo. Each officer read aloud an open ritual from a MacBook computer. Brother Mojaradi walked over to each new alumnus and wrapped what would’ve been a white collar. It had gone missing, so he improvised with an imaginary one. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the brothers and guests reconvened at the stairs of the southeast entrance and posed for a group picture, a bookend to the associate member event held in February.
Jeffrey Perez de Leon, Skyler Lee, Wes Cole, Ozzy Robledo and Tommy Noer 22
WINTER / SPRING 2017
2017 Graduates Lee Cole
Luz Ramos
Weslee A. “Wes” Cole BA: Music – Industry Graduation Date: May 19 High Theta, High Iota, High Rho BP 671
Courtesy of Adrian Morales Jr.
Courtesy of Tommy Noer
Courtesy of Jeffrey Perez de Leon
Mychal N. “Myke” Davis Adrian Morales Jr.
Tommy K. Noer
Jeffrey Perez de Leon
BA: Kinesiology – Physical Education Graduation Date: May 20 High Beta, High Delta, High Kappa, High Phi, Intramurals Chair & Team Captain, House Manager BP 633
BS: Business Administration – Consumer Affairs, Marketing (minor) Graduation Date: May 20 BP 720
BA: CTVA – Film Production – Editing Graduation Date: May 19 (Honors) High Alpha, High Rho, Gamma Sigma Alpha Honor Society BP 660
BS: Business Administration – Marketing Graduation Date: May 20 High Beta BP 642
Rick Childs
From left: Justin Punzalan, Angelo Samson, Edward Lopez, Andrew Willins, Alex Dinsmore, Jacob Barron, Kevin Catalan, Alan Saavedra, Tommy Noer, Alex Casiano, Tyler Struck, James Mizuki and Bryan Cardona. BETA-RHO ZETA OF LAMBDA CHI ALPHA INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY
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