C ro s s & C r e s c e n t - E s t 1 9 1 5 - l a m b dac h i . c c
LC A2016
LC A2016
LC A2016
LCA: 30 UNDER 30
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A BROTHER REMEMBERED AND A LEGACY PASSED ON By: Kyle Jones (Montevallo)
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ELC REGIONS ANNOUNCED
13 EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION HIRES SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
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SAN DIEGO HONORS GRADS By: Kyle Jones (Montevallo)
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THE STORY OF OUR BADGE By: Jono Wren (Florida Tech)
INTRODUCING L AMBDA CHI ALPHA’S 30 UNDER 30 summer 2016 - www.lambdachi.cc
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FROM THE EDITOR
Summer 2016 - www.lambdachi.cc
staff list
FROM THE EDITOR
Publisher:
Kyle Jones Associate Director of Communications & Digital Publishing (317) 803-7321 kjones@lambdachi.org
Bill Farkas Editor: Kyle Jones Managing Editor: Tad Lichtenauer Digital Marketing Manager: Jimmy Long Contributors: Mike Raymond Jono Wren Bob McLaughlin Layout & Design: Fuel VM Interns: Roman Dennis Chris Ramsdale
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We’re happy to announce that since we last checked in, the C&C is now a two-time award winner courtesy of the Fraternity Communications Association. Taking home the “Best Online Magazine” and the “Most Improved Publication” awards, we’re continuing to innovate and bring you the best news and features our fraternity has to offer. This issue we take a look at our ongoing Lambda Chi Alpha 30 Under 30 series, which is highlighting 30 members of our brotherhood who are excelling in their fields, all under the age of 30. Next is the story of a daughter reconnected to her father’s fraternity past through the commitment of an alumni advisor and an active chapter. One not to miss, read more in “A brother remembered and a legacy passed on.” We also have news from IHQ with the announcement of our educational leadership consultant’s travel regions and an addition to the Foundation staff. To round things out we have news from San Diego, Birmingham, Oregon and Ohio. Along
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I S S U E
Here we are, the second entry in our now quarterly published edition of the Cross & Crescent.
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with an excerpt from our fraternity history book, “Our Story: The History of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity,” which is on sale now, concerning the history of our badge.
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You can find all these stories and more anytime you like online at www.lambdachi.cc.
2015 Oct./Nov.
Make sure you follow our coverage of the 56th General Assembly by visiting our C&C website and following along on social media by searching the hashtag #56thGA. Until next time, thank you and enjoy.
2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June
In ZAX,
2015 May 2015 April 2015 March
Kyle Jones
2015 February
Editor, Cross & Crescent Magazine
2014 December
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Summer 2016 - www.lambdachi.cc
LCA: 30 Under 30 Lambda Chi Alpha’s ranks are filled with innovators, entrepreneurs, dreamers, achievers, contributors, men of merit, men of service, men of values; etc. who are all striving to make their impact on the world as they follow in the footsteps of those who came before them.
FEATURE - Article Title
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FEATURE - LCA: 30 UNDER 30
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S T O R Y
Our men work in the industries of science, law, education, technology, business, health care, the military, art, music, philanthropy and charity, and what all binds them is the brotherhood of Lambda Chi Alpha. In this next series from the Cross & Crescent, we feature 30 of the most influential and promising undergraduates and alumni, all under the age of 30, our fraternity has to offer. These men prove to be an exception to the stereotypes of our “millennial” generation. Join us here at the C&C throughout the summer as we highlight these individuals who are crafting themselves to become the next big thing in life, their community and our brotherhood.
BENJAMIN DORRIS SE Missouri State University
LC A2016
BENJAMIN DORRIS “I met Benny when he was fraternity secretary of Lambda Chi at SEMO. I quickly learned about his involvement on campus and was scared he would not be able to give to the brotherhood what he was giving to the campus and he quickly showed me his ability to fill his plate and multi-task. Benny was president of Lambda Chi, then president of the entire student body. He was hand selected for the president’s Spirit of Southeast Award Recipient and named the All-Greek Fraternity
President of the Year. This set the tone for his ability to give back after college. Benny was selected among 14 percent of applicants to serve in national service corps committed to teaching in under-resourced communities and becoming life-long leaders to expand opportunities for all children. In his work with Teach for America he coordinated new Common Core curriculum for 9th and 10th grade students as part of departmental leadership team. Furthermore, he executed strategic after-school tutorial for targeted math growth. He did this while mentoring two first-year teachers and collaborating with administration to support transition into classroom. In his first years he led 130 students to achieve an average of 5-10 percent higher state test achievement than comparable districts in the region. Most recently this last year he led 110 students to 78 percent content mastery. Benny knows and demonstrates “Naught Without Labor” and gives all he can to all that he does. He gave his all to Humphreys County High School in Belzoni, Miss. and is embarking upon his next journey soon! For these reasons and more I nominate him for the 30 under 30.” – Matt Knickman How, if at all, has your Lambda Chi Alpha experience attributed to success in your field or in other accomplishments? Growing up, I always knew I wanted to make a positive impact in the world, and as an undergraduate I grew aware of the inequities and injustices that exist within our society and around the world. My passion eventually focused toward education: ensuring that every child receives the quality education that they deserve, so
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FEATURE - LCA: 30 UNDER 30
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I decided to join Teach for America’s Mississippi corps. Teaching proved to be the most challenging responsibility I’ve ever taken upon myself, and there were many moments where I questioned my own capacity to be the quality educator my kids so desperately needed. If it weren’t for my experiences with Lambda Chi Alpha and the opportunities this fraternity has afforded me, I never would have been able to persevere. Lambda Chi Alpha taught me how to believe in myself, how to believe in my vision for a better future, and how to be bold in working toward that vision. I learned to work across lines of difference, to do what is right, and to be brave in the face of adversity. My fraternity taught me that love is greater than any obstacle we face, and that love will always prevail. What do you hope to accomplish in your next 30 years, professionally, personally or fraternally? In 30 years I’ll be 54 years old. I can barely see past 27. However, I do have a vague idea of what I’d like my trajectory to be. Professionally, I hope to continue working toward a future in which all people are equal despite race, class, sexual/ gender identity or religion. Right now, my passion and my career lie in education, but I also have a heart for the LGBTQ movement. In the next five years, I aim to complete graduate school. I’ve been considering higher education and public administration programs, but see myself leaning toward higher ed. I try not to assign myself to one set career path, because I’m almost positive it will not lead the direction I think it will (the past two years have already taught me that). Personally, I’ve always wanted to raise a family. I want to be able to travel. I want to enjoy this life with my family and friends. Fraternally, I want to stay plugged into my chapter at Southeast Missouri State, as well as our headquarters, by giving whatever resources as I’m needed and able. Whether it’s volunteering my time, mentoring undergraduate brothers, or making monetary donations (still learning financial responsibility, to be honest), I want to give back to the organization that has given me so much during my short time as a brother.
JOSH WILLIAMS
University of Illinois at Urbana-Campaign, Chi Zeta LC A2016
JOSH WILLIAMS “I graduated from the University of Illinois in 2009 with a degree in finance and a minor in English. During my time at Illinois, I was an active member of Lambda Chi Alpha, and led our chapter as High Alpha. Following my graduation, I worked for two years as a consultant with the global firm Aon Hewitt in Denver where I earned a CEO Ovation Award for my efforts and a promotion. However, in January 2011 I felt that I needed to make a change, and to transition to a career path more aligned to my values of love and service. I applied and was accepted into Teach For America, and flew to New York, a city I had never visited before, to teach 8th grade special education at Hyde Leadership Charter School in the South Bronx. I taught at Hyde-Bronx for three years and empowered students by strengthening their literacy and critical thinking skills. On average, students grew two years in reading in my classroom. In the summer of 2014, I remained with Hyde-Bronx, and was promoted to become the school’s director of development and communications, a role I hold today. In my role as director of development and communications, I help the school raise approximately $500,000 each year to support our programs serving students and families in Hunts Point; the highest-risk community for children in New York City, which is located in the poorest congressional district in the country. I have the privilege of collaborating with our executive director, Board of Trustees, and local political, business and non-profit leaders to ensure that our students have the resources they deserve to succeed. Over 90 percent of Hyde-Bronx students graduate on time each year in a school district where only 47 percent do the same, and 89 percent of Hyde-Bronx students with disabilities graduate
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on time, more than triple the local rate. Finally, I recently received certificates of merit from the New York State Senate and New York City Council for my service to students and families in the south Bronx. I am proud of our school community in Hunts Point and my role in it; I aspire to continue to use my gifts and talents to transform the world; and I want to extend my gratitude to Lambda Chi Alpha for developing my character and leadership skills that have shaped the man I am today. Thank you for considering me for this honor.” How, if at all, has your Lambda Chi Alpha experience attributed to success in your field or in other accomplishments? Jack Vuylsteke and I were brothers in Lambda Chi Alpha at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign. He was the first person I knew to join Teach For America, and after two years working in business consulting, I garnered the courage to follow a similar path in New York City. Jack was definitely one of a handful of catalysts that guided me to where I am today. In addition, my experience in Lambda Chi Alpha reinforced some of my core values like leadership, love, service, and the idea that I have unique gifts and talents to offer the world. These values and my faith have driven me to take an incredibly challenging path, which I’ve found infinitely more meaningful and rewarding than my prior career, but which is still very much in the making. It’s an honor to be considered for this recognition, but I don’t feel all that accomplished because we have so much more to do. Racism, sexism, homophobia, poverty, criminal injustice, the achievement gap, and hate are alive and well in America, and will be until values-based leaders of all identities unite to transform the world through love, community, and social action. My experiences as president of Lambda Chi Alpha (Chi Zeta), as an active member of the Church of the Village in Manhattan, and as director of development and communications at Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx have taught me that small groups of thoughtful, committed citizens can absolutely change the world. What do you hope to accomplish in your next 30 years, professionally, personally or fraternally?
A friend once told me I am, “A man of great expectations.” I always liked that. In alignment with this remark, I have a few vague, potentially ridiculous ideas for what I want to achieve, and a few more specific plans that are already unfolding. I know that I want dedicate my life to my family. I’m excited that this summer I am getting married to a beautiful woman I met through Teach For America, and I look forward to building a life with her. I also know that I want to always have a career of purpose, in which I spend my working hours doing something meaningful that improves the lives of others and the world. Finally, I want to be a leader in society, either strengthening the operations of non-profit organizations, or potentially running for an elected position. I dream of becoming a member of Congress, a senator, or president of the United States. This is sort of like saying, “I want to be quarterback for the Chicago Bears,” but I suspect it’s harder to achieve something if you’re too afraid to even say it out loud. Regardless of where exactly I end up, I am excited for the journey ahead.
VID MICEVIC
Arizona State University, Zeta - Phi LC A2016
VID MICEVIC “Vid Micevic. Where to start? Vid might very well have the most amazing life story I’ve ever heard. After fleeing civil war in their home country of Bosnia, Vid’s amazing parents, with $5000 and two suitcases, purchased the first plane tickets they could before the airport closed. When they received their tickets the destination was South Africa. Two years later, Vid was born, though it was not easy. He had birth complications with his stomach that left him with a protrusion above his belly button that still exists today as a relic of the past. His father worked hard and became
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a manager of a local pizza place in Johannesburg, but was robbed at gunpoint multiple times (the city’s currently rated one of the most dangerous in the world). He spent five years living in South Africa, witnessing the reality of apartheid, but also the beauty of progress brought about by his greatest hero, Nelson Mandela. Ultimately, a family friend applied the Micevic family for the visa lottery to come to the United States. With a forged signature, and without any warning the family name was luckily drawn out of tens of thousands of families to head to the United States. Fast forward many years, Vid’s become one of the most impressive seniors at Arizona State University. He knows five different languages, is an engineering graduate, and a terrific leader. As a residential educator, Vid helped define the role for a brand new on-campus greek housing initiative. He’s a Pat Tillman scholar, offering mentorship to up and coming student leaders. He was the student director of the Changemaker Central at ASU which helped the university win the award of Most Innovative College University in the U.S. Vid’s also worked with LG Electronics to prototype a grab n’ go water dispersement system that seamlessly integrates into the lives of the users. The product is primarily used to target hispanic American markets to reduce water bottle usage improving the environment and saving people time refilling water bottles. He’s a THREE time national scholarship winner. Sophomore year, Vid won the prestigious Boren Scholarship, which provides students with the resources and encouragement they need to acquire skills and experiences in areas of the world critical to the future security of the United States. He then used the winnings to fund his trip to Croatia, where he interned for the United Nations as a sustainability consultant and translator to improve their rural agricultural food system. His junior year, Vid won the Udall Scholarship for his accomplishments in leadership and public service for the environment. That following summer, he interned as a consultant in Johannesburg to co-create a personal development framework to address the 40 percent of recent college graduate unemployment rate in South Africa. Lastly, as a senior, Vid won the esteemed Fulbright
Scholarship, enabling him to teach English and skills to youth in Thailand. But before he leaves, Vid’s traveling for another venture he founded, 33 Buckets, where he’ll be doing sustainable water consulting for cities and villages across Peru and the Dominican Republic. There he will set up water micro-franchise businesses to set up self-sustaining systems that empower the community towards better health. Then he’ll return to Washington, D.C. to intern for Ashoka, a highly competitive social innovation non-profit motivated to empower social entrepreneurs around the globe. Vid’s a warm, inspiring friend, and certainly deserves to be a part of Lambda Chi Alpha’s 30 for 30 award.” - J o s h u a Sabol.
1. Lambda Chi Alpha experience attributed to success in your field or in other accomplishments? Let me say this once. Lambda Chi Alpha – Zeta Psi at Arizona State University has changed my whole life trajectory. When joining Lambda Chi Alpha in the Fall of 2012 as freshman, I joined because I couldn’t find the right group of friends since I was an out of state student. I decided to rush to check it out. I was blown away when I found out about Lambda Chi Alpha. First the brothers were so kind and friendly. They were themselves. Even more so, they were dedicated to making this world a better place, and were so ambitious to change the world around them. When I joined, I felt like one little pawn amongst giants. Everyone was so hardworking and motivated. What I realized is when you surround yourself by motivated individuals, you become motivated yourself. Lambda Chi Alpha kicked me in the butt, and made me wake up to all the possibilities this world has to offer. Why wait? Go ahead, and don’t let anyone stop you from reaching your dreams. It’s safe to say that it was Lambda Chi Alpha that brought me where I am today.
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2. What do you hope to accomplish in your next 30 years, professionally, personally or fraternally? Well first we would have to define what success is, right? To me success means quality of life. Quality of life is defined as how happy you are in any given moment. What I really hope to accomplish in the next 30 years is to master the art of breathing and living in the beautiful present moment that surrounds us each day. I just want to be happy. The key to happiness is the simple act of breathing. It makes us human. We all must breathe to survive. It gives us all life. Breathing is the only thing we can control as human beings. Breathing makes me happy because it grounds me in the moment. Happiness is closing your eyes and opening heart to the joy that surrounds us each and every day. I cannot say I have thought that far. 30 years. I haven’t thought passed next year. What’s the point? We can’t control the future because it’s so out of our hands. My naive self would say in the next 30 years I hope to have won the Noble Peace Prize for work in empowering individuals throughout the world through social entrepreneurship. That has always been some sort of childhood dream of mine, but the more I grow up, the more I realize there are just so many incredible people working to bring humanity forward, and I hope these individuals receive it over me. There is one thing that I want to be remembered though it is the feeling of warmth and kindness. I hope, whatever happens to me, that others remember me for the warmth that they felt in their heart. Now more than ever, we need to share the love. Everyone needs to having this feeling in their heart. It’s what keep us going as humans. Know that you are loved. Throughout the summer Lambda Chi Alpha and the C&C staff will post a new inductee to our 2016 30 Under 30 every Friday and Monday, check back daily for more details on everything Lambda Chi Alpha. n
FEATURE - LCA: 30 UNDER 30
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FOR EVEN MORE ENTRIES IN OUR 30 UNDER 30 SERIES VISIT WWW.L AMBDACHI.CC
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FEATURE - Article Title FRATNERNITY - 2014 FINANCIAL RECAP
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INTERNING AT IHQ Communications interns Roman Dennis and Chris Ramsdale have been with our team throughout the summer and have been documenting their experience, along with their fellow intern brothers and professional staff. Follow their journey as they guide us through the day to day of working at IHQ as they give a first hand view of the ELC region announcement, check out Kenny Chesney live in concert, and provide insight into the process of preparing for this years 56th General Assembly in Miami, Fla. You can watch it all via the offcial Lambda Chi Alpha YouTube page and on www. lambdachi.cc
Watch now on YouTube and Lambdachi.cc
A BROTHER REMEMBERED AND A LEGACY PASSED ON “In a day and age of 140 character tweets, abbreviated texts, and cursory emails, the young men and in particular Alumni Advisor Randy Lee Ritterman, have gone above and beyond for a grieving family of a now passed Lambda Chi Alpha at University of North Dakota chapter president, circa 1956” by Kyle Jones
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S T O R Y
Upon writing her father’s obituary, Laura Mortenson Pavlides of Charleston, S.C. was trying to do her best to honor her father’s wishes of being Thomas Mortenson, Epsilon-Zeta 284 remembered as a member of the organizations he held a deep admiration for. As a man who wore his LCA ring in place of his wedding ring, with his wife’s approval of course, and as a man who travelled the world teaching doctors to use his company’s medical devices, Thomas Theodore Mortenson was an international advocate for the fraternity, showing off his ring and explaining the source of his pride to doctors from Dubai to Ireland to New York. So when Pavlides reached out to the chapter in Grand Forks, N.D., where her father spent his years as an undergraduate member and chapter president of Epsilon-Zeta, Pavlides didn’t expect to receive much of an answer. Instead, she was put in contact with alumni advisor for the chapter, Randy Ritterman, who went above and beyond. “I thought I might get an email back one day. Perhaps a mention in a 2016 newsletter. Instead, I got emails back in just hours,” said Pavlides. “Randy took charge. He replied immediately and
FEATURE - A Brother Remembered and a Legacy Passed On
often. He did so many things,” Pavlides explained. “He found my dad’s zeta number, got my dad’s photo and blurb appearing on the Lambda Chi All Members Page on Facebook and in the EZZ Reader newsletter. He answered questions regarding the current house and its history, even offering to give us a tour! He sent photos of the current house and the last big alumni reunion there in October. He mentioned laying white roses on his parent’s graves and let me know that was the fraternity’s flower, so I could be very prepared for the memorial service for my dad. He even helped me find the bookstore so I could order a UND sweatshirt.” Pavlides also explained how amazed she was at how kind a stranger could be, to which Ritterman replied, “You are the daughter of one of our brothers, and married to another — it is to be expected…” “Once a brother of Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter Epsilon Zeta Chapter at the University of North Dakota, always a brother,” said Ritterman.” “When Laura reached let us know that Brother Tom Mortenson had passed away and that one of his last requests was to inform his fraternity chapter, the active members knew we had truly lost one of our own.” He said. Shortly after a letter arrived in the mail, a card from Ritterman signed by members of the current North Dakota chapter. “I cried,” said Pavlides. “What an amazing organization. What deep and generous and thoughtful brothers you have gathered. Thank you.” She added “Because of Randy’s blurb on Facebook, and the
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FAMILY AFFAIR
While going her father’s papers in March, Laura Pavlides found not only that her father had marked his own listing, but also her husband’s.
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- Article TitleOn FEATURE - A Brother Remembered FEATURE and a Legacy Passed
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chapter’s newsletter, I have received calls and emails from a few wonderful older brothers, including a famous North Dakota judge (retired) who told me precious stories that I didn’t know about my dad,” shared Pavlides. “It is absolutely heart warming at this time of grief to hear. “I also am now in contact with one of my dad’s groomsmen from his wedding (in Iowa!) that he had lost touch with,” she added. “It’s all really wonderful — and all due to Randy and the International headquarters’ care and quick action and thorough diligence.” With two sons starting their collegiate journey in the next few years, Pavlides’ family looks to strengthen their connection to Lambda Chi Alpha with two boys following in their father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, demonstrating that Lambda Chi Alpha truly is, “A Lifetime of True Brotherhood.”n
Shortly af ter contacting alumni advisor of North Dakota, Randy Ritterman, a letter arrived in the mail containing a card signed by members of the current North Dakota chapter.
ELC REGIONS ANNOUNCED FOR FALL 2016 Lambda Chi Alpha’s new and returning educational leadership consultants will hit the road this fall to provide our chapters with the best consulting experience in the Greek world as they visit over 190 chapters and colonies.
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S T O R Y
Lambda Chi Alpha’s new and returning educational leadership consultants will hit the road this fall to provide our chapters with the best consulting experience in the Greek world as they visit over 190 chapters and colonies. Our ELCs will also be heading up expansion efforts at UW-LaCrosse, University at Buffalo, Middle Tennessee State University and SIU-Carbondale. Check out the full reveal video for this year’s announcement via our official Facebook page and at www.lambdachi. cc. And for more information on where our consultants will be this fall and spring, see the consultant map and their photos on the following page.
NEWS - ELC Regions Announced
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NEWS - ELC Regions Announced
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DYLAN BATEMAN:
Clemson, Coastal Carolina Colony, Eastern Kentucky, Georgetown, Murray State, Sewanee, South Carolina, Tenn.-Chattanooga, Union, USC – Aiken, Western Carolina, Western Kentucky, Middle Tennessee State University.
ZACHARY BELL:
Ball State, Bradley, Eureka, Ferris State, Illinois, Kettering A, Kettering B, Michigan, Michigan State, Valparaiso, Wabash, Western Michigan, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.
JOSEPH BERRY:
Angelo State, Arkansas, Central Missouri, Drury, Incarnate Word, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri State, Northeastern State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma State, Pittsburg State, Southeastern Oklahoma, St. Mary’s, Tarleton State, Texas – Austin, Texas – San Antonio, Texas A&MKingsville, Texas Christian, Texas Tech, Tulsa, Wichita State, William Jewell.
NICK CATALANO:
Arkansas State, Butler, Eastern Illinois, Evansville, Franklin, Hanover, Indiana, Indiana State, Louisville, Memphis, Missouri – Columbia, Missouri – S&T, Rose-Hulman, Southern Indiana, Middle Tennessee State University.
MICHAEL COVERT:
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Alabama, UAB, Auburn, AU-M, Embry Riddle, Florida, Florida International, Florida Southern, Florida Tech, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Huntingdon Colony, Louisiana – Lafayette, Louisiana State, Mercer, Miami (FL), Millsaps, Mississippi State, Montevallo, New Orleans, Rollins, Samford, Spring Hill, Stetson Colony, Tampa Colony, Troy.
NEWS - ELC Regions Announced
Summer 2016 - www.lambdachi.cc
NICK GAFRON:
Akron, Baldwin-Wallace, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Cornell, Denison, John Carroll, Kent State, Marietta, Miami (OH), Ohio, Ohio State, Syracuse Colony, Wilmington College, Wittenberg University, Buffalo.
JIM GULBRANSON:
Alberta, Arizona State, Cal. State – Chico, Cal. State – Fresno, Cal. State – Northridge, California Polytechnic, Colorado State – Pueblo, Denver, EmbryRiddle Prescott, Idaho, Loyola Marymount, Nevada – Las Vegas, New Mexico State, Northern Colorado, Oregon, Oregon State, San Diego, South Dakota School of Mines, Southern California, Texas – El Paso, UC – San Diego, UCLA, Washington, Washington State, Wyoming.
NICK KOBERNIK:
American, Boston, Bucknell, Delaware, Drexel, George Washington, James Madison, Kutztown, Lycoming, Maine, Maryland – Baltimore County, Maryland – College Park, Millersville, New Hampshire, NYU, Pennsylvania, Rensselaer, Rhode Island, Richmond, St. Joseph’s, Villanova, Virginia Commonwealth, Washington and Lee, WPI.
TAYLOR KRIVAS:
Elon, Johnson & Wales, Methodist, NC State, Old Dominion, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Charlotte, UNC-Greensboro, UNCWilmington, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Southern Illinois University – Carbondale.
ALEX MARTENS:
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Coe, Culver-Stockton, Iowa, Iowa State, NebraskaOmaha, Simpson, Southeast Missouri State, St. Louis CoP, Truman State, Southern Illinois University – Carbondale.
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FEATURE - ELC Regions Announced
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CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW FOR THE COMPLETE LIVE STREAM OF THIS YEAR’S ANNOUNCEMENT... CHRIS POCKETTE:
On-site at Carbondale, Elmhurst, Lake Forest, Michigan Tech, Minnesotta State – Mankato, North Dakota, Northwestern, South Dakota, South Dakota State, WisconsinWhitewater, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.
MIKE WEINER:
Bloomsburg Colony, Edinboro, Gettysburg, McDaniel Colony, Pennsylvania State, Shepherd ,Shippensburg Colony, Toronto, West Virginia Colony, Western University at Buffalo (Lead)
Live Stream Video (click to view on lambdachi.cc)
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Summer 2016 - www.lambdachi.cc
NEWS - Educational Foundation Hires Senior Director of Development
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EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION HIRES SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT After an extensive search, the Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Foundation has hired Dr. Travis McDearmon as Senior Director of Development. S T O R Y
After an extensive search, the Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Foundation has hired Dr. Travis McDearmon as Senior Director of Development. “I am humbled Travis agreed to join our team, ” said Educational Foundation CEO Josh Lodolo. “Not only does he bring a wealth of practical fundraising experience, his research background will be key to sustaining excellence.” As senior director of development, McDearmon is responsible for the strategic direction and vision of key fundraising priorities and leading the Foundation’s development efforts. He will also work closely with the
CEO on strategies for high-level donor prospects and maintain a personal portfolio of donor prospects. The new senior director will also collaborate with gift officers, Fraternity and Foundation board members, and other members of the senior leadership team on cooperative fundraising approaches benefiting all areas of Lambda Chi Alpha. Previously, McDearmon has served in a variety of roles within higher education. His most recent position was with the Indiana University School of Dentistry where he served as the associate director of development. McDearmon’s other professional experiences include development positions at the University of Kentucky’s College of Arts & Sciences and Purdue University. McDearmon comes to the Foundation with an extensive educational background, holding a Ph.D. in studies in higher education from the University of Kentucky; a master’s in student affairs administration from Ball State University; and a B.A. in psychology from the University of Kentucky. He has served as both a researcher and an educator with a current appointment at the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy as an adjunct faculty member. His research has investigated the role of perception of college and university alumni and how it relates to institutional support behaviors. Joining Lambda Chi Alpha at the University of Kentucky, McDearmon served his chapter as president and risk manager. After graduation, he spent two years as an educational leadership consultant, where he visited more than 90 chapters and colonies. McDearmon will join the professional staff on Aug. 1. n
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NEWS - San Diego Dinner : Senior Honor Dinner Held By Former ACB Chapter
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SENIORS HONOR DINNER HELD BY FORMER ACB CHAPTER, SAN DIEGO Four semesters ago the operations of the Delta-Kappa Zeta at the University of San Diego were assumed by an Alumni Control Board as a term of probation implemented by the university and the General Fraternity. S T O R Y
At the time a group of underclassmen dedicated themselves to ensuring a successful future for their chapter through hard work, leaderships roles, mentoring and adherence to the ideals of the fraternity. Along with the undergraduate members, Dr. Carl Jepsen (Washington ‘65), was an instrumental member of San Diego’s Alumni team, as well as a long time contributor to his own Alpha-Psi Zeta’s recruitment program. “Dr. J was involved since the beginning,” said High Pi of San Diego, Dan Paz, “He divvied up different disciplines and was all about recruitment.” “Being a rush mentor for the chapter during the last two years and an elder member of the ACB, Jepsen was just a great fountain of knowledge and experience for these young men.” Paz added. “And with this he had an idea to honor these seniors who stuck it out.” At the close of the year, Jepsen hosted a formal dinner in his home to honor the contributions of some of Delta-Kappa Zeta’s graduating seniors. With a focus on etiquette and professionalism, Jepsen led the young men in discussion and fellowship reminiscent of the dinner parties of his youth as they prepared to enter into the real world. These men included Will Jernigan(second from left, seated), who is deciding whether or not to return to South
The graduating seniors of the University San Diego chapter are honored after overcoming a few tumultuous years that lead to an Alumni Control Board. Africa to continue his work from last summer with The Economic Policy Research Institute or to begin a new project in Lima, Peru. Both are NGOs focused on poverty alleviation and social protection policy. “Three of our seniors were leaders on the student government,” explained Paz. “One in particular, our philanthropy chair Darren Hollack (Sitting on couch arm in gray jacket) worked with High Theta Austin Lastinger (Standing, tallest from right with bow tie) to put on a hugely successful Watermelon Bust, the first in ten years, Strides for Survival 5k run, Powder Puff tournament and supported the chapter’s campus leading fundraising efforts for Relay for Life.” Also among their impressive ranks, Bryan Fox (third from left, seated with purple tie) was named the Greek Torero of the Year. An award is given to the Greek student that most contributes to the greater USD community outside of Greek Life, and embodies the spirit and values of the campus. Former High Pi Ken Greenman who was named Advisor of the Year and Tim Van Tuyle (first on the left standing) who served as president of Order of Omega. “I couldn’t be more proud of these Seniors. They were dealt a tough hand years ago,” said Paz. “They stepped up and led by example through tireless work, dedication to the chapter and mentoring of younger brothers. Hope for our future comes from brothers like these.” n
NEWS - UCM Feeding America
Summer 2016 - www.lambdachi.cc
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CHAPTER RISES PAST STEREOTYPES TO IMPACT COMMUNITY Thanks to film and television, coupled with real life events, living next door to a fraternity house is not typically at the top of the list for community members, businesses or organizations. S T O R Y
Though, the Alpha-Omega Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha at Ohio University is doing their best to break that stereotype. “Previously, there was another fraternity in the house a few years ago,” said Melissa Wales, executive director of United Campus Ministry at Ohio University, “and it was a disastrous situation.” But when UCM intern Aleksandra Tyler reached out to their new neighbors, the men of Alpha-Omega stepped up to volunteer at over 20 meals and contributed a $1,000 donation and 400 pounds of food to help fund further work. “It was important to us because we wanted to find a local cause to give back to,” said Joel Levis, president of the Alpha-Omega chapter. “Before we partnered with UCM we volunteered our time at a food bank about 45 minutes away. It was a great cause but it wasn’t in our immediate area, we wanted to shift our focus closer to home. It was important to give back to the people immediately around us,” he added. The chapter and UCM, a non-profit interfaith campus ministry, who helps provide two meals a week to the struggling and food insecure Appalachia Ohio area, soon became a perfect partnership. “These free meals are really important to southeastern Ohio,” said Tyler, “with high rates of food insecurity, our organization is really critical to meeting those needs.”
High Theta Kameron Black (left), and UCM student intern Aleks Tyler (middle), and High Alpha Joel Levis (right).
A shot of the chapter after their annual s p r i n g p h i l a n t h r o p y, f r o m w h i c h t h e proceeds were donated directly to UCM.
“The members of Lambda Chi at OU were always extremely helpful, respectful and flexible to work with and we think this partnership is one that will benefit both organizations for years to come.” said Wales. Being able to see first hand the lives they were affecting, whether from their monetary donations or actually volunteering and serving meals at the kitchen, the impact was being made right outside their front door. “We hope this can be a partnership that will go on well after we all graduate,” said Levis. “We’d like this to become a tradition. This semester we’re trying to put on an additional philanthropy event and we’re putting more effort into trying to boost donations during our spring philanthropy event to benefit UCM.” “We are grateful to have Lambda Chi at OU as our neighbor and look forward to continued collaboration to benefit the campus and our community,” said Wales. “In addition, what I really appreciated was, it was just really great to have them turn to their next door neighbor and do their philanthropy at the local level for a community that needs it.” n
Summer 2016 - www.lambdachi.cc
NEWS - #Champions4Champions
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#CHAMPIONS4CHAMPION On April 28, 2016 our chapter of Sigma-Chi Zeta was hit with dreadful news; one of our brothers, Taylor Champion, was diagnosed with ALCL. S T O R Y
“After Champion was diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving aberrant T-cells, understandably, everyone was quite shocked and no one knew what exactly to say or do. The High Zeta quickly discussed the matter and threw around some ideas and focused on the brothers of Sigma-Chi Zeta shaving their heads to show support for Champion’s sudden illness. The chapter discussed on when the best time would be and couldn’t find a good day to get the whole chapter involved. They quickly decided to do the event right after his third chemotherapy session since it marked his halfway point in treatment. We had roughly 20 brothers meet at our fraternity house at noon on a Saturday to all shave our heads. Champion came to the house, unknowing of everything, and was surprised to see our brothers not saying we support him, but showing that we support him. Our brothers coming together for such an occasion is a beautiful way of showing that we live our ritual. This has personally been my favorite fraternity experience (as well as many other brothers) and is a great reminder that our brotherhood is like no other. #Champions4Champion” n
Sigma-Chi Zeta brother s come together to show suppor t for their chapter brother Taylor Champion, who was diangnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, a type of nonHodgkin lymphoma involving aberrant T-cells
Summer 2016 - www.lambdachi.cc
NEWS - Oregon State Alum David Gilkey Killed in Afghanistan
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OREGON STATE ALUM DAVID GILKEY KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN WHILE REPORTING FOR NPR Brother David Gilkey (Oregon State) was killed yesterday in Afghanistan while on assignment for National Public Radio, along with his interpreter and Afghan National Army escort when a rocket propelled grenade struck their Humvee. S T O R Y
Information quoted in this story originally appeared via
NPR. Gilkey, a photojournalist for NPR, chronicled the pain and beauty in war and conflict. NPR Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman and producer Monika Evstatieva were also in the convoy, traveling in a separate vehicle. They were not injured. Tom reports that when the journalists’ remains arrived by helicopter at Camp Shorab in Helmand Province — where the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division has a training mission — an honor guard of “dozens and dozens” of U.S. soldiers stood at attention and saluted. David was 50 and Zabihullah, who for years also worked as a photographer, was 38. David was considered one of the best photojournalists in the world — honored with a raft of awards including a George Polk Award in 2010, a national News and Documentary Emmy in 2007 and dozens of distinctions from the White House News Photographers Association, including 2011 Still Photographer of the Year. It is fair to say that David witnessed some of humanity’s most challenging moments: He covered wars in Afghanistan
N P R p h o t o g r a p h e r D a v i d G i l k e y a t K a n d a h a r A i r f i e l d , A f g h a n i s t a n , o n M a y 2 9 , 2 016 . Michael M. Phillips/The Wall Street Journal and Iraq. He covered the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. He covered the end of the apartheid regime in South Africa. He covered the devastating earthquake in Haiti, famine in Somalia and most recently the Ebola epidemic in Liberia. His images were haunting — amid the rubble, he found beauty; amid war, he found humanity. His craft, he said, was about more than journalism. “It’s not just reporting. It’s not just taking pictures,” he said. “It’s, ‘Do those visuals, do the stories, do they change somebody’s mind enough to take action?’” (Via NPR) Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity offers its sincerest condolences to Brother Gilkey’s family and friends. To share more information and to celebrate Gilkey’s life and experience as a brother of Lambda Chi Alpha please contact the C&C at editor@lambdachi.org. n
HISTORY ARTICLE - The Story of Our Badge
Summer 2016 - www.lambdachi.cc
THE STORY OF OUR BADGE by Jono Hren (Florida Tech 1975) Photos by Bob McLaughlin (Purdue 1963) Introduction by Mike Raymond (Miami OH 1967) This article first appeared as a chapter in our new history book, “Our Story: A History of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity,” published last year . This article is an impressive work of research, writing, and photography concerning the membership badge. The article covers a lot of territory, sometimes finding our way though the misty beginning of our fraternity is difficult, but this article presents the clearest path to understanding the origin of our badge that is available. I believe that this is the first time that the story of our badge has been presented with full color illustrations that more completely document its history. The value these color illustrations add to the history of the bade is incalcuable. Without question, our badge is an integral part of being an initiated brother in our fraternity. While the display of our badge has shifted over time, from use only on formal occasions in the past to nearly non-existent use today, it is still rich in symbolism. This article should be of extreme value to anyone interested in the history surrounding the many changes and forms of our badge. It deserves a close reading with your undivided attention.
S T O R Y
The wearing of badges or other symbols of allegiance, authority, or rank is a custom which dates from antiquity. From an early period in the history of Greece every freeman, it appears, wore a signet ring. In the story of the prodigal son, a signet ring is placed upon his finger emblematic of the renewal of the family tie. The orders of knighthood developed badges of more complex design than the devices of allegiance such as the white and red roses of York and Lancaster and the falcon of Queen Elizabeth. The general social fraternities followed the lead of the early literary societies in making a badge one of their central symbols. Kappa Alpha Society, the oldest of the present social fraternities, adopted the “key” worn upon the watch chain. It literally was a key that was modeled after keys used to wind large pocket watches of the day. Most contemporary groups display the badge as a pin, which has migrated from the jacket lapel to the area over the heart on the vest or sweater (if worn) or shirt. At one period of heavy opposition to fraternities several groups specified the left armpit region of the shirt as the location! About a third of today’s badges are some form of shield or slab with the fraternity’s initials and significant symbols displayed. Another third have a symbolic shape (some form of cross, diamond, or triangle) such as the four triangles of Theta Kappa Nu. This style of badge often contains additional symbols as well as Greek letters. Almost a third use a monogram of letters composing the name of the organization. Lambda Chi Alpha shares with Alpha Chi Rho, Theta Chi, and Triangle the use of both monogram and symbol in the basic shape of the badge. Many badges are set with stones such as diamonds or rubies. The pearl is the most frequently used gem to decorate badges. THE BADGE Lambda Chi Alpha’s founding is inextricably linked to the badge. Warren Cole had been living in Boston with his wife
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of one year at 22 Joy Street, but by the time of his 22 nd birthday on November 15, 1911, he was rooming at 35 Hancock Street with Ralph Sylvester Miles and Harold Bridge, the latter having transferred from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Cole did not enroll in Boston University that semester. His primary focus was starting a new fraternity. Cole told historian John Clark Jordan, some 40 years after the fact, that Lambda Chi Alpha had its origin in a prank. According to Jordan, “He and Miles were out walking in the fall of 1911 and came to the show window of a jewelry shop. They saw there some pins that looked like fraternity pins advertised for sale at a very low price. The pins turned out to be some badges that had been made for a high school fraternity, on which some error had been made in the manufacture. So the jeweler was willing to sell them very cheaply. Cole and Miles each bought a pin. They began to wear the pins to tease a chap named McDonald, a friend and former roommate of Cole’s who was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. They said they had founded a new fraternity.” It is not known who originally designed that first badge. Cole repeatedly maintained that he, his young cousin Clyde Kingsley Nichols, and Percival Case Morse had belonged to a high school fraternity called Alpha Mu Chi (AMX), although records show no indication of the existence of such a group
Fig. 1: An original badge. This one is engraved R.S.M. and belonged to Ralph Sylvester Miles, one of the founders of Lambda Chi Alpha. Photo courtesy R. McLaughlin.
at any of the schools they attended. It is also not understood why Cole named Nichols a founder of the Fraternity in Boston, since Nichols was a junior in high school in Taunton, Massachusetts, in the fall of 1911. The combination of a high school student named as a founder of a college fraternity, an elusive high school fraternity, and the selection of a high school fraternity pin as the basis of a college fraternity’s badge is more than a little curious, as is the similarity of the Greek letters AMC or perhaps MCA if “some error had been made” to LCA. Is it possible that Nichols designed the badge? He was certainly considered a genuine member several years later by Ralph Miles, who wrote in the March 1914 Purple, Green and Gold, “Brother Nichols is now located with the Mechanics’ National Bank in Providence.” Nichols had just graduated high school the previous June (1913). On Saturday, December 23, 1911, Cole and Miles (and later Bridge and Morse) purchased the first four badges from the Boston jeweler J.G. Johnston located nearby in the Sudbury Building at 79 Sudbury Street, near Scollay Square. J.G. Johnston is known to have produced athletic and Masonic medals, police and municipal badges, and high school pins, but was not a major supplier to college fraternities (see map and timeline on pages 10-11). These four badges, costing $3.25 each, along with eight more ordered later for Gamma Zeta at Massachusetts (M.A.C.) at $3.50 each, and a replacement for one lost by Louis Drury were of one-piece construction, bore a black enamel oval containing the Greek letters ΔΦ, and are the only known examples to exhibit grapes and olives, done in purple and green enamel upon the gold of the badge itself – thus providing the Fraternity colors. The badges had no pearls or jewels of any kind. On the same day that the first badges were purchased, Cole, Miles, and Morse also bought fobs from Johnston, and Cole and Miles bought pipes at the nearby United Cigar Store. The significance became clear several months later when Cole wrote to Albert Cross at the University of Pennsylvania on the importance of “pins, hat bands, (and) frat pipes” in attracting prospective candidates. These purchases undoubtedly heralded
In December 1911, Cole purchased his first badge for $3.25. According to the June 1911 issue of the Durfee Premier (a booklet from Cole’s own high school) a low wage was $6.00 to $8.00 a week and good pay at a civil service job was around $12.00 a week. Consequently his badge cost somewhere between one-quarter and one-half a week’s pay. Today if one were to purchase $3.25 in vintage paper currency and silver coins such as Cole likely carried in his pocket in 1911, the cost would closely approximate the current price of a new badge from Herff Jones and a similar percentage of a week’s take-home pay.
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a distinct turning point from an abstract idea to the reality of a fraternity. On February 9, 1912, Cole and Miles moved from 35 Hancock Street south to the Ansonia Hotel at 16 Westland Avenue, where they’d remain throughout 1912. Harold Bridge left Boston for New Hampshire. During February, March, and April, Cole worked on expansion and a ritual. The chapter at M.A.C. was installed on May 18, 1912. The following day, Albert Cross at U.Penn inquired about getting pins. On May 21, Cole replied that the men in Philadelphia would have
Fig. 1: An original badge. This one is engraved R.S.M. and belonged to Ralph Sylvester Miles, one of the founders of Lambda Chi Alpha. Photo courtesy R. McLaughlin.
to have their pins made locally, and sent his own Johnston badge to Cross, “as a model from which to get out the die.” Curiously, however, just three days later, on May 24, 1912, Cole accepted an order from M.A.C. for eight pins, an order that was filled during the summer. It is believed that only four members of Alpha at Boston owned Johnston badges and the Gamma men at M.A.C. ordered the eight just described. Louis Drury ordered a replacement for one he lost, bringing the total number of badges known to have been made by J.G. Johnston to 13. Why Johnston badges could be obtained for one chapter and not the other is unclear. Miles’ badge (see Fig. 1) is flat on the back and marked 14K, while Drury’s (see Fig. 3) is
concave, is marked 10K, and lacks the maker’s name. Both are engraved with the owners’ initials and are virtually identical on the front. On May 25, 1912, Cross took Cole’s badge to William Thegen’s Sons at 618 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, and ordered eight pins for the Epsilon chapter at the University of Pennsylvania. Thegen, like Johnston, was not known for making fraternity jewelry as much as Masonic items and military medals. Discussions with the jeweler led to the decision, with Cole’s approval, to replace the enameled grapes and olives with arrangements of tiny purple and green jewels, thus retaining the Fraternity’s colors. When the pins were ready on June 17, 1912, however, six large gems – alternating emeralds and amethysts – filled the crescent above and below the black oval (see Fig. 2). The badges cost $9.00 each. Ray Ferris did not like them. In 1927 he wrote, “when I first saw the pin, I almost swooned for to me it resembled a grammar school class pin of some sort. I particularly disliked the flat letters, Lambda Chi Alpha.” Cross, on the other hand, did like them, writing to Cole, “the pins don’t look half bad, however, as the jewels liven them up considerably.” Cross promptly returned the Johnston badge to Cole. Later in 1912, Ferris, enlisting Mason’s artistic abilities, would submit to Hoover & Smith the design we still use today. As early as June 1912, questions arose concerning the use of the Greek letters Delta Phi in the oval, and their use for the Latin motto dedimus potestatem, a legal term meaning “we have given (or assumed) power.” Cole wrote the meaning of the motto in the constitution, but did not include it in the ritual. Cross wrote to Cole on June 9, 1912, “An embarrassing question was put to me by one of our fellows who is a much better student in languages than any I have ever met or heard of around Penn. He wants to know if that wasn’t a little error when you chose the word P--- to fit the symbol F? He claims the letter should have been P for P. Of course it doesn’t matter a d--- bit, but what do you think of that yourself? I hadn’t given it a second’s thought, but took it on faith.” Cross broached the subject again on September 12, 1912, writing to Cole, “Some of our Arts men want to know if that F on our pin can not be changed to P as it was meant, for two reasons.
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1st and least they object to explaining to Greek scholars about the error. But mainly because DF is our biggest and most powerful Frat. at Penn. And they are liable to raise a howl about the prominence of those letters, and if they should it would sure cook our goose at Penn. Personally I don’t care, for I’m not afraid of anyone, let alone those d--- soreheads, but some of our fellows are more particular.” The Delta Phi fraternity, founded in 1827, and one of the Union Triad, was prominent on the University of Pennsylvania campus. Cole replied on September 19, 1912. “Regarding that question of substituting “Pi” for “Phi” I will say that it has been upon my mind ever since last spring when you first mentioned it to me, and in the new plate of coat of arms which Gamma Zeta is having made for their use I have directed them to use “Pi”. I think the better [way] to get around the matter is to let it work out gradually and in my designs for pins I can have “Pi” used and in this way it will save friction which
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Fig.2 Thegen’s Sons (Pennsylvania) Alternating amethysts and emeralds. Delta Phi in oval. All one piece.
would otherwise develop if the matter should be changed at once. You can tell the men of Epsilon Zeta that should they desire pins with “Pi” they should send me their order and I will forward them prices etc. I am getting quite a number of good prices on pins and I myself think that the men who are having pins made through me by our regular fraternity jeweler are getting better pins for their money than through other jewelers who are making up the pins in small quantities. Of course it is optional and the man can get his pin made by a
local jeweler if he so prefers.” As it happened, news of the change from F to P did not reach the Massachusetts chapter in time to be incorporated into the Gamma Plate. On October 15, 1912, the chapter received the proof of the engraving from the Chas. H. Elliott Co. of Philadelphia. The graphic of the badge was a stylized depiction of the original Johnston pin, but with tall, narrow letters within the crescent, and lacking an oval around the letters DF, suggesting the engraver worked from a description or rough sketch, and not from the Johnston badge itself. In a letter from Epsilon Zeta dated October 30, 1912, Cross remarked to Cole, “Was thinking maybe it is too bad you bothered about changing F to P as we could explain that we used the Greek form of the Latin letter, and not one in 1000 would ever tumble to the error,” to which Cole replied bluntly, “I changed F to P and will remain so.” Delta Pi has appeared on our badges ever since and only the 13 made by Johnston and the eight made by Thegen’s are known to have had Delta Phi on them. Probably the first pin to exhibit the new DP monogram was made by a third company to make our badge, namely Edwards, Haldeman Company of Detroit, Michigan. Cole began soliciting prices from them in August, and on September 3, 1912, described the pin to Cross: “I have received the estimates from Edwards, Haldeman & Co. of Detroit and they are quite reasonable in the prices of pins. Their full jeweled pin 14K opals crown set around crescent, pearls set upon “Lambda”, amethysts and emeralds set upon the crescent, seal with DP in brilliant gold. They will make the pin up for $15 which is the cheapest bid I have had from any jeweler yet.” Cross sent his $15 payment to Cole in October and acknowledged receipt of the pin on November 4, 1912. Although Cole initially described the estimate as including a “seal with DF”, Cross makes no mention of it bearing the old motto, and likens it to the badge pictured on a revised version of the Gamma Plate which clearly shows the badge as having DP. Cross wrote to Cole on November 4, 1912, “Pin arrived O.K. And I thought it pretty, though a trifle flashy. The fellows who are considering other jeweled forms don’t seem to think much of it. A big firm member said it looked
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0903
0904
Fig.3 J.G. Johnston Drury’s replacement. (Massachusetts) Delta Phi in oval. All one piece. Curved.
like a ladies brooch.” He wrote again on November 6, “The pin is very pretty I think, and as I notice, the exact duplicate of the pin on the coat of arms, so naturally I’ll keep this pin always. One objection, the opals are set too far apart and away from the pin, but if they were just as on pin in coat of arms it would be ideal.” The only other pin known to have been made in this design was owned by Cole, who described it to Cross as “exactly like yours except it being a little heavier gold.” Both men later sold their badges to other alumni. The possibility remains, however, that still more pins edged with pearls rather than opals could have been made by the Edwards, Haldeman Company. The Expositor of Lambda Chi Alpha (1929) describes such a pin. “The colored stone designs reached the climax in the “white elephant” badge in which the crescent, set with emeralds and amethysts, was completely edged with pearls. This design was never popular.” A badge described as the “White Elephant” was once on display at our headquarters. With fall rush upon them and new chapters soon to be installed, both Cole and the men at Epsilon were searching for new suppliers. Cole’s original jeweler, J.G. Johnston, seems to have made only plain badges and may have been unable to make jeweled pins. Epsilon was unhappy with Thegen’s work, particularly regarding the flat letters that could be read as Chi Lambda Alpha, and evidence suggests they sold their Thegen badges to Penn State upon, or shortly after, the installation of
Zeta on November 2, 1912. On November 1, 1912, Ray Ferris and Jack Mason approached Charles I. Clegg, manager of the fraternity department at Hoover & Smith of 616 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, with a sketch Mason had drawn from Ferris’s idea of a badge with a more prominent Lambda made as a separate piece with eleven pearls, and eight graduated pearls on the crescent. Clegg suggested reshaping the black enamel oval containing DP to fit more closely around the two largest pearls. These Hoover & Smith badges, looking much as do today’s badges, were in the hands of the Epsilon men by December 15, 1912 (see Figs. 4 and 5). Members of Penn State, Michigan, and Rutgers also wore the Hoover & Smith badge. Cole, meanwhile, had been working independently since September 1912 to find manufacturers that ultimately supplied Massachusetts, Brown, MIT, Maine, Bucknell, and Worcester. His firms included the Standard Emblem Company and Irons and Russell, both of Providence, Rhode Island, and the D.F. Briggs Company of Attleboro, Massachusetts. Cole also purchased stones from a traveling evangelist named Whitman. Hoover & Smith badges were made with pearls, rubies, and alternating pearls and sapphires on the crescent, but always had eight stones on the crescent. The Lambda was made as a separate piece with eleven pearls or was plain gold. They were generally stamped with the distinctive “dollar sign” maker’s mark on the back of the badge and had the Greek letters DP, but never in an oval (see Figs. 6-8). Badges from Cole’s suppliers were one piece, generally with eleven pearls in the Lambda, colored stones or pearls numbering either six or eight on the crescent, and always with DP in an oval (see Figs. 9-11). These pins, although appearing to be of an earlier vintage, were made at the same time as the Hoover & Smith badges. Distribution of these badges and those made by Hoover & Smith most likely continued through much of 1913. It is the Hoover & Smith badge, however, that is depicted on Mason’s first coat of arms engraved by Chas. H. Elliott in late 1912 and on his final version adding Per Crucem Crescens engraved by E.A. Wright in early 1913.
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WINTER 1912/13
0913
0914
Fig.4 Hoover & Smith Ray Ferris (Pennsylvania) Close set (half ) pearls. Pearled Lambda, a separate piece, riveted
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Fig.5 Hoover & Smith Norman Hartman (Penn State, Init. 12/1/12) Crown set (whole) pearls. Pearled Lambda, a separate piece, riveted.
STANDARDIZATION OF THE BADGE On March 3, 1913, Cole wrote to Leland Frank Reynolds at Michigan offering a plain badge for $3.00, one with eleven tiny pearls on the Lambda and three amethysts and three emeralds for $5.25, and one that he said was the most popular having eleven tiny pearls on the Lambda and eight pearls on the crescent for $6.75. He wrote on July 5, 1913, to E.W. Connors at Maine mentioning a plain badge at $3.00, an all white badge at $6.75 with Lambda slightly raised, and one with the Lambda raised at $8.50, adding “Above all things I
do not advise a colored stone pin. Either get pearls or else get the plain pin.” “Because of certain changes which have been made in our Ritual this summer by the Ritual Committee the styles of badges have been more or less limited,” Cole wrote to Clyde Wilkins at Maine on August 27, 1913. “The stones used in a badge should be white stones [as] the $8.25 badge with eight pearls set upon crescent and with eleven tiny pearls set upon the Lambda.” And the next day, August 28, he wrote the following to Robert Currie at Cornell, six weeks before Omicron was installed, “Another thing I might call your attention to is that Hoover & Smith Co. put out a circular stating prices on different combinations of colored stone badges. (Rubies, Emeralds, Amythsts [sic], Sapphires, etc.)I will admit they are very pretty. But after taking our Lambda Chi Alpha Ritual you will find the reason for having white stones upon your badge (pearls).” Hoover & Smith was our official jeweler in 1914 and Ray Ferris later recalled brothers ordering badges from them as late as 1916. On December 31, 1914, the fourth assembly convened at the home of Omicron Zeta (Cornell) in Ithaca, NY, for a three day session. According to Bruce McIntosh, “Probably the most far reaching effects of the fourth assembly resulted from the appointment of a member of the Fraternity as its first traveling secretary and sole official jeweler to serve for three years. According to the plan adopted by the convention, the traveling secretary was to handle all fraternity jewelry and to receive, in lieu of salary for his services as traveling secretary, all profits on jewelry sales. In the years which followed, this plan was thoroughly tested and found to be unsatisfactory.” The traveling secretary was Warren Cole, and from 1915 through 1919 all badge sales were to have been through him. At the Ann Arbor Assembly, December 30 and 31, 1919, and January 1 and 2, 1920, the official jeweler plan was discontinued, and the executive committee was authorized to place the manufacture and sale of all Lambda Chi Alpha jewelry in the hands of a reputable manufacturer who should become sole official jeweler on a royalty basis. Thus, L.G. Balfour became our official jeweler and remained so from
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1920 to the 1970s. The L.G. Balfour Company, of Attleboro, Massachusetts, first made badges (see Fig. 12) at the request of the Cornell chapter in the fall of 1913 when that chapter was installed. When these first Balfour pins were made, the company had Lambda Chi Alpha listed as a local society, although at the time it had twelve chapters, and so, when Warren Cole called on Mr. Balfour to discuss jewelry manufacture, a misunderstanding arose, for Mr. Balfour did not know that his firm had been making badges for a national society known as Lambda Chi Alpha. Mr. Balfour wrote in part: “I believe it was in the fall of 1914 [1913?] that Cole walked into our office and demanded an interview with me. He wanted to know why we were making Lambda Chi Alpha national fraternity badges without permission. On investigation I found that our salesman at Ithaca had sent in a Lambda Chi Alpha badge, and that we had criticized the construction, material, and general design. Later, at the instigation of the Cornell chapter, we cut a
SUMMER 1913 – 1915
0915
0916
Fig.6 Hoover & Smith Lambda plain, a separate piece, riveted.
0917
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Fig.7 Hoover & Smith Eight rubies in crescent. Lambda plain, a separate piece, riveted.
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Fig.8 Hoover & Smith Amethyst and pearl. Lambda plain, a separate piece, riveted.
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Fig.9 Unknown (Cole) Six gems in crescent; Delta Pi in oval. All one piece.
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Fig.10 Unknown (Cole) Six pearls in crescent; Delta Pi in oval. All one piece. Curved.
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Fig.11 Unknown (Cole) Eight pearls; Delta Pi in oval. All one piece.
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WM CLEARE
60 A
60 B
Fig.13 Balfour (Cole) Wm. Cleare (Brown, Rx 1915). Lambda a separate piece, soldered. Curved, pin horizontal.
set of dies and made a quantity of pins for them. I believe we charged them about $9 each. Later in the day he came back to the office [Attleboro was not far from Cole’s home in Swansea] and asked us to use his dies.” These dies belonging to Cole may have still had the DP contained in an oval, unlike those made by Hoover & Smith. Mr. Balfour continues, “We used Cole’s dies until Jack Mason demanded that we change them. I wanted to make the dies the way Mason had planned them, but Cole insisted on a different style. We were prepared to go to the Worcester convention [April 9-11, 1914] and submit the new badge and a net price, but Cole convinced us that this would not be the square thing to do, so we stayed away.” These references to Balfour’s dies, Mason’s dies, and Cole’s dies are intriguing. Early Balfour badges had a curved (convex) Lambda and beveled letters, so if Balfour used earlier dies then what did the badges look like (see Fig. 12 and 13)? The lack of a maker’s mark on Balfour badges and others of unknown manufacture makes identifying early examples even more difficult. The most familiar production runs consisted of thick, crown set pins containing all pearls with beveled letters and curved Lambda. No loop for attaching a chapter guard was provided, so some members drilled holes directly through the crescent in order to accommodate a chain (see Fig. 14). Around 1925 the beveled letters and curved Lambda were replaced with flat letters and a flat Lambda (see Fig. 15), and a loop was soldered to the back (see Fig. 16).
Following Hoover & Smith and Cole, Balfour was Lambda Chi Alpha’s sole official jeweler from 1920 to 1971. Beginning in the 1950s, it became fashionable to adorn the Lambda with gems instead of pearls. Emeralds, opals, rubies, diamonds, sapphires, and amethysts can be seen in samples from that period onward (see Fig. 19). Balfour used no maker’s mark in the beginning. In the late 1930s, badges were usually stamped LGB (for Lloyd G. Balfour)(see Fig. 18), and the trend was toward 10K and away from 14K. By the 1950s the company was using a shield logo topped with three columns capped with a roof and accompanied by the circle R registered stamp (see Fig. 20). Although they no longer had exclusive contract, Balfour continued making badges through the 1970s. J.O. Pollack of Chicago was also authorized to make our badges. These were characterized by fine details, particularly in the letters Chi and Alpha. The last badges made under the Balfour name, circa 1979, were tapered in profile, that is to say the diameter of the back was slightly larger than the front, and the open areas smaller in the back than in the front (see Fig. 21). After going through several incarnations as Masters of Design and Legacy, these tapered dies survive today in the hands of Herff Jones of Providence, Rhode Island. In addition to solid gold, economy versions of our badges – both plain and with pearls – have been made by Balfour (BalClad, marked BC), J.O. Pollack, Burr, Patterson & Auld, and Masters of Design/Legacy/Herff Jones (Goldgloss)(See Fig. 23). Badge sizes also have varied, including standard, medium, and miniature. Fig.23, economy badges, l-r: J.O. Pollack; Burr, Paterson & Auld; unknown; Masters of Design.
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