Winter 2012
Winter 2012
Former Staffers, Welcome to the winter 2012 issue of the Traveler. The year is winding down, and here at LCA we are beginning to put a cap on what has turned out to be a very productive year! We have continued our campaign efforts reaching $15 Million, expanded to 5 new universities, and our Chapter Services team has conducted approximately 190 visits! Lambda Chi Alpha is continuing to make a difference in our collegians lives providing them with a meaningful and values based experience to prepare them for life after college.
In this edition of the Traveler newsletter, I am excited to present: • • • • •
Updates for 22 Former Staff Members Current Staff Listing Featured Traveler Update – George Spasyk “From the Road: ELC Nick Ludwig” Link to the updated Former Staff Directory
We hope that you enjoy reading this special issue of the Traveler! Yours in ZAX, Travis Smith Associate Director of Alumni Relations Young Alumni Development
Former Staff Updates
1960’s McRae, Neill (1966-1967) Neill is continuing as a qualified interim/transitional minister at the Richmond United Church, a congregation of the United Church of Canada. His local area is an immigration magnet for folks from China, so he is developing a congregation with English speaking and Chinese speaking worshiping groups, and learning something of the Chinese cultural norms in the process.
It can be truthfully said that what I learned and experienced as a “Traveling Secretary” (as we were known in those far off days), continues to directly and positively affect my work both as clergy and as a Certified Management Consultant. Sander, Eric (1969-1971) Currently, Eric works for Shaw Modualr Systems in the Engineering group. Eric and his wife Pam have two sons, Matt (34yrs) and Bryan (31yrs).
Wainwright, Bill (1969-1970) Bill has moved to Rodman Reservoir and “gone fishin’”. Bill says he would love to have anyone with a few days off join him for some of the best bass fishing in the world. Bill is proud to report that his oldest son is now a Partner in the Atlanta Law Firm of McKenna, Long & Aldridge where he specializes in Mergers & Acquisitions, Contract Law and Sports Management. Bill’s other son is the Number One Pitcher
Traveler Updates for the St Louis Cardinals Baseball Club and is competed once again in this year’s baseball playoffs.
1980’s Hammer, Joe (1979-1984)
1970’s Brasher, James (1970-1975) Jim has been called on by his former boss President Jimmy Carter to organize a campaign in behalf of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Plains, GA. The site covers Carter’s “growing up place” and his home and headquarters for the last 30 years of global humanitarian work. Jim served as the Special Assistant to President Carter and served as Chief Development Officer for the Carter Center in Atlanta, GA through 1996. Jim is also working with the former Secretaries of State and US Ambassadors to secure funds for the new US Diplomacy Center at the State Department in Washington, DC. This new building and Center will provide the general public access to the State Department and the Diplomatic history of the US from Thomas Jefferson through Secretary Clinton.
Meyer, Kurt (1977-1979) The Fishers, Indiana Chamber of Commerce has elected me to the position of “Chair Elect” for 2013 after serving as the Chamber Board treasurer for 2012. Mullins, Rev. Dr. Robert T. (1974-1977) Brother Mullins is a pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church and is the Executive Director of Back to The Basics Ministries. Back to The Basic Ministries airs A Fresh Start TV Program, a 30 min. pre-taped program, three times a week in Knoxville on WVLR and three times a week in Memphis on WTWV.
Kirby, Richard (1976-1978) Ric Kirby checked in and continues his work as a large-scale, multi-dimensional event producer, most recently serving as the Sr. Operations Manager for the 25th Anniversary of the Name’s Projects presentation of the AIDS Quilt on the Washington Mall and 72 other locations in the District of Columbia, Maryland & Virginia this summer. He (and the little beach town he resides) in Delaware, survived Sandy!
Joe had the opportunity in late June to serve as one of five judges for the 2012 Miss Indiana Pageant, an official State Preliminary for Miss America. The four day process was a great deal more involved than he had anticipated, but fascinating throughout. “Definitely one of life’s more random – yet interesting – experiences.”
Leonard, Ed (1979-1981) (1985-1988) We are proud to announce Brother Leonard’s election to the North American Interfraternity Conference Board of Directors. With his election, he is the 9th Lambda Chi (including Theta Kappa Nu members) to sit on the NIC Board.
Huffine, Dave (1984-1986)
Brother Mullins and his wife have moved to Hernando, MS to an apartment in July, but recently sold their home in Knoxville. Brother Mullins came across a couple of boxes of Lambda Chi pictures and memorabilia from my years at UT (1969-74) and as a chapter consultant (1974-77).
At General Assembly in Phoenix this summer, David Huffine (ELC, 1984-86) became the latest former staff member to be elected to the Grand High Zeta. Brother Huffine will serve as Grand High Phi. He joins former staff Ken Greenman and Fletcher McElreath, currently serving on the Board. At the Assembly, Huffine also coached the International Ritual Team. He continues to serve as High Pi of the Colony at VCU.
Traveler Updates Kappa at the time). They look forward to their new adventure out west. Haney, Patrick (1998-2000) Patrick and his wife Sandra were excited to welcome their son Julian Patrick on June 25, 2012. Julian is doing very well and Mom and Dad are enjoying the new addition!
(1992-1994) In the last issue of the Traveler we highlighted the birth of Clint and Marci’s new son. Here is a picture of Jay Wheelock wearing his new colors! Clint says that “he may have only been born on May 25th, but he’s already suiting up for pre-pre-initiation!”
Professionally, Huffine recently completed the Believing Is Seeing Campaign, which raised $10.7 million for St. Joseph’s Villa, an organization serving children with special needs and their families. Brown, Michael (1987-1988) After a year on contract, Mike has recently joined up with Apple Inc. on their development team. He is currently in Hong Kong opening up a significant threestory store in Causeway Bay.
1990’s Montplaisir, Daniel (1990-1997) After more than five years working for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as the Vice President for Advancement, Dan accepted an opportunity at the University of California at Irvine as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development. The UCI foundation has a team of approximately 100 people working to raise private support of a $100M annually as a part of their $1B “Shape the Future” Campaign and he will lead the central office team. This opportunity allows Dan and his family to relocate close to his wife’s family - and brings them back to the area where he first met his wife as an ELC during his UCLA chapter visit (Kelly was the consultant for Sigma
2000’s Fry, Tristan (2008-2010) LeGrand, Jason (1997-1999) Jason LeGrand is starting his 6th year at the University of Maryland as the Director of Major Gifts for the West Coast. His father, Larry, recently celebrated his retirement with a special vacation to Santa Barbara and Los Angeles while Jason was there for work.
Wheelock, Clint
On July 28th, Tristan Fry (Mercer ’08) married Audrey Brown in Keller, Texas. Audrey and Tristan met in 2011 while attending a work event for Accenture. Accompanying Tristan at the alter were his Big Brother Brandon Snellings, Brother Wendell White, and Brother Eric Sims. Audrey and Tristan celebrated their honeymoon in beautiful Maui, and have now settled into their home in Irving, Texas.
Glauser, Jeff
Traveler Updates (1999-2001)
(2007-2011)
(2006-2008)
Jeff Glauser is currently working as an adjunct professor of English and writing arts at both Rowan University and Burlington County College in New Jersey. He is enjoying fatherhood, as daughter Kya Jewel (pictured here with Daddy paying tribute to her favorite football team) was born on March 20. Stepdaughter Jenna is 17, a senior in high school and has been a wonderful big sis.
Dan and his dad, Gail Hartmann (HON Kappa-Upsilon), took a St. Louis Cardinals road trip to the northeast this past summer. The trip began with a round of golf at Longaberger Golf Club in Ohio, Seats behind home at PNC Park (Cards v. Pirates), a day game at Camden Yards (White Sox v. Orioles), two night games at Nationals Park (Cards v. Nationals), and a round of golf at Lake Presidential Golf Club in Maryland. The Hartmann’s sat next to world renown heckler, Robin Ficker in Washington DC.
Jarod got married to my his wife Leena Holt on July 21st and he just accepted a job as the Assistant Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life at the University of South Carolina. Jarod will be working with our NIC, NPHC, and Multicultural Groups. I also will be overseeing the Greek Conduct Board and some of the Greek Village. Jarod will be starting the new job on November 12th!
Orr, David (2006-2007) David and his wife will be moving to Cape Town, South Africa as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in January 2013. While there David will start a graduate PhD program in Higher Education at Stellenbosch University and his wife will be interning with a local interior design firm. They will also be participating in Rotary service projects to benefit orphaned street children in Tanzania and South Africa.
Jeff is currently exploring other opportunities, including those which would involve relocating. Ideal industries would lie within print/online media, higher education, and entertainment. Gomeztrejo, Aaron (2010-2012) Aaron has moved to San Diego and work for Legacy Financial. His days include dog beach trips, Mexican food, and spending time with the many brothers that he loves to be with. Aaron gets to play golf and tennis a lot and entertain visitors frequently at Casa GT.
Hartmann, Dan
Walker, Robert (1999-2001, 2004-06) Dan continues to work at the North-American Interfraternity Conference Foundation as Director of Development. His work e-mail address is dan@nicindy.org.
Holt, Jarod
Robert and his wife Jennifer are pleased to announce the arrival of our second daughter. Abigail Jane was born on September 10th. Mom, Dad and big-sister Grace are really excited about their new addition.
Feature Update - GEorge Spasyk Former Lambda Chi Alpha Executive Director George Spasyk recently stopped by IHQ to share stories of the rich history of our Fraternity with staff members. On Friday, September 21st, the current staff at Lambda Chi Alpha International Headquarters was graced with a visit from former Executive Director George Spasyk, former Director of Chapter Services Frank Maez, and former Educational Leadership Consultant Gerry Reese. George shared numerous stories with the staff about the history of the headquarters building. He also discussed how the area around 8741 Founders Road has significantly changed since the building was constructed in 1973. George pointed out specific relics in the building such as the main desk in the lobby that was once used by the Grand High Zeta and spoke about their historical value and significance to Lambda Chi Alpha.
over the last few months while he continues to recover. George has continued to play an integral role as a mentor to the Lambda Chi Alpha staff. Prior to the departure of the Educational Leadership Consultants for their chapter visits over the fall term, George met with each of them and offered advice on traveling and interacting with fellow brothers.
As George was leaving he thanked each staff member for their hospitality and service to Lambda Chi Alpha. A big thank you goes out to Frank and Gerry for the assistance they offered George throughout the day. In July, George was taken to the hospital after experiencing heart issues. After a brief stay in the hospital, he was moved to Marquette Manor, a facility that provided George with around-the-clock care. George’s main goal was to regain strength through daily physical therapy and a healthy diet so he could move back into his house, a place that has offered many great memories to staff members. After a doctor’s appointment to see how he was progressing, George received favorable comments about how his health had taken a positive turn in large part to the care he received at Marquette Manor. Last month, George reached his goal and was able to move back into his house. He has a caretaker who looks over him and helps him with his daily tasks. We are all very happy about the mental and physical strength George has displayed
Current Staff: • Bill Farkas – Executive Vice President
• Anne Everhart – Administrative Assistant
• Mark Bauer – President, Educational Foundation
• Justin Fisher – Assoc. Director of Chapter Services - Alumni
• Nick Zuniga – Director of Chapter Services • Michele James – Director of Business Affairs
• Travis Smith – Assoc. Director of Alumni Relations, Educational Foundation
• Tad Lichtenauer – Director of Communications/IT
• Chris Cole – Assoc. Director of Harm Reduction
• Marcus Kelley – Assoc. Director of Education
• Ryan Haboush – Compliance Manager
From the Road – ELC Nick LudwiG Senior Educational Leadership Consultant Nick Ludwig reflects on his time spent on the road. Over the last year and a half Nick has worked on three expansions, visited 55 chapters, and traveled over 30,000 miles. To a chasm, vast, and deep, and wide, Through which was flowing a sullen tide. Traveling alone has changed me. Sometimes I feel like an old man compared to some of the brothers who carry the college mentality. I’ve often gone into many situations that feel “cold and gray.” A chasm can take many forms, like a chapter that isn’t happy to see the consultant, perhaps a chapter that has fallen off course, or even a feeling of deep loneliness when travelling to new places. The old man crossed in the twilight dim; The sullen stream had no fear for him; But he turned, when safe on the other side, And built a bridge to span the tide. I felt a great deal of fear when I first started as a consultant. Since then I have crossed many bridges. I have visited 55 chapters, travelled over 30,000 miles, and even opened three colonies. These experiences have helped me build my competency to help across many situations. I like to think of each challenge as an opportunity to build a bridge for the men who haven’t even join the chapter yet. I aspired to work as an Educational Leadership Consultant throughout my time as a senior collegiate brother of ZetaAlpha Zeta at Coe College. I took the job to do my best to give back to the fraternity that I love. During my short time working as a fraternity consultant, I have learned that it is much more than a job; it is a way of life. There are very few people who can relate to a fraternity consultant, so I have become very close with my co-workers, even though they are many miles away. I often turn to one of my favorite poems when I come across a difficult situation. “The Bridge Builder,” by Will Allen Dromgoole helps me remember why I took this job to serve the fraternity that I love. An old man, going a lone highway, Came, at the evening, cold and gray,
“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim, near, “You are wasting strength with building here; Your journey will end with the ending day; You never again will pass this way; You’ve crossed the chasm, deep and wideWhy build you this bridge at the evening tide?” Goodness, it is easy to become discouraged. Sometimes I wish I had the ability to work in an office with a regular routine, but instead I work out of fraternity houses, rest stops, student unions, coffee shops, and especially my car. It would be easy to go through the motions with the everyday tasks of the job. Real fulfillment comes from the relationships I have built with the men of the chapters, cooks, advisors, and campus professionals. The builder lifted his old gray head: “Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,
Do You Have An Entertaining Story From The Road? Submit It To TSMITH@LAMBDACHI.ORG. The Best Will Be Featured In The Next Issue Of
From the Road – ELC Nick Ludwig “There followeth after me today, A youth, whose feet must pass this way. Much to the dismay of many collegiate brothers, the fraternity chapter is constantly changing. While we continue to redefine our education, update our constitution, and work to break stereotypes, we need to ensure that we constantly bring the newest members into the fold. This chasm, that has been naught to me,
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be. He, too, must cross in the twilight dim; Good friend, I am building this bridge for him.” Thinking of the lasting effects of my visit and the impact of fraternity brothers yet to join is one of the most encouraging aspects of the job. I always try to remember that what we do as staff, volunteers, and advisors is meant to help foster an undergraduate experience based on the lessons of the ritual of the fraternity.
Current Staff (Continued) • Matt Roy – Assoc. Director of Chapter Services
• Joe Citro – Educational Leadership Consultant
• James Ratliff – Assoc. Director of Business Affairs
• Brandon Hebert – Senior Educational Leadership Consultant
• Andrew Talevich – Assoc. Director of Communications • Teresa Carlson – Director of Annual Fund, Educational Foundation • Kelli Ayres – Donor Relations Assistant
• Chris Kirkeby – Senior Educational Leadership Consultant • Nick Ludwig – Senior Educational Leadership Consultant
• John Hauser – Sr. Development Officer
• Dave Walthius – Senior Educational Leadership Consultant
• Brad Hawse – Development Officer, Educational Foundation
• Michael DeCourcy – Educational Leadership Consultant
• Nikki Ziegenfuss – Membership Database Clerk
• Jon Moss – Educational Leadership Consultant
• Tina (Waldrop) Barnett – Operations Coordinator
• Erik Silvola – Educational Leadership Consultant
• Sarah Martin – Senior Staff Accountant
• Brian Watts – Educational Leadership Consultant
• Gary Woodrum – Staff Accountant
• Joel Weyrauch – Educational Leadership Consultant
• Dave Atwood – Systems Support Specialist
L AMBDA CHI ALPHA FR ATERNIT Y 8 7 4 1 FOU N DERS R OAD IN D IAN APOLIS, IN 46268 Winter 2012
Winter 2012