Dispatches from The Legion of Honor
Chapter & Alumni News for the Fall 2022 Quarterly
Alabama
On September 13, the Theta Chapter and Beta Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi hosted their biannual LifeSouth blood drive. The drive had 110 donors, which equates to 330 lives saved! Collegiate chapter Philanthropy Chairman Jackson Giles coordinated the event.
Alabama in Huntsville
In early September, Mu Beta Chapter alumnus Jason Williams awarded the Annual Mu Beta Scholarships at the collegiate chapter’s weekly meeting. Mu Beta collegiate chapter brothers Caleb Lohr and Daniel Navarro were this year’s scholarship recipients. Recipients of the scholarships must have a 3.0+ GPA, show exemplary leadership skills within the chapter, and be involved in other on-campus organizations.
Appalachian State
Brothers from the Kappa Epsilon Chapter cheered on the Appalachian State Mountaineers during ESPN College GameDay's appearance in Boone, North Carolina. The Mountaineers defeated the Troy Trojans on the final play of the game, winning 32-28.
Arizona
During the last academic year, the Epsilon Alpha Chapter partnered with Women Warriors of Tucson as a philanthropic beneficiary of the chapter’s philanthropy events during the Founders’ Month of Service. Recently, the chapter presented the non-profit with a $4,000 check aid in their work supporting local female veterans.
Arizona State
Arizona State University has a campus tradition of "whitewashing" the historic "A Mountain" at the beginning of each academic year. Hundreds of first-year students participate in the tradition, and sometimes, campus rival, the University of Arizona, vandalizes the “A” while it's white. Arizona was successful in a recent attempt for the first time in 7 years. However, their action was short-lived. Disturbed by the news that the “A” had been defaced, 19 brothers from the Zeta Upsilon Chapter took decisive action, rushed to buy paint and brushes, hiked up the mountain in the 108-degree heat, and returned the “A” to its former glory. The actions of the Zeta Upsilon Chapter continue a tradition of the chapter protecting “A Mountain,” with a similar feat in 1985.
Arkansas
In honor of the 21st anniversary of September 11, members of the Gamma Upsilon Chapter challenged themselves to get up bright and early and participate in the Army ROTC’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. The stair climb took place at Razorback Stadium and consisted of climbing 110 flights of stairs. The climb is the equivalent of the 110 flights of stairs climbed by first responders during the attacks.
The Gamma Upsilon Chapter also recently initiated Lt. General Steele as a non-matriculate initiate. Brother Steele left the university in the 1960s to serve in the United States military and is a decorated veteran.
Auburn
Beta Theta Chapter Advisor Sean Thomas recently completed a three-day, 80-mile-per-day cycling trip from Bend, Oregon, to Boise, Idaho, raising $13,739 for the Jimmy V Foundation. More than 130 cyclists from Sean’s employer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, participated in a relay from Oregon to New Jersey to fight cancer.
Sean rode in memory of several friends and loved ones, including Beta Theta Chapter Brother Travis Rabren.
The Beta Theta Chapter also recently celebrated the induction of two alumni into the inaugural Auburn Alumni Association 20 Under 40. The recognition was established to recognize members of the Auburn Family for extraordinary accomplishments, significant professional achievements, or distinguished service to others. Beta Theta’s alumni inductees are Cody Sanders and Morgan Busby. Profiles of each inductee can be found HERE.
Bowling Green State
Several brothers of the Epsilon Chi Chapter and current team members of the Bowling Green State University Co-Ed Cheerleading Team traveled out to the historic Rose Bowl to cheer on the Falcons as they took on UCLA on September 3. Included in the photograph are Eminent Commander Nick Dimitroff (right), Lt. Commander Mason Yuzwa (left), and Chaplain Bryce Long (center).
Central Arkansas
Lambda Phi Chapter continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to campus involvement. Several members of the chapter serve as Student Orientation staff. Those included in the photograph attended the Student Orientation Fall Training Retreat in preparation for the incoming class of UCA 2026 students.
Colorado State
Delta Rho Chapter alumnus Jonathan Ng was named the 2022 Campus Partner of the Year by Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity. Brother Ng is the Associate Director of Student Engagement & Leadership at the University of California Santa Barbara. The honor was celebrated on July 14-16 at ZBT's 2022 International Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Jonathan also served on the volunteer faculty education team. ZBT had this to say about Jonathan's support, "ZBT wouldn’t be able to thrive as a Brotherhood for a Lifetime without the support of many partners, friends, and other supporters throughout the world. ZBT’s campus-based partners have an immediate and critical impact on our brothers. This award is given from time to time to a partner or supporter who is a true champion for ZBT on campus and in the community."
Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity was founded in 1898 in New York City as the world's first Jewish Fraternity. ZBT is represented on more than 70 campuses in the United States and Canada and has more than 140,000 undergraduate and alumni brothers throughout the world.
Columbia
Several brothers of the Delta Gamma Chapter arrived on campus early to prepare for the arrival of incoming students. Seven brothers of the chapter served as New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) Leaders. Chapter Commander Gabe Herrera served as a Crew Captain and assisted NSOP Leaders throughout the summer as they prepared for orientation.
Duquesne
Kappa Delta Chapter Advisors Rod Dobish and Fr. John Sawicki welcomed brothers back to campus with a BBQ.
Eastern Kentucky
Brothers from the Theta Theta Chapter assisted with campus move-in to get new EKU students moved into their dorms and ready for the start of the academic year.
Florida
Epsilon Zeta Chapter brothers Matt Felicetti and Reilly Gallagher honored 9/11 first responders by claiming 110 flights of stairs on September 11th. The 110 flights represent those climbed by first responders during the attacks.
Georgia
On June 9th, 2022, the Mu Chapter hosted its annual Commander’s Dinner. The event was hosted at Bones Restaurant in Atlanta, GA, and featured many distinguished alumni, including past chapter commanders. Current chapter Commander Walker Clark gave a State of the Chapter speech updating the attendees on the past year, recruitment progress, and the plans and goals for the chapter going into the upcoming academic year.
High Point
On Wednesday, September 14, the Nu Delta Chapter partnered with HPU's Emergency Medical Services, the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and the American Red Cross to host a campus blood drive. The event exceeded its goal by collecting 92 units of blood from 110 donors. Coverage of the chapter's event can be found HERE.
Idaho
In early September, brothers from the Delta Omicron Chapter spent their morning volunteering for the UI Recreation and Wellbeing's Suicide Awareness Week 5K.
Illinois
In early June, Gamma Mu Chapter Brother Jim Elsesser and his wife Lionelle were recognized by the University of Illinois Library for their charitable gifts, now exceeding $1.5 million. The Elsesser’s gifts have supported the Rare Book & Manuscript Library, funded significant acquisitions, and the development of an exhibition space in the planned Archives and Special Collections Building. In addition to recognition from the Illinois Library, Brother Elsesser has received recognition from the University of Illinois Geis School of Business. In 2021 he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award.
In late August, the collegiate chapter held a dinner for its annual Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded in partnership with chapter alumni.
Jacksonville
Three Kappa Theta Chapter brothers, who are also team members of the Jacksonville University Shooting Team, competed at the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) Nationals this past summer at the Cardinal Center in Ohio. The brothers are Austin Cagle (left), Douglas Steinhardt, Jr. (center), and Boyce Privetts (right). The men contributed to several team competition medals, and Brother Cagle won 3rd Place in Mens Sporting Clays.
Jacksonville State
On September 10, Iota Lambda Chapter hosted their Patriot Weekend Car Show. Proceeds from the event benefited the Wounded Warrior Project.
Jefferson
On Sunday, September 11, 2022, collegiate and alumni brothers from the Mu Pi Chapter welcomed 75 guests, parents, alumni, and collegians to Main Street Manayunk in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the chapter’s inaugural Commander’s Brunch celebration. The chapter honored three chapter Commanders with an official Commander’s badge during the event. The men honored were the chapter’s first Commander, Brother Sean M. Flanagan, Brother Timothy Pasquale, and the current Commander, Brother Nicholas Vincent. In attendance for the event were chapter founding fathers, Division Commander Dr. Sean P. Killion and Todd Olivari, along with Vice Regent Dr. Jason Lyons.
The chapter hosted the event at the business of a recent graduate and former Commander Yaseen Elzalabany. Brother Elzalabany opened a small coffee shop (Mama’s Boy Café) with a shared space in a local brewery called Fat Lady Brewing. Brother Yaseen provided the space and hosted the chapter providing food and refreshments for guests.
Kent State
On Sunday, September 11, the return of the Zeta Gamma Chapter to Kent State University achieved its first major milestone with the candidate pinning ceremony of the newest members of the Zeta Gamma Colony. The candidate ceremony occurred in the university’s governance chambers with alumni Ritual officers presiding. The Ritual team was Vice Regent Shon Christy (Akron), Alumni Chapter Commander Josh Cherok, Chapter Advisor Dave Owen, and AAB Members Matt Cooper and Kevin Orosz. The Kappa Lambda Chapter from the University of Akron also attended the Candidate Ceremony and reception to celebrate with the newly pinned colony members and chapter alumni. Expansion Consultant Mac McNeilly (Huntingdon) will lead the colony for the next several months as they learn critical chapter operations and begin their journey toward petitioning the High Council for their charter.
Kettering
Eta Mu (A) Chapter brothers recently celebrated the induction of two members into the campus’ Order of Omega. The Greek-letter honor society recognizes juniors and seniors who have exemplified high standards of leadership within the campus fraternity and sorority community. The chapter’s newest inductees are brothers Andrew Johnson and Corey Shafer. They join previous chapter inductees Connor Ryan and Malachi Eovaldi.
Louisiana State
LSU Tiger TV recently highlighted the Phi Chapter at LSU for their service and philanthropic work benefiting Jackson, Mississippi. The chapter recently partnered with the Phi Gamma Chapter of Chi Omega to host a water drive. The event has raised a large supply of water bottles which will be delivered to the city. Coverage of the chapter’s event can be found HERE.
On August 10, horse trainer and Phi Chapter alumnus Tom Amoss celebrated his 4,000 career victory when horse Isolate won the Tale of the Cat Stakes at the historic Saratoga racecourse in Saratoga Springs, New York. The win makes the New Orleans native the 15th trainer in thoroughbred racing history to reach the 4,000-win milestone. Brother Amoss celebrated the landmark victory with his wife, Colleen, and daughter, Hayley, who held a placard signifying the achievement in the Saratoga winner’s circle photo.
Louisiana Tech
Brothers from the Eta Zeta Chapter participated in the campus "Dog Haul." The members assisted students as they moved into dorms and got settled into the campus for the new academic year.
Mercer
Mercer on Mission Korea is a program offered by Mercer University that connects Mercer students with the Drim School in Cheonan, South Korea. The Drim School is the first alternative school founded for North Korean refugees and their children. At the school, Eta Chapter Brothers Derrick Swinford and Garrett Pearson taught refugees skills to adjust to life in South Korea and taught them how to code and speak English. The brothers also visited the Korean Congress and military bases, where they learned about the reunification of Korea and their North Korean refugee programs.
Midwestern State
In mid-September, Eta Upsilon Chapter brothers volunteered at the Humane Society Animal Shelter, bathing puppies and dogs at the shelter.
Minnesota
The Gamma Tau Chapter celebrated brother Nathan Holm, who competed in August at the Drum Corps International World Championships. Brother Holm performs with the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. The Blue Devils capped off an undefeated season by claiming their 20th DCI World Championship Gold Medal at the Drum Corps International’s 50th Anniversary Finals competition held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Minnesota State
In early September, brothers from the Lambda Delta Chapter participated in multi-state community service, volunteering at events in Mankato, Minnesota and La Crosse, Wisconsin. In Mankato, brothers connected with the Greater Mankato United Way to participate in a human foosball tournament that raised money for United Way programs. In La Crosse, the brothers volunteered at Clearwater Farm’s Taste of Summer event, ensuring that the event ran smoothly.
Mississippi
Epsilon Xi Chapter alumni living and or working in the DC area gathered for their annual summer lunch. After some comments about Ole Miss baseball’s post-season success, House Corp President John Green updated the alums on the achievements of the active chapter and the progress made on the expansion and renovation of the Peery Davis Sigma Nu House. All were encouraged to make a gift to help with the ongoing construction. Attendees at the summer lunch included Keith Studdard, Will Courtney, Tripp McKemey, John Green, Thompson Moore, Malloy McDaniel, Roger Wicker, Trent Lott, Sam Whitfield, Chet Lott, Printz Bolin, Chase Goodman, Wright Ricketts, Luke Little, Patrick Phillips, McDaniel Wicker, Hunter Carpenter, Will Todd, Will Deadman, Owen Fracchia, Webb Strickland, John Handy Jennings, Kirk Sims, and Ben Blackmon.
Mount Union
On September 16, the Beta Iota Chapter raised nearly $500 for the Legacy of Honor organization through a cornhole tournament event. Legacy of Honor raises funds and awareness for first responders and military families and is the chapter’s new philanthropic partner.
North Dakota
Brothers from the Epsilon Kappa Chapter enjoyed their time assisting with freshman move-in. The chapter helped new students move into their dorms and get settled into the campus for the academic year.
Northern Illinois
In August, Theta Eta Chapter participated in the IFC Neighborhood Clean Up to beautify their campus and community and prepare them for the academic year. During the event, the chapter and campus IFC got to collaborate with and hear from representatives from the city, Dekalb Police Department, and NIU Police Department.
The chapter is well prepared for a great year ahead. Theta Eta continues to be “NIU’s Leading Fraternity” and holds more than one-third of Student Senate seats as well as the “Triple Crown” of NIU Leadership including Campus Activities Board (CAB) President Johnny DiZillo, Student Government Association (SGA) President Raaif Majeed, and Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) President James Holmes.
Northwestern
For the August 2022 episode of The Gavel Podcast, the team interviewed Craig Frazier, an alumnus of Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at Oklahoma State University and a Chapter Advisor for our Gamma Beta Chapter at Northwestern University. Craig was recently recognized as the Fraternity's 2022 Chapter Advisor of the Year. In this episode, Adam, Christopher, and Craig talk about Best Practices for alumni volunteers interested in getting involved with the Fraternity and Craig shares his Sigma Nu Story. Listen to this and other episodes of The Gavel Podcast at https://the-gavel-podcast.simplecast.com or on your favorite podcast streaming platform.
Northwestern State
On September 8, the Mu Rho Chapter brothers and candidates engaged in service in their local community. The chapter volunteered with the Legacy Garden Service Project today, located at the Legacy Café in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Brother Derrick Varnado (third from left above, second from left below), the current chapter Marshal, is a part of the first-ever cohort of students in the Reginald F. Lewis Scholars Program. This program is a three-year scholarship program open to two rising-sophomore Black male students a year who attend one of the nine institutions in the UL System. The program provides co-curricular educational programs, mentoring opportunities, and international research trips.
Brother Varnado is a communication major minoring in political science. He was able to represent Northwestern State University by attending the University of Louisiana System’s 2022 annual Black Male Summit held at the University of Monroe, along with the pinning of the second cohort of Reginald F. Lewis Scholars.
Ohio State
Sigma Nu is back at Ohio State! This fall, the Fraternity established the Beta Nu Colony, which has begun work toward petitioning the High Council for their chartered return to campus. Expansion Consultant Ryan Ewing (Drury) will lead the colony members for the next several months as they develop operational foundations and critical chapter functions.
Oklahoma State
From Stillwater to Lexington: The 2022 Epsilon Epsilon Chapter candidate Class traveled more than 1,100 miles for the chapter’s annual pilgrimage to The Rock. The candidates connected with three current VMI Cadets who provided an excellent tour of Post and taught them about VMI’s Honor Code.
On Friday, September 9, Brother Bob Buford (left) was inducted into the OSU Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Circle for his many accomplishments. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes members of the Cowboy family who have distinguished themselves through their particular field or profession and the betterment of their community. Brother RC Buford (Bob’s son) (right) accompanied him and gave the acceptance speech.
Oregon
Gamma Zeta Chapter Brothers Kyle Petitt (left) and KJ Horsley (right) returned to campus early to work as student leaders for the university’s Summer Bridge Program. As leaders in the Business Cohort, KJ and Kyle led students through career and academic planning workshops, a visit to accounting firm Moss Adams, and a tour of the Lundquist College of Business Portland campus. The end goal was to jump-start a successful year for incoming students.
Purdue
The Beta Zeta Chapter partnered with the Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta to host a community car wash. The event raised $460, benefitting The Villages and the American Heart Association.
RIT
Brothers from the Mu Zeta Chapter picked up power tools and got their hands dirty during a home build for Habitat for Humanity. The chapter partnered with Flower City Habitat for Humanity, located in Rochester, New York.
Southeast Missouri State
Mu Kappa Chapter is committed to demonstrating that Serving in the Light of Truth has no off-season. During the summer, the chapter partnered with Poage Chevrolet to host a cornhole tournament at the St. Charles County Fair. Through the tournament, the chapter raised $810 for suicide awareness and prevention.
Following the chapter's September candidate ceremony, chapter alumni presented the collegiate chapter and its members with just shy of $30,000 in endowed scholarship awards, grade reimbursement checks, involvement awards, Housing Grants, and awards for being IFC chapter of the Year and NIC chapter of Distinction.
Mu Kappa holds the largest endowment award of any IFC chapter on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.
Southern Mississippi
Theta Gamma Chapter celebrated three chapter brothers for recent achievements. Over the summer, Brother Kyle Bennett (left in the second photo) was selected to attend the Advanced Camp & Cadet Troop Leader Training. Brothers Dalton Cooper and Joe Lee Flynt received the Applied Marketing Experience Star as a part of USM’s School of Marketing Tri-Star Marketing Student Certificate program.
Stetson
The Delta Mu Chapter was proud to be the most-represented Greek-letter organization in Stetson’s FOCUS Program this fall. FOCUS is a five-day comprehensive orientation program designed to help new students successfully transition to life at Stetson University. The men had a great time introducing first-year students to the campus in DeLand, Florida.
Texas Christian
In honor of Texas Christian University’s (TCU) upcoming 150th anniversary, leaders from the university had the honor of ringing the New York Stock Exchange closing bell on Friday, September 16. Brothers Victor Boschini (Mount Union) and Brandon Fox (Texas Christian) were able to participate. Brother Boschini (located center), a Sigma Nu Hall of Fame inductee, is TCU’s current Chancellor. Brother Boschini was also recently recognized as a Gold Medal Honoree by the North American Interfraternity Conference. Brother Fox (located fourth from the right) is a collegiate member of the Lambda Epsilon Chapter and is TCU’s current Student Body President.
A video of Brothers Boschini and Fox, along with the entire TCU delegation, participating in the ringing of the closing bell can be found HERE.
Texas State
In Early September, the Eta Tau Chapter spent time with Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse, Athletics Director Don Coryell, and distinguished chapter alumnus Jerry Fields. The chapter spent time discussing the future of fraternity and sorority life on campus.
UCLA
Epsilon Pi Chapter alumni Zach Doctor (left), Guy Dotan (center), and Travis Geiger (right) recently launched a new marketplace for buying and selling sports bets, WagerWire. Coverage of the launch of their company can be read HERE, with a story authored by Brant James, an alumnus of the Gamma Pi Chapter at West Virginia University.
Western Kentucky
Eta Rho Chapter brothers were ecstatic to finally donate the clothes they collected from their summer clothing drive. The clothes were donated to the Gordon Ford Business Closet. These donations assist students on campus who are in need of affordable, professional clothing.
Wyoming
In early September, over 300 brothers, family, and friends from the Epsilon Delta Chapter gathered in Laramie, Wyoming, to celebrate the chapter’s 100th anniversary. Unfortunately postponed in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Epsilon Delta alumni leaders, including John Hursh, Dave Foreman, Tad Herz, John Haines, Patrick Downey, and Jeffrey Dodds, along with collegiate chapter officers Scott Engle and Cole Farynaz, worked patiently and dutifully to make the anniversary weekend happen. During the weekend, brothers and guests attended a BBQ reception at Buckeye Ranch Friday night, an open house, a Wyoming Cowboys football game, and an evening banquet at the Marian Rochelle Gateway Center on Saturday, and an Initiation Ceremony on Sunday morning. During the evening banquet on Saturday, the chapter was presented with its 100th-anniversary plaque, presented by Regent Tim Huffmyer (Michigan State).
The Epsilon Delta Chapter has been a historic western outpost for the Fraternity since chartering on October 29, 1920. The chapter’s alumni include Sigma Nu Hall of Honor inductee Ralph McWhinnie and Hall of Fame inductee Cliff Hansen, who served as a Governor of Wyoming and a United States Senator. The oldest alumnus to attend this weekend’s festivities was Brother Donald Kurtz, who is 92. Additionally, the Vandel family, which includes eight generations of chapter legacies, had six members in attendance. This included longtime volunteer Brother John Vandel and Caleb Vandel, who recently became a chapter candidate.