Disappointing semester in Waco
On May 20, 2003, officials of Kappa Alpha Order closed Delta Omega Chapter in Waco, Texas, for hosting a social event in direct violation of risk management policies.
“This chapter’s activities are inexcusable. They have violated the laws of Kappa Alpha Order,” said Larry Wiese, executive director of Kappa Alpha Order’s national organization. “After investigating the situation, we have taken immediate action by closing the chapter,” Wiese added.
Significant efforts were made by alumni volunteers and national staff to ensure the chapter leadership clearly understood the policies that govern the fraternity. However, the chapter event was blatantly in violation of several sections of the risk management policy.
“While we regret taking this most serious action,” said Wiese. “It underscores our commitment to the enforcement of policies that are designed and in place to ensure the safety of our members and their guests.”
Real life not so glam’
The reality of reality tv has hit home for the fraternity featured on the MTV show “Fraternity Life.”
The University of Buffalo Greek Life Council has placed Sigma Chi Omega on supervised probation for incidents seen on the program including hazing. Scenes included forcing pledges to perform push-ups and interrogating prospective members under the glare of bright lights.
Also, pledge members of the fraternity agreed to perform community service after an episode of the program showed the members trespassing at the Buffalo Zoo.
Congrats to new PCs
New province commanders include:
Promotions & welcoming new staff
Cas Heilman has been promoted to the director of chapter development after having served as the western regional advisor for the last two years and as the educational & leadership consultant (ELC) for Wood, Hamilton, Frampton and Chiles provinces in 2000-2001. As an undergraduate, he served as the Number I, Number II, pledge educator, Council of Honor commander, and alumni committee chairman for Zeta Mu Chapter. Cas was a walk-on with the University of Washington football team where he played weak-side linebacker and strong safety. Cas holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing and a certificate in retail management.
Jeremy Gillespie has been promoted from ELC to western regional advisor, the field representative in the western United States who is responsible for all active and alumni chapter services in the region. Jeremy was an ELC last year. He traveled Ammen, Smith and Wood provinces. He is a former Number I from Zeta Mu Chapter and has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Washington.
The departure of Doug Hanisch, Rob Morrison and Jon Mundorf and the promotion of Jeremy to western regional advisor left vacancies in the ELC ranks which have been filled this summer. The new consultants, who reported to Lexington in June, are Chadwick McFarland, Mitch Scheaffer, Ryan Uehlein and Michael Wilson. (PICTURED: Shaeffer, McFarland, Wilson and Uehlein)
Chadwick McFarland is a former Number I and Number VI of Epsilon Tau Chapter. Chadwick was active in philanthropy work and is a scratch golfer. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northern Arizona University.
Mitch Sheaffer is a former Number II of Epsilon Iota Chapter. He also served as the Number V and Number IX. Mitch was the ASG Chief Justice at Southwest Texas State University and sat on the executive committee for the IFC. He received a bachelor’s degree in marketing/management.
Ryan Uehlein served the Zeta Lambda Chapter as the Number II, V, and the house manager. He also had terms as the alumni relations committee chairman and was in various other committees. He was involved at Bowling Green State University as a Moraler and as the dance marathon assistant banquets manager. Ryan received a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Michael Wilson is a former Number I and Number II of Alpha Theta Chapter. Michael is a varsity letterman in baseball and attended Transylvania University on an athletic scholarship. He is a former accounting club vice president and IFC committee member. Michael received a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
The President's call to service
Americans of all ages are already serving others in countless ways, by mentoring a child, caring for an elderly neighbor, teaching someone to read, or donating food and clothing to those who need them.
During his 2002 State of the Union address, President George W. Bush called upon every American to get involved in strengthening America's communities and sharing America's compassion around the world. He called on each of us to dedicate at least two years over the course of our lives to the service of others. He included all Americans because everyone can do something, and he created the USA Freedom Corps to help all Americans to answer his call.
While government cannot fulfill the need for kindness, for understanding, and for love in our communities, through the USA Freedom Corps, government can support the momentum of millions of acts of kindness and decency that are changing America one heart at a time.
The USA Freedom Corps challenges Kappa Alpha members to respond to the President’s Call. For more information, visit http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov or call (877) USA-CORPS.
Party sparked controversy
Omicron Chapter at the University of Texas at Austin had an eye opening experience this spring when a campus newspaper article accusing the chapter and another fraternity of hosting racially insensitive events was picked up by the national media.
While the chapter was temporarily suspended for an investigation, it was quickly reinstated without bias afterward. The university also cleared the chapter of any wrong doing.
“It is very important that we all consider how others outside our chapters could perceive an activity before problems occur,” said Tim Weaver, Omicron Number I. “Events that go wrong can quickly mean the life or death of a chapter.”
Alpha Omega celebrates 100 years
During the weekend of February 2, 2003, Alpha Omega Chapter at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N. C., celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding. With the assistance of a diligent steering committee of dedicated alumni, Number I David Stroud and Alpha Omega Chapter hosted a weekend of activities.
Over 350 active and alumni brothers and guests attended a black tie dinner Saturday night. Alpha Omega alumnus and former Raleigh Mayor Smedes York served as emcee for the evening. Those attending included Chancellor Marye Anne Fox and her husband Jim Whitesell, Vice Chancellor Terry Wood and his wife Jane, Vice Chancellor Tom Stafford and his wife Judy, and Vice Chancellor George Worsley and his wife Reba, former faculty advisor Bill Simpson and his wife Edith, and Knight Commander David M. Warren and his wife, Jan.
Chancellor Fox addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance and vital role that Greek organizations play in the college community. She noted the outstanding achievements by the men and women who serve in the fraternities and sororities on campus and the contributions that they have made to North Carolina State.
Following his address, Knight Commander Warren presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Chancellor Fox on behalf of the Order recognizing her dedication and commitment to education and the Greek system. Warren also awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award to Brother York for his service on the Raleigh City Council and as mayor of Raleigh and recognized David Hagan (Alpha Omega ‘76) for his work in the planning and hosting of the 100th anniversary of the chapter.
Graves Court of Honor at USC
Senior Councilor Ben Satcher inducted ten new members to the Graves Court of Honor in March at the chapter house at the University of South Carolina. Larry Wiese, executive director, was on hand to speak after the dinner.
Eyes of Texas were upon them
Ammen Province Commander Jason Cording was married to Anna Christina Telford on April 12th in the Texas State Capitol Building in Austin, Texas. It is a great honor in the state to be wed in the Capitol and was arranged by the bride’s father, state Rep. Barry Telford. Jason and his wife live in Richmond, Va.
Expulsions:
The following men have been expelled from Kappa Alpha Order since the last issue of The Journal:
Mu
Saul B. Albom
Omicron
Matthew C. Cotter
Steve H. Cagle
Matt J. Spalding
P. Timothy Richardson
Pi
Derrick Bain
Patrick A. Diener
Scott Hibler
Chris Hill
John Kerns
Russell Morrell
Alpha Upsilon
James Richard French
Josh Phillip Sanders
Richard M. Tanner, Jr.
Steven Crawford Warren
Gamma Lambda
Jason Alexander
Christopher T. Avary
Justin S. Bowers
Gregory D. Bray
Brian D. Brockett
Frank E. Chamberlain
Benjamin G. Clark
Davis R. Claxton
Scott A. Cleveland
Douglas C. Drew
James Z. Fisher
Joseph R. Galloway
James C. Gawley
Marcus W. Goodnight
Brandon M. Gruber
John K. Hetherly
Jeffrey A. Hubbard
Jordan C. Hudson
Jordan T. Huston
Jeffrey G. Jones
Christopher D. Long
Jesus Luna
Christopher G. Lynch
Michael S. McClendon
Ryan S. McCullough
Zachary I. Metz
Jedediah R. Moore
Chris C. Mordecai
James R. Mordecai
Dustin W. Neyra
Justin L. Richter
Patrick W. Riddle
Marc W. Russell
Justin S. Simons
James Walker
Daniel J. Windle
Gamma Tau
Randy R. Murray
Zeta Alpha
Jeremy R. Harris
Paul M. Kramer
Maurice D. Oakley
Christopher W. Myers
Benjamin E. Price
Nicholas J. Zupancic
