Profile:
Graduated: University of Miami ‘61, BBA, Major: Management, Minors: Marketing and Psychology
Profession: I was employed by the Domino Sugar Corporation. I managed our Consumer Products Division in 37 states. I retired in July 2000. Today I am a Stephen Minister, on the Board of Directors of the Estero Chamber of Commerce, the Estero Civic Association Board, and the Estero Design Review Board.
Family: I have been married 22 years to my lovely wife Gayle. I have three children from a previous marriage: Kathryn, Gordon III, and William.
Tell us about your undergraduate life? What you have done as an alumni related to KA?
If I remember correctly, I served as Number III, V, and rush chairman. My initiation was life changing. I shall never forget it. I have kept in contact with my Gamma Theta brothers continually over the years.
When I graduated I became a member of the Baltimore Alumni Chapter. Later, I became president. We were a vibrant alumni chapter with one of our highlights being a cruise to Bermuda on the Queen Anna Maria. Former Knight Commander Giles Patterson sailed with us. ( note: see Kappa Alpha Journal Fall 1970.)
In 1971, I became province commander and proudly served until 1976, when I was transferred by Domino Sugar to the Louisiana office. They were fantastic years and gave me a chance to bond with many incredible fine young men as well as our Order’s leaders. Five especially, I will never forget. They were former Knight Commanders Dick Feller, Howard Locke, former Councilor Uly Gunn, Province Commander Fleming Mason, and former Executive Director Bill Forrester.
In 1972 I became the 200th initiate in the James Ward Wood Court of Honor.
I moved to Estero, Fla., in August 2000. Shortly after my arrival I found we had a young university two and a half miles from my home. During a visit I inquired if there were any fraternities on the campus (Florida Gulf Coast University) and found there were none. I did find out that the president of the university, Bill Merwin, lived in my neighborhood. In time we got to know Bill and his wife, Debbie.
On Valentine’s Day night we were having dinner together when I popped the question. “There is interest in forming a chapter at FGCU will you support it?” He answered yes and contacted the dean of students, Dr. Joe Shepard on our behalf. He set up an appointment for Jon Mundorf, chapter development consultant, and myself.
The rest is history in the making. We have a fine provisional chapter with outstanding young men working to build their chapter and get initiated.
What has Kappa Alpha done for you?
It changed my life beginning at initiation. I shall never forget it. It gave me direction to succeed in life, family and business. It gave me the opportunity to meet brothers that molded my character. It gave me a lifetime of incredible memories.
Why would you encourage an alumnus to become active in KA affairs?
That is an easy question. To give back, and to grow an Order that gave so much to me. I have never been able to pay the Order back. I remember when I was province commander, the more time I put into visitations, etc., the brothers gave it back to me ten fold in appreciation.
What has been your greatest satisfaction working with the undergraduate members at Florida Gulf Coast University?
To see it happen! My dream became their reality. I am so very proud of them. They have a way to go to become chartered, but they are focused and will make it happen. They have two other competing provisional fraternities to compete with in the fall semester but they know, and the campus knows, they are in a class by themselves. They will have a banner year! They know I am here whenever they need me, whatever it is.
