Brother Iacocca Introduces New Limited Edition Mustang

Forty-five years after he introduced the original Ford Mustang, launched at a dramatic press conference at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, auto industry visionary Lee Iacocca today announced a new version of the famous muscle car – the Iacocca Silver 45^th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang – a breathtaking vehicle that utilizes the latest in Ford performance technology with a style and panache that screams, Mustang fastback. Only 45 “2009½” Iacocca Silver Edition Mustangs – all painted a special “Iacocca” chosen silver hue – will be built.

Nearly two years in the making, the Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang is a collaborative effort by Iacocca, designer Michael Leone, and Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, the world-class coachbuilding and Design Company in Fountain Valley, Calif. The new business venture is called I Legacy, and it will be in concert with Galpin Ford, the exclusive Ford dealership to offer these Iacocca Silver 45^th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustangs to the public.

In a word, the new Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang is stunning. The lines flow organically from front to rear. The hand-crafted piece of rolling art, with its innovations and impact of the fastback design is truly exceptional in every way. With its sunken headlights, slanted grill and low stance, the car gives you “street attitude.”

“Once in a while a car comes along that changes everything, and that was the original Mustang,” said Iacocca.

The Silver Edition Mustang perpetuates the Iacocca mystique.

The car begins life on a 2009 Mustang platform, which is then uniquely modified and coachbuilt. While the exterior fastback design of the Iacocca Silver Mustang is compelling, the mechanical underpinnings are true American muscle. Two power plant options will be offered, a normally-aspirated 4.6-liter Ford V8 rated at 320 horsepower and an optional supercharged version that delivers a head-snapping 400-horsepower. Both engines are covered by a factory Ford warranty. Drivers will harness the power through a quick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission.

The car's suspension has been upgraded to keep pace with the power delivery. A Ford Racing Handling Package adds firmer springs and re-valved shock absorbers. A 14-inch Ford Racing Braking Package is optional. All suspension components will be covered under a factory Ford warranty, as well.

Inside the Iacocca Silver Mustang, the interior is resplendent with luxurious touches that highlight the car's special heritage, including Iacocca Diamond Design leather seats with embroidery stitching, an Iacocca signature dash plaque with serial number, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with “I” badge, and Iacocca-badged aluminum door sill plates.

The cars will initially be revealed and then available at a reception in late July, at Southern California’s Galpin Ford dealership, the world's largest volume Ford dealer for 19 years, as well as an innovator in the promotion and retail of specialty automobiles. The price is yet to be announced.

The “Father of the Mustang” returns to the legend that started it all.

For more photos, videos and/or information about the Iacocca Silver 45^th Anniversary Edition Mustang and I Legacy, please log onto www.ilegacy.com.

For sales inquiries please call Galpin Ford’s Iacocca Mustang specialist, Brandon Boeckmann at 1-800-829-0744.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5991334&lang=en

UT Fraternity Gives Hospital an Assisting Hand

The Epsilon Zeta Chapter at the University of Tampa has been doing some great work at Shriner's Orthopedic Hospital for Children.

They even received some good press about their work on the University's website:

They live by the motto, “the assisting hand.” And every Friday, that is what they offer.

For more than six years, members of The University of Tampa’s Theta Chi fraternity have gathered on Fridays at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa to play games and visit with the children who are patients in the hospital’s Child Life Therapy Department.

You can read the rest of the story here.

The photo is from the annual "Prom" held for the kids at Shriners. This year, due to budget constraints, the Prom event was nearly cut; but the brothers from Epsilon Zeta saved the event. the chapter was responsible for all fund raising and planning for the event. The prom featured games, food and dancing for the children.

Of the prom, Brother Sterling McLean said:

"As soon as we heard about Shriners Prom getting cut from the budget we knew we had to step up and do something about it. All the children that attended last year had such a good time that we didn't want that taken from them, especially because of something like budget cuts. We attend Shriners every Friday and know that each and every one of the children that are there deserved the prom.

We, as Theta Chi's, live by the motto "extend the helping hand" and we certainly do not draw a line any where. Everyone attended this year had a blast, even better of a time then last year I was told. One girl even told me that it was the best time she ever had, and that's the kind of reactions we love to hear.

Above all, we all love going to Shriners. We've even built some pretty good bonds with a lot of the kids. Throwing the Prom was a way to show that we appreciate them just as much as they appreciate us."

Thougths from a New Brother at Epsilon Iota/East Carolina

I recently made one of the wisest decisions of my life and became a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. Recently, I along with ten others were initiated to the Epsilon Iota Chapter at East Carolina University.

I am writing this letter to share with you a document I sent to the current President of my chapter, Chase Tobin near the end of my New
Member Process.

Being apart of an organization gives one the opportunity to become included on the greater good, if they choose to embrace it. In the same regard, a person could be ignorant to the history and accomplishments of the organization, lacking the needed respect for the institution.

Over the past few weeks the, “Tradition and Ideals” of Theta Chi has become clear to me as I have spent time around the house, spoke to brothers about the history of the fraternity, and have delved into thought about why I decided to become apart of its history.

I have improved as a person since the pledging process began, for one my confidence has risen immensely, which I attribute to the brothers seeing me as I truly am and pushing me to see the same qualities in myself. Along with confidence, I have an increased sense of responsibility. As a new brother of Theta Chi I become a bearer of what all the brothers before me have created.

The past week has shown me what every brother has seen me for, which I have taken to heart. For the first time in my life, I feel that I have a real, “family.” My parents and my late Grandmother were the only form of true family I ever had. Theta Chi has forever changed my opinion of fraternities.

Family is a group of individuals that are there for each other when it truly accounts for something. Being tied together by a certain DNA strand has no involvement in the factors that create a bond that lasts past death. Theta Chi is a real family, a family of , “Fraternity Men.”

A Theta Chi brother is, “Ennobled By High And Sacred Purpose” which means we stand for integrity and live to be upstanding gentlemen. My personal purpose as being a Theta Chi brother is to show Sororities, non Greek women, and those with a negative perception of Fraternities, that a Theta Chi is held to a higher standard, and we strive to be better than any other Fraternity in existence.

Being initiated to Theta Chi will be an honor, as I want to be held to such a high standard, as the discipline needed will help me achieve lifelong goals. It is hard to describe what Theta Chi is in words, yet I shall do the best of my abilities to do so. Theta Chi is an organization of upstanding gentleman that strive for pure excellence in every facet of life, a group of proven men that will not allow themselves to dishonor the Tradition and Ideals of the Fraternity. To make it simple, Theta Chi is an organization of Fraternity Gentleman and not, “Frat Boys.”

In the upcoming years I hope to help the Epsilon Iota Chapter, become one of the best chapters of Theta Chi.

Personally, I will do everything in order to be an upstanding brother worthy of being called a Theta Chi.

Sincerely,

Walter Yeates
WLY1022@ecu.edu

Epsilon TauChapter Re-Installed at Stephen F. Austin

The following recap of the re-installation of Epsilon Tau/Stephen F. Austin State University was sent in by former Theta Chi Leadership & Education Consultant Gary Holverson, Epsilon Tau/SFASU '91

Theta Chi made its triumphant return to Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas on May 9th, 2009. Following a record-breaking eight month expansion period including just four months as a colony, the group organized by Expansion Coordinators Phillip Burns - Iota Lambda/Longwood University, and Corey Fischer - Iota Beta/Missouri State, was installed as the Epsilon Tau Chapter.

On the evening of May 8th, 37 Pledges of the Colony including three alumnus members, were initiated into Theta Chi Fraternity in the Austin Ballroom of the Clarion Inn in Nacogdoches, TX. The Alumni Charge was administered by two Epsilon Tau Alumni; Jerry Bristow, uncle to the undergraduate Recruitment Chairman Kyle Bristow, and Jim Wark an original founding-father of the chapter.


Undergraduate Initiates were; Jonathan Albarado, Kevin Arnold, Justin Blair, Kyle Bristow, Jonathan Carr, Danny (DJ) Currington, Andy Dawkins, RobbyHale, Ronnie Hall, Kevin Hickey, Erick Jenkins, James Jenkins, Nathon Jones, Carl Kalmick, Justin Knight, Jarrett Luthy, Anthony Martin, Geoff Miller, James Miller, Josh Norris, James Parrish, Eric Phelps, Stephen Ptaszek, Billy Reese, Brice Rodrigues, Casey Roe, Scott Shuman, Brandt Silvi, Jamal Smith, Darren Stewart, Cody St.John, Hunter Throckmorton, Brad Whitworth, Lucas Windham.

At 10:30 am Saturday May Ninth, 2009 the chapter installation ceremony began also in the Austin Ballroom of the Clarion Inn. Shortly before noon, surrounded by mysterious circumstances, the Epsilon Tau interest group had slowly slipped from existence. In its place nearby was found alumni spanning over four decades with visiting undergraduate brothers along side the members of the newly re-chartered chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity.

National Marshal of the Grand Chapter, Brian Hall of Theta Eta / Sam Houston State University served as Installing Officer for the occasion.

Other representatives of the International Fraternity serving on the Installation Committee were; Terry Johnson – National Historian of the Grand Chapter, Gamma Pi / State Univ. of New York in Buffalo, Ben Hill – Director of Undergraduate Services for IHQ, Eta Kappa Chapter at James Madison University, Alan Carter – Regional Director, Charter Member of Eta Omicron / Northwestern State James Guillory – Regional Counselor, Theta Rho / McNeese State University, Jeremy Higgins – Director of Risk Management for SFASU, Theta Eta/Sam Houston State University and Expansion Coordinators Phillip Burns and Corey Fischer.

The Installation Committee also consisted of Undergraduate Brothers from the following Chapters: Delta Mu / University of Texas, Eta Omicron / Northwestern State University, Eta Rho / Centenary College of Louisiana, Theta Rho / McNeese State University, Iota Delta / Southeastern Louisiana University. In comments following the ceremony, with the exception of Delta Mu which was established prior to 1961, visiting undergraduate brothers commented that their roster books listed members of Epsilon Tau as honorary chapter members in attendance at each of their home chapter's installation.

A luncheon followed the Chapter Installation at 1:00 pm at the Piney Woods Country Club. Darren Stewart - Epsilon Tau / Senior 2009 Introduced the Master of Ceremonies, Gary Holverson from the Colony Advisory Board. James Jenkins - Epsilon Tau / Senior 2009 gave the Invocation. Alumnus Brother Michael Clifton said a few words in memory of his pledge brother Larry Alexander – Fall 1980 who passed to the Chapter Eternal just 30 days before. Terry Johnson – National Historian said a few words in memory of Howard Alter – Executive Director Emeritus who passed to the Chapter Eternal earlier in the morning. Kevin Hickey - Epsilon Tau / Senior 2009 introduced the following University Faculty / Staff:

• Beverly Farmer – Director of Student Activities,
• Jonathan Elder – Coordinator of Student Organizations and Greek Life,
• Amanda Horne – Coordinator of Student Activities Association and
• Jeremy Higgins – Director of Risk Management and Chapter Faculty Advisor.

Kevin Arnold (Mr. SFA 2009) - Epsilon Tau / Senior 2009 read a letter from Baker Pattillo, University President congratulating the new chapter. Brian Hall – National Marshal and Terry Johnson – National Historian presented Citation of Honor awards to Jeremy Higgins, Gary Holverson, James Crow, George Reese and John Ward for their efforts to re-establish the chapter at SFASU. Erick Jenkins - Epsilon Tau/Senior 2009 closed the luncheon by leading the group in singing "Dear Old Theta Chi".

Also, of note, in attendance at the luncheon was Lauren Spencer, President of the Zeta Tau Alpha chapter at Stephen F. Austin, and Lauren Clifton, daughter of Brother Michael Clifton also representing Zeta Tau Alpha.

It seems not quite ironic, but almost fitting that the day of our Executive Director Emeritus Howard Alter's passing into the Chapter Eternal, that Epsilon Tau was reinstated as a chapter. Our hope is that our rebirth as an active chapter of Theta Chi will honor Brother Alter by not only becoming the chapter that it once was, but to become the chapter that Howard inspired all chapters to be.

The Epsilon Tau Chapter was removed from campus by the Grand Chapter in 2001 for risk management violations. Recently the University, already familiar with Theta Chi's risk management standards and long standing leadership within the North-American Interfraternity Conference, invited IHQ to re-establish the chapter at SFASU.

Fraternally,

Gary Holverson, Epsilon Tau/SFASU '91

Howard R. Alter, Jr., Omega/Pennsylvania State University '41: 1918-2009

It is with great sadness that Theta Chi Fraternity announces the death of Brother Howard R. Alter, Jr. May 9, 2009 at his home in Plum Borough, Pennsylvania.

Brother Alter was a 1941 graduate of Pennsylvania State University, where he became a member of the Omega Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity and served as chapter treasurer and president.

Howard was appointed a Regional Counselor in 1955 and served in that capacity until his election to the Grand Chapter in 1960. He was twice elected as National President (1962-1966). Following his service on the Grand Chapter, he was appointed as Executive Director of Theta Chi Fraternity January 1, 1968. Brother Alter retired in June of 1984, and was appointed Executive Director Emeritus.

The Howard R. Alter, Jr. Award for Chapter Excellence was created by past Field Representatives to commemorate Brother Alter’s retirement as Executive Director. The award is the highest honor bestowed on a chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity. The Alter Award was first presented in 1985.

Following his retirement Brother Alter continued his service to the Fraternity by serving on the National Board of Trustees from 1984 to 1994. He also served on the boards of both foundations in our Fraternity -- the Foundation Chapter and Theta Chi Funds for Leadership and Education, Inc.

Brother Alter has been honored with every award in Theta Chi Fraternity, including the Distinguished Service Award, the Fraternity’s highest honor, and the “Theta Chi for Life” Award. In 1993, the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) bestowed upon Brother Alter the NIC Gold Medal, the highest honor in the fraternity world, for his interfraternal service. That service included serving on the NIC Board of Directors from 1985 to 1993, and serving as president for the Fraternity Executives Association (1978-1979).

His lifelong and selfless work on behalf of Theta Chi Fraternity and the interfraternity world serves now, and will continue to serve, as an example for all to follow.

Visitation will be held May 14 and 15, 2009 at Stockland Farm, 7151 Leechburg Road, New Kensington, Pennsylvania 15068. A service of thanksgiving will be held at The Presbyterian Church of Plum Creek on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 12:30pm, Reverend Doctor Jack Lolla (Beta Omicron ’77) officiating. Burial/Graveside service will take place at Plum Creek Cemetery. A reception will be held at Oakmont Country Club immediately following burial.

Cards of condolences may be sent to: Brother William Booth (Theta Chi ’09), 7151 Leechburg Road, New Kensington, PA 15068.

Memorial contributions can be made to either: The Howard R. Alter, Jr. Memorial Fund, Theta Chi Fraternity, 3330 Founders Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268. (Make checks payable to Howard R. Alter, Jr. Memorial Fund) or The Presbyterian Church of Plum Creek, c/o Memorial Fund, 550 Center-New Texas Road, Plum Borough, PA 15239

Brother Alter's obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is posted here.

Condolences may be left here.

Beta Sigma/Lehigh Again Named Most Outstanding Fraternity on Campus

The following chapter update was sent in from Beta Sigma/Lehigh University:

Brothers,

I am pleased to announce that the Beta Sigma Chapter at Lehigh University has just won the following awards at the annual Greek Awards Banquet:

Alumni Relations Award- given to the chapter with the most outstanding alumni relations program.

Greek Life Leadership- awarded to the chapter that has proven their leadership in both the Lehigh Greek community as well as leadership in non-Greek organizations

The Quay Cup- This award is the highest achievement a Fraternity can receive at Lehigh. It is given to the most outstanding Fraternity overall. This is the second consecutive year in which Beta Sigma has won this award.
Also, we are pleased to announce that our most recent new member class placed 1st in Greek Week. We are very proud of our new brothers and of our Brotherhood.

Fraternally,

Todd R. Dobry
President
Beta Sigma Chapter
Lehigh University

Iota Mu Installed at University of Missouri

Brothers—

I am pleased to announce that on Saturday, April 18, 2009, the Iota Mu Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity was officially installed at the University of Missouri. On the evening prior to Installation, 48 Pledges of the Colony were initiated into Theta Chi Fraternity.

The men of Iota Mu Chapter have already demonstrated themselves to be a positive addition to Theta Chi Fraternity and the University of Missouri. Its membership is composed of a diverse group of men who are very committed to the ideals established by Frederick Norton Freeman and Arthur Chase. We can expect Iota Mu to be a credit to Theta Chi’s name.

National Vice President Thomas “Bo” Tinnin served as Installing Officer for the occasion. The Installation Committee consisted of Brothers from the following Chapters: Gamma Kappa / Miami University, Delta Zeta / University of Nebraska – Omaha, Delta Iota / Northwestern University, Delta Omega / Ripon College, Epsilon Phi / University of Central Missouri, Eta Kappa / James Madison University, Iota Beta / Missouri State University, and Iota Theta / University of Central Florida.

Both the Chapter and International Fraternity would like to extend special thanks and recognition to the alumni serving on the Chapter’s Advisory Board: Jon Critser (Delta Omega / Ripon College ’75), Tony Tetley (Epsilon Phi / Central Missouri ’66), Warren Mayer (Zeta Beta / Adrian College ’83), Tommy Tomlin (Beta Rho / Illinois Wesleyan ’49), Tom Larm (Iota Beta / Missouri State University ’07), and President Emeritus of University of Missouri Mel George(Delta Iota / Northwestern University ’56).

Notes of congratulations may be sent to Chapter President Dan Henry: drhx97@mizzou.edu

Fraternally,

Mike Mayer
Associate Executive Director

Gamma Delta Re-Installed at Florida Southern & Alpha Lambda Re-Colonized at Ohio State

Brothers,

I am very pleased to announce that on Saturday, March 14, our Colony at Florida Southern College was officially reinstalled as the Gamma Delta Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity! In a ceremony presided over by National Historian Terry Johnson, the Florida Southern Colonists were initiated into the Brotherhood of Theta Chi Fraternity. (See photo above.)

Since Gamma Delta's initial re-colonization, its members have demonstrated themselves to be very hard working, dedicated men with a strong loyalty to Alma Mater and Theta Chi. Please join me in welcoming Gamma Delta Chapter back to the rolls of Active Chapters in our Fraternity!

Messages of congratulations to Gamma Delta Chapter may be sent to Drew Weseman - rweseman@flsouthern.edu

It is also exciting to report that our Alpha Lambda Interest Group at The Ohio State University was officially re-colonized that same day. In a ceremony presided over by alumni from multiple Chapters, the members of the Interest Group offered their formal Pledge to Theta Chi Fraternity. (See photo below.)

If you would like to wish the men of Alpha Lambda Colony well as they continue their journey towards re-installation, please write Colony President Evan Zoldessy - zoldessy.1@osu.edu

Fraternally,

Mike Mayer
Associate Executive Director

Brother Awarded Truman Scholarship at UMass

AMHERST, Mass. – Joseph Sklut, a junior history major at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has been awarded a prestigious Truman Scholarship, one of the nation’s top honors for undergraduates.

This year, 60 scholars representing 55 U.S. colleges and universities were selected from among more than 600 applicants for the award given by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. The merit-based scholarship provides $30,000 to students to attend graduate or professional school to help prepare for careers in government or public service. Truman Scholars participate in leadership development programs and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. In return, they commit to five to seven years of public service after graduate school.

“This is a real game-changer for me,” says Sklut, who is considering a career with the U.S. State Department or the Foreign Service. “This enhances my ability to gain admittance to some of the top graduate schools like Harvard or Princeton.”

A native of East Bridgewater, Mass., Sklut is pursuing a minor in political science to complement his degree program in history. He is also enrolled in Commonwealth College, the honors college at UMass Amherst.

Sklut is also in his third year with the Massachusetts Air National Guard, serving as a senior airman with the 102nd Intelligence Wing based at Otis Air National Guard Base on Cape Cod. Three years ago, Sklut took time off from his studies for National Guard duties to work in the Boston office of U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch, where he handled veterans’ affairs for the congressman.

“I’m interested in obtaining a master’s degree in international relations or public policy,” says Sklut, whose interests lean toward Middle East history after taking a class last year about the Ottoman Empire.

As his senior year approaches, Sklut says his decision to attend UMass Amherst has been reaffirmed.

“I love UMass,” he says. “I thought the education would be good, especially with the small honors college. But it’s also an energetic, fun atmosphere where there’s always something to do.”

He also has high praise for the Office of National Scholarship Advisement (ONSA), which helps UMass Amherst students compete for major scholarships such as the Truman. “They were absolutely instrumental,” says Sklut. “They worked with me for months and kept me on the path.”

The Truman competition is rigorous. This year, 601 students from the top quarter of their class submitted 10-page applications, including a 200-word policy statement on a major social problem. About 190 finalists were selected for interviews, where they defended their policy statements before a panel of judges.

In his policy statement, Sklut proposed expanding the State Department as a means to extend American “soft power” around the world. He and five other finalists from Massachusetts schools defended their positions during an all-day session at MIT on March 11. Sklut is the only Truman Scholarship recipient from a Massachusetts college this year and the fourth UMass Amherst student ever to receive the honor.

“I am humbled by the whole process,” he says. “The kids I was up against were from schools like Yale and the University of Chicago.”

Susan Whitbourne, a psychology professor who directs ONSA, organized a gathering at Commonwealth College to break the good news to Sklut.

“When I think to the future and wonder who of the coming generations will lead our country with optimism, determination, fairness and dedication to hard work, I can confidently imagine Joe at the forefront,” said Whitbourne.

Sklut also received a hero’s welcome from his fraternity brothers at Theta Chi, which he calls a “home away from home.” Sklut has also been involved with the Veterans and Service Members Association and served as a senator in the Student Government Association at UMass Amherst.

In May, Sklut will attend the Truman Scholar Leadership Week at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo.

Courtesy of the UMass Amherst Office of News & Media Relations
Contact:Daniel J. Fitzgibbons
413/545-0444

Founder's Day 2009

Each April 10th, we celebrate Frederick Norton Freeman and Arthur Chase and the founding of Theta Chi Fraternity. The following is Freeman’s own account of the founding of the Fraternity from the original minutes books:

Report for Thursday, April 10th, 1856. The Theta Chi Society was the plan and idea of Frederick Norton Freeman, and with the assistance of Arthur Chase, his plans were perfected and the society was organized in Norwich University on Thursday, April 10th, 1856 at 9 0'clock P.M.

The earliest Constitution of Theta Chi clearly defines the purpose of the Fraternity:

It shall have as its object to bind by closer bonds the members to each other and the mutual assistance of each of its members to the other; the advancement and carrying out of any measures at the institutions where it shall be established which shall be of importance to its members; and the mutual benefit and improvement of all its members.

As we celebrate and recognize our Founders, let us not forget the “high and sacred purpose” for which our Fraternity was established.