Category: Alumni

Alumni Weekend 2010 Schedule

UPDATE: 4/9 5:34pm Central See link below for directions to softball field.

When you arrive at the house, please register at the registration table where we will take your name, contact information, and $10 weekend contribution.

Friday April 9th

– Registration table opens on front porch @ 8:00 pm

– Friday evening there will be a casual gathering at the house.  Come on by!

Saturday April 10th

– Registration table opens on front porch @ 9:00 am

– Active/Alumni chapter meeting @ 11:00 am

– Lunch @ noon

– Softball from 3:00-6:00 pm * (field: Leader-Cedar Park Youth League Park)

– Return to the house for Saturday evening fun

* Maps will be provided on Saturday to the field.

See who’s coming from Facebook.

Starting a family, AA Crenshaw looks to pass the torch

In an email to Iota alumni this week, Brother Marshal Crenshaw announced the very happy and welcome news that he and his wonderful wife Molly are expecting their first child later this year. After six years of service in the capacity of Alumni Advisor for Iota Chapter, Marshal also announced his intention to step down once a suitable replacement can be found.

On behalf of the Iota Alumni Association and six years of recent Iota actives, we’d like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Marshal.

Beginning now and through Alumni Weekend (April 9-11), we will be taking nominations and actively seeking out candidates for consideration.

If you’re interested in this role, please join us next weekend or contact any alumni/active brother or leader who submit your name as a nominee. Marshal will play an important role in selecting and training his replacement.

Alumni Weekend 2010 Set for April 9th & 10th

Alumni Weekend for the Spring of 2010 will take place over the second weekend in April, from Friday April 9 through Saturday April 10.

Program details will follow, but you can probably count on the following:

  • Friday Night Poker Tournament
  • Coffee & Doughnuts
  • A General Active & Alumni Meeting
  • Lunch on the Lawn
  • Babies, Toddlers, and Kids
  • Softball (field TBD)
  • Your PB’s kids one year older since you saw them last year
  • Dinner at your favorite spot around town
  • Instrumental music and singing on the porch
  • Lots of fun and fellowship
  • A live band that you can dance to
  • A surprise visit from someone you’ve not seen in years

You can count on a lot more too…

Mark your calendars. Make the case to your wife now. It may help to ask her to come. The kids too.

See you in April!

Feb. 6th is Iota Career Day, Area Alumni Invited to Attend

Post by J. Scott Hanson, Ph.D.

Brothers,

During the 2009 Alumni Weekend, the Alumni Association formed a committee tasked with assisting actives in preparing for life after college.  In support of this effort, the Iota Chapter AA will be holding a Career Day event on February 6th.  Several alumni have collaborated to plan this day of presentations and discussions addressing professional topics (see attached agenda) for the benefit of the undergraduate chapter and recent graduates.

We encourage brothers who can spare the time to join us for any or all parts of the day.  Alumni attendees can assist by participating in discussions and sharing their own experiences throughout the day. We specifically encourage alumni in the Austin area to make time for the evening networking event at Fish City in Georgetown, which will be a great chance for these guys to practice networking strategies discussed during the day.

This is the first event of this kind for the chapter and for Southwestern.  In fact, the Career Services Center will participate in the event and has graciously provided the venue and the food and beverages for the day.  If this proves successful, the CSC is considering a similar event on a larger scale for the entire university in the fall.

When we typically gather with the active chapter, we spend much of our time talking about our life in college.  This is an opportunity for us to speak to them about our lives after college and, hopefully, to help them get off to a great start. 

Please mark your calendar and RSVP to Scott Hanson (j_scott_hanson@yahoo.com) by Wednesday February 3rd.  We look forward to seeing you there.

AEKDB,

Scott

A new collection of short stories by Alan Haworth

Returning with his second book, Iota alumnus and Alumni Association Executive Committee member Alan Haworth recently published “Hitchhiking in Boston and Other Stories.” 

The book is available for purchase at www.stankygroovepress.com.

From the author’s site:

Alan Haworth returns with a collection of fiction short stories – most of them set in Boston. "Hitchhiking in Boston" visits a man who has outlived his apartment on Comm Ave. and his time on this mortal coil. With the tax collector breathing down his throat, the reader follows him through a typical day hitching rides around Boston.

"Carjacked"  and "Disappearing Ink" read like old episodes of "The Twilight Zone," as if Haworth has channeled Rod Serling to come back from the grave and entertain us once again. "The Mortician," dark comedy at its best, is based on the fact that home burial is still legal in Massachusetts. A hapless, young mortuary student attempts to start his own business, and the results are hilarious.

Praise for Haworth’s memoir of driving an

18-wheeler, "The Peterbilt Journals" :

“This set of memoirs really hums like the sound of a big truck. I can’t wait to see what Haworth can do with fiction as his imagination and descriptions are excellent."

Punk Planet

“Raw. Shows the under belly of the trucking world.” Tatnuck Booksellers

“The author manages to keep the reader entertained throughout the book and provides a diverse collage of life amongst drivers, dispatchers, roadhouses, dock workers and "lot lizards". “ Anonymous Amazon comment

Have news to share with Iota Alumni. Please email jbgoodman(at)alumni(dot)southwestern(dot)org.

Homecoming Schedule of Events

Southwestern’s Homecoming & Reunion Weekend will take place over the weekend of November 6-8. As we do each year, the Iota Chapter will host several events for returning alumni and guests. Here’s a run down of the weekend’s schedule:

Saturday Nov. 7:

  • Active/Alumni meeting 3pm
  • Open house at Sigma 4pm
  • Kappa Sigma Reception at the  Alumni Hospitality House 6pm

Notable reunion events:

  • 60th reunion for Roger Davidson’s class
  • 40th reunion for Harry Crenshaw’s class

If you’ve got a reunion year celebration or other group event to announce, post a comment to this post.

Iota Shines at Biennial Grand Conclave

Brothers,

I am happy to report to you that your delegates at the 67th Grand Conclave had a great experience. I am so proud of our active brothers Lance Turri and John Burden for their enthusiastic participation in this important event. As our delegates they represented our order with honor and that distinct style that is all Iota.  John met with Michael Wilson and the new Worthy Grand Treasurer and has their assurance that Iota is in good standing. They also expressed their respect for our chapter and it’s long and important history. I left the conference with a better understanding of our national operations and a greater love for our amazing chapter.

It is with great excitement that I would like to invite all alumni officers, and any others that are interested, to our annual E.C. retreat at my home in Walburg on August 29th at 10:00 a.m.

We will be helping our young brothers with officer transitions and setting goals for the up coming year.

Thank You,

AEKDB…

Marshal Crenshaw
Alumni Advisor

John Hashop Appears on Jeopardy!

Fulfilling a long time ambition, John Hashop made it as a contestant on Jeopardy!, airing this week.

You can see him online via the Jeopardy! weekly show guide.

Today’s episode already played in Dallas/Fort Worth; it is a riveting barn burner of a contest. Check your local listings and set your DVR or TiVo if there’s still time. You don’t want to miss this one.

I remember John playing VHS recordings of Jeopardy into our dorm room as a first-year. His mom recorded them for him during the summer and school year so he would not miss out. John also led our Kappa Sigma team to a College Bowl victory in 1998.

Congratulations John! You make us all proud!

Go Joel! Brother Stone’s MS150 ride and fundraising success

Here’s a report filed under the category of alumni doing good things for good causes.

Joel Stone raised a bag full of money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Lone Star Chapter and completed the MS150 ride. Well, the part that wasn’t flooded out anyway… From Joel:

As most of you already know, heavy rain and flooding canceled the Saturday leg of our ride from Houston to La Grange, but we didn’t let that dampen our spirits for long! Come Sunday, we were ready to ride from La Grange to Austin, a distance of almost 80 miles!

But for the really important part:

Thanks to your overwhelming support, I was able to exceed my fundraising goal and raise over $1400 for MS!

Very cool. Great job Joel!

Links:

Click on the link below if you would like to view some photos of the ride:
http://www.brightroom.com/estf.asp?EVENTID=47163&PWD=&BIB=2150
Click here to visit Joel’s personal page.

Iota Alumni News: Spring 2009

Volume 2: Issue 1 – Spring 2009

Feature stories

Alumni Weekend 2009, March 27-29
Taking place over the weekend of March 27-29, the advanced planning for Alumni Weekend 2009 is in full effect. Come join us at 1 PM on Saturday for the Alumni/Active meeting and learn the latest news on active chapter achievements, alumni and active philanthropic activities, and much more. Lunch and Softball will take place immediately following. Saturday night live music plans are in the works as well…[Read more]

Chuck Merrill Peace Scholarship inches toward $100,000 in donations 
Since being officially launched in 2007 with the support of Trish Merrill and Brother Bruce Barrick, the Southwestern endowed scholarship in the name of Chuck Merrill as captured the imaginations and support of the many friends and brothers of late Brother Chuck Merrill. The campaign continues to solicit contributions to Southwestern in the name of the “J. Charles Merrill Endowed Scholarship.” [Read more]

Iota Chapter joins Fisher House project in support of military families
The Fisher House program is a private-public partnership that supports America’s military in their time of need. The Fisher House Foundation has given Kappa Sigma the unique opportunity of naming rights to one these “comfort homes” for a minimum donation of $100,000. The active chapter of Iota Chapter has set a goal to raise between $1,000-2,000 toward this national fraternity goal. [Read more]

Assistant Alumni Advisors announced
Working in conjunction with Alumni Advisor Marshal Crenshaw and the national fraternity, three Assistant Alumni Advisors (AAA) were recently appointed: Stephen W. Butler, AAA/gp, William C. Mathers, AAA/gt, and Jonathan B. Goodman, AAA/gs. The role of the AAA is to work collaboratively with the active chapter leadership and individual office holders to support their leadership development and execution of their roles. The AAA will also help to provide additional continuity of knowledge through active leadership transitions. [See all alumni leaders here]

Alumni Association Business

Join the “Alumni Dues” effort in 2009 and these generous donors from 2008:

Thomas Hambleton
Roger Davidson
Scott Clearman
Brian Walsh
Bruce Barrick
Mark Rangle
Chet Lofgren
Charles Bedard
Matt Lawrence
Mohammed Raheem
Matt Browning
Steve Butler
Robert E Lee
Joe Abel
Paul Bakouris
Russell Ramsey
Danny Middlebrooks
Tanner Garth
Erik Harpst
Perry Zigbly
Chris Mathers
Ben Orgain
Mike Orsak
William McCall
John Schmidt
Lee Boyle
George Morrison
Dylan Wood
Mitch Brownlee
Pat Sparks
Tim McGarity
Matt Barnes
Jeremiah Jarrell
Blake Stanford
Alan Haworth
Marshal Crenshaw
J.L. Love

Thanks to all of our alumni who have donated time, money, and their expertise these past years!

(Please send us a note if we wrongly left your name off this list.)

Membership dues to the Iota Chapter Alumni Association are a suggested minimum contribution of $60 per year. Many brothers, especially younger alums, have opted for a monthly credit card donation. Contact Alan Haworth, Treasurer, by phone (214) 536-6268 or email to set-up a regular donation.

You may also send a check, payable to Iota Chapter Alumni Association to the address listed below:
Alan Haworth
9135 Drumcliffe Ln
Dallas, TX 75231

News & Notes

Brother Brad Francis and his wife Kerri announced the birth of their baby son [note: editorial correction made 5/2/09] Kepler on Novermber 17, 2008.

The parents of our late Brother Rob Atkinson visited Southwestern campus in January for the memorial service honoring their son, tragically killed on December 4, 2009 while walking from campus across University avenue where he was struck by an oncoming car. [See the video celebrating Rob’s life here]

Brother James Grace completed another marathon to raise support and awareness for autism research. He finished the Chevron Houston Marathon and raised $7,985 for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). [Read more]

Brother Bret Starr was featured in the online edition of Business Week in an article titled How SaaS Helps Cut Small Business Costs. [Read the full article here]

Actives Andrew Ivy, Martin Fergus, and Jack Frazee joined alumni Jonathan Goodman at the Lone Star Conclave in Richardson, Texas. [Read more]

The Grand Conclave of Kappa Sigma will take place in San Antonio, Texas, July 22-26. All actives and alumni in good standing are encouraged to attend. Iota Chapter will be sending a delegation. Contact any active or alumni leader if you’re interested in joining. [Read more]

Alumni on the Web: On the Iotachapter.org Web site, check out the “Links” section to Alumni on the Web. Many Iota brothers are active online, personally, professional, academically, and charitably and we’ll take advantage of the Iota Chapter Web site to serve as a hub for this rich collection of online content.

Next Issue of Iota Alumni News:
To submit news, notes, or ideas for Iota Alumni News, please contact Jonathan Goodman at 817.923.1997 or jbgoodman (at) alumni (dot) southwestern [dot] edu

Iota Chapter joins Fisher House project

As reported in The Caduceus of Kappa Sigma (Special Edition 2009), “In the spring of 2008, the Supreme Executive Committee of Kappa Sigma Fraternity unanimously approved the Kappa Sigma named, Fisher House project.”

The Fisher House program is a private-public partnership that supports America’s military in their time of need… The Fisher House Foundation has given Kappa Sigma the unique opportunity of naming rights to one these “comfort homes” for a minimum donation of $100,000.

The active chapter of Iota Chapter has set a goal to raise between $1,000-2,000 toward this national fraternity goal.

Martin Fergus, Iota Chapter philanthropic chair, has engaged local Georgetown area organizations to co-sponsor a fundraising event this Spring. The Iota Alumni Association has joined with Martin to encourage all alumni to make a donation to support the Fisher House program and help Iota Chapter contribute to this fraternity-wide effort.

To Donate:

Making an online contribution is the most efficient donation method, but checks are accepted. Please be sure to make the payment to “Fisher House Foundation” and write the name of the chapter you are sponsoring in the “memo” section of the check. Checks can be mailed to:

Fisher House Foundation
Attn: Kappa Sigma
PO Box 2346
Rockville, MD 20847

The chapter you are sponsoring will only get credit for your donation if you include the chapter name on the check

 

The Fisher Houseâ„¢ Program

The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America’s military in their time of need. A long-term stay in a military hospital, sometimes thousands of miles from home, could mean expensive lodging and long separations from loved ones. But in recognition of the special sacrifices of severely wounded or ill service members and their families, the Fisher House Foundation donates “comfort homes” so that America’s military families can be together during extended treatment for serious injury or lengthy physical and/or occupation therapy…

Today, 38 Fisher Houses operate at 18 military bases and nine Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers throughout the nation and overseas in Germany. Since our nation has been at war, the requirements for Fisher House have changed. Many of our returning service members need intensive physical and occupational rehabilitation. Their Fisher House stays have become longer, and, as a result, more guest suites are needed. Also, because of the nature of their injuries, all new Fisher Houses are being designed to be completely handicapped accessible.

The Fisher House Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, builds new houses, assists in coordination private support, and encourages public support for the homes. Donations to the Fisher House Foundation and individual Fisher Houses are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law.

The Foundation has received the highest possible ratings from the “watch dog” organizations that evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of nonprofit organizations: For every dollar donated to Fisher House Foundation, 97.5 cents goes directly into the Fisher House program. “Overhead,” the combination of management and fundraising expenses, is only 2.5 cents.

Making an online contribution is the most efficient donation method, but checks are accepted. Please be sure to make the payment to “Fisher House Foundation” and write the name of the chapter you are sponsoring in the “memo” section of the check. Checks can be mailed to:

Fisher House Foundation
Attn: Kappa Sigma
PO Box 2346
Rockville, MD 20847

The chapter you are sponsoring will only get credit for your donation if you include the chapter name on the check

Who can stay in the Fisher House?

  • Patients’ family members, relatives and significant others
  • Active duty, retirees, and veterans and their family members

For what other reasons can individuals stay in the Fisher House?

  • Scheduled for early-morning testing or treatment and live more than an hour from the hospital
  • Scheduled for same-day surgery
  • Scheduled for tests before surgery
  • Scheduled for a procedure or testing
  • Released from the hospital but not officially released from a doctor’s care
  • Nursing mother whose baby is still hospitalized
  • Parents living off-post with a seriously ill child in the hospital

Report from the Lone Star Conclave

The Lone Star Multi-District Conclave 2009 took place this weekend, February 20-21, on the campus of the University of Texas at Dallas located in Richardson, Texas.

Representing the active chapter were Andrew Ivy (GP), Martin Fergus (Philanthropy/Fundraising Chair), and Jack Frazee (House Manager). Jonathan Goodman (Assoc. Scribe & Assit. Alumni Advisor) represented the volunteer alumni leadership.

The Conclave program included general sessions and multiple breakout sessions. Area DGMs and the Area Development Manger delivered reports on the state of the fraternity, presentations on fraternity initiatives such as “Kappa Sigma University” – a leadership development program, and an educational session on fraternity history.

The breakout sessions provided a format for attending actives and alumni to interact and share ideas on topics such as recruitment, risk management, fundraising, awards/recognition, and financial management.

Finally, Texas will host the next Grand Conclave this summer. Please consider joining our active and alumni delegates at the 67th Biennial Grand Conclave, July 22-26, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas.

Alumni Weekend Announced for March 27-28

Alumni Weekend for the Spring of 2009 will take place over the final weekend in March, from Friday March 27 through Saturday March 28.

Program details will follow, but you can probably count on the following:

  • Friday Night Poker Tournament
  • Coffee & Doughnuts
  • A General Active & Alumni Meeting
  • Lunch on the Lawn
  • Babies
  • Softball
  • Your PB’s kids one year older since you saw them last year
  • Dinner at your favorite spot around town
  • Music on the porch courtesy of acoustic guitars and Bruce Barrick
  • Lots of fun and fellowship
  • A live band that you can dance to
  • A surprise visit from someone you’ve not seen in years

You can count on a lot more too…

Mark your calendars. Make the case to your wife now. It may help to ask her to come. The kids too.

See you in March!

Rob’s Memorial Service at Southwestern

From the Facebook group formed in Rob’s honor:

Texas (Southwestern University) Memorial Service for Rob Atkinson

Date/Time: Friday, January 23, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.

Location: Southwestern University Chapel (Lois Perkins Chapel), 1001 East University Ave., Georgetown, Texas, 78626. Phone: 512-863-6511.

Type of Service: The service will be non-denominational. It will include prayers, music, a eulogy, and speakers. It will last about two hours.

Who May Attend: The service is open to everyone who would like to attend. Parents who want to bring their children, and who feel their children could handle the intensity and length of a service like this, are welcome to bring them.

The Reverend James Grace Runs for Autism

Many of us knew James Grace ’98 during our college days as “The Reverend” Jimmy Grace, radio DJ, on the now defunct KNAC in Austin. The radio persona has grown into an actual Reverend with Episcopal Church.

Jimmy lives in Houston with his wife and family. On January 18, 2009, Jimmy will run the Chevron Houston Marathon as part of a team representing the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). Jimmy is running to raise funds for Autism research. His goal is to raise $5,000.

You can learn more about Jimmy’s personal connection to autism, his young son James (pictured), as well as make an online donation on his fundraising page here: http://www.firstgiving.com/jamesgrace1

Brother Jeremiah Jarrell Finishes IRONMAN Florida

Finishing 84 out 236 participants in his age group, in an impressive overall time of 11:01:56, Jeremiah completed his first Ironman triathlon on November 1, 2008 in Panama City Beach Florida.

The 10th annual Ford Ironman Florida saw a total of 2,200 participants, who like Jeremiah, spent the better part of a year, often training 30-40 hours per week to reach their goal of completing this event.

To this writer’s knowledge, Jeremiah may be the first Iota Brother to complete a full length Ironman, comprised of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike course, and a full 26.2 mile marathon.

Please extend your congratulations to Jeremiah! He’ll be at Homecoming, less than a week since his big race.

Great job Miah!

FREE T-shirts for Homecoming

Hello Kappa Sigmas, spouses, friends,

I have printed up COMMEMORATIVE, limited-edition T-shirts for this year’s Homecoming.

To get your FREE Commemorative limited-edition T-shirt, all you have to do is  pay your ALUMNI DUES for 2008 ($60) and you get a FREE T-shirt. Pre-pay your 2009 dues, and get the same deal. If you want more than one, the T’s are $20 each. This is for the charity of Kappa Sigma. All of the proceeds will go to the Kappa Sigma Alumni Fund and to help one active pay his active dues for the semester.

To PRE-ORDER your shirt, please respond by email with your size preference. If you are not coming to Homecoming and want it shipped to you, please specify that in the email. I will include shipping in the cost of the shirt. $20 per shirt. Why not order some for the whole family?

I have Men’s T-shirts and Tank Tops, sizes:  L, XL, and XXL.

I also have tank tops (sleeveless T’s) for WOMEN!!! The sizes are S, M, and L for the ladies. Larger sizes for men.

I will take credit cards or checks for the T-shirts now. At Homecoming, on November 7th, I will be selling the shirts for cash, check or credit card.

AEKDB

Sincerely,

Alan Haworth
(214) 750-2006 Direct
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Iota Alumni News: Fall / Homecoming Edition

Volume 1: Issue 3

Feature stories – Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2008

Calling all Homecoming Queens!
Brother William McCall ‘88 has issued a challenge. He urges Iota Chapter Alumni and the Active Chapter to participate in the 100th Year of Southwestern Homecoming with a float in the Saturday morning parade down the Academic Mall. All past Queens are likewise invited to make one more showing! [Read more]

Family to Dedicate Plaque in Chapter House Honoring Brother Craig Grayum
Please join us for the Open House, 4 PM on Saturday, where the family of the late Craig Grayum will present a plaque to be on permanent display honoring Craig.

Enjoy Lunch on the Mall and Dinner at the House
For Saturday eating, plan on eating lunch on the Academic Mall, tickets available for purchase as part of Southwestern’s Homecoming registration.

For dinner, the Active Chapter will provide a catered meal for alumni, friends and family. Swing by the House to reserve your spot and purchase tickets when you get into town.

Tickets: Single – $15, Couple – $25, Family – $30

For questions, contact Colin Elliott (Alumni Relations) on (832) 643-3666.

Iota Chapter Homecoming Weekend Schedule

Friday November 7
7:00 PM Poker Game/Tournament

Saturday November 8
11:30 Homecoming Parade
12:00 – 2PM Picnic on the Mall
2:00PM Alumni/Active Meeting – new time 
4:00PM Open House
6:00PM Dinner at the House (RSVP & payment required for catered dinner)
7:00PM Kappa Sigma Reception at the Alumni Hospitality House
8:00PM SING

Sunday November 9
10:00 AM Coffee and Donuts

Resource Links:
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend Website – register now!
SU: “Alumni Connection Groups

Alumni Business

The number of alumni brothers participating in annual “Alumni Dues” continues to grow
Membership dues to the Iota Chapter Alumni Association are a suggested minimum contribution of $60 per year. Many brothers, especially younger alums, have opted for a monthly credit card donation. Contact Alan Haworth, Treasurer, by phone (214) 536-6268 or email to set-up a regular donation.
Of course, you may also send a check, payable to Iota Chapter Alumni Association to the address listed below:
Alan Haworth
9135 Drumcliffe Ln
Dallas, TX 75231

Alumni on the Web

On the Iotachapter.org Web site, check out the “Links” section to Alumni on the Web. Many Iota brothers are active online, personally, professional, academically, and charitably and we’ll take advantage of the Iota Chapter Web site to serve as a hub for this rich collection of online content.

Next Issue of Iota Alumni News:
To submit news, notes, or ideas for Iota Alumni News, please contact Jonathan Goodman at 817.923.1997 or jbgoodman (at) alumni (dot) southwestern [dot] edu

Homecoming 2008 Schedule of Events

Friday November 7

7:00 PM Poker Game/Tournament 

Saturday November 8

11:30 Homecoming Parade (where are you Homecoming Queens?)

12:00 – 2PM Picnic on the Mall

2:00PM Alumni/Active Meeting (NEW TIME!)

4:00PM Open House

6:00PM Dinner at the House* (RSVP & payment required for catered dinner)

7:00PM Kappa Sigma Reception at the Alumni Hospitality House

8:00PM SING

Sunday November 9

10:00 AM Coffee and Donuts

NOTE: Watch this page for schedule changes.

Resource Links:
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend Website – register now!
SU: “Alumni Connection Groups”