Frankie Faison (Beta Rho/Illinois Wesleyan 1971) - Actor - Theta Chi of Penn State
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Actor
Frankie Faison
(Beta Rho/Illinois Wesleyan 1971)
PAGE 8
Also available online at www.thetachi.org
VOLUME 99, NUMBER 2 WINTER 2019 F R O M T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L P R E S I D E N T
Editor
Benjamin R. Hill
(Eta Kappa/James Madison 2002)
Assistant Editor
Nick Hoke (Alpha Iota/Indiana 2014)
Who Inspires You?
Dear Brothers,
Contributing Writers:
Justin Breen (Rho/Illinois 1999) I originally planned to write about all the collegiate brothers who
Bob Carroll (Gamma Upsilon/Bradley 1988)
inspired me, but this space can’t even contain a small fraction of
John H. Felsenthal (Gamma Tau/Drake 2019)
Gordon T. Hughes (Zeta Epsilon/ those stories. Instead, I’ll tell you about Daniel Brauer (Eta Omicron/
Long Beach State 1966) Northwestern State 2008), a brother from my own chapter who
Graeme MacKenzie (Zeta Upsilon/Hartford 2014) inspired me over a decade ago to stay involved as an alumnus.
James J. Moylan (Gamma Lambda/Denver 1969)
Bill Russo, Chief Housing Officer
During Daniel’s interview at our chapter’s membership review, I saw
Published by his commitment to the Fraternity as a young collegiate brother and
Maury Boyd and Associates, Inc. the disappointment, even anger, that resulted from the “brothers”
The International Headquarters is located at: who had betrayed him. I can still vividly recall thinking, “This guy
International President
865 W. Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 expected a great Theta Chi experience. The chapter let him down.
Tait J. Martin
To reach the International Headquarters staff: He’s the type of brother we have to fight for.” Daniel inspired me to
MAILING ADDRESS: be a better member and continues to impress me in his career and as a Theta Chi.
P.O. Box 503
Carmel, IN 46082 Lt. Cmdr. Brauer is currently the engineer on the USS Greeneville, a nuclear fast attack submarine
PHONE: 317-848-1856 stationed in Pearl Harbor. Daniel and his crew deploy on exercises —underwater—for up to six
FAX: 317-824-1908
months! And you thought having a roommate in the chapter house
EMAIL: ihq@thetachi.org
was rough?
WEBSITE: www.thetachi.org
To reach the Foundation Office, please email: According to his wife Kayla (who’s been connected to him ever since
foundation@thetachi.org
her ⟨⌷⌸ sisters introduced them 13 years ago), Daniel continues to
The Rattle is the official alumnus publication of live the ideals of Theta Chi. Even after being commissioned as a naval
Theta Chi Fraternity. It is provided electronically to
all collegiate and alumnus members of Theta Chi
officer in 2008, Daniel still found time to regularly give back to the
chapters, colonies, and interest groups. Print Fraternity. When stationed as a professor of naval science at Old
editions are provided to: all active contributors to Dominion University in Virginia, he gladly volunteered to be an
the Grand Chapter and/or to the Foundation
academic adviser for our Zeta Pi Chapter. Kayla shared, “I honestly
Chapter; volunteers of the Fraternity; and collegiate
chapters. Individuals may request a printed copy think it was what he was most proud of during his shore duty.”
by contacting the Editor at rattle@thetachi.org or
by updating their information at www.thetachi.org. In addition to a number of awards and commendations he received,
the captain of the USS Greeneville recognized Daniel’s talents as an
Contributions
Story Submissions: The Rattle welcomes all story exemplary leader and effective mentor. Daniel even had the opportu-
submissions. Decisions to publish submitted nity to guide Lt. j.g. Blake Dwyer (Eta Upsilon/Texas A&M 2015)
materials is at the sole discretion of the Editor.
during his initial tour as a submarine officer… they didn’t find out
Photo Submissions: Please share photos of your they were brothers until well into the mission!
events! Both print and electronic publication
requires photos to be captured at high resolution
(minimum 300 dpi, and preferably 600 dpi). Set Gentlemen, take a few minutes to think about that brother who
your camera to its highest setting for maximum file makes (or made) you a better person or who encouraged you (either
size. Please do not alter or try to correct the origi-
nal capture. Doing so can permanently delete knowingly or unknowingly) to stay involved in Theta Chi. Reach out to them and let them know what
information that our production team will need they did. It wasn’t until pausing to write this article that I realized I never told Daniel the impact he
to process the best picture for publication. Also,
please use a flash to make sure the subjects are made on my time in our Fraternity. While I’d prefer to tell him face-to-face, I don’t think I could get
well-lit. Large photos can be posted to an FTP site through without tearing up with pride, then having to make jokes about it, and then forgetting what I
or mailed to the editor on a flash drive. When you
submit copy, photos, or video for inclusion in
wanted to say. So, I figured this is the next best thing.
The Rattle, you agree to allow Theta Chi Fraternity,
Inc., The Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi Frater- Thanks, Daniel, for being such a great example of the usefulness of our Fraternity. You make me and
nity, Inc., and The Norwich Housing Corporation
the right to post, publish, broadcast, print, or Theta Chi extremely proud!
otherwise use in any manner Theta Chi Fraternity,
Inc. deems appropriate. All media submitted be- Stay Resolute,
comes the property of Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc.
Please send any materials for publication, as well
as address changes, to the Editor at:
rattle@thetachi.org Editor’s Note: In September 2019, Daniel completed his
Tait J. Martin, Ph.D.
command qualification which allows him to eventually take
International President command of a U.S. submarine. He and the USS Greeneville crew
are currently preparing for another deployment in early 2020.
2 TH E R AT T LE /W IN T ER 2 0 1 9 W W W .THETAC HI.ORG
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
inside
4 #myFraternity
6 Expansion
7 Norwich Housing
5 8
Corporation
FEATURE: Frankie Faison
15 Op-Ed: PR P.O.V.
16 From The Foundation
Chapter
28 Chapter News
34 2018/2019 Awards
30
35 Distinguished
Achievement Award
36 Alumni News
42 Chapter Eternal
ABOVE: Collegiate days at
Eta Omicron/Northwestern State:
(L–R) David Boudreaux (2010),
Daniel Bauer (2008), and
Oren Jones (2008). BELOW: Iota Mu/Missouri brothers
37 receive the Lewis Award in recognition
of efforts to raise money for MizzouThon,
the USO, and for supporting their sweet-
heart, Cassiday-Rae, a local fifth grader
who has cerebral palsy.
LEFT: After a long deployment
on the USS Greeneville,
Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Brauer
returns to Hawaii and is
welcomed home by his wife
Kayla.
34 (Photo by Melissa Edelblum/NBC)
During an alumni recep- on the cover
tion hosted in New York Actor Frankie Faison plays apartment
City, Ken Johns (Chi/
Auburn 1957) receives
building superintendent Ron Davis
his Distinguished and reads a poem during the third
Achievement Award from episode of NBC’s drama The Village.
International President Learn about his Theta Chi experience
Tait Martin and Past and how he broke barriers on page 8.
International President
and Chi alumnus (Cover Photo: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)
Pat O’Connor (1978).
Brother Johns’ achieve-
Follow Theta Chi
ments in business were
outlined in the Summer
2019 issue of The Rattle
on page 27. You can find
additional Distinguished Achievement Award recipients in this Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: Snapchat:
issue on pages 35 and 41. @ThetaChi @thetachiIHQ @thetachiihq @thetachi_ihq
THE RATTL E /WI NTE R 20 19 3
REFLECTIONS
#myFraternity
In September 2019, brothers shared how Theta Chi impacted their lives
and other memories. Here are a few examples:
Teddy At MIT
By Alan Friot (Beta/MIT 1955)
While attending MIT
Teddy joined a fraternity
The one he chose was Theta Chi
Since they’d support him if he’d try
It’s easy to lose perspective
When things are so competitive “I had a wonderful
He’d study hard he would not rest experience in college
To learn it all became his quest through baseball,
This goal is a common mistake Theta Chi, and my wedding
Which brothers would help him forsake when over 30 brothers
sang. Thank you for my
The Fraternity’s Helping Hand
college career.”
Was what helped Teddy understand
What’s more important is to care —Bill Romp
(Delta Theta/Toledo 1965)
And share love like a Teddy Bear
“I just passed my 85th birthday and feel as young as (almost) ever. I
believe that the influence of Theta Chi was VERY significant to my
“I’m a full growing up and the success I have had in life.
professor of
biology at When I joined Theta Chi at San Jose State, I felt a bit out of place with
St. John’s all the athletes in the house. I understood that I was required to be
University “something” in the fabric of the school if I wanted to be a brother. I
where I have didn’t know what I could contribute, but Theta Chi was one of the two
taught for best fraternities on campus and I wanted to be a part of it. I ended up
almost 50 years. I’ve written running for Junior Rep and then Treasurer of the Student Body. I was just an above aver-
more than 200 publications and age student and thus had to work hard to earn what I received. Everyone in the chapter en-
a similar number of abstracts. couraged me, supported me, and helped me accomplish my goals.
I love my job and never worked
a day in my life. I made friends Looking back, this certainly meant something to me (and maybe helped the chapter) but
for life because of my involve- everything was hard work. That work ethic and the achievements I earned, made it possi-
ment with Theta Chi at Rutgers ble to help others in life. Later, I developed 2,000 apartment units for low income wage
earners. Building self-esteem was part of the Theta Chi ethic. And I needed that!
University.”
—Dr. Richard Stalter
(Beta Delta/Rutgers 1963) So, a big thank you to our Fraternity for instilling and promoting excellence.”
—Jim Morley (Gamma Xi/San Jose State 1956)
4 T H E RAT T LE / W I N TE R 2 0 1 9 W W W.THETAC HI.ORG
at the
of my Alpha Zeta Chapter and House
“At age 95+, I am remembering the value 5 with a few exam ples:
I days of 1942–194
University of Rochester during the WWI
s (1943),
to take special care of senior Lee Adam
As a freshman pledge, I was assigned State . Thet a Chi local ly had
e in west ern New York
later to become a judge of prominenc ram of the
Fennell (1939) to the graduate prog
financially supported Brother Freddie d have
eciation, I was one of those whom he woul
Eastman School of Music. In appr early days , he playe d in the
nic Concerts. In those
backstage with him at the Philharmo tell me what to listen for in
would run out and
percussion section of the orchestra and nally , for his
the conductor, well-known internatio
the next movement. Later he became of a natio nally know n
enpohl (1945), later director
Orchestra Band. Brother Arthur Frack
music college, passed away recently.
in
for the Fraternity. A close friend and I
ed my meals in college doing extra work
Before going to medical school, I earn
Theta Chis.”
Oklahoma enjoyed telling others we are —William Parry, M.D. (Alpha Zeta/Roch
ester 1946)
of Oklah oma Colle ge of Medicine
Department of Urology, University
Professor Emeritus and former Chairman,
The Helping Grab:
I Was Saved at the 2013 Rose Bowl Because of #myFraternity
“As a huge Florida State football fan, I traveled to meet up
with Brooks O’Hara (Gamma Rho/Florida State 1978) and
his son Sean (Theta Eta/Sam Houston State 2012) in
Pasadena, CA, for the 2013 National Championship game.
Before the game, we went sightseeing around Southern
California and later met up with more than two dozen late
’80s/early ’90s Gamma Rho alumni at a get-together at a bar
in Huntington Beach arranged by Chris Berry (1993). It was
great to reconnect with brothers like Tony Gill (1987) who
traveled all the way from Toronto; Jack Monroe (1987) who
was in his last year in the Marines before retirement; and
John Stacklyn (1973) who had driven out with his wife Juliet
to visit family and had secured tickets with his pledge brother
Bob Sasser (1973) and his wife Pam.
In the excitement of that amazing game, I missed a mes- Gamma Rho/Florida State’s Joe Bailey (1992), Allen Hallas (1975),
and Joe Garner (1991) meet outside the Rose Bowl before the game.
sage that Brooks and Sean had to leave just before halftime
to return to the hotel, because Sean wasn’t feeling well. I now
had to find my own way back to downtown LA! After asking Greg and his wife Lisa followed after me and asked if I
multiple folks I saw after the game for a ride, there didn’t needed any help. I was able to roughly explain my situation
seem to be any other option but to take the light rail link and he said, ‘So you’re staying downtown? We’re headed that
from Pasadena, about 3 miles from the Rose Bowl to my way and could drop you off, if you’d rather ride with us?’
hotel! I got in line for the shuttle to the terminal to catch the I thanked my new friends from Texas for their help and
rail and struck up a conversation with a couple of Seminole followed the Wicklmans to their car. We talked about the
fans from Austin, TX, who had taken the rail out to Pasadena game and regretted that it was too late to stop for a few
and offered to help me. celebratory beers since we didn’t really know the area. They
After standing in line for almost an hour, I finally made it drove me right to my hotel and we said our good-byes and
to the shuttle. As I stepped on, someone reached out and they headed home for Santa Barbara.
grabbed my arm: ‘The Helping Grab!’ It was Greg Wicklman I regret that the O’Haras and I didn’t get to properly cele-
(1989), a Theta Chi whom I had not seen in more than brate the victory and even moreso that they missed the sec-
20 years and he said, ‘Hey Allen Hallas, what a great game!’ ond half of the most exciting Seminole game I had ever seen.
I agreed and quickly explained that I was trying to make my When I was initiated into the Fraternity in April of 1972,
way back to LA and really didn’t have time to chat because I the fee was $75. I know cab fare that night would have been
needed to stay with the group who knew about the light rail. pretty close to that amount. It still might be the best 75
After a short ride, the bus stopped in front of a parking bucks I ever spent, thanks to Greg and Lisa!”
garage and I exited and headed toward the rail station. —Allen W. Hallas (Gamma Rho/Florida State 1975)
WWW. THETAC HI. OR G THE RATTL E /WI NTE R 2019 5
E X P A N S I O N U P D AT E S
ZETA OMICRON/SHIPPENSBURG
Zeta Omicron Rechartering Members are joined by chapter alumni and other brothers of the Chapter Reinstallation Committee on
November 17, 2019.
Reinstallations Current Colonies
Zeta Omicron/Shippensburg
Shippensburg, PA
Reinstalled: 11/17/2019
Gamma Mu/ Gamma Nu/ Delta Upsilon/ Albany
New Colonies Bowling Green New Mexico State Arizona State
Delta Rho/NC State
Raleigh, NC
Recolonized: 10/19/2019
Colorado Tennessee Texas A&M- Young Harris
Redevelopments Texarkana
Omega/Penn State
Please contact Chief Operating
Officer Ray Vanlanot at
rvanlanot@thetachi.org
if you are interested in
becoming involved with these
groups.
Visit www.thetachi.org/news
for additional stories on our
(re)installed chapters and new
colonies.
DELTA RHO/NC STATE COLONY
6 T H E RAT T LE / W I N TE R 2 0 1 9 W W W.THETAC HI.ORG
N O R W I C H H O U S I N G C O R P O R AT I O N
2019 Alumni Corporation Forum: Building for Future Success
BY BILL RUSSO, CHIEF HOUSING OFFICER
The Alumni Corporation Forum (ACF) is an educational event hosted on odd-
numbered years which provides training and networking opportunities for
alumni corporation officers. The 2019 ACF was hosted on July 12–13, 2019, at
the International Headquarters in Carmel, IN. The event, formerly called the
Alumni Leaders Forum, is fully funded by an educational grant from the Nor-
wich Housing Corporation (NHC). It is free to attend; however, due to limited
space, it is by invitation-only. This year’s event was different from the past
Alumni Leaders Forums as it did not include a track for chapter advisers. They
now have their own educational event called the Chapter Advisers Institute.
Topics covered in this year’s sessions included fundraising, reengaging alumni,
trends in student housing, building and project management, house corporation
best practices, and a review of the services provided by the NHC.
Following the event, Trevor Coddington (Zeta Pi/Old Dominion 1998) shared,
“I’m pumped to say the least and look forward to supporting Gamma Theta
Chapter and Theta Chi (as a whole) in the years to come.” Kim Fisher (Delta
Rho/NC State 1967) remarked, “Throughout the entire forum, questions I
brought with me were all answered by the various presenters.” Len Brunkey
(Beta Zeta/Michigan State 1989) said, “Getting the opportunity to spend time
networking with brothers from around the country is just a bonus on top of
getting ideas for best practices.”
2019 Alumni Corporation Forum Attendees:
Carl Amenhauser (Epsilon Eta/IUP 1967)
Ken Bachulis (Beta Zeta/Michigan State 1988)
Bailey Bird (Kappa Gamma/North Florida 2017)
Len Brunkey (Beta Zeta/Michigan State 1989)
Gerald Clark (Epsilon Eta/IUP 1969)
Trevor Coddington (Zeta Pi/Old Dominion 1998)
Lee Davis (Psi/Wisconsin 1987)
Martin Deering (Gamma Upsilon/Bradley 1989)
Kim Fisher (Delta Rho/NC State 1967)
Larry Heinzelman (Eta Beta/Eastern Kentucky 1973)
David Lingenfelder (Alpha Sigma/Oregon 1976)
Scott Mertens (Alpha Omicron/Washington State 2012)
TOP: Epsilon Eta/IUP
Jim Morgan (Delta Xi/Valparaiso 1973) alumni connect with
Steven Mudder (Gamma Rho/Florida State 1995) Bill Russo.
Aaron Speagle (Omega/Penn State 2012) RIGHT: Attendees
Kevin Stolecki (Beta Lambda/Akron 2008) enjoy an evening of
Thomas Vaccaro (Gamma Kappa/Miami (OH) 2009) brotherhood at Top
Golf.
For brothers who did not attend the 2019 Alumni Corporation Forum but
would like to experience similar training and educational sessions, there is good
news! Many of the same sessions (along with several new ones) will be offered at
the 164th Anniversary Convention and 39th School of Fraternity Practices,
July 17–21, 2020, in Lexington, KY.
If you have any specific questions about how you can become an alumni corpora-
tion officer or would like to learn about future alumni corporation training
events, please feel free to contact me at bill@thetachi.org or 317-848-1856.
WWW. THETAC HI. OR G THE RATTL E /WI NTE R 2019 7
1988: Mr. Townsend in Coming to America
(Paramount Pictures)
1989: Coconut Sid in Do the Right Thing
(Universal Pictures)
1991: Barney Matthews in
Silence of the Lambs (Orion Pictures)
2002: Ervin Burrell in The Wire (HBO)
2003: Jim Lewis in Gods and Generals
(Warner Bros.)
2016: Sugar Bates in Banshee (Cinemax)
1967/1968: A young Frankie Faison
breaks barriers by receiving a bid and
joining Theta Chi at Illinois Wesleyan.
2017: Joe Dubois in The Case for Christ
(Pure Flix)
F E AT U R E
Finding Yourself
Amongst the Layers
of
BY BEN HILL, EDITOR
Life
Since earning an MFA from NYU in 1974, Frankie Faison (Beta Rho/Illinois Wesleyan 1971) has consistently
acted on stage, film, and television with more than 100 credits to his name. On Broadway, he earned a Tony
nomination for Best Supporting Actor in August Wilson's Pulitzer-winning play, Fences. His other Broadway
appearances include Getting Away with Murder, Of Mice and Men, and revivals of The Iceman Cometh and The
Shadow Box. Faison is the only actor to have appeared in all the major Hannibal Lecter films which include
Manhunter, Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, and Red Dragon. Other films in his impressive body of work include
The Thomas Crown Affair, Mississippi Burning, Do the Right Thing, Gods and Generals, and Coming to America.
His notable television roles include True Colors, Prey, Banshee, The Village, and HBO’s acclaimed series, The
Wire. We sat down with Brother Faison at his wife’s café in Montclair, NJ.
The Rattle: Tell us why you went to 1967/1968, still very turbulent times, but one started up the next year and I had
Illinois Wesleyan. racially. The fraternities at Wesleyan, already joined Theta Chi. Sometimes it was
including Theta Chi at the time, had been tough because the black community was
Frankie Faison: My older brother was
segregated. I found out later how signifi- like, “Why are you in the white fraternity?
playing football at the University of Illinois.
cant my pledging was at that time because Why don’t you want to be with us?” and I
When it came time for me to leave Newport
it was a racial barrier breaker for fraternities would tell them, “If you had been here at
News, VA, I knew I wanted to be near
at Illinois Wesleyan. the time to pledge, I might very well have
him. I looked for schools in Illinois that
joined the black fraternity.” When I went
had a strong theater program and found R: Did you experience any push- to college, I wanted to have a total experi-
Illinois Wesleyan. I went there and audi- back? ence. If you segregate yourself into small
tioned and met the people and enjoyed
pockets, you’re not going to be able to get
them and the rest was just the beginning FF: I never thought about it much, but it
to the diverse kind of experience that you
of a wonderful experience. Ironically, my was something I had to deal with, and not
want to have. I think Theta Chi totally
brother transferred when I started college, just from the fraternity, but from the
broadened my life and my experiences by
but that was good because it helped me to other organizations on campus, as well.
being a place that was different so that I
mature as a person by not having him People didn’t really know what to make of
could learn about other aspects of life.
50 miles down the road. me. I was free-flowing and I integrated
Theta Chi had a great group of people and
myself in every aspect of college life that I
I still hold the Theta Chi experience very
R: How did you first get introduced could. As a football player and student
fondly, very dearly in my heart. It helped
to Theta Chi? actor, I knew people who were in athletics,
me make that transition from high school
music, academics—everywhere. I’m sure
FF: Joining a fraternity was an afterthought to college. It was amazing and I always
there was stuff coming from others around
for me. I didn’t really know much about knew I had a family and a group of people
campus, but I remember when we traveled
fraternities, but it seemed like something who had my back.
to different places to play intramural
to do, so I did. During the first week of basketball, I stood out, but I never felt any
school, you go from house to house and I R: Are there any other challenges
discomfort or any challenges come from you remember?
really liked the guys at Theta Chi and they anyone.
seemed very much like a group of people FF: I had one incident in Theta Chi during
I would enjoy being with. I got a chance to Illinois Wesleyan had a very small black my second year that troubled me for many,
pledge from Theta Chi and from one other population of only of about 50 people. many years. Although it was a show of
fraternity. Remember, I came along in There wasn’t a black fraternity at the time, courage from the Fraternity to really fight
WWW. THETAC HI. OR G THE RATTL E /WI NTE R 2019 9
F E AT U R E
to have me become the first diverse person
in the Fraternity, I knew there were a
couple of guys who had blackballed me.
During weekdays, our dinners at the house
were very formal and officers had specific
places at the head table. Weekends were
more casual and everybody would just sit
wherever they wanted. Everybody did that
all the time. I remember one weekend I
was sitting in a seat where one of the offi-
cers usually sat. That officer wanted that
seat and I said, “Come on, don’t be ridicu-
lous.” He made a racial epithet towards me
and I was furious. I was a very big, very
physical, very in-shape guy at the time and Frankie Faison took advantage of many activities offered at
I just wanted to crush him because of that. Illinois Wesleyan. Beyond Theta Chi and IFC, he was a tight
I thought, “You’re my fraternity brother— end for the Titans football team, performed in several theater
and you would say this to me?” The broth- productions, and played intramural sports including basket-
ers who were there swarmed around me ball and tennis. Yearbook photos courtesy of Illinois Wesleyan: The
Wesleyana, Illinois Wesleyan University Archives, Bloomington, IL.
and played it off. But from that moment
on, it was always tense between he and I.
Theta Chi totally broadened my life and
“
That incident stood out. It was significant
and it was a growth spurt for me. In my my experiences by being a place that
acting, I draw upon certain emotional feel- was different . . . Theta Chi had a great
ings and whenever I needed to draw upon
an emotional feeling of a racist attack, I
group of people and I still hold the
would always go back to that place. Even- Theta Chi experience very fondly, very
”
tually, it got to the point where it was too dearly in my heart.
much of a burden for me that I just needed
to accept, forgive, move on, and let it go.
Other than that, I have nothing but fond,
amazing memories and friendships. Even R: Brothers came to your games The next couple of years there were a few
the other guy who blackballed me ended and shows? more black pledges that came in, like
up becoming a very dear friend of mine Harold Eley (1973).
FF: They came to everything. They were
because I guess he finally saw that you can’t such a supportive group because I was
judge someone by the color of their skin. R: How did Theta Chi help you as
opening up new horizons to them as well
an actor?
as them opening up horizons to me. There
R: What are some of these fond were guys who weren’t very athletic and FF: By enlightening me to different
memories that you have? they got a chance to come to the football cultures and giving me practical first-hand
FF: The first two years I was in the frater- game and there were people who weren’t experience with different types of people
nity house and it was just amazing. We had very arts-oriented, so they got a chance to from various backgrounds that I may not
a pretty good basketball team, so I remem- come see me put on these outfits and act. have been exposed to for years. I could
ber traveling and playing intramural sports. It was amazing and a great exchange. always be open and frank with my frater-
I remember doing serenades and singing nity brothers about anything that was
R: Could you tell us a moment you going on in my mind and vice versa. It
Theta Chi songs—which still stick in my
were proud to be a Theta Chi? helped me a tremendous amount and
head—like “Dream Girl of Theta Chi.”
I had a great time pledging and forming FF: From the first day—the fact that they especially when I got a chance to share
bonds with my fellow pledge brothers. took the courage to break the racial barrier some time with the families, I got even
Since I lived so far away in Virginia, I and go for somebody who they thought more of an in-depth awareness. It just
remember going to different pledge broth- was a good fit for the Fraternity—that they made me understand what I’ve always
ers’ homes for Thanksgiving. My Pledge closed their eyes to the color of my skin or believed anyway: People are just people.
Father Jim Gale (1971) became such a very my race. That made me tremendously You’ve got good people and you’ve got
close and dear friend. I hear from the guys proud; I was proud to stand tall with them people who are not great, but people are
every now and then and they’ve always because they were proud to stand tall with people and as long as everybody is being
been very supportive of me as a football me. The moment that I was sworn in, I courteous and respectful of one another,
player and they were even more supportive could see that they had really opened the then you can move forward with life.
of me as an actor. door to diversity within the Fraternity.
10 T H E RAT T L E / W I N TE R 2 0 1 9 W W W.THETAC HI.ORGtimes think if you know what you want
to do at an early age, you get a bit of an
advantage, or maybe not, but it worked out
for me.
R: Any films or TV that really affected
you while you were growing up?
FF: Lots of Westerns. I was amazed by
the talent on Amos and Andy—the way they
could just hold and mesmerize the audi-
ence. Of course all of the sitcoms like Good
Times and All in the Family. I loved television
because I loved watching the arc of an
actor and watching these actors transform,
thinking that, “Hey, maybe one day I could
do that.” I never dreamed that I would, it
seemed like a possibility.
R: Any other favorite plays or films?
FF: I remember watching James Earl Jones
in The Great White Hope and being com-
pletely blown away by the power of acting.
Another play that he did was an Athol
Fugard play called Boesman and Lena which
co-starred Ruby Dee—I got to see them
perform every night while I interned at The
Circle in the Square Theater the summer
before my senior year. When I went back to
LEFT: 1971: As Caliban in Illinois Wesleyan’s Wesleyan, I knew that I had to return to
production of The Tempest. ABOVE: 2016: New York soon because I wanted to be
As Henry “Pop” Hunter in Luke Cage where there was so much vitality and energy
(Marvel Television). in acting. A Raisin in the Sun with Sidney
Poitier and On the Waterfront had characters
that I didn’t understand then. Then I was that I could connect to. I also loved a pro-
just sort of like going through the motions duction of King Lear starring James Earl
and playing the emotions from a much Jones—I played a spear carrier. I was en-
more outward sensibility, sensitivity. But thralled and drawn to all the classics. I was
now it would be much deeper inside of me always interested in being a complete, well-
and I would understand this character and rounded actor and knew I had to study the
why he was struggling for freedom and Greek classics and Shakespeare.
suffering.
R: Who were some of your mentors?
R: What inspired you to be an actor?
FF: Dr. John Ficca, head of the acting
FF: My inspiration to be an actor started program at Wesleyan. Harold Guskin
R: What are your thoughts about
when I was 6 or 7 years old. It came from worked with me at Wesleyan and at NYU.
playing Caliban in The Tempest and
the church because I was always doing the He was a legendary acting teacher and
how you played it in college versus
church pageants and welcoming the visitors. coached people like Glenn Close, James
how you may do it now?
I was always interested in the theatrics of Gandolfini, Kevin Kline, and many others.
FF: The way I would do it now would just the pastor—he’s up there and he can yell, Maybe James Earl Jones because I worked
be a little bit more of an enrichment to the scream, and be whatever he wants to be. I with him so early in my life and career. I
way that I did it then. Who I was back just always knew I wanted to be an actor. realized what a great challenge acting was
then and who I am now are light years I would always do the plays in elementary and I learned that he is always going to
apart and I’ve grown and I’ve had 50 years school and high school and I was always challenge you as an actor. I had to be at my
of life experience. I understand things to a encouraged because people saw that I had best because if not, I would have been
much greater depth now about Caliban talent. I feel very blessed because I some- eaten alive.
WWW. THETAC HI. OR G THE RATTL E /WI NTE R 2019 11(Photo by Peter Kramer/NBC)
(Photo by Zach Dilgard/NBC)
(Photo by Peter Kramer/NBC)
(Photo by Peter Kramer/NBC)
“ ”
When I hear the term resolute, I
associate it with very strong, affirmative,
and positive action. I think it connects to
all the decent things that we honor
and respect.
(Photo by Zach Dilgard/NBC)
Frankie Faison plays Ron Davis, the superintendent of the apartment building in NBC’s 2019 drama, The Village. Episodes can be found
on NBC.com, Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu, and YouTube.
R: What is your method to select was okay. I have never done a role that I R: Tell us how you prepare for a role.
your roles? did not feel like I could stand behind. Every
FF: This evolved over the years. A lot of it
role I take, I look at the character I’m asked
FF: Depends on how much money I have goes back to my training and understand-
to portray and determine if there is some-
in the bank. (chuckles.) Sometimes when the ing that, we as individuals, are very compli-
thing in there that I feel that I could con-
bank account is thin, I’ll stretch and figure cated. There are so many facets of us that
nect to and bring some life to—something
out a way to make it work, but as a self- we never get to examine. That’s why I
that an audience could learn from. I’ve been
assured, highly trained actor, I always said wanted to become an actor, so I can exam-
able to put together a body of very diverse
I want to do the things that I want to do. ine those facets. Most people don’t get a
work because I never wanted to be stereo-
I’m not going to just do something for chance to do it. We all have good in us, bad
typed into playing just this one kind of
money. I’ve had some lean days and that in us, evil in us, amazing beauty in us, all
person. I think of myself more as an artist,
that stuff. My job as an actor is to find out
an actor, rather than a celebrity.
12 T H E RAT T L E / W I N TE R 2 0 1 9 W W W.THETAC HI.ORGand define the character that I’m playing You don’t see the many days, weeks, months, King Lear. Playing Gabe in Fences. On TV,
and discover what is already in me. I’ve hours that have gone into making this one doing the role in Banshee was very chal-
never played a character that didn’t have little moment come to life. Actors have to lenging because I had to do a lot of physi-
any kind of qualities that are somewhere in be in these outfits, remember the lines, and cal stuff while also being there emotionally,
me. They may be very deep-seeded, but put so much stuff together. You don’t see intellectually as an actor.
they're there. In order to play the role, it the person sitting out there for 12 hours
has to come from somewhere and it has to all night in the bitter cold. I’ve had some R: Are there any actors or directors
be real. But if I play a murderer, I’m not brutal shoots—like Gods and Generals—it was that you’d really like to work with?
going to go out and murder someone. I’m so cold and I had to be out there all night
FF: I’m divided: since I’m getting older, I
not a murderer. I must have something in long shooting. They take care of you, but
need to work with people who are secure
me that would allow me to play that that was brutal. That’s no fun. Trust me,
in their work but I also want to work with
convincingly and honest enough that it’s you wouldn’t want to do that. I remember
young people and teach them because I feel
believable. shooting Do the Right Thing, it was over 90
that’s my job, too. Anyone who brings an
degrees every single day, and we’re sitting
This is my process: I examine the character explosiveness of examining the character,
out there on that corner. It’s the ex-
and then I examine myself and I put the play, and/or film are people that I want to
tremes—from cold to hot, filming in the
qualities of the character on one side and work with. I’ve worked with so many
snow, and being on set for 18 hours
put my qualities on the other. Next, I try great, brilliant people of all ages like James
straight and getting four or five hours [of
to find the qualities in me that are similar Cagney, Robert DeNiro, Sidney Poitier,
sleep] and then they call you back in the
where they can help me to find the qualities James Earl Jones, Sharon Stone, Rene
next day.
in the character I’m playing and then I Russo, and so many others. I always
focus and I isolate them and they become wanted to work with Al Pacino and Steven
Theater is a different challenge. You’re
very important to me when I’m playing the Spielberg as a director—I need to let him
indoors so you don’t have to deal with the
character. There are layers of me that get know that we’re brothers and maybe he
elements, per se. But it’s the challenge of
in the way of my playing certain things, so should give me a role in one of his films!
re-creating, on a daily basis, this thing over
I have to get rid of them. It takes a lot of I’ve always had a great time working with
and over again. The play is the top art form
discipline to find the things that I need people, so I don’t care how big a name you
as far as I’m concerned. I love the rehearsal
from Frankie Faison that would allow me have, if you’re not bringing it to the table
process because it opens you up and invests
to play a character, whoever it might be. as an actor, I’m just not interested.
in you as you play your character.
R: Which characters are most like R: You mentioned this long list of
All forms of acting resemble each other.
people—Do you ever get starstruck?
(Photo by Virginia Sherwood/NBC)
Frankie Faison? In film, you may shoot one to two pages a
FF: They’re all like me in some way be- day. In theater, you have to do the whole FF: No. Never have, not even when I first
cause they are me. I think of myself as thing, every night. It’s full, it’s engaging. came into the business. The reason is
being very affable, very jolly, pleasant. I It’s a sensation that I can never get enough because I know that once we get on that
think that people really trust me. This of. Acting is demanding because you have stage, on that screen together, they’ve got
comes from my background being from to go places in your mind that can be kind to bring their best stuff and I have to bring
the South—we were always very open and of scary sometimes and you have to main- my best stuff. I’m prepared because I’ve
honest about the way we approached tain that level of concentration, for hours, studied and trained. I’ve always felt com-
things and talked about life. Characters for days, for weeks, for months, and some- fortable and felt invincible when it comes
with open honesty are most like me. It’s a times for years, if it’s a long-running play. to playing against anybody. The only time
character that most people relate to and I It’s been joyful. I speak of acting fondly I ever came close to being starstruck was
think it’s one of the reasons I’ve worked so because it’s afforded me a wonderful life, when I worked with James Cagney because
consistently in this business. I also always a knowledge of who I am, and a better I couldn’t believe it. It was pretty early in
try to find humor in whatever character understanding of people in the world. I’m my career and I did Ragtime with him and I
I’m playing because no matter what walk not so quick to put people into a box was like, “Damn, that’s James Cagney!?”
of life we come from, there’s always some because I know that there are other facets But then again, he had to say his lines, just
humor somewhere. I learned a long time of every individual. like I had to say mine. He had to play his
ago to look for the humor in the character character just as I had to play mine.
first and from that, move to whatever else R: What do you think are some of
is needed. the top challenges you had to play? R: Who would direct and star in a
Frankie Faison biopic?
FF: If I’m doing my job and being as com-
R: What’s the most grueling aspect mitted as I should be, it’s just about every FF: That’s a question for the ages, because
of the production whether it’s tele- role I’ve played. Most of my challenging I love working with seasoned directors
vision, film, or on stage? roles have come from the stage since who’ve been around and are well-estab-
FF: It shifts from production to produc- theatrical roles are all consuming: playing lished, but I also love working with new
tion. What you see is the finished product. Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman. Playing directors, who are just coming to the fold.
WWW. THETAC HI. OR G THE RATTL E /WI NTE R 2019 13F E AT U R E
And the star? It could be anybody. I love tered with me. If you’ve worked 20, 30, challenges that life presents because you
actors. In most talk shows, they always 40, 50 years, that speaks volumes as far as never know what’s around the corner.
bring on the top-tier level star, but right I’m concerned. Just remember as an actor, That's the advice that was always given to
underneath them—(where I believe myself your instrument is you. It’s how you play me and it served me well.
to be too, more or less)—there’s this body yourself that comes across. You have to
of actors who have supported the bigger learn about yourself and then how to strip R: Any upcoming projects you’d like
names. They are some magnificently certain parts of your personality away from to share?
talented people who you may have never you so that your character can breathe and
FF: I have a very exciting independent film
heard of. They’re the ones that I would come alive.
that I’m very proud of called The Killing of
want to be in that film.
Kenneth Chamberlain. It deals with a senior
R: What are some of your hobbies
citizen who used his medic alert device and
R: How do you memorize all those and interests?
is confronted by the first responders. It’s a
lines?
FF: Cooking is a very high passion of mine. true story and it was shot in documentary
FF: Oh, it’s easy. You just do. (chuckles.) I make my own homemade granola and style. It was an intense two weeks shooting
If I’m doing film or TV, usually I’m only used to do a lot of Southern food, but now that. I’m very excited for people to see it. I
memorizing a couple of pages, but if I’m that I’m married to a woman who is in also have a film coming out in 2020 called
doing theater, it could be a lot more. How food, I don't cook as much. I also love to The Grudge, which is a remake of that
do you memorize the Lord’s Prayer or the just sit and watch and observe people horror film series. I also have a comedy film
Pledge of Allegiance—your address or your because those are things that I may need to from Sony Pictures coming out called
phone number? Repetition and rehearsal. have and use. I love athletics—I’m passion- Fatherhood. So tune in: I have a comedy, a
ate about tennis. I love to read when I get horror, and a drag ’em out drama that
R: Can you think of something that a chance but it's kind of hard, reading so borders on tragedy.
surprised you as an actor? many scripts. I love being out in the coun-
try with nature. Most of all, I have a R: What’s your definition of a
FF: I always wanted people to like me as
passion for people. I love people. I think Resolute Man?
an actor. I’ve played a lot of fatherly, nice
that comes from me being an artist. I never
guy roles. When I started playing more FF: When I hear the term resolute, I
get tired of talking to people and finding
sinister roles, I learned that people may like associate it with very strong, affirmative,
out what they do. I find it exciting.
you and your work, but they’re not neces- and positive action. I think it connects to
sarily going to like the character you’re all the decent things that we honor and
R: If you had not gone into acting,
playing. My job is to portray that character respect. It doesn’t cost anything to be a
what do you think you’d be doing
as honestly and openly as possible. If he’s a decent human being. Nothing at all. It’s
now?
person who people despise, then I have to free. A Resolute Man adheres to those
bring that truth to that character, too. FF: Dead—I’d be dead now. I can’t think traits and in everything that he does and
of a thing in the world that I would be says because there is a responsibility that
R: Advice for aspiring actors? doing if I wasn’t doing acting. I had comes with that.
thought about becoming a preacher or
FF: If you’re going to be a doctor, you
minister, but I don’t think that would have R: Any message you’d like to share
can’t just say, “I’m going to be a doctor,”
panned out too well. I love teaching but I with Theta Chi brothers?
and go out there and start operating on
think I would have burned out. I love
somebody. You’ve got to go to school. FF: Wear the letters and Badge with
helping people, but I don’t think I could
You’ve got to get a degree. I believe the honor and a sense of pride. Remember you
have become a doctor; I don’t think I was
same thing about actors. If you’re serious have a social responsibility. People are
smart enough. Maybe a writer, but I don’t
about it, take some classes and then go watching you. You need to take a very
think I’m quick enough, smart enough to
invest in a training program. You may find strong leadership role in your society, in
do that, either. Acting found me and it’s
out that you’re very talented in doing one your university, and in your life. If you see
been a very happy marriage. I like having
thing and then you’re stereotyped for the something that you don’t agree with, or
the freedom of not doing anything if I
rest of your life—and that’s pretty much you can’t be confident and stand behind,
don’t want to and the freedom of moving
all you can do. You’ll also see how much then say something because it’s the only
from one project to the next. I can’t think
work is involved—it’s not just about the way you can learn, grow, develop, and carry
of anything else that would have presented
glamour and the glitz. After your training, on the Theta Chi tradition—a tradition
that to me. I think I was very lucky.
carry yourself in an honest and respectable that is well founded upon leadership and
way. You’ve got to have some accountabil- honor. n
R: If you could go back to a young
ity as an artist. Be careful about what roles
Frankie at Illinois Wesleyan, what
you say yes to because sometimes you can
advice would you give him?
get stuck in something, and it may not be
reflective of who you are. The longevity of FF: Follow your heart. Be considerate, be
an actor is something that’s always regis- respectful, and enjoy life. Be open to the
14 T H E RAT T L E / W I N TE R 2 0 1 9 W W W.THETAC HI.ORGOP-ED
PR P.O.V.: Maintaining Theta Chi’s Reputation
BY JUSTIN BREEN (RHO/ILLINOIS 1999)
I’m writing this piece on a plane high over the Rocky Mountains on my way to Las Vegas.
Soon, I’ll land and see some of my Theta Chi Fraternity brothers
for the first time in almost 20 years. We are meeting in Las Vegas
for our fantasy football league’s annual draft and we’re hoping to
build our trip to Vegas into an event that attracts other brothers in
the future.
Despite not seeing many of my brothers since graduation, it’s
been amazing to watch them achieve incredible personal and
professional successes. Rho Chapter was such a unique and fun
place to be with members from all parts of the country, all races,
and all different political views. While we weren’t exactly “mature”
while in college, many of us have become great entrepreneurs,
professionals, leaders, and so much more.
For example: Spring 1996: Rho Chapter brothers (l–r) Justin Breen (1999), Jose
Ruiz (1996), and Dan Breen (1998) during an exchange with ⟨⌷⌸.
l Our fantasy football league’s commissioner (and my best friend),
Andy Schelitzche (1999), built an incredible wealth management
practice in Minnesota. 160 years, but remarkably the key players, our collegiate brothers,
l Cisco Palao-Ricketts (1999) became a partner at a prestigious cycle in and out every three to four years. How do we have any
California law firm. consistency? How do we carry on our ideals? How do we maintain
l Dr. Vijay Jotwani (1998) became a primary care sports medicine this reputation?
physician in Houston and team physician for the Houston Dash
From my experience in communications and PR, I would note two
and Rice University Owls.
key points:
l Dr. Brian Gantwerker (1997) became a neurosurgeon and
1. Do NOT share anything on social media if you have any
physician advisor at an industry-leading medical video game
reservations.
company.
2. For the most part, media does not care what you do—unless it’s
l Will Wolfe (2002) became a senior portfolio administrator at a
controversial—but they will care about you if you have a
Pennsylvania capital management firm.
compelling story to share. The great thing is that most people
l Martin Low (2002) founded and leads an outsourced human have incredible, inspirational stories, but they need someone
resources company in Kentucky. like me to flesh it out.
Better yet: All of the folks noted above are family men with solid During my time at Rho Chapter, I recall one article written about
marriages and wonderful children. I’m proud to call them brothers. our chapter in four years—and it was controversial because we
were forced to cancel our very popular haunted house at the last
I was a journalist for more than 20 years before launching my pub- minute due to a code violation. It certainly wasn’t our fault, but it
lic relations firm—BrEpic Communications LLC. It’s quickly taken was absolutely a story for media, and they did their job—fairly, I
off, and I have amazing clients around the country—from giant might add.
businesses to solopreneurs. I was originally introduced to one of
my great clients—a national IT firm—by a connection from Rho. I think it’s our responsibility as Theta Chis to promote and foster
I’ve also spoken to numerous other brothers about potentially part- all the amazing positive things happening with brothers in college,
nering with them to grow their businesses and brands through my and the ones who have become successes after graduation.
company’s unique way of writing interesting stories and pitching
For us to maintain this reputation, it takes all of us. And a Helping
those stories to media across the world.
Hand.
As a proud fraternity member who has built a thriving, growing
Justin Breen is married to Dr. Sarah Breen, a
business from scratch—and to see so many of my fellow Theta
pediatrician, and father to two truly great sons:
Chis achieve such epic success—it is difficult to see Greeks take a
Jake, 6, and Chase, 5. Breen is Founder/CEO
beating in the press seemingly week after week.
of BrEpic Communications LLC, a Chicago-
A reputation takes time to develop and can be difficult to maintain, based public relations firm with clients across
in particular, due to our ever-changing world. Founded on (my the United States. For more information, visit
birthday!) April 10, 1856, Theta Chi has been around for more than www.BrEpicLLC.com.
WWW. THETAC HI. OR G THE RATTL E /WI NTE R 2019 15ALPHA Heritage Club
Norwich Ronald C. Smith
Dear Brothers, Chase Council
Thomas W. Donaldson EPSILON
As another decade concludes and we begin 2020, Century Club WPI
Donald E. De Blieux Freeman Fellow
it’s amazing to see all that we have accomplished Brig. Gen. Paul F. James M. Melvin
together. During the past 10 years, The Foundation Kavanaugh (Ret.) Peter J. Mulvihill
Men Since ’56 Century Club
Chapter successfully completed a capital campaign Frederick M. Haynes Gerald R. Backlund
to endow an annual conference for Chapter Presi- Joseph F. Tine Joseph A. Gugliemino
Snake & Sword Dr. Allen H. Levesque
dents, supported efforts to move to the Fraternity’s Robert A. Meyer
John F. Bagley
new beautiful headquarters in Carmel, IN, and Emmanuel J. Pappas
BETA Norman J. Taupeka
provided nearly $4 million in academic scholar-
MIT James H. Torrey, Jr.
ships, leadership grants, and other financial Century Club Men Since ’56
support to Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc. The Founda- Capt. Sherman S. Powell James A. Alfieri
Frank A. Ruiz Andrew T. Bartley
tion Chapter was successful because of financial Men Since ’56 Donald J. Breda, Jr.
support from dedicated and generous alumni. I am grateful to each and William R. Freeman, Jr. Joseph A. Cappuccio
Snake & Sword Paul Chodak, III
every brother who gave to support Theta Chi. Michael J. Iassogna
David S. Baumgartner
Paul J. Landino
Founders Club
Harry B. Ogasian
We hope to continue this trend of excellence throughout the upcoming ’20s Mario A. Scott
Jonathan H. Tucker
so that we can meet the needs of our collegiate brothers as they face an Snake & Sword
GAMMA
William E. Lucas, III
ever-changing world and challenges that we could never fathom. However, Maine
Chairman’s Council Founders Club
despite these new trials that our young brothers face, constants remain Kenneth F. Beckley, Jr. Joseph R. Pilsbury
that are recognizable to all Theta Chi alumni: the need for financial aid; Richard S. Doyon
Freeman Fellow
ZETA
the need for leadership education and training; the need for mentorship New Hampshire
James C. Otis
and guidance; the need for a Helping Hand. We hope to count on your Century Club
Century Club Scott W. Lowe
consistent, constant support to equip our brothers with the scholarships and Jayson H. Bearce
Snake & Sword
Gary A. Henry
programming that they need to lead Theta Chi and their families, towns, John R. Dulude
Steven Sargent
John W. Hurney
cities, states, countries, and the world for decades to come. Men Since ’56 Kyle D. Rhoads
Blaine O. Plummer
Founders Club
David O. Werdin
William Koromhas
As you make your resolutions for the new year, we hope you resolve to Snake & Sword
give back to Theta Chi as you are able. We encourage you to use the Frank W. Amadon, III ETA
Paul T. Leonard Rhode Island
enclosed envelope or visit www.thetachi.org/give to make your year-end, Victor E. McGrath Chase Council
tax deductible gift to The Foundation Chapter. Donald E. Stowell Edward P. Foster
Founders Club Century Club
Col. Douglas W. Curtis, Jr. Thomas A. Pizza
We are Resolute Men who support future Resolute Men. Give the gift of Men Since ’56
brotherhood today! DELTA Brian W. Campbell
Troy, NY James L. Sullivan
Freeman Fellow David M. Walsh
Fraternally and Sincerely, Allan P. Walch
Snake & Sword
Chase Council Stuart R. Dexter
Nicholas Balogh, Jr. Col. Philip J. Saulnier
Century Club Founders Club
Paul A. Farrar, Jr. Neil J. Facchinetti
Lindsay Olsen
James W. Hamilton Marc A. Guerin
President John D. Haytaian James R. Sullivan
Robert G. Howland
The Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity Michael Testa, Jr.
Capt. F. Terry Jones
Gordon M. Kilby THETA
John R. Wetmiller Massachusetts
Men Since ’56 Century Club
John L. Brown Donald H. Baptiste, Jr.
Gerald E. Duffy Robert F. Ferrara
John J. Koziol Lee N. Goyette
Edward F. Williams, Jr. Men Since ’56
Founders Club James E. Bristol, Jr.
Philip S. Carroll Richard B. Stedt
Paul F. McLaughlin Dr. Howard D. Stowe
16 T H E RAT T L E / W I N TE R 2 0 1 9 W W W .T H ETACH I .O RG/ FOUNDATIONTheta Chi Honor Roll of Donors
Support for The Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi is vital to the development of our brothers throughout North
America. Your gifts provide scholarships to collegiate and graduate students and fund many of our leadership
education programs. This listing reflects gifts received between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019. Please join
thousands of other Theta Chis in supporting our brothers by making a gift at www.thetachi.org/give. You can also
mail a check with the envelope included in the center of this issue. Thank you for your Helping Hand!
Snake & Sword Century Club Founders Club John R. Koucky Snake & Sword
H. Neil Harris Douglas K. Goldwater John R. Grespin Edgar E. Lundeen, Jr. William J. Bozic, Jr. LIFETIME
Michael C. Moschos Donald Grinsfelder Richard D. Willy Rodney G.B. Clements GIVING LEVELS
Founders Club Michael D. Leonard OMICRON Snake & Sword James R. Eriksen (Level indicates lifetime
James G. Snider Richmond Derek E. Krueger
R. Craig DeWallace Kevin W. Baldwin giving total)
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Gerald F. McAvoy Woodruff A. Burt
Loring A. Wyllie, Jr. Dr. John S. Prince, Jr. Cmdr. Charles G. Sauls Presidents Circle
James J. Kelly, Jr.
IOTA Men Since ’56 Century Club Heritage Club $250,000+
Heritage Club
Colgate Garrett Blair Raymond K. Butler, Jr. Robert G. Justiss, Jr.
Neil L. Nelson Leadership Club
Men Since ’56 James K. Loebbecke Thomas L. Fendley
Frederick E. Holland
$100,000–$249,999
Patrick B. Eng Robert A. Meanza SIGMA UPSILON
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James M. Hughes Cameron W. Wolfe, Jr. Men Since ’56 Freeman Fellow Freeman Fellow $50,000–$99,999
Founders Club Snake & Sword John G. Cosby, Jr. K. Andrew McIntosh F. Barry Nelson Board of Visitors
Robert C. Leland Ethan M. Abbas James B. Frith, Jr. Century Club Chase Council $25,000–$49,999
Heritage Club Matthew J. McCarthy George H. Poffenberger Dr. James G. Bradsher Daniel R. Luthringshauser
William E. McGlashan Snake & Sword Charles D. Mosher Chairman’s Council
Kyle Coven Dr. Robert P. Renner
Erik D. Ridgley, CFA H. Wayne Biggs Gregory A. Parrott $10,000–$24,999
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Pennsylvania Founders Club William S. Warden Men Since ’56 Salvatore Masotto $5,000–$9,999
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Snake & Sword William D. Whisler Stephen B. Jolley Peter Baganakis
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LAMBDA Richard C. Goheen Harold E. Kline Men Since ’56
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TAU Freeman Fellow
Zacharias A. Kollias Century Club Men Since ’56 Florida Dr. James D. Hardwick Founders Club
Cal Organ Matthew M. Bloch Anthony F. Kern Chairman’s Council Dennis J. Vonasek $100–$249
Men Since ’56 Heritage Club Gilbert H. Ludwig J. Bruce Hoffmann Chase Council Heritage Club
Dale S. Coats John C. Dozier, Jr. Harold M. Shaw, III Chase Council James J. Wilhelm
Snake & Sword Lt. Col. Michael D. Tiller Lt. Col. William R. Jeffrey V. Caruso $99 and below
Waterman Century Club
Reginald Y. Haseltine Rodney A. Hammond
Snake & Sword Kim M. Gutenkunst
William R. Lang XI Timothy J. Joslin, CPA
Rev. Herbert A. Bevard Curtis J. Lesmeister
Peter H. Mitchell Virginia Joseph C. Moretta CHI
Rev. William W. Sherman, Daniel C. Murphy
Founders Club Chase Council Edmund G. Tubel Auburn
Steven J. Agosti, M.D. Jr. Men Since ’56
Stephen A. Fuchs Century Club Board of Visitors
Ronald J. Kochevar
Peter N. Moss Century Club Joseph E. Gazdak Patrick T. O’Connor
Michael E. Atwood
RHO Kelly J. Linster
Illinois Thomas L. Miller Chairman's Council
Cory C. Loveless
MU Gerald H. Barnes, CFA Kevin Reilly Joseph S. Couch
Freeman Fellow Monte R. Piper
California James N. Garrett, Jr. Thomas N. Richardson Chase Council
William A. Frey, III Snake & Sword
Chairman’s Council Robert W. McFarland Lester E. Segal David B. Amundsen
Thomas N. Thompson James B. Amann
G. Peter Lamb, III T. Howard Noel John S. Sherman, Jr. David O. Parrish
Joseph P. Renzetti Chase Council Troy L. Hedberg
Stanley F. Nielsen Christopher L. Thompson B. Harry Strack, Jr.
Dr. Richard E. Topping, Jr. James L. Munson David C. Miller
Freeman Fellow William A. Timmons James F. Turner, Jr.
Century Club Lowell C. Van Berkom
William T. Horton Men Since ’56 Men Since ’56 Century Club
John A. Caldwell Jason V. Bauer Heritage Club
Camden R. Hubbard Robert H. Cleveland Thomas S. Achey
James R. Hart Dale E. Eckerty Daniel J. Adamietz
Chase Council Michael H. Davidson Fielding D. Alderman
Neeley C. Lewis Richard M. Franks Anthony J. Clowe
Robert D. Britz Denny B. Dennison, CPA Phillip A. McPhail
Thomas P. Williams Rick A. Gimbel Derek J. Hatzenbuhler
George M. Clifford Emmett E. Holloway, Jr. John E. Miller
Henry F. Pierce, Jr.
Lowell Hickey Snake & Sword J. Gary Hoopes L. Noel Moore
Edward M. Jones, Jr. Men Since ’56
Dr. Stephen C. Jardin Carl C. Jansen, Jr. N. Kevin Tavakoli
Jon C. Schuck Douglas W. Houston
Richard C. Otter Dr. Craig S. Kluger
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