From the heartwarming stories file:
In 1950, while a student at the University of North Texas, Jack Marr became a member the Falcon Fraternity, a local organization which was hoping to join a national organization. After graduating in 1952, Marr was called into the Army and sent to participate in the Korean War effort. About the same time that he was across the Pacific, the Falcons became a chapter of Kappa Sigma.
Once he returned, he was busy with a wife, a growing family, and a career. When the current Kappa Sig chapter president, Miguel Pulido, heard about Marr’s situation, he and the chapter officers sought permission to finally initiate Marr as a member of the fraternity.
When the chapter’s latest new member class was initiated, Marr was included in the group. And although he was old enough to be their great-grandfather, he was just as excited as they were. Marr said in an interview to the local television station,”It’s just been in my heart forever and I finally achieved it today. It’s a thrill, it’s a genuine thrill,” (to view the television feature see http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Korean-War-Vet-Inducted-into-UNT-Kappa-Sigma-Frat-300549401.html)
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Here’s another heartwarming story, and it’s also about a Kappa Sigma, one who is balancing a lot of things, including fraternity membership. My feeling is not an anomaly, there are many more like him in chapters and campuses all over the country. http://virtual-rebel.com/2015/04/27/aspiring-neurosurgeon-already-making-an-impact-at-unlv/
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An article on the 20th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombings featured Omega Delta Phi members Brian and Ivan Martinez and their family. http://m.ocolly.com/news/article_a1a0a64c-e70c-11e4-9449-bbb344336a80.html?mode=jqm
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The fraternity and sorority members who were lobbying Congress are leaving DC as I am writing this, but I want to thank them for their efforts. The FSPAC and undergraduate GLO leaders urged the passage of the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (CHIA) which would make contributions for student housing fully deductible under the law. If the bill is passed, raising funds to renovate and upgrade chapter housing, most of which was built decades and decades ago, would become much easier. At this point, most contributions to update housing are not tax-deductible. Many thanks to those staff members, volunteers, and student leaders who gave of their time to work on behalf of the GLO system.
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Kappa Alpha Theta and the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are celebrating 25 years together. Since 1990, CASA has been Theta’s official philanthropy. To read more about Theta and CASA’s partnership, see a video which brought tears to my eyes, see https://www.kappaalphatheta.org/learnabouttheta/philanthropy/casa/index.cfm?from=HomeHeaderLink.
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Happy Founders’ Day Theta Phi Alpha! On August 30, 1912, Theta Phi Alpha was founded at the University of Michigan. Although founded on August 30, Theta Phi Alpha celebrates Founders’ Day on April 30, the Feast Day of St. Catherine of Siena.* St. Catherine is the patroness of the organization and her motto, “Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring, ” is Theta Phi Alpha’s motto as well.
One of the most well-known Theta Phi Alpha members of today has dedicated her life to the betterment of the GLO community. She has also been a dedicated Theta Phi Alpha in many roles including National President; she continues to be a role model, mentor, and cheerleader for her Theta Phi Alpha, NPC and the GLO world. Mari Ann Callais describes herself in her LinkedIn profile, “I love working with people and challenging them to meet their potential. I am a writer, facilitator, presenter, musician, and someone who enjoys change.” And she’ll be speaking at the Pi Beta Phi Convention this summer.
Mari Ann Callais and the 2015 AFLV room key with her picture on it.
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Beta Sigma Phi, although it has Greek letters, is primarily a community organization. The sorority was founded April 30, 1931 in Abilene, Kansas, by book salesman Walter W. Ross. The organization was first called “The National ‘What to Read’ Club.” According to a 1938 article by Ross’ lawyer, Ross formed Beta Sigma Phi because “he felt that the need for educational opportunity and the field for its development among young women was large. And, then, Beta Sigma Phi just grew! And as it matured, Walter Ross grew with it.”
According to the organization’s website Beta Sigma Phi chapters “average 10 – 15 women, meet in members’ homes either once or twice a month depending on the format of the chapter. Cultural programs are held to encourage personal growth, whether it’s to overcome shyness through group interaction, while members holding officer positions enhance their leadership skills.” There are chapters in other countries including Australia and Germany and several at colleges, including community colleges. Beta Sigma Phi is a non-profit organization, although it has a contract with Walter W. Ross & Company; the company manages of all its business affairs.
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* Saint Catherine was canonized in 1461. From 1597 until 1628, the feast of Saint Catherine of Siena was celebrated on April 29, the date she died. In 1628, due to a conflict with the feast of Saint Peter of Verona, hers was moved to April 30. In 1969, the Catholic Church reinstated her feast date as April 29.
© Fran Becque, www.fraternityhistory.com, 2015. All Rights Reserved. If you enjoyed this post, please sign up for updates. Also follow me on twitter @GLOHistory and Pinterest www.pinterest.com/glohistory/
