The Rattle of Theta Chi and Archways Magazine

Dear Theta Chi Brothers:

It was of interest to note in the above magazines the honors of several of our Theta Chi brothers.  In the winter addition of The Rattle on page 11, was a photo of Joel Brown (class of 2018) receiving the Theta Chi Resolute Man Award during Theta Chi’s annual convention.  On page 13 was a listing of Carter Lyons (2019) as the recipient of the Shug Jordon Award.  (More on this later.)  On page 28/29 was a story and photo of Gamma Phi brothers, Brad Ernesti and Craig Anglesey (both in the class of 2021) displaying their accounting awards from the Phi Beta Lamda National Conference, the college extension of the Future Business Leaders of America.

On to Archways Magazine:   Much of this winter addition was rightly dedicated to NWU President Dr. Fred Ohles, for his many contributions to Nebraska Wesleyan University with his leadership. Dr. Ohles will soon be retiring from that leadership position.  At the time of his hiring in 2007, Theta Chi brother Larry Ruth (1967) chaired the NWU Board of Governors and is quoted throughout this lead article.  (Larry also served as Chairman of the recent successful Bold Design Campaign.)  During the years of the Ohles administration the Greek System at NWU has thrived.  Membership is up and academically the GPA of the fraternities and sororities at NWU is above the all GPA average at the university and has been at the very top of all Greek Systems nationally!

The full page 32 of this addition of Archways is under the heading Student Pride to highlight “prestige scholars and awards.”  Pictured is Carter Lyons (2019) for his receipt of the aforementioned Shug Jordon Award from Theta Chi International for being the top student athlete in Theta Chi for his academic and record setting NWU Swim Team achievements.  Also, the article notes other recent Gamma Phi recipients: Derek Kay (2014), baseball; Connor Bohlken (2016) track; and Dan Novinski (2019) swimming.  This to me is amazing, in 4 out of the last 5 years, this singular recognition has been awarded to a brother at Gamma Phi out of the 8,100 Theta Chi undergraduates!

In the “Class Notes” section in Archways there were several news items regarding our alumni that received mention including:  Chuck Bagby, MD (1956) regarding his new book Nuggets from the Golden Age of Medicine:  Todd Sneller (1975) retiring after 40 years with the Nebraska Ethanol Board; Randy Harrington (1997) having been named Town Manager for Holly Springs, NC; David Joekel, formerly the Development Officer at NWU, is the new Director of Development for the Team Jack Foundation and Connor Bohlken (2016,) is a teacher at the Denver School of Science and Technology – Stapleton Campus.
With all of these positive happenings there is also some sad news to report.  Passing on to Chapter Eternal recently have been the following brothers:  Bob Anderson (1964); Bill Brown, Jr. (1955); Richard Funk (1964); Tex Harvey (1959); Gordon Marts (1951); Elroy Nelson (1957) and Dwight Ohs (1950)

The Theta Chi Fraternity House:  Our fraternity house is looking very good.  Steve Wylie (1965) and the Building Corporation board have done a fine job with the needed refurbishing of our property. The Alumni/Active Work Days each August have been beneficial.  The successful Mortgage Elimination Campaign in 2017 has given the actives financial latitude to fund general maintenance and smaller issue items.  However, there are some refurbishing projects on our 50+ year old house that will require professional workmanship.  A prime example would be the repainting of the large dining /living room area.  With the high ceilings, scaffolding will be required.  Alumni assistance for such projects, as with other fraternities and sororities is needed.  If you would like to be of assistance, please forward your gift to:

Dr. Trent Maly (2000) 
Secretary/Treasurer, Theta Chi Alumni Association-NWU 
747 S. 46^th Street, Lincoln, NE 68510
 
Also, brother Neal Thomas (1961) has assumed the role of President of the Theta Chi Scholarship Fund. Neal has added some excellent investment options.  If this would be your choice for assistance to our chapter, you may send your gift in support to Trent as well.
The “every other year” all Gamma Phi Reunion will be in Omaha this year, June 6-9.  It promises to be a good one!  More details will be forthcoming from Trent.
One of the rewards with my involvement in the Theta Chi Alumni Association has been the opportunity of getting to know many of young gentleman whom are currently at Wesleyan, and those that have passed through Gamma Phi.  They are a great group, and very bright.  As Theta Chi alumni we can be proud!

Fraternally,
Jerry
Gerald L. “Jerry” Clark (1960) 
President, Theta Chi Alumni Association-NWU, 913-648-7906

PS: Let me know if you have any questions or concerns and please remember Theta Chi in your “Legacy Planning.”
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