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The Order of Constantine · Eastern Illinois 1970

John R. Beeson

Bro. Beeson was initiated into the Kappa Kappa Chapter at the University of Illinois. After his return from the U.S. Army, he enrolled at Eastern Illinois University in 1969 and immediately became involved with the founding of the Lambda Sigma Chi local fraternity. Lambda Sigma Chi was formed with the express purpose of achieving a charter from Sigma Chi, which occurred on December 11, 1971. Bro. Beeson had already graduated from EIU in 1970 and was attending St. Louis University Law School, but he remained very involved with Lambda Sigma Chi and the new Eta Mu Chapter, even after he completed law school and re-enlisted in the U.S. Army as an officer in the Adjutant General Corps.

At the time of his induction into the Order of Constantine in 2004, Bro. Beeson had recently served as a member of the review and reactivation committees of the Omega Chapter at Northwestern University. He had retired from the Army and was a 20-year member of the Eta Mu House Corporation, serving briefly as its President. He was also a 15-year member of the Chicago and Chicago North Shore Alumni Chapters and had served as Vice President of the Chicago North Shore Alumni Chapter. He was inducted into the Order of Constantine at the Grand Council meeting at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, home of Sigma Chi’s Alpha Chapter.

Bro. Beeson was a Life Loyal Sig.

The Order of Constantine · Eastern Illinois 1972

James E. Getz

Bro. Getz was initiated as a Charter Member of Eta Mu Chapter on December 11, 1971. He was in the Alpha Pledge Class of Lambda Sigma Chi and served as its Magister during the 1970–71 academic year. He was Pro Consul of the Eta Mu Chapter when the chapter was installed during his senior year at EIU. Bro. Getz was presented with the Illinois Province Balfour Award by Grand Praetor Ed King in 1972.

At the time of his induction into the Order of Constantine in 2004, Bro. Getz was a 29-year Trustee of the Eta Mu House Corporation, having served most of those years as President and later as Vice President/Secretary. During his tenure as President, he was instrumental in the purchase of “The Barn” at 1617 Ninth Street, the first Eta Mu chapter house owned by the Eta Mu House Corporation. Bro. Getz and Bro. Dick Berry, the House Corporation Treasurer, personally guaranteed the mortgage loan.

Beginning in 1972, Bro. Getz also served for seven years on the Magister faculty at the fraternity’s annual Balfour Leadership Training Workshop. In 2004, Bro. Getz was also an 18-year active member of the Chicago North Shore Alumni Chapter, a tenure that has extended beyond 35 years. He was inducted into the Order of Constantine at the Grand Council meeting at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, home of Sigma Chi’s Alpha Chapter.

Bro. Getz is a Life Loyal Sig and a Significant Sig.

The Order of Constantine · Eastern Illinois 1981

William B. Leonard

Bro. Leonard was initiated into the Eta Mu Chapter as a member of the Nu Pledge Class in 1976. He was a Trustee of the Eta Mu House Corporation from 1996 to 2006 and is a 30-year member of the Chicago DuPage Alumni Chapter. The success of the alumni chapter is largely due to the work and long devotion of Bro. Leonard. At the time of his induction into the Order of Constantine in 2012, he was well into his 15-year tenure as President of the Chicago DuPage Alumni Chapter. Bro. Leonard was also a recipient of the Seven Lights Alumni Award in 2011 for his outstanding volunteer service to the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Bro. Leonard is a Life Loyal Sig.

The Order of Constantine · Eastern Illinois 1984

Kevin M. Pierce

Bro. Pierce was initiated into the Eta Mu Chapter as a member of the Alpha Zeta Pledge Class in 1983. He served as a Trustee of the Eta Mu House Corporation from 1990 to 2025, including five years as Vice President/Secretary and eight years as Treasurer. He also served Eta Mu as its Chapter Advisor for five years.

Bro. Pierce served as Chapter Advisor to the Sigma Chi chapter at Southern Illinois University from its colonization through its installation. For many years, he has played a critical role in initiations at numerous Sigma Chi chapters throughout Illinois. He received the Seven Lights Alumni Award in 2013 for his service to the Sigma Chi Fraternity and was inducted into the Order of Constantine in 2016.

Bro. Pierce is a Life Loyal Sig.

Significant Sig · Eastern Illinois 1983 · Tau Pledge Class

William P. “Robbie” Robertson

Bro. Robertson was initiated into the Eta Mu Chapter as a member of the Tau Pledge Class on March 17, 1979. He left EIU and finished his bachelor’s degree at Bradley University in his hometown of Peoria, Illinois.

At the time of his selection as a Significant Sig in 2021, Bro. Robertson was a Brigadier General in the Illinois Air National Guard (ANG), serving the last of his five-year tour as the ANG Assistant to the Commander of the 12th Air Force, based out of Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona. He provided direction and advice concerning ANG-specific programs to all ANG units supporting the 12th Air Force/Air Force Southern, the air and space component of U.S. Southern Command responsible for operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Bro. Robertson began his military career in 1980 by enlisting as a security police officer with the 182d Tactical Air Group in Peoria. Upon his graduation from Bradley University in 1983, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and underwent pilot training. During his 40-year career in the U.S. Air Force and ANG, he logged over 4,800 flight hours with qualifications in numerous airframes, including the F-16 and C-130 aircraft. He served as a forward air controller, air liaison officer, aircraft commander, and operations group commander before becoming the 182d Airlift Wing Commander (2004–2017). In that role, he was responsible for maintaining the combat readiness of eight C-130 aircraft and more than 1,200 traditional and full-time Illinois Air National Guardsmen.

Bro. Robertson was mobilized for Operation Desert Storm and again during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as Chief of Staff, Illinois Air National Guard, from 2017 to 2020. He also served as Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency from March 2018 to January 2019.

Bro. Robertson received many awards during his military career, including the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Air Medal. His community service includes serving as a board member of the Peoria YMCA, Peoria Goodwill, and Peoria High School Alumni Association.

Bro. Robertson is a Life Loyal Sig.

Significant Sig · Eastern Illinois 1987 · Alpha Eta Pledge Class

Sean Payton

Bro. Payton pledged the Fraternity with 19 other brothers of the Alpha Eta Pledge Class. He was initiated into the Eta Mu Chapter on April 21, 1984, and graduated from EIU in 1987.

Bro. Payton was selected as a Significant Sig in 2007 in recognition of his career as a collegiate player and professional football coach. At the time of his selection, he was Head Coach of the New Orleans Saints. He later guided the Saints to their Super Bowl XLIV victory in February 2010, with fellow Significant Sig Drew Brees (Purdue University 2001) at quarterback.

Before coaching, Bro. Payton had a brief stint as a quarterback in the National Football League. His coaching career began as Co-Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at Miami University in Ohio, home of Sigma Chi’s Alpha Chapter. His NFL coaching positions included Assistant Head Coach and Quarterbacks Coach for the Dallas Cowboys, Offensive Coordinator for the New York Giants when they appeared in Super Bowl XXXV, and Quarterbacks Coach with the Philadelphia Eagles. He later became Head Coach of the Denver Broncos. After leading Denver to the AFC Championship Game following the 2025 season, he signed a new contract through 2030.

At Eastern Illinois University, Bro. Payton was the starting quarterback for the Panthers and set many team passing and offensive records. A few remain in place today. Several were eventually eclipsed by Tony Romo and Jimmy Garoppolo, who both went on to NFL careers.

Significant Sig · Eastern Illinois 1999 · Beta Lambda Pledge Class

Ryan Pace

Bro. Pace was initiated into the Eta Mu Chapter as a member of the Beta Lambda Pledge Class on May 2, 1998. At the time of his selection as a Significant Sig in 2019, Bro. Pace was the general manager of the NFL’s Chicago Bears, who were the 2018 NFC North Division champions. When the Bears hired him in 2015, he was the youngest general manager in the NFL. In 2018, the Bears extended his contract through 2021.

Bro. Pace started his NFL career as an operations assistant for the New Orleans Saints. Over the next 14 years, he rose to become the Saints’ Director of Player Personnel. During that time, the Saints reached the NFL playoffs five times and won Super Bowl XLIV. Bro. Pace was named Sporting News Executive of the Year for 2018.

Significant Sig · Eastern Illinois 1971

Charles R. “Doc” Maris, M.D.

Bro. Maris was a founding member of Lambda Sigma Chi and initiated as a Charter Member of Eta Mu Chapter. At the time of his selection as a Significant Sig in 2020, Bro. Maris had recently retired from a long dual career in medicine and the military. After graduating from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1975, Bro. Maris earned dual board certification in General Surgery and Otolaryngology (Head & Neck Surgery). He started his medical career in private practice in the Charleston area while being elected to multiple staff leadership positions at Sarah Bush Lincoln Medical Center, including President of the Medical Staff. He left private practice in 1996 to join the Carle Clinic Association, where he became the Regional Medical Director, Medical Director of Pathology & Radiology, and Medical Director of Surgical Services. He also served as an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and the Carle Illinois College of Medicine.

Bro. Maris’ civilian medical career is only half of his story. He also served an equally distinguished career as a citizen soldier. After 34 years of reserve and active duty in the U.S. Army, he retired at the rank of Colonel in 2014 and was honored with the Legion of Merit. While in the reserves, he served in multiple capacities, including Surgeon, Chief of Surgical Services, Deputy Command Surgeon, and Command Surgeon. When mobilized for active duty, Bro. Maris served as Assistant Chief of Surgery for the 159th MASH in Saudi Arabia and Iraq during Operation Desert Storm in 1990–91.

Bro. Maris’ community involvement is extensive and varied. Besides donating his time to provide medical services in the Charleston area, he has served on the boards of Charleston Public Schools, the Chamber of Commerce, and the EIU Foundation. Most notable of all his community involvement, however, has been his active role in the Boy Scouts of America, as well as his support of BSA Philanthropy. His appointments and positions are numerous.

In 2021, Bro. Maris was presented with a Distinguished Alumnus Award by Eastern Illinois University. His other recognitions are numerous, including Who’s Who in America in 2000 and the Order of Military Medical Merit in 2004.

Significant Sig · Eta Mu Chapter

Chuck Willes

Bro. Willes was selected as a Significant Sig in 2026. A member of Eta Pledge Class, he was initiated May 4, 1974. He affiliated with Kappa Kappa Chapter at the University of Illinois while earning an MBA in Finance and an MS in Accounting.

A Certified Public Accountant, Bro. Willes built a distinguished career as an executive, entrepreneur and board member. He also led entrepreneurial start-ups, acquisitions and financial turnarounds. At KPMG Peat Marwick, he specialized in bank taxation, developed the first bank acquisition software program and advised on hundreds of bank mergers. At Northern Trust and Westpac, he advised on more than $1 billion in client funding. At Motorola, he negotiated start-up joint ventures with Sprint and Bell Canada for Iridium, Inc.’s satellite phone system, plus ventures with local entities in the Middle East, South America, Taiwan and Mexico. He was also responsible for St. Petersburg Telecom, one of Russia’s first cell phone companies.

Bro. Willes’ leadership roles included Dial Info., which sold for $100 million; Hallcrest, a specialty chemical company; ISCO International, which he helped move from near bankruptcy to a public listing valued above $400 million; and Sunterra, where he advised on its NASDAQ listing before its $700 million sale. He then founded Field Connections, LLC and MB Property Inspection Services, LLC, default property management companies for banks and other mortgage holders that managed more than $4 billion in defaulted properties. He also built a Chicago-area residential cleaning business through numerous acquisitions. Collectively, the companies generated more than $200 million in revenue.

Beyond his business ventures, Bro. Willes served as a foster parent through Catholic Charities and played for the Chicago Dragons amateur ice hockey team, which competed for the North American Amateur Hockey League championship in 1989. A licensed Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), he works with EMS RoadDocs, providing medical support for charity rides and walks in the Chicago area.

Significant Sig · Eastern Illinois 1972 · 2017

J. Thomas Long

Bro. Long was initiated as a Charter Member of Eta Mu Chapter on December 11, 1971. He was in the Alpha Pledge Class of Lambda Sigma Chi and served as its Quaestor. He was Consul when Eta Mu received its charter. At the time of his selection as a Significant Sig in 2017, Bro. Long was counsel for the Phoenix, Sandburg and Von Gontard law firm of St. Louis, Missouri, and managed their office in Alton, Illinois. He received his J.D. degree in 1976 and became a C.P.A. in 1980, concentrating on corporate planning and taxation, and business transactions and litigation. Bro. Long was a co-founder and CEO of the Argosy Gaming Company, which operated the first riverboat casino in Illinois and expanded under his leadership to gaming facilities in six states with over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 4,000 employees. Bro. Long went on to become Chairman of the Board of First National Bank of Grant Park, Illinois, and its associated holding company, Grant Park Bankshares, Inc., with $178 million in assets. In 2000, he moved on to a new challenge, becoming a private investor and owner of numerous small businesses ranging from $2 million to $50 million in annual revenues and employing over 500 people nationwide.

Bro. Long had a long history of community involvement and leadership. He served his hometown of Godfrey, Illinois, on the Community Planning and Development Committee and as Village Attorney. He was also Past President of the Southwestern Illinois Employers Association and the Riverbend Growth Association. He was on the Board of Directors and was Past President of the Lewis and Clark Community College Foundation. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center Foundation in Alton, Illinois. St. Anthony’s Health Center is the premier hospital in the Alton area.

Bro. Long also served the nation as a volunteer member of President George W. Bush’s advance team for presidential trips to Hungary, Korea, Latvia, Mexico, Poland, and Russia.

Bro. Long was a Life Loyal Sig.

Significant Sig · Eastern Illinois 1986 · 2020

Kevin Klauer, D.O.

Bro. Klauer was initiated into the Eta Mu Chapter as a member of the Alpha Zeta Pledge Class on December 3, 1983. At the time of his selection as a Significant Sig in 2020, Bro. Klauer was CEO of the American Osteopathic Association. Bro. Klauer previously was Chief Medical Officer for Hospital-Based Services, Chief Risk Officer, and Executive Director of Patient Safety at TeamHealth. Bro. Klauer also worked as an emergency medicine physician. During his career, Bro. Klauer has won more than 30 awards and published seven books. He also has 19 journal and peer-reviewed publications to his credit.

Significant Sig · Eastern Illinois 1971

Paul J. Ward

Significant Sig · Founding Member · Eta Mu Chapter

Jim Getz ’72