The History of Lambda Sigma Chi (Colony founded Eta Mu)

The following text was transcribed by Kelly Munson from pages found in a box of old Eta Mu Chapter documents by Gary Munson. The author of the document was not listed nor at the time that this was transcribed could one be found.

After being recreated electronically, the document was sent to John Beeson for his input. In general, he felt the unknown brother’s description was, “…actually, very well done…at least it is well done considering my time there”.

I have made updates based on John’s suggestions and noted them as best as possible. Otherwise, aside from some grammatical changes, it is as was originally transcribed by my daughter.

I’m sure there other of our founders that may have their own recollections which may differ from this version.  If anyone feels they have a significant update and/or correction, feel free to contact me to discuss possible updates.

Otherwise, enjoy the history of Lambda Sigma Chi,

“Germanitas Et Hones”

In Hoc Signo Vinces,

Gary Munson

Zeta Pledge Class

This is the History of Lambda Sigma Chi. It’s more than a story, for it is the end result of the efforts of a body of men in founding and building a fraternity. In founding and building a fraternity, the Fathers of this organization were a diverse group of men with varied feelings but common ideals.

In the period since the Fraternity’s founding, up to the point of this writing, an evolutionary process has been in effect. What you see around you now is but one stage in that continuing evolution. But at the start, Lambda Sigma Chi was just a group of men.

The fraternity began as an idea in the minds of several men; most notably Brother William L. Miller, Jr. Brother Miller was attending Eastern Illinois University during the Summer Quarter of 1969. With the idea of helping to found a fraternity, whose future purpose was to become a chapter of Sigma Chi International Fraternity, Brother Miller sought out the aid and advice of a Sigma Chi, John R. Beeson.

Mr. Beeson was an alum of the Kappa Kappa Chapter of Sigma Chi at the University of Illinois. He had recently entered Eastern Illinois University to complete his undergraduate degree after finishing his military service in the Army. Enlisting the aid of the Sigma Chi, Brother Miller began corresponding with the National Headquarters of Sigma Chi. By the time their preliminary correspondence was answered, The Summer Quarter had ended and the Fall Quarter had begun.

Within a few short weeks of the start of the 1969-70 academic year, Brother Miller and others began discussions on the responsibilities of founding a fraternity, and moreover, the one that would outshine all others on Eastern’s campus; for to become Sigma Chi, a local fraternity must be started and operating on its own two feet. Little were these men to realize the long and arduous road ahead of them. 

More discussions were held, informal, but in the greatest of secrecy. After four weeks of these intensive meetings, these men realized what their next step had to be. Somehow, in some manner, a selection had to be made from all those interested in this new fledging group. It was decided that the officers, who had been serving in a temporary capacity, would serve as the selection committee. Each man interested in becoming a Founding Father had to pass under the close scrutiny of the Executive Board. Each was made to answer difficult and sometimes puzzling questions; questions such as: “What is Brotherhood?” and “What is a Fraternity?” When all had passed before the Executive Board, each man was voted on. The most important factors considered were: his character; what he had to offer the Fraternity; and most important of all, was he worthy of being called a “Founding Father?” After the votes had been totaled, these men were to be 

the Founding Fathers of Lambda Sigma Chi:

Raymond Amadei  Waukegan

Ken Aubens Morton Grove

Mark Beemer Washington

John Beeson Paris

Dick Berry Taylorville

Ron Bimslager Wood River

Doug Caldwell Vandalia

Nick Cooley Mt. Vernon

Doug Dyher Springfield

Randy England Mt. Zion

Don Garmon Hoopeston

Vern Gay  East St. Louis

Kevin Green Fithian

Phillip Groebe Lockport

Bob Jones  Corssville

Jerry Mascitti Chicago Heights

Chuck Maris Rochelle

Ray Martin Macon

Bill Miller Peoria

Brian Moore Downers Grove

Dennis Roberts Villa Park

Greg Schneider Elgin

Phillip Shelton Mt. Zion

Tom Smith  Polo

Lynn Turner Peoria

Paul Ward  Deerfield

On November 17, 1969, these 26 men met in the Altgeld Room of the University Union. It was the first closed meeting of Lambda Sigma Chi. Only those who had passed the Executive Board were admitted; they were the Founding Fathers.

From this point on many paths were taken. A constitution, started before the Founding Date, was near completion and new officers were nominated for election the following week. There were plans made to design a crest, take a pledge class, and above all, chose a name. The Founders knew they had to organize and work hard for all of these goals.

A week later, the new officers were elected:

Consul: Ray Amadei

Pro Consul: Tom Smith

Quaestor: Paul Ward

Annotator: Chuck Maris

At the same meeting, the completed constitution was presented, revised, and in the ensuing weeks, ratified. It was the work of Brothers Phil Groebe, Doug Caldwell, and Doug Dyher. Lambda Sigma Chi became our name and “Germanitas et Hones” our motto. Meanwhile Brother Ray Amadei, Bill Miller, and Brian Moore were designing a crest for the Fraternity. Utilizing a volume on heraldic art, the symbols of the Fraternity were put in the crest. The first design was far too complicated and its meanings made our ideas too obscure. Within a few days a new design was proposed and the Fraternity had its crest.

The Fall Quarter of 1969 drew rapidly to a close and the Fathers of Lambda Sigma Chi turned from the building of a Fraternity to the building of grades. Following the Thanksgiving break much was still ahead of them. Their petition to the EIU Interfraternity Council for colony status outweighed most other problems.

Lambda Sigma Chi’s petition was complicated by several conditions of the period. The previous spring, the IFC had accepted an organization as a Greek Colony, but the organization failed to live up to the expectations of IFC. Furthermore, many of the Greek houses were suffering from financial difficulties and there was doubt amongst many of them as to whether EIU could support another Greek house. Following many meetings with university officials and IFC and Lambda Sig officers, the Fraternity received its colony status. Thereafter, until the Fraternity’s acceptance as a full member of the IFC in the spring, the Lambda Sigma Chi Fraternity followed a treacherous neutral path in Greek politics at Eastern. 

For the first time, during the Winter Quarter of 1969-70, Lambda Sigma Chi was to take its first pledge class. This in itself posed a problem to the Fraternity. Each active knew that the pledges were the life blood of any Greek house, but none of them had ever organized a smoker before. In addition, the Fraternity did not have its own house in which to hold the smoker. However, true to the Fraternity’s new image, the Lambda Sigs pulled a first. Under the guidance of student advisor John Beeson, and the chairmanship of Brother Mark Beemer, the Fraternity’s first smoker was held at the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority house. Following the Fraternity’s first smoker, came its first hash session, and a week later, its first Formal Pledge Night. 

The first pledge class of the Lambda Sigma Chi Fraternity was to be designated “Alpha Class.” On that first Formal Pledge Night, each Founding Father became a man worthy of respect and, more important, a man worthy of his own responsibility—that of being looked upon with respect and trust. The Alpha Class was under the guidance of Magister Richard Berry. 

The members of the Alpha Class were:

Bruce Bennyhoff Vandalia

Greg Bennett Findlay

Tom Cooling Peoria

Bill Ettinger Taylorville

James Getz Findlay

Russell Guimond Manteno

Ron Hagenow Manteno

Jim Jefford Decatur

Cliff Kaltinger Elmhurst

John Kennedy Pana

Tom Long Manteno

Steve Parsons Gibson City

Jim Stewart Springfield

Marc Utterbach Gibson City

In other areas, the Fraternity was not lacking, for work towards Sigma Chi was in full swing. Much correspondence had resulted since the Founding Date, and during Christmas break of 1969, many of the brothers had visited Sigma Chi Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois. The Fraternity was active in intramural athletics, participating in volleyball, basketball, riflery, tennis, and track. Participation in campus activities didn’t end there. Many of the brothers shared their time with dormitory government, the University Council for the United Nations, and the University Radio Station, just to name a few.

The Spring Quarter of 1970 was beginning and the Fraternity set new goals and reaffirmed old ones. If one were to try to summarize the Fraternity’s purpose during that Spring Quarter, it was to “make themselves known.” It was then that Lambda Sigma Chi took the Old Fellows Home in Matton as its general public service project. The pledges and brothers washed windows, neatened the grounds, and helped to brighten the lives of those in the home. From the standpoint of Sigma Chi, the Fraternity received its first visit from Mr. Edward King, Praetor of the Illinois Province of Sigma Chi. Later that same quarter, Fred Yoder visited from Sigma Chi’s national headquarters. Even so, the Fraternity was facing its most arduous period. There seemed to be something missing in Lambda Sigma Chi’s Greek heritage…a unique identity. The end product of this analysis was the Fraternity Initiation. Much work, revision, and finally, practice went into what became the First Initiation. The exact date of that First Initiation is unimportant. What is significant was the change it brought in the Brotherhood. Each man underwent a deep self-examination and a charge of his responsibilities. From this emerged a common identity and a new strength, which was to carry the Founding Fathers and the Fraternity towards their goals.

Shortly thereafter, Eastern’s newest Fraternity faced the annual EIU Greek Week activities. From the various athletic events, the Lambda Sigs pulled a respectable fifth position in overall competition. Most notable was a fourth place finish in the Tug-Of-War. Still, there was more in store.

The First Annual Sweetheart Formal was held at the Kaskaskia Country Club. Brothers, pledges, and their guests, as well as the Fraternity’s advisors, were in attendance. It was here that a high honor was given to the Fraternity by the attendance of Eastern Illinois University President, Quincy Doudna and his wife. The highlight of the evening was the announcement and crowning of our first Sweetheart, Miss Pam Vannoy.

For a year’s work, Lambda Sigma Chi “Had Arrived.”

As Spring Quarter 1970 drew to a close, the men of Lambda Sigma Chi began preparations for their second year of operation. New Officers were elected and, at the last meeting of the quarter, took office for the 1970-71 year. They were:

Consul: Jim Stewart

Pro Consul: Dick Berry

Quaestor: Tom Long

Annotator: Russ Guimond

Magister: Jim Getz

During the summer months, the Lambda Sigs were not idle. Monthly meetings were held to discuss progress towards the goal of becoming a Sigma Chi Chapter as was other pertinent business. Our local chapter was also fortunate enough to attend Sigma Chi’s Leadership Training Workshop at Ball State University. Our representatives were Tom Long, Jim Getz, Russ Guimond and Jim Stewart.

The second year of Lambda Sigma Chi began with a new problem facing the brothers—moving into a fraternity house. Ten days of hard work resulted in the conversion of a crude house into a home for the brotherhood. Each man contributed to this unified effort to create a house that would instill a sense of pride and worthy accomplishment in every brother. At this time, a new figure entered into the history of Lambda Sigma chi; she was Alice Lockwood, housemother. A more perfect thing could not have happened to the fraternity. “Mom” Lockwood learned along with the 16 men in the house how to live in a fraternity house. Those in the house enjoyed Mom’s home cooking and all appreciated the friendly atmosphere of our own house.

A house gave Lambda Sigma Chi a more concrete position in the Greek community of EIU. Water fights and T.P. raids marked the fraternity’s first weeks in their house. The sororities had found the home of Lambda Sigma Chi.

There was no time for rest as the brothers continued their work towards Sigma Chi. Plans were made to visit each of the Sigma Chi chapters in Illinois. Area Sigma Chi alums were notified of the plans of Lambda Sigma Chi. The big push had begun.

Plans for the first annual Derby Days were made and the week of October 24th thru 31stwas designated as “Derby Days.” The six sororities on Eastern’s campus participated with great spirit and enthusiasm. The week was filled with excitement; the sight of derbies (of course) and the sounds of sororities—each one trying to outdo the other for spirit. To say the least, Derby Days was a tremendous success. A crucial step for Lambda Sigma chi had been taken.

As the Fall Quarter drew to a close, it was clear that it was a most crucial quarter in the life of the young fraternity. The fraternity was stronger and growing in spirit every day. The growth of the members was seen as important but not a necessity. The important thing was consistency in selection of pledges and a slow measured increase in numbers. Quality, and not numbers, was the key to the rush program of Lambda Sigma Chi. The keeping of the ideals of the fraternity were more important now than they had ever been.

The fraternity entered the Winter Quarter of 1970-71 faced with the challenge of a new rush program to be used on Eastern’s campus. The old, “formal” system for fraternities was discarded in favor of the “open rush” system. Open rush allows for continuous rush throughout the year. Men could be pledged at any time during the school year. Lambda Sigma Chi responded by taking 11 responsible pledges. 

The Winter Quarter was a busy quarter for Lambda Sigma Chi. The brothers maintained their high scholastic standing by finishing first in grades in the fraternity division for the second quarter in a row. Lambda Sigma Chi also finished far above the all men’s average as they had done every quarter since their founding. Early in February, the brothers sponsored their first annual “Dads’ Day,” which was a complete success. It was the first time the brothers had a chance to show their fathers what the fraternity was really like.

With the onset of the Spring Quarter, activities and events seemed to multiply. The second annual Sweetheart Formal was held in Effingham at the Holiday Inn. After an evening of dinner and dancing, Miss Donna Verkler was crowned our new Sweetheart. Once again, Greek Games were upon us and it was the first year that Lambda Sigma Chi participated in all of the events. Following Greek Sing, the Lambda Sigs took home two scholarship trophies. The first belonged to Brother Russ Guimond for the highest grade point over the past three quarters of any fraternity man. The second trophy went to the house for first place among all fraternities on campus.

Later that same Sunday evening, April 25, 1971, Mr. Fred Yoder visited us. He brought with him the news that the Executive Committee of Sigma Chi had met and voted in favor of permitting Lambda Sigma Chi to petition. This petition would be written after the favorable investigation by Nip Landry in May.

Once again elections were held, with the following results:

Consul: Tom long

Pro Consul: Jim Getz

Quaestor: Russ Guimond

Annotator: Ron Hagenow

Magister: Jim Stewart

During the summer months, the men of Lambda Sigma Chi continued to strive for Sigma Chi. A petitioning booklet was prepared and mailed out to all active and alumni chapters of Sigma Chi International Fraternity. The goal that was set just over a year ago by the founders was becoming more of a reality. Again, we were invited to Sigma Chi’s Leadership Training Workshop in DeKalb, Illinois at N.I.U. Tom Long, Jim Getz, Russ Guimond, Ron Hagenow and Ken Aubens were representatives.

The Fall Quarter was to be very eventful for the brothers as was to be found out later. There was full participation in all intramurals with many of the Lambda Sigs placing in the University Championships. At the end of the quarter, the brothers found themselves in third place in the fraternity division. Fall Quarter also meant the second annual Derby Days, held in late September. Despite some bad weather, the men of Lambda Sigma Chi were able to pull off another very successful and enjoyable week.

Possibly the greatest news that Lambda Sigma Chi could have asked for came on the afternoon of October 31, 1971. After a 90 day voting period by the active and alumni chapters of Sigma Chi, a near unanimous vote showed in favor of Lambda Sigma Chi to become the 157th active undergraduate chapter of Sigma Chi. Needless to say, the brothers celebrated appropriately. Then, on November 3, 1971, the men of Lambda Sigma Chi became pledge brothers of Sigma Chi. During this period, the pledge brothers studied and learned the necessary material to pass the Sigma Chi test to become eligible for membership in Sigma Chi. The week of December 4th to 11th was designated as “Indoctrination Week.” During this week, each brother grew together through the experiences, the activities, and the discussions they shared that led up to Initiation. December 11, 1971 is a night ever Lambda Sigma Chi will remember. For on that night, they received Eta Mu’s charter to become Sigma Chi’s 157th active undergraduate chapter, and the Illinois Province’s 5th member. What had started out as a dream by 26 men became a reality to the 58 charter members.

But this is not the end; it is only the beginning of the history of Eta Mu Chapter.