Theta Xi Fraternity News










November 2011


President's Perspective...

Brotherhood Across the Ages and Miles


“Joy is not in things, it is in us.”
― Benjamin Franklin

As we transition from the relaxing time of spending Thanksgiving with friends and family over a big meal to the more hectic schedule associated with the Christmas Holiday, my wife and I recently had our annual conversation about what we wanted for the holidays this year. 

We have been blessed in many ways, including our jobs, which have been steady and provide a comfortable living where we are able to address our daily needs and have a lot of our “wants” met too.  As in years past, our lists have boiled down to identifying travel opportunities to enjoy the holidays with others, as we get significant joy, satisfaction, and lasting memories just by spending time with family and friends, rather than having material items.  So this year, we will be traveling again so we both can see family, as well as spend time with our fraternity and sorority friends.  And, there will be my annual trip to the Theta Xi Leadership Academies in St. Louis in mid-January.

However, I do feel like Christmas has come early and Thanksgiving seems to be a daily occurrence for me this year, because I have been able to reconnect with many Theta Xi Brothers and cross paths with several Brothers I have never met before in just the past four months.  Of course, it started with Theta Xi’s National convention in August, which is always a good reunion, but with the recent recolonization of the Kappa Phi Chapter at Western Carolina University, I have gotten reacquainted with many Kappa Phi alumni, including past National President Fred Hinson (1976 – ’78), Kappa Phi 113.  I have also gotten to meet Nelson Kirk, Kappa Phi 2, who originally helped start the chapter in 1958.  

Just a month ago, I got to catch up with 14 of my Alpha Iota Chapter Brothers from Kansas State University, although it was for the sad occasion of a funeral for the son of my Big Brother, Joe Karlin, Alpha Iota 573, but it was nice to see the Bonds of Brotherhood and support still as strong as ever 20+ years since our initiation.  I have also had the pleasure to get a phone call from Stan Cadow, Beta Pi 209, after a five year hiatus and meet Mark Hamilton, Alpha Omicron 750, who was one of several who joined us for a Charlotte-area Theta Xi alumni gathering in October.  And there are many more stories I could share of the numerous Theta Xi connections I have made, some of which you will hear about in future Unicorns.

As my term as National President continues to unfold over the next two and a half years, I look forward to reconnecting with many from my days in the early 1990’s when I traveled for the Fraternity as a Chapter Consultant.  I also look forward to meeting our future undergraduate leaders at the leadership academies and engaging more of our alumni to reinvigorate the Fraternity experience.  Hopefully you will also use the Christmas season as a way to reconnect and simply enjoy the bonds of brotherhood with someone who you have not been able to catch up with lately.  I know it will put a smile on your face, and hopefully bring you much joy as have my recent Theta Xi interactions!   
 
YITB,




Dennis E. Marstall
National President
Alpha Iota 587 – Kansas State ‘91



Departments...
   ALUMNI NEWS
        *  Stovall Weems Finds Success In Faith
        *  Alumni Reunion
        *  Alpha Beta Alumni Dedicate Flag To Fallen Brother's Memory
        *  Brother Establishes Charity To Aid In Recovery

   CHAPTER NEWS
        *  Kappa Phi Colonized
        *  Success Stories From Upsilon, Gamma Kappa and Beta Upsilon
        *  Risen Stars Selected For Academies
  
    CREDITS/DIRECTORY
    
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