The meeting was called to order at 3:34 PM by Chairman John McGarrigle.
John McGarrigle welcomed those present and each was asked to introduce themselves by name and EK number. It was noted that twenty two (22) members were present, a sufficient quorum to conduct business.
John reviewed the year’s achievements including the re-colonization of Epsilon Kappa, implementation of the officer mentor program, initiation of the re-founders in January and successful negotiations with the University to re-occupy 3401 Powelton on September 1, 2010.
John introduced Theo Speedy, Undergraduate High Alpha to present an update on the colony.
Theo reviewed the tremendous steps taken by the undergraduates since being re-colonized on November 8, 2009.
The re-founding class of twenty four (24) Associate Members was initiated into our brotherhood on January 30, 2010.
The current class of eight (8) Associate Members is scheduled to be initiated on May 21, 2010.
The zeta is continuing to grow and learn and has successfully achieved conducting productive meetings for the general brotherhood, High Zeta and Executive Committee.
The zeta has accumulated forty (40) hours of community service and has a close affiliation with the Ronald McDonald House.
They are supportive of the Greek and University communities and are highly visible on campus, wearing letters and attending other Greek’s events
They earned 4th place overall in Greek Week 2010.
They have fully participated in inter-fraternity sports and are praised by both officials and opponents for their sportsmanship and teamwork.
They have formed very committed degree teams and are learning the ritual in preparation for May 21, 2010.
Theo marveled at the experience of witnessing 24 strangers committing to and forming a strong brotherhood.
Theo reviewed the colony’s progress in meeting the Fraternity’s fifteen (15) requirements to achieve re-chartering as a full Chapter.
They are diligently working towards fulfilling all requirements with the goal of being re-chartered in time for a celebration to coincide with seventieth anniversary of the original Epsilon Kappa chartering (April 5, 1941), approximately April 9, 2010.
Theo expressed the undergraduates’ appreciation for the strong Alumni commitment to the fraternal experience of faith, hope and love. Jamal Atif (High Rho) joined Theo in presenting a plaque to the Alumni to memorialize the undergraduates’ appreciation. The plaque is inscribed as follows:
“The Brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha Epsilon-Kappa would like to express our deepest gratitude to our beloved alumni who have helped this chapter revive itself through your continuous contributions and strength of brotherhood. May this plaque serve as a reminder of our appreciation of your life long commitment to Lambda Chi Alpha. In ZAX, The Refounding Fathers of Lambda Chi Alpha.”
John McGarrigle accepted the plaque on behalf of the Alumni.
John thanked Theo for his report and introduced Chuck Persing for an update on the Chapter Advisory Board.
Chuck stated how thrilled he was with the undergraduates and all of their accomplishments and asked that the three seniors present introduce themselves.
Chuck thanked the Alumni mentors for working with the undergraduate officers.
Chuck reflected on the initiation in January and is looking forward to upcoming initiation on May 22, 2010.
Chuck recapped the negotiations with the University.
John reviewed the goals for the upcoming year;
John reviewed the accomplishments of the Alumni organization over the years and recognized the presence of Frank Bockius who was instrumental in the efforts to acquire 3401 Powelton Ave. for Lambda Chi Alpha. Frank received the Order of Merit in 1978. John thanked the Alumni for their continued support and efforts and reflected on the importance of diverse candid discussion and the importance in working through the issues while being able to move on for the good of the organization.
John moved the meeting to the nomination and election portion. It was noted that there were 22 members present, sufficient number for a quorum.
Election of Housing Board Members
Three positions are open for the term expiring in May 2013. Nominations were made and seconded for Jack Falkenbach, Mark Stitz and Steve Cohen. There being no further nominations, nominations were closed and by unanimous consent of the members present, the nominees were elected.
It was noted that there was not a quorum present for the 2009 Annual Meeting. In accordance with the bylaws, Ken Johnson, George Montgomery and Dennis Carr retained their positions on the Housing Board. A motion was made, seconded and approved by unanimous consent to affirm that those three remain as Housing Board members with terms expiring May 2012.
Election of Officers
John announced he would decline a nomination. With the recent years’ of successful efforts resulting in the accomplishments of re-colonization, a terrific undergraduate brotherhood, successful negotiations with the University to resolve outstanding financial issues and achieving guarantee our return to 3401 on September 1, 2010, the Alumni Corporation is well positioned and now is the time for new leadership.
Chairman of Housing Board
Chuck Persing was nominated and seconded. There being no further nominations, nominations were closed and by unanimous consent of the members present, the nominee was elected.
Treasurer of Housing Board
Steve Cohen was nominated and seconded. There being no further nominations, nominations were closed and by unanimous consent of the members present, the nominee was elected.
Chairman of Chapter Advisory Board
Mark Stitz was nominated and seconded. There being no further nominations, nominations were closed and by unanimous consent of the members present, the nominee was elected.
Chapter Advisory Board
A motion was made and seconded to increase the number of members of the Chapter Advisory Board to ten. By unanimous consent the motion was approved.
Mark Stitz nominated the following members to the Chapter Advisory Board
Term expiring May 2012: Rich Sasin, Sean McGarrigle, James Lewis, Tony Hidalgo and Jamal Atif
Term expiring May 2011: Tom Hungerford, Chris Donnelly, Brian Gleason, Michael Cona and Atonino Picataggi.
By unanimous consent, the nominees were appointed.
It was moved and seconded to appoint John McGarrigle as Chairman Emeritus, a lifetime position. By enthusiastic unanimous consent, the motion was approved.
Discussion was conducted on officer term limits. It was pointed out that current bylaws have term limits on two consecutive terms for Housing Board members and that officers are first Housing Board members. Effectively, the longest an officer may serve consecutively is 6 years. Consensus was that no further term limits are needed.
Discussion was conducted on the use of proxy and absentee ballots. Consensus revolved around not allowing proxies, but to further explore absentee ballots provided there was;
A motion was made and seconded for the Alumni Corporation to permit the use of absentee ballots on a one year trial basis for the 2011 Annual Meeting with the guidelines discussed above. By unanimous consent the motion was approved.
A motion was made and seconded to make the High Alpha, High Tau and High Rho non-voting members of the Housing Board. It was noted that the Constitution and Statutory Code require they be voting members. The motion was amended to make them voting members, upon verification of the Constitution and Statutory Code requirements. By unanimous consent the motion was approved.
Discussion was conducted regarding forming an Executive Committee of the Housing Board. Consensus was that there was no need.
It was moved and seconded for the Alumni Corporation to obligate itself by entering into a $99,000 note payable to Drexel University. All payments on the note will be deferred for one year and then the note will require 40 quarterly payments at 5 % interest. This note will retire the existing $60,000 note. By unanimous consent the motion was approved.
It was moved and seconded for the Alumni Corporation to sign the lease with Drexel University for 3401 Powelton Ave., subject to review of counsel. By unanimous consent the motion was approved.
Discussion was held regarding Brian Gleason’s recent proposal for interim fundraising efforts. Consensus of the members was in favor.
Contributions should be made to the University for the benefit of Lambda Chi Alpha, but mailed to Steve Cohen for purposes of tracking.
A formal fundraising effort will be planned to coincide with re-chartering.
Andy Soltis was recognized and on behalf of the Alumni Members, Andy thanked John McGarrigle for his years of dedicated and tireless service to Epsilon Kappa.
John McGarrigle, with heavy heart, announced the recent passing of Thomas Murphy, EK-87 and initiated in 1942. Tom was a Director of the House Corporation at the time 3401 Powelton was originally occupied and an Order of Merit recipient in 1968. He will be sorely missed.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Chairman Chuck Persing at 4:53 PM.
Those present retired to the Landmark Americana restaurant in the new Drexel Recreation Center at 3333 Market Street for several hours of brotherhood camaraderie.
Recorded by Mark Stitz.