Lambda Chi Alpha - University of Illinois

3 Chi Zetagram J ames A. Scheeler '45 X562 has had a world-class and celebrated career in the field of architecture, which began at the University of Illinois and Chi Zeta. Jim was proud to be a member of Lambda Chi Alpha, and he enjoyed singing in the choir with his brothers and serving as pledge master. Something that stands out in Jim's memory from his time in the chapter house is the inscribed oak library table. "It gave one a sense of those who had lived within the chapter house; it and was a real gem. You won't find my name on it, but it was one of the things I remember seeing during recruitment and was impressed with during my time in the chapter," Jim said. Jim received a bachelor of science degree in architecture with highest honors in 1951 and a master of science degree in architecture in 1952. In 1953 he was awarded both a Fulbright and the Francis J. Plym Fellowship in Architecture that permitted him to travel extensively in Europe and undertake graduate study in civic design and town planning in England. Following work as a design architect for the Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, he practiced architecture as a principal in Richardson, Severns, Scheeler & Associates, Champaign from 1959 until 1973. During that period Jim also served on both the undergraduate and graduate design faculty of the University of Illinois School of Architecture and was active in civic and professional affairs. Jim's decision to join Lambda Chi Alpha was influential on his career. "As an architecture student, I became aware of the kind of facilities that produce environments that can enhance a student's living and study conditions. I put this to use when I got involved with student housing at U of I," Jim said. Two years ago Jim arranged for his family to take a tour of all the building on the University of Illinois campus that Richardson, Severns, Scheeler & Associates were a part of. e firm was integral in campus projects including campus housing, the expansion of the civil engineering program, the undergraduate library, and the music building. A piece of advice Jim offers to the men of the chapter today is to take advantage of networking. "Every position I have ever had in my life I have had a supporter," Jim said. ere was always someone there running interference for him because he built up his personal and professional network. "Young people need to be aware that the networks they build as students should be maintained and built upon. is can provide a platform supporting upper mobility." Jim has oen been recognized for his work in the field of architecture throughout his careers and a few stand-out as highlights. "e elevation to the College of Fellows was something I am very proud of. en to be nominated and elected from the College of Fellows for the Kemper Award was a tremendous honor," Jim said. e Board of Directors of the AIA presented Jim with the Edward C. Kemper Award for distinguished service to the profession in 2000 and Jim served AIA in a number of senior executive positions, including executive vice president. He retired from the AIA staff in 1990 but continues to volunteer as resident fellow, international relations. Aer being widowed in 1992, Jim married Nancy S. Kneece in 2007 and they reside in Reston, Virginia. Between Jim's three children and Nancy's two, the couple has 10 grandchildren, ranging from age 2 to 22. Although Jim doesn't have a lot of free time, he does enjoy their family vacations at Mount Desert in Maine each summer and has taken up his old hobby of sketching and painting. You can contact Jim at jscheeler@aia.org. Alumnus Celebrated for Successful Architecture Career Spotlight on Jim Scheeler '45 X562 raised more than $500 for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank from our annual Watermelon Bust philanthropy event. is semester we will host a food drive and a donation competition in order to support both causes. ank You, Alumni I thank all of the alumni who have been extremely supportive during this entire process. I extend a personal invitation to drop by the chapter house anytime to visit and check out Chi Zeta! Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns. In ZAX, Jeremy Loescher '12 X2016 High Rho loescher.jeremy@yahoo.com Ben Seadler '14 Serves on Student Advisory Committee C hi Zeta was proud to have the representation of Ben Seadler '14 X1974 on the national Student Advisory Committee (SAC). e SAC was formed in 1970 and reports directly to the Grand High Zeta. e SAC was formed to help the Lambda Chi Alpha staff and the Grand High Zeta stay in touch with undergraduate concerns and problems and to allow undergraduates to communicate directly with Lambda Chi Alpha's highest levels of international authority. e SAC has helped pass significant legislation and includes a representative from each Conclave who serves a one-year term. Each member of the Student Advisory Committee is elected at a meeting of their Conclave or regional group of chapters. e country is split into 12 Conclaves and there are 17 chapters in the Midwest Conclave. Ben, a senior bioengineering major, said, "It has been a privilege to represent Chi Zeta and the Midwest Conclave in the meetings of the Grand High Zeta. My time as High Alpha of Chi Zeta definitely gave me the skills and experiences necessary to fulfill my duties on the Student Advisory Committee."

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