Theta Chi - Iowa State University

THE TOMAHAWK 2 Alpha Mu Chapter 2 Alpha Mu Leadership Opportunities Motivated Ed Gschneidner '83 A s an undergraduate, Ed Gschneidner '83 knew Alpha Mu was a special fraternity. "Our fraternity provided a much deeper embodiment of helping others beyond forming close bonds of friendships with brothers over a beer, at meals, and during activities." This feeling, along with enjoying the company of his Theta Chi brothers, created Ed's lifelong connection to Alpha Mu. Serving as alumni relations director, summer house treasurer, treasurer, and president gave Ed many opportunities to learn. "Theta Chi provided an opportunity to lead a nearly autonomous organization with financial consequences if you screwed up. I think it's a unique opportunity for college-age men to understand what life's challenges will be and how to deal with those challenges." Theta Chi gave Ed the vehicle to learn to lead and work in a team, skills that have been useful for him since graduation. Today Ed is president of Opus AE Group LLC, the embedded architectural provider for Opus Group, an integrated development, construction, and design company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He also serves on the Alpha Mu Alumni Corporation. Ed knows first-hand the influence alumni have on undergraduates. "Mo Zipse '81 taught me as a newly elected treasurer how to deal with chapter finances—I received invaluable guidance from him. Roger Pettit '81 demonstrated incredible leadership when our chapter was in financial difficulties. He may have single-handedly saved Alpha Mu in 1981." As a member of the alumni corporation, Ed is happy with Alpha Mu's success today. There have been "lots of changes but good brothers are still good brothers. I think as much as anything, the chapter has changed with the times as it had to in order to stay relevant to today's young men." Ed and his wife, Martha, have three grown sons who all work in Minneapolis. They enjoy traveling when they have the chance. Get in touch with Ed via e-mail at ed.gschneidner@ opus-group.com. Andrew Richards '16-Secretary for the ISU Rifle and Pistol Club Sean Siberski '15-President of Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, social chairman of the biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology club, website coordinator of the Stupka Committee Michael Tallon '17-Midshipman Third Class with the NROTC Samuel Wanzenried '15-Vice president of membership for Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, member of the Student Body Election Commission Jacob Wiemiller '16-Board chairperson of the Fraternal Values Society Our focus is on building a stronger brotherhood, stronger members, and recruiting high-quality, high-achieving individuals who will yield results long into the future. Working to be the best takes time and effort, and we would not be able to do all that we do without the unyielding support of our graduated brothers. Expect big things, and, please, come see us when you are next in town! You will be glad you did. Fraternally, Richard Bechtol '17 President bechtold@iastate.edu FOCUSED ON BROTHERHOOD (Continued from page 1) L arry Squiers '75 knew right away that he belonged at Theta Chi. After being recruited by Alpha Mus from his hometown, Larry got a bid and pledged in the same day the summer before he started at Iowa State. His time at Alpha Mu showed him early on how to be with other people. "It would have been a huge mistake to move into the dorms; I would have been lost there. My pledge class was all very close, and the comraderie and closeness really helped me learn how to get along with others." Throughout his time at Iowa State, Larry always had a great affinity for Alpha Mu. He was proud to belong to an organization like Theta Chi and felt good about the chapter and where he was at. Larry's favorite memories are the formals and chapter house parties. Theta Chi had a direct impact on Larry's career, in large part thanks to the Helping Hand concept. "I think one of the outstanding parts of Theta Chi is their service to others through the Helping Hand. I always had a desire to serve others, and that led me to the fire service." Larry spent 30 years in the fire service in Marshalltown, Iowa, the last 10 years as chief. Larry spent six years volunteering his time as treasurer for the corporation, a great experience that allowed him to forge relationships with the chapter treasurers over the years. He feels that the chapter today is "going to do great things. Recruitment has gone exceptionally well and I expect great things from them." Since retiring from the fire service, Larry spends his time in his workshop building gift boxes and other wood items. He and his wife, Karen, compete in power lifting and have two sons, Logan and Grant. Get in touch with Larry via e-mail at lsquiers13@gmail.com. Longtime Treasurer Larry Squires '75 Inspired by Helping Hand Donate online at www.isuthetachi.org

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