Lambda Chi Alpha - University of Illinois

5 Chi Zetagram S erving as the chapter advisor for Chi Zeta, Steve Parsons, Phi Beta 341 '94 has been an important role model for the chapter since accepting the position in 2002, aer Jeff Frerichs '84 X1219 stepped down. "Jeff had been serving for a while as the chapter advisor, and he needed more time as he began to start his family," Steve said. "He asked me to consider serving as the chapter advisor and aer meeting the men, I was impressed with their character and began the formal process to become the chapter High Pi." Steve had never imagined he would join a fraternity, but while an undergraduate at Eastern Kentucky University he became friends with Lambda Chi Alpha local President, Joe Sammons. "My first view of fraternities did not match up with Joe and his friends, who volunteered on campus and in the community and were active in their faith, but I soon discovered that Lambda Chi Alpha had ideals, values, and a commitment to matters of life that were very important to me," Steve said. e fraternity's motto, "A Lifetime of True Brotherhood," struck a chord with Steve, as it spoke to the importance of character. "As a person who came from a background of poverty in rural, eastern Kentucky, and who originally had no means to attend college, and who at one point [had to] overcome the reality of being in a wheelchair as small child in the 1970s, this really spoke volumes to me," Steve said. is emphasis on character is a trait he sees reflected in our Chi Zeta undergraduate members today. Since 1999, Steve has been the Complex Coordinator for the graduate student upper division residence halls for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is responsible for the leadership, management, coordination, and operations of two graduate/upperclassmen residence halls on the UIUC campus, which house a very diverse group of graduate, upper-class, international, and non-traditional students. You can contact Steve at sparsons@illinois.edu. Tradition of Character Chapter Advisor Steve Parsons, Eastern Kentucky University '94 Discusses Lambda Chi Alpha's Values "ere are so many words that could be used to describe the dedication and passion of brother Steve Parsons. I first met Steve as a traveling consultant and have always thought very highly of him. Steve is the type of brother who will take the time to get to know you, and provide you with helpful guidance or words of encouragement. Having worked with many chapters and advisors, I can honestly say that Steve is a model advisor and someone who truly cares about the growth and development of the young men he encounters." Marcus Kelley, Angelo State University '09, Associate Director of Education, Lambda Chi Alpha International Headquarters "Steve is a consummate professional, and one of the most caring brothers I've ever had the chance to work with. His higher education experience complements the chapter and aids in their ability to be successful, but moreover, Steve is a respected individual in the industry. He is the real deal, and I'm honored to call him a friend, colleague, and brother." Nick Zuniga, Ball State University '04, Director of Chapter Services, Lambda Chi Alpha International Headquarters "I have known Steve for nearly a decade now, and I have never seen him be anything less than positive, steady, hard-working, courteous, humble, and always willing to lend a hand or a friendly ear. Steve has served Lambda Chi Alpha both at the local level, advising Chi Zeta, and at the International level, where he has trained new generations of alumni volunteers to serve our great fraternity." Matthew Roy, Drury University '07, Associate Director of Chapter Services, Lambda Chi Alpha International Headquarters CHAPTER GRAND James W. Stubner '39 X328 passed away January 26, 2014. Jim was born in Winnetka, Ill., on March 27, 1920. Starting in a one-room school house in Glenview, Ill., Jim graduated in 1942 with a BS in electrical engineering. He was then commissioned in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant and served his country during WWII in England, the Pacific eater, and then in the occupation of Japan. During the war, he was responsible for aircra warning radar, air-ground communications for amphibious landings in New Guinea and the Philippines, and finally as the commanding officer of the 135th Tactical Control Squadron, fih Air Force in Japan. Captain Stubner returned to Illinois aer his discharge and began his career with AT&T, Bell Labs, and Bell operating companies. In 1953, Jim married Audrey Johnson. He was very active in the Seattle community, serving on a number of boards, but his special love and passion was for the Seattle Symphony. He served on the board of directors of the Seattle Symphony, played an important role as vice president of development, and became an emeritus director in 1990. He is survived by his wife of 61 years; his children and their spouses. Robert C. Fietsam '47 X573 passed away March 29, 2013, at the age of 85. Robert served in the United States Air Force and graduated in 1955 with a bachelor of science in accounting. He was owner of R.C. Fietsam, CPA, and was a member of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce, Illinois CPA Society, Belleville Optimist Club, Belleville Jaycees, the United Way of Greater St. Louis. He received Optimist of the Year in 1977 and 1980, Illinois CPA Society-Public Service Award, and in 2006, the Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service from the Belleville Area Alumni Update (Continued on page 7)

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