Sigma Chi - University of Kansas

KANSAS SIG page 3 W e recently took an inventory of the many awards in the glass- fronted trophy cases that line the music room. Several of the older trophies are beautifully done in silver and all have been polished. The oldest we found is inscribed, "PanHellenic Meet, 1915, Won By Sigma Chi." Most of the trophies are for intramural sporting events. Alpha Xi had the greatest success in basketball with 17 trophies, bowling with seven, and football and volleyball both with five. Other sports include golf, tennis, baseball, soccer, ping pong, and hockey. Fraternity Steer Riding in a 1970 KU Intercollegiate Rodeo is one of the most unique victories. Two trophies bear the names of the individuals who competed. Bob Benz '62 and Bob Russell '60 won an impressive ping pong doubles trophy in 1959-60. Over the years, our talents have been recognized in the performing arts, with awards for singing (a 1940 InterFraternity Spring Sing and a 1971 Jayhawk Jamboree Spring Sing), in addition to numerous trophies and plaques for our participation in Rock Chalk Revue. We've also been recognized in the fine arts for the aesthetic excellence of our Homecoming decorations and floats. Some of the older trophies disappeared over the years. If you ever run across one in an antique store, flea market, or estate sale, please help us to return them to their rightful place in our trophy cases. By the way, the music room remains one of the most beautiful rooms in the chapter house with its original marble fireplace mantel and the grand piano. Stop by the next time you're in Lawrence! Plaques and trophies of Alpha Xi's accomplishments throughout the decades are displayed around the chapter house. If you ever find one in a flea market or antique store, please help return it to its proper home. ALPHA XI'S LONG HISTORY OF TRIUMPH Besides working at Heroes for Hospice, Jeff is a senior commercial underwriter at CrossFirst Bank in Leawood, Kansas. Jeff has been able to make many wonderful connections through all of his work. "Every company I've worked for has had a great mission and truly cares about their employees," he says. "With creating and networking on the race, I've also realized the people in the communities of Topeka and Kansas City are so generous with their giving and will support any worthwhile cause." Jeff finds it important to stay active in the communities that he associates with, whether it is his church or fraternity. "It's essential as we all have the common fraternal bonds of friendship, justice, and learning," Jeff says. "Many of us have so many great memories of our college days with our fellow brothers, which created long-lasting friendships. These friendships wouldn't exist without the common connection of Alpha Xi. I feel it is our duty as alumni to ensure that younger men are afforded the same opportunity to create these same bonds and long-lasting memories." Jeff lives in Prairie Village. In his free time, he enjoys long-distance running, cycling, playing golf, attending KU basketball and football games, catching up with his Alpha Xi brothers, serving on the alumni board, and being involved with his church. Jeff maintains contact with many of his pledge brothers through trips and KU sporting events. For more information about Heroes for Hospice, please visit www.heroesforhospice. com. Jeff can be reached at jeff.whelan@heroesforhospice.com. CHAPTER ETERNAL E.J. Francis '50 entered Chapter Eternal on February 18, 2016. He was a resident of Clarksville, Md. Lee C. Sheppeard '52 entered Chapter Eternal on May 30, 2015, at the age of 84. He was a public information officer and manager for the Tennessee Valley Authority from 1960-1988 and served as newsletter editor for the TVA Retirees' Association from 1989-2001. Lee grew up in Clay Center, Kan., and was a journalism graduate from the university. Both before and after serving in the U.S. Army, he worked as a reporter for several Kansas newspapers. As a result of his work for the Lawrence Journal, he was presented with the key to the city. While working for the Topeka Capital, he covered the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education, as well as the Clutter family murders, which became the subject matter of Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood." He moved his family to Knoxville to join TVA in 1960, where he became well known as a spokesperson. - Chapter Website www.sigmachiku.com - National Website www.sigmachi.org

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