Sigma Chi - University of Kansas

aLPHa Xi page 2 W hen he first decided to join sigma Chi, Richard Wagstaff iii '80 only knew that his father was a brother of the same organization. it was not until after he became more involved that he learned how deep the Wagstaff history was. "i had no idea that my uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all members," Richard said. "They never really discussed it with me before i pledged, and my cousins also became members, so there were a good many Wagstaffs involved with the chapter." Even if the legacy was not discussed out right, upon reflection, the Wagstaff dedication and service to the chapter is one deserving of emulation. as an undergraduate, Richard took on the role of steward, which according to him, was a fancy name for waiting tables and washing dishes. His main qualification? His willingness to do it. Outside of service, Richard was also a walk-on football player for the Jayhawks, so he enjoyed participating in the chapter's intramural events. He was also fond of the barn parties. Through sigma Chi, he was able to learn a lot about dedication and working with people. "One of the biggest things i learned as a member of sigma Chi," he said, "was how to deal with both challenges in life and with challenging personalities." as an alumnus, he joined the house corporation, following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, an original member of the board. Richard even served a term as president of the board. "While my family didn't really discuss being a sigma Chi, they lived its ideals of friendship, justice, and learning," he said. "When i look back on their lives and service to alpha Xi, they taught me far more in how they acted as men than they could have ever told me. They were honorable men." now, after his and his grandfathers' years of service, Richard also has a son, Richard Wagstaff iV, who graduated in 2009, and his cousin's sons are both members as well. it is his hope that they will one day be inspired to give their time as alumni. "The Wagstaffs have a tendency toward tradition and heritage, and my son grew up with a grandfather and father who were his friends and believed strongly in justice and a willingness to learn," Richard said. "i hope someday he will also continue our family's commitment to the chapter as an alumnus." Richard lives in Prarie Village, Kansas, with his wife, Bridget. He has been a practicing attorney for 30 years, but has been inactive recently due to a significant health challenge. He had two open-heart surgeries within 90 days because of a fungal infection. Bridget life- flighted him to the Cleveland Clinic, and they saved his life. He also wanted to thank his many fraternity brothers who were very supportive throughout the entire ordeal. Marty was housemother at alpha gamma Delta from 1993-98. six years later, she received a call from the Kappa Kappa gamma housemother that sigma Chi was looking for a new housemother. Marty wondered if she would be able to handle a fraternity, but eventually decided to give it a shot. Before Marty took the job, she requested the men of sigma Chi interview her. in truth, Marty was really interviewing them to see if they would respect and protect her. Marty recalls almost three dozen young men showed up to ask her questions. The rest, as they say, is history. One of the highlights of Marty's 11 years at sigma Chi was when the men nominated her for the KU greek Life Housemother of the Year award. she was thrilled to receive the award and moved by what the men had written about her in the nomination. When asked if she had any advice for the new housemother, Marty said, "although there will most certainly be times you and the young men don't see eye-to-eye on things, it is important not to take anything personally." Marty said the good memories far outweigh any bad ones, and what she will miss most will be all the hugs and merriment around the house. she always had fun and was never bored, and she specifically mentioned she has appreciated the involvement and support of the many parents and alumni over the years. Marty plans to return to her home at Lake of the Forest near Bonner springs, Kansas, to enjoy some quiet time. an open house reception to honor Marty will take place on saturday, april 22, from 5-6 p.m. at the Oread Hotel in Lawrence, Kansas. This is the same weekend as Mom's Weekend, and both the Mother's Club and the House Corporation Board will host the event. if you plan on attending the open house, RsVP to Bev Koehler at bkoehler@kc.rr.com. if you cannot attend, Marty would love to hear from you and can be reached at mjl9952@sbcglobal.net or 1439 Tennessee, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. Join US in APRiL To HonoR A REMARKABLE WoMAn Housemother Marty Lee to Retire after 11 Years with Alpha Xi Housemother Marty Lee tailgating with her Sigma Chi men. Carrying on the Sigma Chi Legacy Richard Wagstaff iii '80 on His generational History with alpha Xi Continued from page 1

• Cover