Theta Xi - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Perhaps if one aspect of his career as a professor were to be highlighted, it would be Chuck's love for teaching. Among the awards he cherished receiving were RPI's Darrin Counseling Award and the RPI Alumni Association Teacher of the Year Award. After many years as a neighbor, friend, and advisor, Chuck happily accepted the invitation to become a brother of Alpha Chapter in 2007. Paul Vescio '90 (A1295), whom Chuck mentored as Paul's PhD advisor, was honored to be Chuck's big brother. Chuck loved to travel with his wife, Kathy, and enjoyed art and history. He enjoyed creating many stained-glass windows and hangings. Chuck is survived by Kathy and his sons, Brent and Mark. Those who are interested in donating in his memory are encouraged to contribute to Hope Lodge, New York Chapter of the American Cancer Society (132 W 32 nd St, New York, NY, 10001), or to a charity of their choice. A Celebration of Life was held on March 29, 2025, at the RPI Chapel & Cultural Center (recording link below, courtesy Brent Boylen and Kathy Boylen). The Theta Xi presence was strong at the memorial ceremony; it was remarked, "that his family's joyous consensus that Chuck's initiation into our Bonds was his own admitted personal pinnacle of his RPI experience. Bear in mind that Dr. B was such an accomplished and celebrated microbiologist, teacher, scientific writer and immensely respected professional that we should all be so humble to know he'll always be an Alpha Brother- one of our own eternally."-A1404 In April 2025, the A1593 Dr. Chuck Boylen Memorial "My Brother's Keeper" Chapter Eternal Scholarship Fund was announced to "establish a scholarship fund for the purpose of assisting students through college or vocational training dedicated to the memory of their late fathers." Chuck Boylen Celebration of Life: https://www.youtube.com/live/NzXnyNZ3cCI Chuck Boylen slideshow: https://www.brycefuneralhome.com/obituary/CharlesC huck-BoylenIIIPhD In March 2024, Alpha Alumni Association leadership recommended to the Grand Lodge that Brother Boylen receive the Distinguished Service Award for his many years of service to the brothers of Alpha Chapter. This award was approved and was presented to him on the occasion of 6294 held on April 27, 2024. Below is the 2024 statement submitted and signed by seven members of Alpha representing "almost 40 years of active Alpha brothers (1986-today), the current and a previous Alumni Association and current Active Chapter presidents, two previous Grand Lodge members, two Distinguished Service Award recipients, a previous and our current chapter advisors and Chuck's Big Brother (who Chuck advised while earning his PhD at Rensselaer)." *********** Dr Chuck Boylen, A1593 Faculty Advisor, Alpha Chapter of Theta Xi Professor Emeritus, Department of Biology, RPI Former Associate Director, Darrin Freshwater Institute In Theta Xi's firmament of Alphas, let it be known that Dr. Chuck Boylen shines without peer in guiding the chapter. For the past five decades, he has been a loyal friend, a friendly neighbor, and a trusted advisor to hundreds of brothers. When he joined RPI's faculty in 1972, he realized his dream of teaching as a profession and has stated that he could not think of a more rewarding career. Chuck has described his vision of living close to campus to interact with students as a "perfect lifestyle". Now a Professor Emeritus at RPI, he was a tenured professor when he volunteered to become the chapter's faculty advisor. In 2007, Chuck took the next step when he accepted the brothers' invitation to be initiated into the Bonds of Theta Xi. Since that day his name was added to the rolls of Alpha, he has been the most consistent alumni presence. He has stood up for a brother or for the house when needed. Chuck has always insisted that our brothers and chapter live up to our ritual. He continues to be close to the active members and provides critical RPI, fraternity, and life guidance. With this Distinguished Service Award, Alpha Chapter respectfully requests to recognize Chuck for a lifetime of living, sharing, and teaching Theta Xi's ritual and values with the 500+ Alpha brothers who have had the pleasure of calling Chuck their brother. Soon after his initiation, Chuck remarked that the honor of "joining" Theta Xi was indeed his with many of the brothers over the years having "become valued and good friends". Educator, Neighbor, Advisor, Friend, Brother. Chuck, the honor is ours.

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