Phi Delta Theta - University of Missouri

THE MO ALPHA PHI 2 George A Long III, Indiana Alpha 1413 George A Long, In diana Beta 10/19/1208 #332 G ranv ille Moody Jr. Illin ois Eta , 3/7/1914 #232 George A Lon g Jr., Illi nois Eta, 6/6 /19 39 #586 Edward C. Loy, Indiana Theta, 4/5/1934 #504 H erbert S t ra wbridge, Indiana T het a, 4/19/1936 #531 R o be r t St rawbr idge , Indiana Theta, 3/18/ 1937 #539 Russell Strawbridge, Indiana Theta, 4/27/1947 #749 Dallas Ryan Long, Florida Gamma, 4/ 2 2/ 200 7 #1 663 Proud to Be a Phi – W hen George Wood '68 and Milt Wood '71 look back on why they de- cided to join Phi Delta Theta at the University of Missouri, the answer is simple— the legacy their father, George Wood Sr. '43, left for them. Growing up with a Phi Delt father, George and Milt learned about the brotherhood at a young age. "The seed was planted early," Milt says. "My dad would host rush parties at our house in St. Joseph when my older brother and I were grow- ing up." One of Milt's favorite initial experiences with Phi Delta Theta is the time his father's friend, a fellow MU alumnus, showed up at a rush party. The two exchanged stories with the young men there and laughed so hard they could barely fin- ish what they were saying. Now, Milt says this is one of the events that shaped his decision to become a member of MO Alpha. Milt and George have their father to thank for the strong Phi Delta Theta legacy he left them. George Sr. entered Chapter Grand last Novem- ber, but he made an impact on MO Alpha in countless ways. George said his father was an active alumnus, serving on the house corporation board and contributing two times to build and renovate the chapter house. In addition to that, he was involved in creating a Phi Delta Theta chapter at Missouri Western in St. Joseph, Mo. "Dad was a true Phi Delt rock star. He always felt that participating actively in something you believed in was important. MO Alpha was and is important to my dad, my brother, and myself," says Milt. Since Phi Delta Theta is such an important part of the Wood family, they have given back in any way they can to support the campaign. They feel it is vital that the physical structure of the fra- ternity be maintained and updated so future Phi Delts have an environment they can enjoy. "The Phi Delt history in our family and the fond memories of my time at Mizzou and with Phi Delta Theta have motivated me to make my pledge," George says. "The improvements made to the house hopefully will make it competitive with other Greek houses that have been rebuilt and renovated to attract the best and brightest pledges." For Milt, the campaign not only gives him a chance to provide for the future of Phi Delta Theta, but also to get involved with MO Alpha again and honor the special connection he shares with his family. "The sense of sharing the bond with these men and my pledge brothers is something that cannot be put into mere words," Milt says. "Participat- ing in this campaign effort is allowing me the opportunity to give back a little to something that is not just important and meaningful to me, but to my brother and to the memory of my dad and uncle." George lives in Laguna Beach, Calif., with his wife, Susie. Milt lives in Dothan, Ala., with his wife, Pat. Their e-mails are woodinlb@cox.net and wood.milt@gmail.com. refleCting on a Phi delta theta legaCY George Wood '68 and Milt Wood '71 Remember Their Father Chapter Grand Bill A. Stauffer '52 entered Chapter Grand on November 26, 2015 from a brain hem- orrhage. He attended the University of Missouri on a basketball scholarship and majored in advertising and newspaper or- ganization and management. He was pres- ident of Phi Delta Theta and of Mystical Seven, the senior men's honorary society. He became one of Mizzou's greatest bas- ketball players. A 6' 4" center, he was an All-American, the first of six players to have his jersey retired, and the team's greatest rebounder. Named team captain his senior year, he was inducted into the Missouri Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991 and Mizzou's All-Century Basketball Team in 2006. The Boston Celtics picked him during the 1952 NBA draft, but he turned them down to serve as first lieutenant in the United States Air Force and pursue a jour- nalism career. In 1953, he married Jean Van Slyck Shanley, a Kappa Alpha Theta he met at the University of Missouri. After retiring in 1992, Bill and Jean moved to Landfall in Wilmington, N.C., to enjoy golf, tennis, and long walks year-round. Bill is best re- membered for his extraordinary generosity and community leadership, his gracious- ness and humility, and his levelheaded in- telligence. A generous Mizzou alumnus, Bill chaired the library capital campaign and received its Faculty-Alumni Award and Distinguished Service Award. His humility was such that many friends knew nothing of his accomplishments. Edwin "Bud" Werner '54 entered Chapter Grand in November 2015 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home after a short but courageous battle against cancer. He was recruited out of college by Procter and Gamble, beginning an illustrious 45-year career in sales and mar- keting. He embraced life fully and loved new music, the latest W.E.B Griffin novel, college football, blueberries, whitefish, salmon, and the serenity of Crystal Lake, Mich. Bud is survived by his wife, Jacklyn, two sons and their wives, and his five grandchildren. Benjamin C. Fankhauser '00 entered Chap- ter Grand on December 8, 2014, at age 36. He graduated with honors in biology and had (Continued on page 6) ALUMNI UPDATE Milt '71, George Sr. '43, and George '68

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