The Chrome and Blue. Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity. September 2008 Vol. 40, No. 1. Promoting Opportunities While Establishing Relationships

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1 The Chrome and Blue of Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity BACK TO SCHOOL September 2008 Vol. 40, No. 1 IN THIS ISSUE Important Dates National Chemistry Week Conclave Highlights Grand Chapter Actions Conclave Awards & Recognitions District Counselors Update From the National Office Safety Science Outreach Program Alpha Chi Sigma Calendar Editor: Patrick J Johanns Grand Recorder, Alpha Theta 81 gr@alphachisigma.org Associate Editor: Kathy Renner krenner@alphachisigma.org 2008 Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity Alpha Chi Sigma by the numbers Alpha Chi Sigma has over 60,100 members, 49 collegiate chapters, 9 professional chapters and 8 professional groups! Need to contact the National Office? Dial ALCHEMY Or national@alphachisigma.org Grand Recorder Patrick Johanns Brotherhood Each Conclave I am reminded of the importance of our brotherhood. It is an intoxicating feeling to be in the room when brothers who have not seen each other in two years embrace and catch up on events. It is even more gratifying to see brothers who are on their first trip to Conclave develop true and lasting friendship with other attendees. Our brotherhood is important for all of us personally and professionally. We have a community that we belong to. Some recent disaster recovery research by Daniel Aldrich, Purdue University, (cited in the Terre Haute TribStar on September 9, 2008) indicated that where those people have strong bonds whether they get a little government disaster aid or a lot, whether they re upper middle-class or poor they and their neighborhoods fare better after trauma than do people who are not engaged in their community. Aldrich is quoted, Whatever the culture, people matter. Networks matter. Social contracts matter. Our Brotherhood matters and it shows. It is readily apparent when a disaster strikes one of our campuses, and we respond. It is also apparent when we share ideas, connections, and opportunities with each other. One of the speakers at the Professional Fraternity Association Meeting that I attended a couple weeks ago addressed the idea of networking and social capital. The theme of his talk was Network POWER. Promoting Opportunities While Establishing Relationships It is tough for me to do justice to his address in this short space but basically his main premise is that we should not look at networking as developing a set of people who can do something for us but rather to consider how you can help someone or connect them with someone who can help them achieve one of their life s passions. When you help others selflessly, you develop social capital. Or if you are an Earl fan, you develop good karma what goes around, comes around. So next time you meet a new person, instead of focusing on how your name sounds, focus on learning their name and needs. The internet is a great place to network within our Fraternity. You can register at and take part in the discussion forums. There are also Alpha Chi Sigma groups on Facebook and Linkedin. Feel free to friend me on either of those sites. In this issue of the Chrome and Blue, you will find news from Conclave and other things that will be of use to you and your chapter.

2 Grand Master Alchemist John Stipp The 49 th Biennial Conclave is already behind us. As with all Conclaves that I have attended, it was a great time to see old friends and catch up with what all has been happening with them over the last couple of years. In addition to spending time with old and new friends, thanks to the efforts of many Brothers, we also came away from Bloomington with many fond memories, new ritual copies with minor modifications, some new guidance from legislation, and many hopes and dreams for the future. I believe that you and the other members of the Fraternity have high expectations for myself and the other members of the Supreme Council for the following biennium. I am fortunate to have a talented and dedicated team to work with, and I believe that we have the ability to accomplish much, and will do our best to live up to your expectations. Much of what you will be reading from me in the coming months will be discussing implementation of our long term plan and other biennial or multi-biennial projects. As the audience of the Chrome and Blue is mainly our Chapter Officers, many of these projects may have an effect on your Chapter, and as such, I hope you take an interest in our progress. Many, if not most of these activities are geared to make your chapters more successful. In the recent past and coming months, you are going to see terms from me such as functional managers and project managers. I did not make those titles up (they are fairly common in corporations) and I should define those here. Functional Managers are those who are actively managing some sort of operational role in the Fraternity. Collegiate and Professional Chapter Officers and District Counselors are good examples of this in the Fraternity (i.e. most of the Chrome and Blue readers). Functional Managers have a defined list of responsibilities and carrying out those responsibilities assures that the organization completes tasks essential to our survival and growth. Alternatively, Project Managers are those who are working on a project that does not involve managing an operational role. The deliverables for a Project Manager are those that fall outside of a specific functional area of the organization. Professional Representatives and Committee Chairs are good examples of Project Managers in the Fraternity. However, just because we are putting a lot of effort and publicity into the long range plan and projects does not mean that the roles of our functional managers are being neglected or are less important to us. The success of our Chapters is the most important goal of the organization. We are fully committed to helping our chapters to be successful, and will do our best to provide you with the resources and tools that you may need to make your Chapters stronger. If there are ways that we can help, please contact myself, other members of the Supreme Council, or your District Counselor. We are here to help your Chapters be successful, and although it may not be the most publicized topic this biennium, it is still our highest priority.

3 October 1, 2008 Deadline to Submit information to include in the Winter issue of THE HEXAGON. Submit to October 18, 2008 Southeastern District Conclave in Destin, Florida North Central District Conclave in Indianapolis, Indiana NATIONAL CHEMISTRY WEEK Celebrate National Chemistry Week (NCW) 2008 Having a Ball with Chemistry Date: October 19-25, 2008 CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION 49th BIENNIAL CONCLAVE Highlights and News The Grand Chapter assembled for the 49th Biennial Conclave. As part of their duties, the delegates elected the Grand Chapter Officers for the 50 th Biennium. Our new Supreme Council listed in order of seniority is: Grand Master Alchemist John N. Stipp, Epsilon 1989 Grand Collegiate Alchemist Jennifer M. Showerman, Zeta 1992 Grand Professional Alchemist William H. Courtney IV, Delta 1991 Grand Master of Ceremonies Dr. Randy D. Weinstein, Alpha Kappa 1990 Brothers Stipp and Showerman continue on the Council from the preceding biennium. Brothers Courtney and Weinstein join the Council as new members. We thank each of the members of the new Supreme Council for their willingness to serve the Fraternity. We also want to thank Jeffrey Moore, and Anne Moody for running for Supreme Council. Their participation encouraged a discussion of goals and ideas and demonstrated a true sense of brotherhood during the discussions and election process. The new Council then appointed: Grand Recorder Dr. Patrick J. Johanns, Alpha Theta 1981 Assistant Grand Recorder Patricia Kemle, Iota 1991 The National Office staff, the Grand Editor, and Grand Historian remain the same. Sherrie Settle was inducted into the Order of Altotus. Congratulations to all!

4 Significant Grand Chapter Actions at Conclave Motion Number 5 Removed the requirement for the Fraternity to bind and distribute copies of the Hexagon. With the archiving of volumes electronically and online, the need for bound copies has diminished. This will result in savings to the fraternity Motion Number 6 Amended the Bylaws to direct the Supreme Council to solicit recommendations for District Counselor from the Master Alchemist or President of each chapter. The Master Alchemists and Presidents shall submit their recommendations to the Grand Collegiate Alchemist by May 1st of a conclave year. The Supreme Council shall consider these recommendations before appointment of District Counselors. Motion Number 7 The Grand Chapter concurred with Supreme Council Proposition 4186, setting the Pledge Fee at $40.00 and the Lifetime Membership Fee at $ for the 50th Biennium. Motion Number 9 Approved the new initiation ritual as demonstrated during the 49th Biennial Conclave. Motion Number 11 The Grand Chapter directed the Grand Recorder to examine the feasibility of automated deduction of professional donations and report the results by the December 2008 SC meeting. Motion Number 20 The Supreme Council was directed to investigate the feasibility of facilitating the sale of fraternityrelated items by chapters online. Motion Number 21 Removed from the Bylaws the requirement to have a membership standards committee. Motion Number 23 The Grand Chapter directed the Supreme Council to form a committee to explore options into alternative payment plans for the Lifetime Membership fee. Members of this committee shall include, in addition to professional members, collegiate members from chapters where the present installment plan has been used in the past biennium. The committee shall report its findings at the next Conclave. Motion Number 36 In order to facilitate professional growth, the Grand Chapter directed the National Office investigate the feasibility of issuing monthly address updates on a district by district basis to each District Counselors, Chapter Advisors, Professional representatives, and Professional Chapter Presidents. This report will be due at the winter Supreme Council Meeting. Motion Number 37 Amended the Constitution to add to the duties of the DC Chair the responsibility of instructing recently appointed District Counselors in the duties of their office. Motion Number 38 Amended the Bylaws to allow active professional members on the nominating committee who cease to be qualified as Grand Chapter members during the biennium may continue to serve until the end of the biennium at the discretion of the Supreme Council. Motion Number 39 The Supreme Council was directed to investigate the implementation of improved functionality of Net Community list server capability including, but not limited to, allowing individual list administrators theability to add, remove and verify list membership. Motion Number 41 The Supreme Council was directed to investigate providing childcare at Conclaves, starting with the 50th Biennial Conclave. Motion Number 46 The Supreme Council was directed to investigate starting or revitalizing leadership training materials to be made available to all chapters of the fraternity and that they or their representatives report back to the Grand Chapter on their findings during the 50th biennial conclave. Motion Number 48 The Supreme Council was directed to investigate the feasibility of allowing chapters to collect donations through the National website. The Supreme Council shall report their findings before the end of the 50th Conclave.

5 CONCLAVE AWARDS AND RECOGNITION 2008 John R. Kuebler Award: Peter L. Yochim, Nu Alpha Chi Sigma Hall of Fame Inductees: Robert B. Bird, Alpha Rho 1943, Edwin N. Lightfoot, Jr., Tau 1944, Warren E. Stewart, Alpha th Biennial Conclave Initiates: Catherine Reck and Andrea Pellerito Alpha Chi Sigma Scholars: 2007 Thomas Teets; 2008 Natalie Anderson 2008 Ronald T. Pflaum Outstanding Chapter Advisor: Howard R. Mayne T. Dale Stewart Efficiency Award House Chapter: Beta Chapter T. Dale Stewart Efficiency Award Non-House Chapter: Alpha Rho Chapter J. Haworth Jonte Award for Most Improved Chapter: Beta Delta Chapter Clyde B. Hutchinson Award for Best Professional Activities: Beta Tau Chapter Vincent A. Sedlak Best Professional Chapter Award: Los Angeles Pro Walter T. Schrenk Award (most Collegiates at Conclave): This year there was an eight-way tie: Delta, Beta Nu, Mu, Pi, Alpha Theta, Beta Delta, Beta Gamma, Gamma Delta, and Gamma Theta. One Star Chapter Award: Gamma, Alpha Pi, Beta Gamma, Beta Pi, Beta Delta Three Star Chapter Award: Alpha, Beta, Iota, Mu, Nu Rho, Alpha Theta, Alpha Rho, Alpha Omega, Beta Nu, Beta Rho, Beta Psi, Gamma Delta, Gamma Zeta, Gamma Kappa, Gamma Omicron DISTRICT COUNSELOR APPOINTMENTS FOR THE 50th BIENNIUM Atlantic Central, Helen Webster, ΑΡ 1994 East Central, Claudia Brodkin, ΑΡ 2002 Southeastern, Christina Grigoropoulos, ΓΒ 2003 Erie, To be determined North Central, Christy Gesell, Ε 1994 Central, Jon Wenzel, 1996 Northern, Melissa Ward, ΑΘ 1994 South Central, Amanda Ferguson, ΑΣ 2000 Northwestern, Calvin Bond, ΑΡ 1986 Southwestern, Stephanie Dingwall, ΒΓ 1998 Northeastern, Geoffrey Giarmo, ΑΒ 2003 Great Lakes, Ethan Murnahan, Ι 2005

6 FROM THE NATIONAL OFFICE Invoices were sent to the following chapters on September 16, These monies are due to the National Office by October 17, Alpha Beta Gamma Gamma Iota Epsilon Beta Eta Gamma Tau Sigma Beta Pi Gamma Xi Alpha Beta Beta Sigma Alpha Kappa Beta Chi Information for New Officers The National Office sends 99% of ALL chapter forms and information via . Very rarely is anything sent by US Mail. This has improved communication and dramatically decreased costs. Following are some information to consider when communicating with the National Office: 1. Submit Chapter Officer Election forms ASAP after elections. Always include an addresses for all officers; this assures information is updated in our database and is sent to the correct member. 2. Include your chapter name in the subject line of s sent to the National Office. Example: Beta Nu Chapter Officer List or Beta Gamma questions on pledge manuals. This process helps us to respond to requests in an efficient and timely manner. Thanks! 3. Report information to the National Office as soon as possible following pledging or initiation. We will make every effort to send materials within one to two business days after receiving of this information. 4. Please remember that 501(c)3 organizations such as your chapter cannot use chapter funds for social events. The chapter should have a separate social account managed by someone other than your Chapter Treasurer. Collegiate Reminders Is your Ritual up-to-date? The old Ritual is NOT VALID FOR HOLDING INDUCTION/INITIATION. You will need to return the old one to the National Office before you can get the up-to-date Ritual. Start the new school year right, Reporters submit pledge and initiation paperwork and fees in a timely manner. Contact the National Office with questions we re here to help. Chapter safety is a subject that comes up primarily around chapter initiations. However, it is something that we need to be aware of at all of our events. It is especially important in events that have candles or chemicals present. Make sure that you have MSDS sheets on hand any time chemicals are to be used (chemistry magic shows, etc.) and that you have fire extinguishers present at an event where there are to be any candles. Even at events where there are no candles or chemicals, please try to have the safety of your Brothers in mind and not expose anyone to any risks to their physical safety. The safety of our Brothers, pledges, and those around us should be our highest priority. We should give and expect no less.

7 Science Outreach Program (Wyvern Pin Program) o encourage and recognize participation in science outreach programs, the Fraternity has established a program in which participating members earn Wyvern Pins as they participate in the program. Science Outreach Programs being broadly defined as any activity that promotes the second object among pre-college age groups. There are four levels that can be reached in a members lifetime, and each have a corresponding colored pin. The levels and corresponding pin colors are as follows: Level Wyvern Pin Color Number of Activities Required First Level Black One activity Second Level Green Three activities within a 12 month period Third Level Red Seven activities with a 24 month period. At least one of these activities must involve scouting (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Explorers, Cub Scouts, etc.). One activity may be aimed at a general audience rather than a pre-college audience. Fourth Level Blue Fifteen activities within a 36 month period. At least two of these activities must involve scouting. Two activities may be aimed at a general audience rather than a pre-college audience. The Brother will also be required to submit a brief (2-3 paragraph minimum) article to the Hexagon. The article should describe that activity and should include a photograph that shows the interaction between the Brother(s) and the audience. The Grand Editor will make the decision as to whether or not he article is published. If a group of Brothers works together in an appropriate activity, a single Hexagon submission will be sufficient to cover this requirement for the group, but each member must include a copy of the article to their application to the GMC. Online fill-in application forms for all pin levels can be found at under Collegiate, Forms & Documents, or under Professionals, Forms & Documents. Further details on the type of activities allowed for the third and fourth levels can be found at or by contacting the National Office.

8 ALPHA CHI SIGMA CALENDAR OCT 1 Deadline for submission for the Winter issue of THE HEXAGON to the National Office 15 Founder Joseph H. Mathews born in North Central District Conclave at the National Office in Indianapolis, Indiana Southeastern District Conclave in Destin, Florida ACS National Chemistry Week 28 Founder James C. Silverthorn born in Founder Frank J. Petura born in 1881