Omega Wins Most Improved Chapter in Theta Chi
Below is the speech given at the CLC when Omega Chapter Received the award
at the Chapter Leadership Conference XI in Dayton, Ohio
The Sidney Ann Gilpin Lewis Memorial Trophy
The Sidney Ann Gilpin Lewis memorial Trophy was presented to Theta Chi Fraternity in 1938 by James G. Lewis, Alpha Xi Chapter at the University of Delaware, in memory of his daughter. The award, which is made on an annual basis, recognizes the undergraduate chapter, which in the judgment of the Grand Chapter has made the greatest progress in chapter operations in the preceding academic year.
This year’s honorable mentions go to the Tau Chapter at the University of Florida, Alpha Zeta Chapter at the University of Rochester, Beta Rho Chapter at Illinois Wesleyan University, Delta Omega Chapter at Ripon College, and Zeta Epsilon at California State University – Long Beach.
In March of 2002 a letter sent to the undergrads of recipient chapter of this award and stated: “A rebuilding project has begun. This rebuilding project does not involve the physical structure of the house, but rather its true building blocks – the undergraduate members. At the same time, to protect the chapter house the chapter went dry. With that all the seniors whom made the bulk of the chapter all quit. Leaving the chapter with only underclassmen who had little experience in leadership or the knowledge it took to run a fraternity.
Today this chapter is living up to their alumni brothers George Chapman and Howard Alter by working together and keeping their chapter strong. In the past three years the chapter has combated challenges such as identity, low numbers, and less than desirable alumni relations.
The Assistant Director for the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life wrote: The brotherhood truly understand and lives the core principles and values of the international organization and our ritual. They understand and follow these principles and this has helped them toward success. I am proud to be affiliated with these men as they continue to grow and improve the chapter. They are more than deserving of this honor as they are true representation of Theta Chi Fraternity.
This chapter has picked up the pieces and continued the path of excellence. The 2004-2005 Sidney Ann Gilpin Lewis Memorial Trophy for significant chapter improvement is awarded to the Omega Chapter of Pennsylvania State University.
