Full Chapter History
1972
In 1972, the nation was still feeling an era of anti-establishment created in the 1960s. Nationally, fraternities had been folding due to lack of interest for a number of years. At Eastern Michigan University, just four years earlier, in 1968, Playboy Magazine named Eastern, "The Number One Party School In The Nation". College students did not come to Eastern to learn, they came to party. The atmosphere for starting a solid Lambda Chi Alpha chapter at EMU did not look good. If it were not for the hard work of a few men, Sigma Kappa Zeta would not be here today. Those early men who got our chapter going were Gerald Rodinsky and Marc Bonneau.
Then Executive Director George Spasyk, a 1949 graduate of the University of Michigan, had always wanted a Lambda Chi Alpha chapter at Eastern. In 1972, he sent letters to two local fraternities, the Arm of Honor and Kappa Phi Alpha. This letter invited them to join Lambda Chi Alpha. It is much easier to start a chapter from a local fraternity than to start from scratch. However, both declined the offer.
Director Spasyk then sent Gerald Rodinsky, director of expansion at that time, to Eastern. Jerry organized a mass mailing of Lambda Chi Alpha pamphlets to every male in the fall of 1972. He then organized through Campus Life to meet with interested men. Jerry met with about twenty. He organized a retreat at Boone Hall with the help of the Sigma Zeta of U of M and the only two sororities willing to help us, Alpha Omicron Pi and Sigma Sigma Sigma. After the retreat, thirteen said they wanted to join.
In 1972, the nation was still feeling an era of anti-establishment created in the 1960s. Nationally, fraternities had been folding due to lack of interest for a number of years. At Eastern Michigan University, just four years earlier, in 1968, Playboy Magazine named Eastern, "The Number One Party School In The Nation". College students did not come to Eastern to learn, they came to party. The atmosphere for starting a solid Lambda Chi Alpha chapter at EMU did not look good. If it were not for the hard work of a few men, Sigma Kappa Zeta would not be here today. Those early men who got our chapter going were Gerald Rodinsky and Marc Bonneau.
Then Executive Director George Spasyk, a 1949 graduate of the University of Michigan, had always wanted a Lambda Chi Alpha chapter at Eastern. In 1972, he sent letters to two local fraternities, the Arm of Honor and Kappa Phi Alpha. This letter invited them to join Lambda Chi Alpha. It is much easier to start a chapter from a local fraternity than to start from scratch. However, both declined the offer.
Director Spasyk then sent Gerald Rodinsky, director of expansion at that time, to Eastern. Jerry organized a mass mailing of Lambda Chi Alpha pamphlets to every male in the fall of 1972. He then organized through Campus Life to meet with interested men. Jerry met with about twenty. He organized a retreat at Boone Hall with the help of the Sigma Zeta of U of M and the only two sororities willing to help us, Alpha Omicron Pi and Sigma Sigma Sigma. After the retreat, thirteen said they wanted to join.
1973
On March 18, 1973, 10 of these interested thirteen wrote a letter of intent to the general fraternity. This letter stated that there were thirteen people requesting for national to recognize them as a colony of Lambda Chi Alpha. In April of 1973, Marc Bonneau was elected as the first president. In this same month, the very first ritual was performed. The U of M chapter performed it, but only eight of the thirteen who signed the letter in March were initiated (7 undergraduates and our first High Pi Bill Barnett). After about a year, only four of those seven undergraduates remained active. The U of M chapter performed the first two rituals (held in March 1973 and December 1973) and Western Michigan University performed the third (April 1974). Therefore, the first fourteen people initiated were done so by another Zeta.
After the first ritual in March, most of those initiated went their separate ways for the summer. All of them worked hard and it was difficult to get everyone together. Lambda Chi Alpha was put on hold for the summer.
For everyone, that is, except for Marc Bonneau. In the summer of 1973, Marc took a trip to national where he "got fired up". When he came back, Marc contacted the other members to motivate them. After much work by Marc, they finally had their first meeting in October 1973. If Marc had given up, our chapter may not be here today. It was Marc who got the ball rolling and tried to motivate people. He was constantly working hard at doing this.
"I always have to credit Marc that if it wasn't for him, there really wouldn’t have been a fraternity. I'd say that was the only time we were really dependent on one person to get it going; and that was Marc." - Mark Osinski
In the fall of 1973, two more people joined, Dave Crandall and Mike Daitch. At this point, the four actives knew they were in trouble. They were not getting any help from anyone. Other fraternities, the university, and even national were letting us struggle for ourselves. No one really knew what they were doing. Even our first High Pi, Bill Barnett, an administrator in Campus Life persuaded by Jerry Rodinsky to be our counselor, had never really been associated with a fraternity. It was later learned that the general fraternity saw us as an experiment. They were watching us; observing how we were doing. They were only going to give us another year and if something didn't emerge, national was going to let us dissolve. Luckily, things started happening.
On March 18, 1973, 10 of these interested thirteen wrote a letter of intent to the general fraternity. This letter stated that there were thirteen people requesting for national to recognize them as a colony of Lambda Chi Alpha. In April of 1973, Marc Bonneau was elected as the first president. In this same month, the very first ritual was performed. The U of M chapter performed it, but only eight of the thirteen who signed the letter in March were initiated (7 undergraduates and our first High Pi Bill Barnett). After about a year, only four of those seven undergraduates remained active. The U of M chapter performed the first two rituals (held in March 1973 and December 1973) and Western Michigan University performed the third (April 1974). Therefore, the first fourteen people initiated were done so by another Zeta.
After the first ritual in March, most of those initiated went their separate ways for the summer. All of them worked hard and it was difficult to get everyone together. Lambda Chi Alpha was put on hold for the summer.
For everyone, that is, except for Marc Bonneau. In the summer of 1973, Marc took a trip to national where he "got fired up". When he came back, Marc contacted the other members to motivate them. After much work by Marc, they finally had their first meeting in October 1973. If Marc had given up, our chapter may not be here today. It was Marc who got the ball rolling and tried to motivate people. He was constantly working hard at doing this.
"I always have to credit Marc that if it wasn't for him, there really wouldn’t have been a fraternity. I'd say that was the only time we were really dependent on one person to get it going; and that was Marc." - Mark Osinski
In the fall of 1973, two more people joined, Dave Crandall and Mike Daitch. At this point, the four actives knew they were in trouble. They were not getting any help from anyone. Other fraternities, the university, and even national were letting us struggle for ourselves. No one really knew what they were doing. Even our first High Pi, Bill Barnett, an administrator in Campus Life persuaded by Jerry Rodinsky to be our counselor, had never really been associated with a fraternity. It was later learned that the general fraternity saw us as an experiment. They were watching us; observing how we were doing. They were only going to give us another year and if something didn't emerge, national was going to let us dissolve. Luckily, things started happening.
1974
In January 1974, the general fraternity did the last mass mailing of pamphlets to all men on campus. To show the atmosphere at that time, this is how one person became a member.
"Bob Benson called the fraternity and said 'I want to join Lambda Chi Alpha'. We thought someone was giving us a line. Who wants to join Lambda Chi Alpha? I mean, there were only 4 or 5 [or] 6 people in it right now and this was right after the mass mailing . . . we were laughing. . . . it just floored us that anyone wanted to join Lambda Chi Alpha. We didn't even know how to handle it. We invited him to a meeting and he joined." - Mark Osinski
At this time, ritual was performed twice a semester to keep interest. It was even done in the summer. Associates were initiated right away and since there were so few members, they also became officers right away.
During 1974 eight new members were initiated (4 in April, 4 in October). This created a chaos because there were only 7-8 actives before this and they were used to doing things a certain way. All of a sudden there are many new guys coming in with voting rights. They knew nothing about parliamentary procedure. Things were changing rapidly.
Around this time, Marc Bonneau, who was still president, was becoming burnt out. Before the Christmas of 1974, Marc stepped down. Daryl Strong became our second president, elected because he was energetic and enthusiastic. Jim Woods became our Delta. With this pair of intelligent, enthusiastic men, rush became a priority.
In January 1974, the general fraternity did the last mass mailing of pamphlets to all men on campus. To show the atmosphere at that time, this is how one person became a member.
"Bob Benson called the fraternity and said 'I want to join Lambda Chi Alpha'. We thought someone was giving us a line. Who wants to join Lambda Chi Alpha? I mean, there were only 4 or 5 [or] 6 people in it right now and this was right after the mass mailing . . . we were laughing. . . . it just floored us that anyone wanted to join Lambda Chi Alpha. We didn't even know how to handle it. We invited him to a meeting and he joined." - Mark Osinski
At this time, ritual was performed twice a semester to keep interest. It was even done in the summer. Associates were initiated right away and since there were so few members, they also became officers right away.
During 1974 eight new members were initiated (4 in April, 4 in October). This created a chaos because there were only 7-8 actives before this and they were used to doing things a certain way. All of a sudden there are many new guys coming in with voting rights. They knew nothing about parliamentary procedure. Things were changing rapidly.
Around this time, Marc Bonneau, who was still president, was becoming burnt out. Before the Christmas of 1974, Marc stepped down. Daryl Strong became our second president, elected because he was energetic and enthusiastic. Jim Woods became our Delta. With this pair of intelligent, enthusiastic men, rush became a priority.
1975
In March of that year, three were initiated and in the following fall nine. It was an expansive growth period. The first Lambda house, 501 N. Washington (affectionately referred to as The Pit), was rented Fall 1974 - Fall 1975. This house had holes in the floor so you could see into the basement. It was not an official fraternity house, but only brothers lived in it.
In March of that year, three were initiated and in the following fall nine. It was an expansive growth period. The first Lambda house, 501 N. Washington (affectionately referred to as The Pit), was rented Fall 1974 - Fall 1975. This house had holes in the floor so you could see into the basement. It was not an official fraternity house, but only brothers lived in it.
1976
In January 1976 the charter was signed and on March 28, 1976, we received recognition as Sigma Kappa Zeta, a fully initiated chapter. Besides the struggle of the past few years, there were seven requirements set by national to be met before we could become a chapter. They were:
1. Membership-there should be thirty members.
2. 80% in Extra-Curricular Activities
3. Financial Solvency
4. A Reserve Fund
5. Own Ritual Equipment
6. An Alumni Organization organized
7. Established Bylaws
All seven of these were met in March.
Before receiving our charter, the members were invited to national to talk with George Spasyk. While at the general headquarters, there were three main highlights: a retreat, a tour of the national office, and a steak dinner at Brother Spasyk's house. This was a high point in our local history because it was so motivational. The goal of the last three years to become a chapter had finally been reached. Locally, the turning point for our chapter at Eastern occurred soon after this visit to national.
"We had Greek Week and it came down to a tug-of-war. We were tied; us and the Theta Chi's. They had big guys; they were all wrestlers. We were okay in sports but we were like third or fourth as far as all the fraternities were concerned. But it came down to Greek Week, down to the very, very last event--the tug-of-war. Then you saw a real parting of the waters. You could see who was for us and who was against us. You saw some sororities and some fraternities come to our side--other fraternities and sororities go to their sides . . . it seemed like it went on forever, but we finally pulled them across the line. That was our turning point!" - Mark Osinski
After winning this Greek Week in April 1976, we went from the little guys to the top policy makers. Since we were the only fraternity not to have hazing, we were called the "boys' club". Within the next few years, Lambda Chi had a student council president, IFC president, Greek Council president, and many student senators. "Like 25% of our brothers were officers in other organizations" - Rich Pietroski
In 1976, 13 total new members were initiated.
In January 1976 the charter was signed and on March 28, 1976, we received recognition as Sigma Kappa Zeta, a fully initiated chapter. Besides the struggle of the past few years, there were seven requirements set by national to be met before we could become a chapter. They were:
1. Membership-there should be thirty members.
2. 80% in Extra-Curricular Activities
3. Financial Solvency
4. A Reserve Fund
5. Own Ritual Equipment
6. An Alumni Organization organized
7. Established Bylaws
All seven of these were met in March.
Before receiving our charter, the members were invited to national to talk with George Spasyk. While at the general headquarters, there were three main highlights: a retreat, a tour of the national office, and a steak dinner at Brother Spasyk's house. This was a high point in our local history because it was so motivational. The goal of the last three years to become a chapter had finally been reached. Locally, the turning point for our chapter at Eastern occurred soon after this visit to national.
"We had Greek Week and it came down to a tug-of-war. We were tied; us and the Theta Chi's. They had big guys; they were all wrestlers. We were okay in sports but we were like third or fourth as far as all the fraternities were concerned. But it came down to Greek Week, down to the very, very last event--the tug-of-war. Then you saw a real parting of the waters. You could see who was for us and who was against us. You saw some sororities and some fraternities come to our side--other fraternities and sororities go to their sides . . . it seemed like it went on forever, but we finally pulled them across the line. That was our turning point!" - Mark Osinski
After winning this Greek Week in April 1976, we went from the little guys to the top policy makers. Since we were the only fraternity not to have hazing, we were called the "boys' club". Within the next few years, Lambda Chi had a student council president, IFC president, Greek Council president, and many student senators. "Like 25% of our brothers were officers in other organizations" - Rich Pietroski
In 1976, 13 total new members were initiated.
1977
In 1977, the Great Lakes Conclave was held at Eastern Michigan. This was a goal set before receiving our charter to keep the excitement going. This goal was met with much success. Not only were we now accepted in Eastern Michigan Greek Life, but also among our fellow brothers in other zetas.
In 1977, 16 new members were initiated.
In 1977, the Great Lakes Conclave was held at Eastern Michigan. This was a goal set before receiving our charter to keep the excitement going. This goal was met with much success. Not only were we now accepted in Eastern Michigan Greek Life, but also among our fellow brothers in other zetas.
In 1977, 16 new members were initiated.
Other important events of the first few years
• The first White Rose was held at the Michigan Room in the Michigan Union on March 22, 1974
• Meetings were held in the Gallery II at McKenny Union
• The TKE chapter at Eastern was started by one of their national recruiters after receiving a letter by one of our own brothers, Dave Hubbard. Dave wanted more fraternities to increase the whole Greek System. This national recruiter came and rushed 30-35 guys in our house with beer paid for by us. After the TKEs got started again (they had dissolved in the 1960s until started by us again in the 1970s), there was intense rivalry between the two chapters. In 1977, the TKEs captured the Greek Week Trophy from us until 1988 when Lambda Chi won it back.
• Shortly after we started the TKE chapter, the TKEs invited some of their other chapters to Eastern. On the marquee of The Keg party store was written "WELCOME BACK TKES". One Lambda Chi had an idea. When the TKE chapters arrived in Ypsilanti, the marquee had been rearranged to proclaim "BLOW ME TKES".
• In the 1970s, Lambda Chi Alpha was the only fraternity at Eastern to hold charitable events.
• In the fall of 1974, the first R.A. Kidnap was held. This was highly advertised and received a write-up in the newspaper.
• Operation Suitcase was an early rush tactic. Lambda Chi's would wear letters and help students move into the residence halls.
• Pumpkin exchanges were held with the sororities. We carved the sororities letters in the pumpkin and gave it to them. We also gave the sororities roses on Valentine's Day.
• All the families of Sigma Kappa Zeta are descended from four men: Marc Bonneau, David Parker, George Bailey, and Mark Osinski.
• In 1978 the first canoe trip was held. Four brothers wanted to go to Florida at the end of the school year but didn't have the money. Instead they went canoeing up north. They had such a good time, a trip was planned for the following Year. The second year 10 people went. Within a few years, 70-80 brothers were attending making the trip one of the big events of the year.
• There was an early saying about our first three presidents Marc Bonneau, Daryl Strong, and Mark Osinski. The saying goes "Marc Bonneau kept the fraternity going, Daryl gave it life, and I'm the one who organized it" (Mark Osinski)
• In the 1970s, each year a budget was drawn up according to how much money was coming in by dues of members. "We never followed them. We were growing so fast; we had new guys coming in all the time paying initiation fees and regular dues" (Dave Hubbard)
• Back in 1973, dues were $20 a month. This was a lot of money back then.
• The first White Rose was held at the Michigan Room in the Michigan Union on March 22, 1974
• Meetings were held in the Gallery II at McKenny Union
• The TKE chapter at Eastern was started by one of their national recruiters after receiving a letter by one of our own brothers, Dave Hubbard. Dave wanted more fraternities to increase the whole Greek System. This national recruiter came and rushed 30-35 guys in our house with beer paid for by us. After the TKEs got started again (they had dissolved in the 1960s until started by us again in the 1970s), there was intense rivalry between the two chapters. In 1977, the TKEs captured the Greek Week Trophy from us until 1988 when Lambda Chi won it back.
• Shortly after we started the TKE chapter, the TKEs invited some of their other chapters to Eastern. On the marquee of The Keg party store was written "WELCOME BACK TKES". One Lambda Chi had an idea. When the TKE chapters arrived in Ypsilanti, the marquee had been rearranged to proclaim "BLOW ME TKES".
• In the 1970s, Lambda Chi Alpha was the only fraternity at Eastern to hold charitable events.
• In the fall of 1974, the first R.A. Kidnap was held. This was highly advertised and received a write-up in the newspaper.
• Operation Suitcase was an early rush tactic. Lambda Chi's would wear letters and help students move into the residence halls.
• Pumpkin exchanges were held with the sororities. We carved the sororities letters in the pumpkin and gave it to them. We also gave the sororities roses on Valentine's Day.
• All the families of Sigma Kappa Zeta are descended from four men: Marc Bonneau, David Parker, George Bailey, and Mark Osinski.
• In 1978 the first canoe trip was held. Four brothers wanted to go to Florida at the end of the school year but didn't have the money. Instead they went canoeing up north. They had such a good time, a trip was planned for the following Year. The second year 10 people went. Within a few years, 70-80 brothers were attending making the trip one of the big events of the year.
• There was an early saying about our first three presidents Marc Bonneau, Daryl Strong, and Mark Osinski. The saying goes "Marc Bonneau kept the fraternity going, Daryl gave it life, and I'm the one who organized it" (Mark Osinski)
• In the 1970s, each year a budget was drawn up according to how much money was coming in by dues of members. "We never followed them. We were growing so fast; we had new guys coming in all the time paying initiation fees and regular dues" (Dave Hubbard)
• Back in 1973, dues were $20 a month. This was a lot of money back then.