Brothers –

The fall of 2012 brought a renewed focus to the Chapter and its standing both with the General Fraternity and the University. In the beginning of the semester, the 42nd executive council confronted the serious issues raised by the past few semesters of activity. Their first event – and first test – of the semester was a tailgate at the Georgia Tech game. Honestly, as the Chapter Advisor, I gave considerable thought to my reaction to the announcement of this event, especially for a chapter so close to the edge. Yet, the Chapter carefully planned the event, closely monitored the activity of brothers and guests, and the event went off without incident. It was the beginning of a great semester.

Next, we faced the challenge of rush. I can honestly say that the rush chairmen this fall conducted one of the best, if not the best, rush periods during my tenure as Chapter Advisor. They were focused on the right set of attributes and they attracted such a large pool of potential members that when the 25 Delta Alphas were initiated last weekend, it was my belief that it could have been 50 quality guys if they had extended that many bids (not that I am advocating that they should have). My point is that they really seemed to be turning the corner.

Throughout the fall semester the chapter excelled in sports winning a number of championships. Their participation in the various sorority philanthropy events was strong.

Any incidents were individual incidents, and were dealt with as such. The Chapter, as a whole, was making great strides.

And then, they went to fall formals in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

The short story is that the damage bill from the fall formals trip to Gatlinburg was $26,000. At first, I suspected the cabin company was taking some advantage of the guys and I will skip those details. When I spoke directly to the cabin company they replied, “This is the worst we have been hit by a fraternity.” I challenged some of the damages and when I did I was informed they had pictures. When I reviewed the pictures, I was so angry I abruptly told the Consul to “fix it.” I directed him that to the extent individual brothers could be identified, they would pay for their damage and the rest would be divided among every brother in attendance. Much of the damage bill was the result of the failure of the brothers to do any basic cleaning before they left, although there was significant damage to property too. To my surprise, the Consul and Quaestor allocated the damages and collected $21,000 from the guys in about four days. This allowed me to call the cabin company and settle the issue with respect to them. Yet, the issue of the Chapter’s status and our reaction, as a General Fraternity and alumni, remains an open issue.

Following the initiation of the Delta Alphas on Saturday, a small group of alumni, joined me, Mac McClure, and Ed Spencer to meet with the Executive Committee. There was no yelling and no berating. We simply explained to the guys that over the past 4 or 5 years the alumni, the International Fraternity, and the University had made a significant investment in Eta Lambda. Of course, active members eventually graduate and the gentlemen in the Chapter today are not the same men as four years ago. Yet, many of the issues we have confronted have not gone away.

We explained that the issue was now in their court. We directed them to come back with a plan, which should include recommending individual members for removal from the Chapter. We are waiting on their response, which we anticipate following the holiday break.

We again find ourselves confronting issues resulting from alcohol and the Chapter.

Fortunately, as has been the case during my tenure as Chapter Advisor, I do not undertake these responsibilities alone.

Mac has been ever present and honestly, delivered the big hammer on the Chapter. His response has been firm and direct, and essentially, the Chapter is to cease all activities until Mac, and the Chapter’s alumni accept the Chapter’s response. Over the break the Chapter leadership will prepare and deliver a plan going forward. We have explained that all options are on the table, including pulling the Charter, and stressed the need for serious resolve inside the Chapter.

I find as Chapter Advisor that the Chapter has many strong alums around it, and I am pleased to report that “Doc” Spencer has officially re-joined the Chapter’s leadership team. Following his retirement, I wanted to be careful not to call upon him too much, and I am pleased to report his own devotion to Eta Lambda has made him a frequent presence at Chapter meetings. More importantly, he remains the Chapter’s “North Star” as time-and-time again I hear of brothers seeking him out for private meetings of mentorship and advice. His guidance has helped many a brother navigate personal difficulties.

I am also pleased to report that Mac has officially appointed Doc as the Chapter’s “Faculty Advisor.” I know you join me in celebrating his official return to the Chapter.

Mac and I have spent much time on the telephone over the past few weeks trying to figure out what to do. Mac and Ed have read this letter and endorse its contents. We agree that the Chapter has many truly outstanding men, and yet, still has a few – even after the member review – who cannot conduct themselves responsibly at parties.

There is no excuse for what happened at Gatlinburg, and the Chapter will be held accountable. For now, the University is letting us handle it as a Chapter/Grand Praetor/Alumni issue.

Personally, in addition to the disappointment over the actions of a few brothers at fall formals, I am disappointed that the momentum that the current Consul was gaining regarding a new house has been stalled. My hope is that the first week of the next semester the Chapter will confront its challenges, move to alumni status those members who cannot demonstrate the basic tenets of The Jordan Standard, and continue to move forward. If not, we will likely take more drastic actions. I know this will be a difficult process as likely some of the most “popular” members are the among those who are the biggest problem.

We have many, many outstanding young men in the Chapter. My hope is that they will rise to the occasion.

At this point, we are awaiting the Chapter’s response.

In Hoc,

Jeff