34th
General Convention
Sigma Phi
Delta Fraternity
Tri-State
University, Angola, Indiana
July 19-21,
2001
Kappa Chapter Hosts
Minutes of 3rd
Session
July 21, 2001
20. CALL TO ORDER
GVP HILEMAN called the third session to order at 9:50 AM. He called the roll; all delegates were present.
21. RUSH PRESENTATION, A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
GVP HILEMAN provided a rousing presentation on his personal experiences on successful rushing. This is an extension of GP LINDNER’s presentation on developing a written rush plan. The main point was that having a written rush plan sitting on the shelf is of no value. The key point he made is how to successfully execute the plan.
Toward that end GVP Hileman described specific activities that should be executed to dominate any event and be engaged and enthusiastic throughout the four phases of the rush cycle: Pre-academic Year; Pre-Rush; Rush Week; and Post Rush.
His presentation is Exhibit 31 in the Appendix.
22. CODE OF ETHIC
PRESENTATION
WPC OLDKNOW gave a tutorial on Sigma Phi Delta’s Code of Ethics and how actions in the Fraternity and throughout life are shaped by one’s value system. In the Fraternity, brothers are bound by a set of common values, and these values come into play in one’s decision-making process. The differentiator between good and bad decisions (whether one feels good or not about the decision) is alignment of the decisions with one’s internal core values.
In the Fraternity brothers have common core values embodied in the Object and the Code of Ethics. The Object states what we are; why we exist; what we’re trying to do, The Code of Ethics describes how act, and the key is mapping the Code into our everyday decision processes.
Members then gave personal examples from the floor of incidences where they saw the Code in action.
GP LINDNER wrapped up the discussion by emphasizing the importance of applying the Code when times are bad. In any Chapter house divisiveness is bound to arise, many times involving small or petty issues. If the disagreement can be brought back to the Code, invariably the issue pales in significance, and can be resolved expeditiously. That way we keep ourselves aligned to what we believe in.
The full presentation is Exhibit 32 in the Appendix.
23. OLD BUSINESS
There being none, the convention moved to new business.
24. NEW BUSINESS
Support of Engineering Sorority Zeta Phi Sigma. On behalf of the Supreme Council, Procedures Committee Chairman ED FEATHERINGHAM read the following motion asking for an affirmative Sense of the Convention:
We move that the Supreme Council assist in establishing a local engineering sorority at Virginia Commonwealth University of like ideals as Sigma Phi Delta. Further, it is moved that the Supreme Council bring back a formal proposal of partnership for General Convention approval.
GVP HILEMAN seconded.
In discussion, the three representatives of Zeta Phi Sigma asked for support from the Convention and gave a presentation on what they are and what they are doing, including a presentation of their written rush plan for the fall 2001 semester.
The Zeta Phi Sigma young women were excused, and Sigma Phi Delta discussed the motion in detail.
With regards to the nature of the partnership, GP LINDNER stated: (1) that the level of support envisioned was to provide organizational material and training, not monetary and (2) that the planning for the nature of the partnership was too immature to discuss in detail. But the irreducible minimum was that the partnership be structured so as to insure an acceptance of our core values
With regard to the relationship with Alpha Omega Epsilon, GP LINDNER stated that ours was not an exclusive arrangement, and just as they are free to partner on some campuses with Theta Tau, so we can partner with others when it is in our best interest. However, at the local level our and their Chapters will continue to cooperate.
The Convention recessed for lunch at 12:15PM and reconvened at 1:00 PM.
GP LINDNER summarized the morning discussion as follows: (1) Sigma Phi Delta is not an enemy of Alpha Omega Epsilon; we are not dissolving the relationship. (2) We continue to support and work with them at the local level; there, nothing has changed. We helped found four chapters; they still exist; and we continue to support them. (3) At the National level we will change what we do in accordance with our expansion program, because there is no exclusivity. Our object requires us to work with all engineering organization; we hope they will reciprocate.
After final discussion, the chair called for a vote, and the motion passed unanimously.
The representatives of Zeta Phi Sigma were brought back into the meeting to a thunderous applause.
General Fundraising Initiative. On behalf of the Supreme Council, Procedure Committee ED FEATHERINGHAM read the following Sense of Convention motion:
Recognizing the need for additional revenues to fund key programs of the Fraternity, and recognizing the expectation of life-long financial commitment to the Fraternity, the 34th General Convention charges the Supreme Council to initiate a general fundraising initiative of all members.
Brother DYER seconded.
Discussion ensued. GP LINDNER stated that the motion’s purpose is to get the General Convention support, as the Supreme Council has authority to raise funds.
GP LINDNER stated that we are very early in the process and have no specifics recommendations however, after listening to concerns expressed by the delegates, he stated that a guiding principle will be: No cannibalization of existing Active and Alumni Chapter funding sources. There are, however, 4000+ living alumni, and many do not contribute; all that are associated with a now-inactive chapter have no way currently of contributing.
Other ideas expressed during discussion included: Corporate sponsorship and Soliciting Ads for the Castle. These will be considered at the appropriate time, GP LINDNER, said, but the thrust of the motion is to initiate a focused fundraising of all members first and move onto other ideas subsequently.
CD WAGNER called for the vote, and the resolution passed unanimously.
GP LINDNER called for motions from the floor; there were none.
The Convention recessed for a ten-minute break.
25. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PRESENTATION.
GVP HILEMAN in the chair announced a break in the order of business, as the video equipment was now in working order. ED FEATHERINGHAM gave a presentation on the roles and duties of his new position and the progress he has attained in meeting established goals. The presentation is Exhibit 33 in the Appendix.
26. ELECTIONS
GP LINDNER excused
all non-members and guests for the duration, and the Convention moved to
elections.
Grand President EPC VOTAW, Chairman of the Nominations Committee announced that three members had agreed to have their names placed in nomination. They are: Western Province Secretary John TIGHI, Alpha Alumnus; Former Executive Secretary Derek TROY, Alpha Alumnus; and Eastern Province Councillor Michael VOTAW, Kappa Alumnus.
There were no nominations from the floor, and nominations were closed.
Brother TIGHI was absent and had no one to speak for him. WPC OLDKNOW read a statement on behalf of Bro. TROY, who was absent. EPC VOTAW made a statement on his own behalf.
VOTAW was excused from the meting, and delegates discussed the advantages and shortcomings of each candidate.
A secret ballot was taken for the Office of Grand President. The Chair announced that Brother TROY was elected to be the Grand President for the biennium 2002-2003. The Chair instructed the Secretary to destroy the ballots.
Grand Vice President. Nomination Committee Chairman VOTAW announced that there was only one nominee for Grand Vice President, the incumbent and Kappa Alumnus, Brother HILEMAN.
CD WAGNER moved and Brother LYNCH seconded a motion to close nominations and have the Secretary cast a white ballot for Brother HILEMAN for Grand Vice President. The motion carried unanimously.
Brother HILEMAN spoke to the convention regarding his accomplishments with regard to expansion: 2-1/2 years, three new chapters and a colony. When he first accepted the position his goal was to have eight new Chapters in five years. So he assess his progress as about halfway there. Immediate targets are to re-activate Lambda at Indiana Tech; Omicron at Michigan State; and Nu at University of California at Berkeley. He finally stated that he also has targets outside of North America.
Communications Director Nominating Committee Chairman VOTAW announced that one brother had agreed to have his name placed in nomination, the incumbent and Delta Alumnus, Brother Burt WAGNER.
From the floor Brother HOSHOCK nominated, Kappa Alumnus, Brother Alix MINDEN, who accepted the nomination.
There being no other nominations, chair closed nominations, and Bros. WAGNER and MINDEN each spoke in his own behalf.
The nominees were excused, and a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of each were discussed.
Brother HUBER called for a vote and Brother COCKLE seconded the motion.
A secret ballot was taken for the Office of Communications Director. The Chair announced that brother MINDEN was elected to be the Communications Director for the biennium 2002-2003. The Chair instructed the Secretary to destroy the ballots.
Sigma Phi Delta Trustee. Nomination Committee VOTAW reported there were no candidates for the position, and he recommended that a vote be postponed until a suitable candidate was found. A mandatory requirement is that the Trustee be a resident of California.
The chair asked for candidates from the floor, and Brother LYNCH nominated himself, and Brother MASCHERI seconded the nomination.
Brother DYER moved to close nominations; Central Province Secretary Brother Steve MASCHERI, Eta Chapter, seconded.
The chair then asked for a vote of all who approved of casting a white ballot for Brother LYNCH. The vote was unanimous, and Brother Adam LYNCH was elected to the Fraternity Board of Trustees.
Sigma Phi Delta Foundation Board. Nominating Committee Chairman VOTAW announced that there was no candidate for the position, and the committee recommended postponing the vote until a suitable candidate was identified.
From the floor Brother DYER nominated GP LINDNER, who respectfully declined nomination.
There were no other nominations.
The chair instructed the Nominating Committee to find a suitable candidate and to vote by mail ballot. The incumbent Brother Gary RAY’s term expires on December 31, 2001.
27. LOCATION OF THE 35th
GENERAL CONVENTION
Procedures Committee Chairman FEATHERINGHAM read a motion on behalf of the Supreme Council that the 35th General Convention be held at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, with Omega Chapter hosting and Epsilon Chapter as the alternate. Brother GIN seconded.
Brother Ian SANTARINALA, Delta’s Delegate, moved from the floor to amend the motion such that the 35th Convention be held in 2003 at the University of Illinois, Champaign, IL with Delta Chapter hosting in recognition of Delta’s 75th anniversary, and CD WAGNER seconded.
The amended motion carried. And the original motion carried. The 35th General Convention will be hosted by Delta Chapter with Epsilon as the alternate.
Brother Robert AUGSPURGER, Eta Chapter, moved from the floor that the 34th General Convention recommend to the 35th General Convention that Omega Chapter host the 36th General Convention in 2005., and CD WAGNER seconded. The motion passed unanimously. It will be addressed as Old Business at the 35th General Convention.
The Chair asked for any other new business from the floor; there being none the Convention moved to Housekeeping motion.
28. HOUSEKEEPING MOTIONS
The Chair announced that the Housekeeping Motions would be carried by applause. Procedures Committee Chairman FEATHERINGHAM moved that:
· The financial Statement of the Convention be made part of the official Minutes (Applause)
· That Active and Alumni Chapters submit by-laws as specified in Statutory Code Sections 160 and 177 before January 2002. (Applause)
· That provinces submit their by-laws as specified in Statutory Code Section 130 by January 2002.
Procedures Committee Chairman FEATHERINGHAM moved that the 34th General Convention show its appreciation to:
· Brother Paul LINDNER for his service as Grand President in the biennium. (Applause)
· Brother Keith HILEMAN for his service as Grand Vice President in the biennium (Applause)
· Brother Derek TROY for his service as Executive Secretary (Applause)
· Brother Ed HURST for his service as Treasurer
· Brother Dan HUBER for his service as Intern (Applause)
· Jeremy Joseph Vandenhouten for his service as intern (Applause)
· Kappa House, and particularly Brothers Alix MINDEN, Matt WALKER, and Chris (Ziggy) ZEIGLER, and the Kappa Alumni Association for their efforts in hosting the convention (Applause)
· The pledges of the VCU Colony for their attendance at the Convention (Applause)
· The VCU Sorority Zeta Phi Sigma for their attendance at the Convention (Applause)
· Omega Chapter for attending its first Convention. (Applause)
· To all Alumni who participated in the Convention. (Applause)
· To Brother Mike VOTAW for setting up the factory tour. (Applause)
The Convention by Applause directed the Executive Director to write letters of Appreciation to:
· Cooper-Standard for the informative tour (Applause)
· Tri-State University for use of its superb facilities and fine support. (Applause)
29. CLOSE
Brother DYER moved and CD WAGNER seconded a motion to amend the Constitution Article II, Section 3 and Article III, Section 5 to remove the Executive Secretary from the Supreme Council and as a member of the General Convention.
Discussion:
The Chair stated that this was a serious motion to be offered at the very end of the convention.
CD WAGNER expressed concern that because the Supreme Council supervises the Executive Director and because the General Convention sets the Executive Director’s salary, the Executive Director (serving as the Executive Secretary) should not have a vote on the Supreme Council or at the General Convention. This voting power puts the Executive Director (acting as the Executive Secretary) in a conflict of interest where he is voting on his own supervision and salary.
EPC VOTAW stated that the Supreme Council was aware of many changes required to the Constitution and Statutory Code when (and if) the Executive Director is made a permanent position. Furthermore, the Leadership Committee was in the process of identifying a number of candidate amendments to be brought to the General Convention. But these had to be done in a well thought out and deliberative manner and not at the time of closing.
Brother NIIRANEN stated that although he believes there is a conflict, Constitutional changes are of such import that they should not be acted on in a hasty manner.
GP LINDNER stated that, although the two amendments might be sufficient to accomplish the goal, it is in the best interest to take the motion under advisement and not try to hammer it out under pressure to close.
Brother DYER stated that he was not making the motion as a personal attack on Brother FEATHERINGHAM and would accept a motion to table to allow further study of the motion.
Brother NIIRANEN moved to table the motion for two months to allow further review and appropriate action by the Supreme Council. The vote will be taken by mail vote within two months.
Seconded by Brother DYER, the motion carried unanimously.
There being no other new business, the Convention was closed in FORM.
30. BANQUET
A cocktail hour and banquet were held at the Auburn Cord Duesenburg Museum in Auburn, IN.
At the banquet Awards Ceremony, GVP HILEMAN announced that Kappa Chapter won the Efficiency Contest for the 2000/2001 school year.
GVP HILEMAN awarded GP LINDNER a plaque in appreciation for his ten years’ service as a National Officer of Sigma Phi Delta.
Subsequently, GVP HILEMAN opened the microphone for others to express their sentiments.
The banquet’s end signified the close of Sigma Phi Delta Fraternity’s 34th General Convention.
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