Cross & Crescent
a Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity publication
INSIDE:
Michigan’s Chief Justice Taylor
Taylor begins his second year as
chief justice
Returning to the Rose Bowl
In football and fraternity, John Zilka is a
role player
King René, Priory of Sion,
and The DaVinci Code
January 2006 . Volume XCVIII . Number 1
Cross
&
Crescent
a Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity publication
Features
Fraternity News
3 EVP Bill Farkas states goals
Chapter News
4 Chapter and Alumni News
History
9 Omicron Zeta and The Iswza
Society
History Extra
10 What did Jack Mason know
about King René?
12
Michigan’s Chief Justice Taylor
Once an IFC president, Cliff Taylor serves as chief justice on
Michigan’s Supreme Court. This January he begins the second half
of his two-year term. By George Spasyk
14
Returning to the Rose Bowl
When the USC Trojans face their opponents in the 2006 Rose
Bowl, senior John Zilka will be there. He might not take the field,
but his work on the scout team may earn him a third national title
ring. By Chris Barrick
Credits
Contributions
Publisher: Bill Farkas
Editor: Jason Pearce
Assistant Editor: Chris Barrick
Illustrator: Jeff Reisdorfer
Photographer: Walt Moser
Assignment Editor: Jon Williamson
Contributing Editors:
Jono Hren
Mike Raymond
Steve Sothman
George Spasyk
Douglas Weeks
Content for consideration should be submitted
by the fifteenth of the month.
Lambda Chi Alpha
8741 Founders Rd
Indianapolis, IN 46268-1338
(317) 872-8000
editor@lambdachi.org
www.lambdachi.org
www.crossandcrescent.com
www.crossandcrescent.com
Cross & Crescent JANUARY
2006
FRATERNITY NEWS
Expectations for 2006
A time for resolutions, this new year, Bill Farkas sets
some expectations
By Bill Farkas (Butler 1988)
AS WE BEGIN A NEW YEAR, I thought it appropriate to share with
you a brief snapshot of what you can expect from staff in 2006.
Though I mention many areas of operations, upcoming issues of
the Cross & Crescent will discuss specific areas in greater detail.
Our plan is to tap into these students. It is going to be challenging
to figure out a way to bridge the gap from those who understand
what fraternities are and those who do not. If we can achieve this
goal, we will see new members in unprecedented numbers.
Membership Services
Our staff serves all members, both undergraduates and alumni.
The undergraduate members are our key customer, for they
are the ones paying dues to cover operating costs and our
salaries. It is our commitment to give them the very best.
Improve Communications
In November 2005, Lambda Chi Alpha took a large leap in entring
the digital world by moving the creation and distribution of the
Cross & Crescent to an online-only format. We made this move for
a number of reasons, the greatest being limited financial resources.
Our staff, along with countless alumni volunteers, want to insure
that the undergraduates of today have the same opportunities
we enjoyed. To that end, every chapter and colony will receive
two visits from an ELC this upcoming academic year.
Though we are restructuring a number of our key programs,
Lambda Chi Alpha remains well positioned for the future.
Our recent purchase of a new database provides us an
incredible opportunity to streamline our business practices
and better communicate with our various constituencies.
Financially Secure
We have a fiduciary responsibility to use your money
wisely. While the past few years have been a struggle,
the current financial picture is encouraging.
Additionally, we are preparing a new Lambda Chi
Alpha website for later this year — an interactive
site that will draw members on a daily basis.
Strengthen Development
We have a great and often unused reserve of 200,000 living
alumni. These brothers are being called upon for not only
financial support, but for their time and experience.
Our finances are driven by several key factors; mostly undergraduate
member dues, conference fees, and alumni contributions. In
the past 20 years, our undergraduate membership has declined
by 40 percent. During the same time, our operating costs have
continued to increase based on a combination of inflation and a
broader set of programming and services. Something had to give.
Living Obligations
Belonging to Lambda Chi Alpha brings with it many perks and
privileges; it also comes with a price. That price is one you agreed
to through the many oaths and obligations found in the Associate
Members’ ceremony, the Officer Ceremony, and especially
the oaths and obligations you agree to during the Ritual.
The Grand High Zeta and staff have developed a plan that will
position our Fraternity for the future by reviewing our programs,
making significant cut-backs, and adopting strategic investments.
While some of the changes will be painful in the short-term,
they will help us operate
from a stronger position
in the future.
It is our goal to tighten the reigns and to come in under budget
without further cutting programming to the undergraduate
brothers. Doing so will give us the ability to develop a reserve
fund that will enable us to grow and strengthen our position.
Recruitment and Retention
Today’s generation is one
of joiners. We are seeing
more and more clubs and
organizations pop-up on
college campuses — many
attracting large numbers.
Together we must meet the challenge of adjusting
to our new realities. I expect nothing less from all of
you, as you can expect the same from me.
Photograph courtesy of Mary Cabbie.
www.crossandcrescent.com
Cross & Crescent
JANUARY 2006
CHAPTER NEWS
Chapter News
Chapter news, alumni news, and reports of death
Alfred (Kappa-Sigma)
Culver-Stockton (Kappa-Mu)
Robert M. Barton (1983) was named executive vice
president of U-Save Auto Rental. Barton will be in
charge of Franchise Sales groups for auto rental and
car sales, along with sales and marketing duties.
Lt. Col. John William Shanks, Jr. (1943) April 5, 2004.
J. Michael Kane (1971) July 2002.
Denison (Gamma-Iota)
Auburn (Omega)
Dr. William H. Whitehead (1927) June 25, 2005.
Julien Phillips (1937) March 1, 1997.
Thomas A. Mills (1958) October 18, 2005.
George Lorenz Kelley (1950) July 10, 2005.
Drexel (Epsilon-Kappa)
Frank B. Loveless (1960) November 12, 2004.
Clarence D. Lutton, Jr. (Drexel 1955)
received the “Golden Dragon Award” from
Drexel University for active participation
and alumni support for over 30 years.
Boston (Alpha)
Richard F. Dini (1959) retired from The
Dini Partners on October 31, 2004.
Wayne Evans (1971) June 8, 2005.
Bradley (Kappa-Upsilon)
East Tennessee State (Iota-Omicron)
John Stanley Babor IV (1957) April 27, 2005.
Jack Lyle Hartman, Jr. (1975) August 4, 2005.
California State Sacramento (Phi-Pi)
Gary C. Cooper (1960) October 23, 2005.
MSgt. Michael Joseph Dremel (1984), US Air Force 755th
OSS, has deployed three times for combat operations over Iraq.
First deployment was serving as T5 operator aboard AWACS
aircraft out of Riyadh on 9/11. Second deployment was to Qatar,
where he flew 18 combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom aboard EC-130H COMPASS CALL aircraft. Third
deployment was out of Tallil AB, near Nassiriyah. Flew over 20
combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Also serves intermittently as a Russian interpreter and translator.
Eastern Kentucky (Phi-Beta)
James N. Grissom (1980) is currently deployed to Baghdad,
Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III. LTC Grissom,
a 26-year U.S. Army Reserve veteran, is working in the Civilian
Police Assistance Training Team (CPATT), Multi National
Security Transition Command-Iraq to rebuild the Minister of
Interior Iraqi Police Forces. LTC Grissom is a 25-year veteran
patrol sergeant for the Dallas, Texas, police department and
resides in Mesquite.
Colorado State (Gamma-Pi)
Durard Tomlin December 30, 2004.
Dr. John “Jack” Omdahl (1962) February 29, 2005.
Omdahl was the recipient of many awards including: the a
La Tierra Sagrada Award, the P450 Lifetime Achievement
Award, and the Brown University Symposium Award.
www.crossandcrescent.com
Cross & Crescent
JANUARY 2006
CHAPTER NEWS
Embry-Riddle (Sigma-Phi)
Georgetown (Kappa-Omega)
Sam Pollock (1951) April 18, 2005. Pollock
served as mayor of Georgetown, Kentucky.
Floyd Thompson (1972)
Ed Duso (1974)
Idaho (Epsilon-Gamma Colony)
Erich Blunt, Jr. (1976)
John Cantele (1963) retired after 28 years in the Forest
Resources Division of International Paper and is now serving as
the pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Oxford, Mississippi.
Michael Stanford (1976)
David Lattanzio (1982)
Roger Bartram (1971) March 10, 2005.
Eric Sherman (1987)
Illinois (Chi)
Jay Kealhofer (1988) November 2005.
Kealhofer was a chapter president.
Scott M. Curran (1998) was among 16 people
accepted as part of the inaugural class at the University
of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
Curran practices corporate law in Chicago.
Brian Bednar (1994)
Evansville (Iota-Mu)
William Wiese (1945) December 23, 2004.
Albert Seegert (1950) 2002.
Robert Quaintance (1946)
Dennis Keith Hill (1979) November 12, 2005.
Illinois State (Beta-Omicron)
Florida (Epsilon-Mu)
Tom Cannon (1980) is now president and CEO of the
Danish Mutual Insurance Association in Elk Horn, Iowa.
Peter R. Fournier (1959) August 5, 2003.
Florida Southern (Epsilon-Xi)
Iowa Wesleyan (Theta-Iota)
Joe Baker, Jr. (1985) was named executive fellow director of the
Federation Chiropractic Licensing Boards. Baker currently works
as the Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine executive director
Richard F. Banzhaf (1953) December 3, 2004.
Kansas State (Gamma-Xi)
This year’s homecoming first-place finish went to the men of
Gamma-Xi for the first time in more than six years. The chapter
was able to place in all nine events, including a first-place finish
in the dance competition known as Wildcat Request Live.
Walter Bullard (1959) was a veteran of the
National Guard and U.S. Navy.
Florida State (Zeta-Rho)
The chapter recently opened
its new chapter house. Made
of brick, the new house
has improved common
areas, a nice trophy case,
and large dining facility.
Jason Swan (1991) relocated to London, England,
in March 2005 to start work as an associate with
Sandy Brown Associates, acoustics consultants.
Benjamin Campbell (1952) April 26, 2005.
Lehigh (Gamma-Psi)
Franklin (Kappa-Gamma)
Robert F. Burroughs, Jr. (1943) May 2, 2005.
Eric Richards (1999) was elected to serve on the Alumni
Council for Franklin College. Richards will be serving on
the Development Committee and focusing on how to get
more alumni more involved. A former Lambda Chi Alpha
staff member, Richards served as a consultant, risk manager,
director of chapter services, and director of development.
www.crossandcrescent.com
John Peter Muhlfeld (1950) October 2, 2003.
Lock Haven (Lambda-Gamma)
Paul G. Quinn (1991) July 11, 2005.
Cross & Crescent
JANUARY 2006
CHAPTER NEWS
Louisiana Tech (Theta-Psi)
Harry D. Hutchinson (1949) July 28, 2005.
Walter Weakley (1931) March 10, 2005.
James E. Coleman (1950) April 4, 2005.
Earl Stanley Dobbs (1971) August 19, 2004.
Michigan State (Gamma-Omicron)
Marietta (Kappa-Alpha)
Michigan State University and the University of Michigan
chapters have something in common: biological brothers
Alexander Jacob “AJ” Marin (2009) at MSU and Stephen
Marin (Michigan 2006) at UM both serve their chapters
as president. The chapter also switched to a yearly printed
newsletter with a new website www.msulambdachi.org.
Dean L. Bottorf (1979) was awarded “Fellow” status by the
American Society for Quality for “outstanding contributions
in the field of organizational ethics and cultural management
service using classical reasoning theory/quality principles;
and for continued leadership and support of the ASQ
Pittsburg Section and the Quality Management Division.”
Bottorf serves as the managing director of Allegheny
Industries Sales, Inc. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Karl W. Hoff (1956) retired in 1993 from Dow
Chemical after 36 years as corporate account executive.
Hoff started www.candywarehouse.com in 1999,
a website that sells candy, with two partners.
Methodist (Sigma-Theta)
Rev. William P. “Uncle Bill” Lowdermilk (1955) July, 2005.
Charles Ardis (1933)
Michigan (Sigma)
Frederick J. Roskopp (1953) September 6, 2005. Roskopp
served in the United States Navy after graduation, and attained
the rank of captain in the USNR. Roskopp received his Juris
Doctorate in 1969 practicing law until his retirement in 1998.
Improvements to the chapter house continue thanks to
more than 100 alumni who have contributed generously
to a Chapter Improvement and Furnishings Fund since the
Fall of 2004. A complete renovation of the first floor was
completed, including furniture for the living room, chapter
room, and foyer. The three stairwells have also been carpeted.
Ron S. Barnum (1960)
Dale Ruohomaki (1962) March 28, 2005.
On August 27, 20 undergraduates and alumni donned
work clothes and spent the day repairing and painting
the common areas and working on the grounds — a
tradition that originated in the mid 1940s.
Missouri-Columbia (Gamma-Kappa)
The chapter has improved in many areas of chapter
operations since its re-colonizing four years ago. The men
are dominating the campus community service field,
campus relations, and community involvement.
Homecoming 2005 on October 8 found more than 80
brothers and family members enjoying the improved chapter
house for a pre-game brunch and post-game cider.
They collected 132,000 pounds of food for North American
Food Drive, completed 10 philanthropic projects, are twotime defending champions of Pi Beta Phi’s Philanthropy “Big
Man on Court,” defended the title in Kappa Alpha Theta’s
Philanthropy “Main Event,” won Kappa Kappa Gamma’s
“Kappa Klassic,” earned 3rd place in Greek Week and 4th
place in Homecoming, and maintains a chapter 3.0 GPA.
Maj. Gen. Larry L. Twitchell
(1965) spent two days in Ann
Arbor in October from his
Middle East duty post. He spent
the day of the Penn State game
visiting with undergraduates
at the chapter house, and then
took in the game with alumni
brothers from the early 1960s.
Chapter President Mike Moorefield stated, “We are always
looking for new events and ways to get more alumni involved
in our efforts here on campus and in the community.”
The day before he met with legendary Michigan football
coach Bo Schembechler, to whom he presented a citation
of appreciation and a framed American flag which he had
flown over Afghanistan and Iraq while serving as the leader
of the air war in 2003. That year he was recalled to active
duty after having been in the Air Force from 1966 – 1982.
www.crossandcrescent.com
James Lenoir Soward (1952) May 27, 2005.
Charles P. Farley (1974) September 17, 2005. Farley
served on the Student Advisory Committee 1971–72.
Cross & Crescent
JANUARY 2006
CHAPTER NEWS
Nebraska-Lincoln (Gamma-Beta)
Oklahoma State (Alpha-Eta)
New Hampshire (Alpha-Xi)
Pennsylvania (Epsilon)
North Carolina-Chapel Hill (Gamma-Nu)
Pittsburg State (Lambda-Chi)
Terrence K. Olson (1986) July 18, 2005.
Charles A. Owen (1948)
William R. Swett (1936) was appointed vice president
of ELI R&E, Inc. at its annual meeting in July. ELI
R&E is a developer of computer systems architecture
with headquarters in Darien, Connecticut.
Evan Randall (2002) was promoted to sales operation
supervisor at AMD. He is currently ranked 14th in
the world for competitive eating and will be featured
on MTV’s True Life “I’m a Competitive Eater.”
Eric Kirk Stechmiller (1990) is serving as a major
in the US Army Reserve unit 1189TTBDE
at the Charleston Weapons Station.
Dave White (1972) was appointed to fill a vacancy on the
Overland Park, Kansas, City Council. White represents Ward
3 and will serve on the Community Development Committee,
Public Works Committee, and Sister City Committee.
North Carolina State (Gamma-Upsilon)
Keith E. Ritchey (1990) was elected president of The
Board of Education for USD #247 in Cherokee, Kansas.
USD #247 is a district of 300 square miles, serving
approximately 800 students in grades Pre-K through 12.
Robert Newell (1981) was named president of Wachovia Trust,
a division of Wachovia Bank. Newell is based in Winston-Salem.
William B. Morrison (1941) August 1, 2005.
Matt Newbery (1990) was named the assistant to the
commissioner for media relations for the MidAmerica Intercollegiate Athletics Association
on July 12. He had served as director of
sports information for the MIAA, a Division
II member conference of the NCAA since
July 1994. He’s won five “Best in the Nation”
citations from the College Sports Information
Directors of America (CoSIDA) for publications excellence,
with the 2004-05 Winter Media Guide the latest to earn such
recognition. A total of 13 other citations for excellence with
publications produced for the conference have been earned.
North Texas (Iota-Zeta)
The chapter holds its Alumni Ball on January 21, 2006, at
the University of North Texas University Ballroom. Alumni
in the North Texas region are encouraged to attend to honor
those who have given so much to Lambda Chi Alpha.
Contact Randall Vickery, brandon_vickery@yahoo.com.
Bryan Jackson McClintock (1958) June 3, 2005.
McClintock worked in the apparel industry and served on
the Board of Governors at the Dallas Market Center.
Northwestern (Alpha-Iota)
The chapter collected more than
$1,000 for victims of the Gulf
Coast Hurricanes during its
annual Teeter-Totter-a-thon the
weekend of October 7, 2005.
Brothers, along with members
of Delta Delta Delta Sorority,
rode a giant teeter-totter for
24 hours while collecting
donations for hurricane relief. Proceeds were donated to the
American Red Cross as part of Northwestern’s university-wide
fundraising drive on behalf of the Gulf Coast disaster victims.
Randolph-Macon (Kappa-Tau)
Alexander Benjamin Vaughan, Jr. (1948)
Walter L. Owens (1950) March 7, 2005. Owens
served during WWII as a gunner in the Army.
Simpson (Theta-Lambda)
Dr. Weldon Kckee (1957) December 15, 2004.
Charles Alan Brokaw (1960) February 1, 2005.
South Dakota (Alpha-Gamma)
Oklahoma (Gamma-Rho)
Robert E. Lundwall (1950) June 23, 2005.
James H. Cooley (1947) November 16, 2002.
www.crossandcrescent.com
Cross & Crescent
JANUARY 2006
CHAPTER NEWS
Southeast Missouri State (Delta-Phi)
Tulsa (Epsilon-Upsilon)
The campus and community
came together at the annual
Lambda Chi Alpha Watermelon
Fest held on September 24, 2005.
With 200 people in attendance,
the two-day event resulted in
more than 300 units of blood
for the American Red Cross and
250 pounds of canned food for
the local food bank. The chapter holds the carnival-style event
every year with games such as the “Watermelon Pool Tug-ofWar,” “Slippery Watermelon Pass,” and “Seed Spitting Contest.”
Dr. Dan H. Robertson (1962) has retired as dean of graduate
studies, Texas A&M University, College Station, after 35
years in academia. Robertson served in the U. S. Air Force
and worked seven years in marketing positions for Procter
& Gamble and Baxter Laboratories before completing his
MBA and Ph.D. degrees. He feels blessed to have worked
with many Lambda Chi brothers at the University of
Denver, Georgia State University, and Texas A&M.
Norris Dyer (1959) March 2005.
Utah (Zeta-Kappa)
Dale A. Monson (1950) October 15, 2005. Monson
served in the Marine Corps during WWII.
St. Joseph’s (Phi-Lambda)
Zachary Coyle (2005) wrote a book featuring
a collection of his poetry called An Attempt at
Adolescence. It is a collection of 62 poems from
his high school and college experiences. It is
being published by PublishAmerica in 2006.
William & Mary (Epsilon-Alpha)
Peter J. Lunde (1951) August 16, 2004.
Worcester (Pi)
Frans Strandberg (1939) March 16, 2004.
St. Louis College of Pharmacy (Pi-Lambda)
On November 18, 2005, the St. Louis College of Pharmacy
celebrated its charting. Grand High Pi Lynn Chipperfield
attended to officially recognize the new chapter as Pi-Lambda
Zeta.The chapter’s website is www.stlcoplxa.com and the St.
Louis Area Alumni Association website is www.stllxa.com.
Calendar
Tennessee-Knoxville (Epsilon-Omicron)
Sam C. Smith (1967) October 23, 2005.
Texas-San Antonio (Phi-Upsilon)
Mike Flores, dean of institutional effectiveness
and community development at Palo Alto College,
was named to the 2005–06 class of the American
Council on Education (ACE) Fellows Program.
Texas State-San Marcos (Lambda-Phi)
Jamal Yusuf (2006) won Homecoming King and chapter
President Zach Almaguer (2006) won Homecoming
Gallardian at the recent festivities on campus.
Jan 19–22: Winter Leadership Retreat & GHZ Meeting
(New Braunfels, TX)
Feb. 16:
Alumni Reception
(San Diego, CA)
Feb 17–18: Foundation Board Meeting
(Rancho Valencia, San Diego)
Feb 25:
Texas Christian 50th Anniversary
(Ft. Worth)
Feb 25:
Texas Christian 50th Anniversary
(Ft. Worth)
Mar 12:
FEA Spring Board Meeting
(Washington, DC)
Mar 22:
Alumni Reception
(Indianapolis, IN)
Apr 22:
Truman State 20th Anniversary Banquet
(Kirksville, MO)
Apr 23-24: NIC Annual Meeting
Apr 27:
www.crossandcrescent.com
Alumni Reception
(Washington, DC)
Cross & Crescent
JANUARY 2006
HISTORY
Iswza Society
Omicron Zeta’s Founding Group: The Iswza Society
When Alpha Tau omega’s editor
Claude T. Reno wrote about Lambda Chi
Alpha in 1914 in their magazine the Palm,
he mentioned that our 12th chapter had
been installed at Cornell University on
October 11, 1913, as Omicron Zeta.
Fisher served as Grand High Alpha from
1920 – 1929. During that period he
also served a short time as the business
manager of the Purple, Green, and Gold
magazine. His hand can also be found in
the creation of the first Paedagogus manual.
His ability to organize the business activities
of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity transformed
our young organization into a model of
good fraternal management. Fischer was
famous for his vivid and inspiring story
telling at nearly every General Assembly until his death in 1978.
At the time, there was nothing unusual about
covering interfraternal news within Alpha
Tau Omega’s publication. What was unusual,
was the mention of the “Iswza Society.”
Ernst Fischer
By Mike Raymond (Miami-OH 1967)
Cornell’s first chapter house
Seeing the Iswza
Society’s name in print
reminded me I had an original steel engraving
of its badge from the 1908 edition of the
Cornellian yearbook in my collection. Further
examination disclosed that Ernst Julius Carl
Fischer (Cornell 1910) was a member.
For almost 100 years, Omicron Zeta at Cornell University
has been an important part of Lambda Chi Alpha. The story
of its origin in the Iswza Society and the many contributions
of Fischer have enriched the history of our fraternity.
Omicron Zeta’s website (www.iswza.org) sheds
some light on the beginning of its existence as an
informal group called the “Mug and Jug.”
This small group of men shared a common interest in socializing
together. In 1907, the group transformed itself into the Iswza
Society with its own ritual and internal organization.
The Iswza Society derived its name from the title of an old German
drinking song — now featured on the chapter’s website. The German
name for the song is Im Schwaren Wallfisch Zu Ascalon, or I.S.W.Z.A.
According to Fischer, the Iswza Society Badge “was square,
tilted through forty-five degrees, the letters S W Z A appearing
on the corners. There were three pearls on each side, and in
the center square on blue enamel was a gold turtle; on its
back was the letter I, and in the center of the I was a small
opal.” It was also reported that the turtle motif was taken
from the design of the lid on the communal beer stein.
The early years of the Iswza Society, Omicron Zeta, and
Fischer are forever entwined. Fischer, a founder of the “Mug
and Jug” and an enthusiastic leader of the Iswza Society, was
brought into our Fraternity as an alumnus at the Worcester
Assembly in 1914. Five years later he was elected to the
office of Grand High Alpha at the Ann Arbor Assembly.
www.crossandcrescent.com
Cross & Crescent
JANUARY 2006
HISTORY EXTRA
King Rene’, Priory of Sion, and
The DaVinci Code
What did Jack Mason know about King René?
By Mike Raymond (Miami-OH 1967)
Dan Brown’s book The DaVinci Code, with its conspiracy
oriented theme, was so popular it spawned numerous books
supporting or refuting his controversial interpretation of the
Holy Grail’s meaning in the mythology of Christian Europe. I
enjoyed both the “thriller” and “secret history” sides of the story,
shared it with others, and finally stored it on a book shelf.
A few months ago, when I started to do some research
concerning Jack Mason (Pennsylvania 1913) and
René d’Anjou, I found a connection between King
René, the Priory of Sion, and The DaVinci Code.
Grand Master René
It is well known that Brown drew upon many esoteric
and occult sources of information for concepts that are
pivotal to his book’s storyline. One of his main sources
of creative inspiration was Holy Blood, Holy Grail by
Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln.
What are we to make of this claim? Was King René a Grand
Master of the Priory of Sion and thereby a guardian of the
real secret of the Holy Grail? This theory certainly makes
for an exciting and entertaining experience for people who
like to view history in a non-traditional manner. Is the
Priory of Sion a fact or a fiction of western history?
This popular book was first printed in 1982 and remains
a consistent seller to people who are interested in epic
conspiracies and hidden plots. I read this book many years
ago and remembered it featured a list and biography of
the Grand Masters of the Priory of Sion in the book.
Dossiers Secrets
A Frenchman by the name of Pierre Plantard claimed to
be the latest of the Grand Masters of the Priory of Sion.
He spent much of his life promoting the existence of this
organization as the protector of the real Holy Grail.
After a brief search, I retrieved my copy of the book and discovered
King René name listed on page 421 as a Grand Master of this
organization. The authors of Holy Blood, Holy Grail wrote a six-anda-half page historic and esoteric biography on our legendary founder.
In truth, there is no evidence of the existence of this organization
prior to 1956. In that year a document, the “Dossiers Secrets,” was
published claiming that the Priory of Sion was founded by Godefroi
de Bouillon in Jerusalem in 1099 and that Jean de Gisors served
as the first Grand Master or “Nautonnier” from 1188–1220.
While De Bouillon is a well documented historical figure,
Gisors is about as mysterious as the Priory of Sion.
The “Dossiers Secrets” also mentions that King René
was a Priory Grand Master from 1418–80, meaning
the connection of King Rene’ to the Priory of Sion was
first claimed in a manuscript published in 1956.
Did Mason Know?
It is interesting to note that there is no evidence that
Mason discovered this occult or hidden side of King René’s
life. If anybody back in his time would have uncovered
this connection, it would have been Mason.
www.crossandcrescent.com
10
Cross & Crescent
JANUARY 2006
HISTORY EXTRA
Mason was famous for his
ability to do scholarly work.
He was tireless, meticulous,
and extremely knowledgeable
about doing proper historical
research. Old issues of the Purple,
Green, and Gold document
his dedication to careful work
as he developed our ritual.
Order of Merit and Mary Magdalen
There is another connection between
Dan Brown’s book The DaVinci Code and
Lambda Chi Alpha. This connection takes
the form of the design of the Order of
Merit medal.
I think it is unlikely that
Mason would not have written
something about this alleged
occult side of King René. The
fact that he did not write about
this subject indicates to me
Cover of King Rene’s Book of
that the historic record about
René alleged involvement
in the Priory of Sion did not exist at that time.
This medal is described in the 1962
edition of the Paedagogus as being a “...
cross fleurette arising from a crescent ...
surrounding this pair of symbols ... is an
oval of light rays above which appears
the name of the Order on a streamer.”
Our Order of Merit medal is modeled
after the emblem of the ancient Order of
St. Mary Magdalen.
Every reader of The DaVinci Code knows that Mary Magdalen s place in
Christian History is at the heart of the controversy associated with this
popular book.
Love.
The 1962 Paedagogus states that the Order of St. Mary Magdalen was one
of the most ancient societies, founded in 1614, but traces its linage back to
the Order of the Lilly founded in 1048.
On the first page of The DaVinci Code, Brown asserts that
the Priory of Sion is a real organization with a long historical
pedigree. However, a recent biographical profile of Plantard
documents that in 1993 Plantard admitted, under oath, in
a French Court headed by Judge Thierry Jean-Pierre, that
he had fabricated the story of the Priory of Scion.
Both Holy Blood, Holy Grail and King René d’Anjou and His Seven Queens
establish a connection between Mary Magdalen and King René. The
connection is made through René d’ Anjou’s ownership of a wine cup
claimed to have been used at the Cana wedding as described in the Bible.
King Rene’ inscribed this rather cryptic verse on the wine cup:
Whoso drinks me God shall see. Whoso at one good breath drains me
Shall God and the Magdalen see!
No matter what this saying means, other questions remain to be
answered.
Did King René believe this wine cup was the lost Holy Grail? Or did he have
secret knowledge of the occult Holy Grail?
No matter what the answers are to these questions, the fact remains
that there is a connection between Mary Magdalen and Lambda
Chi Alpha. That connection is the emblem chosen to represent
our Order of Merit by the Chicago General Assembly in 1933.
With this admission, there can be no doubt that the
Priory of Sion was the creation of Plantard.
Perhaps Plantard, who died in 2000 at the age of 80, created this
fantastic story to further his life-long need for publicity or to gain
personal political power. Whatever the case, this information provides
an interesting footnote to the story of how a 15th century French
king inspired Mason to create Lambda Chi Alpha’s ritual.
Illustrations by KR Bofh.
Photo by Nayantara Mhatre.
www.crossandcrescent.com
11
Cross & Crescent
JANUARY 2006
FEATURE
Michigan’s
Chief Justice Taylor
Cliff Taylor begins his second year as chief justice on
Michigan’s Supreme Court
Cliff Taylor’s love affair with the
law may have had its genesis in 1963.
By George Spasyk (Michigan 1949)
On January 6, 2005, Taylor was chosen by his fellow justices to
serve as chief justice. Every two years, the justices elect one of
their colleagues to serve as chief justice for a term of two years.
While serving as Interfraternity Council president as an
undergraduate at the University of Michigan, Taylor (Michigan
1964) persuaded the university administration to cede to
the 45-chapter student-run IFC the judicial authority to
handle fraternity violations of university regulations.
The 100th Justice
“Judge” Taylor’s transition to “Justice” Taylor was perhaps best
defined by the highly laudatory remarks of the many distinguished
speakers at his Swearing-In Ceremony as the 100th justice of
the Michigan Supreme Court on September 22, 1997.
Previously, IFC had authority to manage only the
violations of its own rules, not those of the university.
Governer Engler underscored the need for judges to interpret,
not to make, the law. “Cliff Taylor’s opinions as an appellate
judge have been thoughtful and thought provoking,” he said.
This signaled a dramatic change in policy at a time
when in loco parentis (in the place of a parent)
had been the norm in college-student relations
virtually since the founding of the fraternity
movement in 1776. His accomplishment was
the subject of the November 1963 Cross &
Crescent, which featured Taylor and University
President Dr. Harlan Hatcher on the cover.
“They certainly reflect his keen understanding of both the
United States and the Michigan Constitution,” Engler
said. “He knows that it is the original meaning of the text,
applied to present circumstances that should govern judicial
interpretation of statutes and the constitution. It is not for
the judge to substitute his personal agenda for that of the
lawmakers. In Cliff Taylor we have a most worthy justice.”
Becoming Chief Justice
A native of Flint, Michigan, Taylor graduated from the University
of Michigan in 1964, and earned his law degree from George
Washington University in 1967. After a three-year tour of duty
as a line officer in the U.S. Navy and one year as an assistant
prosecuting attorney, he spent 20 years in private law practice.
Maura Corrigan, who served two terms as Michigan’s chief justice
(2001–04), chose to speak from the heart, “He practices law
as it was meant to be practiced — as a learned profession.”
“In some quarters, Cliff Taylor is considered controversial,”
she added. “And why might that be? He has a firmly grounded
In emulation of Abraham Lincoln’s inability to win early political
campaigns for a variety of offices, Taylor ran unsuccessfully
for Congress from Michigan’s 6th District in 1974 and
1976, and for Michigan state attorney general in 1990.
But his outstanding record as a lawyer brought the highest ratings for
competence and character by lawyer rating organizations. In 1992,
he was appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeals by Governor
John Engler and was subsequently elected to a six-year term.
His service on that court was cut short in 1997 with his appointment
as a justice of the Michigan Supreme Court by Governor
Engler to fill a vacancy, and the following year, he was elected
to fill the remainder of that term. In 2000 he was elected to the
Supreme Court for a full eight-year term to expire in 2008.
www.crossandcrescent.com
12
Cross & Crescent
JANUARY 2006
FEATURE
and finely honed notion of what is good, and that can be
threatening. I am not claiming the high ground for a particular
philosophy, but I do claim it for those judges and justices
who think that the highest goal of a lawsuit is the search for
truth… As Cliff Taylor joins you today, I know that he will
faithfully uphold the oath that he is about to swear.”
Current Lambda Chi Justices
Lambda Chi Alpha has eight members serving as justices on state supreme
courts, four of whom are chief justices.
James W. Hardesty (Nevada-Reno 1968)
Justice, Nevada Supreme Court
(2004-present)
On succeeding Chief Justice Corrigan in January 2005,
an affable Taylor with a wry sense of humor, said “It was
very easy to do because Justice Maura Corrigan got the
Court so well organized ... All I had to do was decide where
in the Rotunda to put the Ten Commandments.”
I. Beverly Lake (Wake Forest 1955)
Chief Justice, North Carolina Supreme Court
(2001-present)
Joseph E. Lambert (Georgetown 1968)
Chief Justice Kentucky Supreme Court
(1998-present)
When asked to comment on some of the court’s biggest
issues and challenges, he states, “On a philosophical plane,
one of the great issues here, and in the country, is whether
courts are improperly usurping legislative authority. We
strive to not engage in policymaking from the bench. This
is a government not of judges, but of legislators.”
A. William Maupin (Nevada-Reno 1966)
Justice, Nevada Supreme Court
(1996-present)
Justice Taylor thanked his colleagues last January, saying he was
both humbled and profoundly honored by his choice as chief
justice and that he would strive every day to merit their confidence
and to carry on the best traditions of those who preceded him.
Lawton R. Nuss (Kansas 1974)
Justice, Kansas Supreme Court
(2002-present)
Clifford W. Taylor (Michigan 1964)
Chief Justice, Michigan Supreme Court
(2005-present)
Personal Perspective
One of the few advantages of age is
that one can view people and events
through the prism of time.
Gerald W. VandeWalle (North Dakota 1955)
Chief Justice, North Dakota Supreme Court
(1993-present)
I am enormously proud of Taylor because of
what he has accomplished in his career. I also
cherish the memories I have of him when he
was a student at the University of Michigan
and as an undergraduate member of my chapter, Sigma Zeta.
Thomas A. Woodall (Millsaps 1972)
Justice, Alabama Supreme Court
(2001-present)
In the summer of 1962, I was serving the Fraternity as
service secretary and was in charge of planning the General
Assembly. Taylor and classmate Paul Robertson (1964)
decided to attend the conference in Pasadena, California.
The Assembly turned out to be historic, as predicted. The
membership legislation was adopted; there were no longer any
artificial barriers to membership in Lambda Chi Alpha.
The following year, Taylor and Robertson served the Michigan
IFC as president and treasurer respectively. Today, Taylor is chief
justice of the Michigan Supreme Court and Robertson is a hugely
successful real estate developer in Birmingham, Michigan.
This was destined to be an historic Assembly, as legislation
had been proposed to eliminate all clauses that restricted
membership on the basis of race, religion, or national origin.
Robertson and Taylor wanted to attend the Assembly to lobby
other chapter undergraduates to support the proposed legislation.
They made it there on their own, but did not have the money for
a hotel room. I had no problem in accommodating them by
They remain the best of friends, and are fiercely loyal
to Sigma Zeta and Lambda Chi Alpha.
Photo courtesy of Associated Press.
offering them the floor of my room. They even tucked their meager
belongings in my closet while the maid made up the room each day.
www.crossandcrescent.com
13
Cross & Crescent
JANUARY 2006
FEATURE
Returning to the Rose Bowl
John Zilka’s first college football game was playing in
the Rose Bowl. It may also be his last.
On January 4, 2006, John Zilka will return to the stadium
in which he first played as a college football player, The
Rose Bowl, where the USC Trojans will be playing against
the Texas Longhorns in hopes of winning their third
consecutive NCAA Division I National Championship.
By Chris Barrick (Butler 2004)
and is serious about them fulfilling
it—whether it’s [Matt] Leinart,
Reggie Bush, or a guy like me.”
Zilka’s role is on the scout team,
getting his kicks Tuesday through
Thursday as he prepares the starting
defense for the upcoming week.
His job is to mimic one of the top
wide receivers of an upcoming
opponent’s team during practice.
A senior at the University of Southern California, Zilka
(Southern California 2006) will likely see little playing time,
if any, but understands his importance to the team.
Walk On
Partly because of a high school injury, Zilka was not
recruited to play football by any top schools. Instead, he
made his college choice based on non-athletic reasons.
“I try to run routes like they
do, block like they do, do
all the schemes they do,”
says Zilka, who knows that his ability to act and move like
an opponent’s star player will make his teammates better.
Though he could have played at a Division III school, he wanted
the big school experience and was intrigued by Orange County.
In fact, Zilka didn’t even expect to play football; the decision
to walk on did not occur until he was already on campus.
In the last four years, USC has been one of the most successful
college football teams in history. The team is competing for
its 35th consecutive victory and its third consecutive Division
IA National Title. The program has produced three Heisman
Trophy winners and has earned four Pac-Ten titles.
Zilka saw his first action his freshmen year in the rout
of UCLA, in what he describes as his most memorable
personal moment in his football career. “Lo and behold, the
first time I got on the field was in the Rose Bowl (UCLA’s
home field). That is something I will never forget.”
Zilka just soaks it all up, saying he is simply grateful for the
opportunity. “Sometimes I felt that maybe I didn’t deserve all
this because there are so many other people playing Division
IA football. I am sure they are better than me and never get to
experience anything close to being a part of what I have.”
He participated in only three plays, but remembers
them as if they lasted for three quarters.
For Zilka’s sophomore and junior seasons, he played in only one
game each. This year, he has played in five games thus far.
“Sometimes life gives you stuff, you just
have to be thankful for it,” he says.
Every Player Has a Role
Though Zilka doesn’t see much playing time, he knows he is an
important
member of
the team.
On Campus
Lessons learned on the field often apply in other settings. On
campus, Zilka carries a 3.4 GPA in Business Administration
and is an active member of the Zeta-Delta chapter.
“Every player
has a role,” says
Zilka. “The great
thing about
Coach [Pete]
Carroll is that he
allows everyone
to have a role,
Time management has been his key in juggling football,
school, and fraternity. His typical day consists of a morning
workout, class, and afternoon practice. And in the evenings,
Zilka sacrifices going out every night for school work.
But don’t misunderstand him; Zilka admits the social
scene is what sparked his initial interest in fraternities.
www.crossandcrescent.com
14
Cross & Crescent
JANUARY 2006
FEATURE
When a teammate invited Zilka down to the Lambda
Chi Alpha house one week, he soon felt at home.
Lambda Chi Alpha Bowl Participants
We have seven members playing in Division I football
bowl games this winter.
“I came during rush week on that first Monday and that was
it,” he says. “I didn’t go anywhere else the entire week.”
Holiday Bowl
San Diego, CA - Dec. 29, 2005
Zilka moved into the chapter house his sophomore year
and has continued living there the last three years. “I just
wanted to keep that experience around, always having
the guys around; it’s really a unique experience.”
Rhett Bomar (Oklahoma 2008)
Quarterback, #7
Football and fraternity life have gone hand in hand for Zilka.
He believes both involve a lot of character. Just like on the
football field, Zilka believes every member has a role.
JD Quinn (Oklahoma 2008)
Offensive Line, #62
“I have to play my role on the scout team. And then at the fraternity,
as a senior, I have to play my role of being a leader and doing what is
right—showing the younger guys how this house operates,” he says.
Liberty Bowl
Memphis, TN - Dec. 31, 2005
Zilka also believes in accountability. Much like teammates,
chapter members must stay active, show up, and do their part.
Christopher Kindred (Tulsa 2007)
Punter, #5
Surrounded by Success
Much like the USC Trojans, the Zeta-Delta chapter has
much to be proud of. Zilka’s chapter, with 114 members, is
the largest on campus and boasts fourth academically.
Houston Bowl
Houston, TX - Dec. 31, 2005
The chapter recently received a new member education
award, and pride themselves on being one of two
fraternities on campus that does not haze.
Matt Grimmett
(Texas Christian 2006)
Wide Reciever, #82
Being active within the community, tutoring inner
city children, and participating in philanthropic efforts
around campus are all frequent chapter activities.
Chris Manfredini
(Texas Christian 2008)
Kicker, #44
“I have had the best college
experience that any sports/frat
guy could want,” says Zilka.
“I go to a good school, I get
good grades, I am part of
a dominant football team
that is just on top of the
world, and I am in one of
the best houses on the row.”
Ryan Pearson
(Texas Christian 2006)
Wide Reciever, #87
Grimmett (82) and Manfredini
(44) celebrate the Mountain
West Conference championship
with teammate Ben Angeley
(61).
Rose Bowl
Pasadena, CA - Jan. 4, 2006
John Zilka (Southern California)
Wide Reciever, #80
“With school, football
and fraternity,” he adds, “I
don’t think my experience
could be any better.”
www.crossandcrescent.com
15
Cross & Crescent
JANUARY 2006