Upsilon man finishes top Triathlon in the world.  Event airs on NBC on Saturday the 18th

Upsilon alum Casey Gallaher (Fall 2002) completed the Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI in 14 hr 19 min 50 sec.  The Kona Ironman is considered the top Ironman in the world, consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run.  The competition will air on NBC on Saturday, December 18, 2010.  Casey is the second known Upsilon man to complete the event (Woody Hill – Fall 1991).  Casey is married to Hollie Gallaher (Little Sister – Spring 2003)

Upsilon little sister Courtney Hindman inducted into Lee University Hall of Fame

At Lee Homecoming 2010, Courtney Hindman (Fall 2003) became the 10th Upsilon member of the Lee Athletic Hall of Fame.  The Lee HOF has 47 members, and Upsilon alumni account for over 20% of its membership.

Courtney played four years for the women's basketball team, finishing 9th all-time in scoring and 4th all-time in assists. She was All-Conference twice, All-Region, and an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American.  Courtney also excelled in the classroom, graduating with a 3.89 GPA.  Courtney is engaged to Upsilon alumn Matt Glass (Spring 2001)

Upsilon signs Nathan Angelo for Sadie Hawkins on October 23rd

Upsilon Xi's annual Sadie Hawkins will be held on October 23rd from 7-10pm at the Westmore property by the LINK.  For ticket availability and prices, click on the link above for further information.

Upsilon Xi “a MAJOR FORCE” in raising funds for Lee University. . .and its growing!!!

Recent historical numbers compiled by the UXAA show that despite Upsilon Xi only accounting for less than .7% of the current student body, Upsilon alumni contribute greater than 11% of the Lee University Annual Alumni Fund. In the past 10 years, Lee University has raised $3,272,558 during its annual campaigns and Upsilon alumni have contributed over $354,900 (11%). In 2009, Upsilon contributed over 18% of all money raised. Click here to see the full list of Upsilon donors.

Upsilon's 5th President Bill Winters wins
Bradley County Election

Former Upsilon Xi Alumnus of the Year Bill Winters won the Republican primary in Bradley County to serve as County Commissioner for the 7th District.  Due to the demographics of the 7th District, Mr. Winters will run unopposed during the August 8th General Election.  Bill lists membership in Upsilon Xi proudly on his campaign website. 

Congratulations Commissioner Winters!!!!!

• Visit Bill Winters' campaign website

• Visit the Cleveland Daily Banner's election article

Committee to Amend UXAA Constitution posts results

The Committee to Amend the UXAA Constitution (Co-chaired by Dr. Dewayne Thompson and Dr. Robert Fisher) have completed their work and are now posting draft copies of the proposed, new Constitution. 

Relive the "Love Atlanta Run"

It's been 23 years since Upsilon staged this epic service project that garnered media attention throughout the southeast.  Recently archived photos and articles from the event have been added to the Upsilon website to make sure the Love Atlanta Run is never forgotten.

Dr. Culpepper re-elected as General Overseer

No other Lee University club has had one of its members elected as General Overseer, and now a Upsilon man will serve in that office for a record 8 straight years.  Following two straight terms by Dr. G. Dennis McGuire (2004-2008), Dr. Raymond Culpepper was re-elected last week to serve his second straight term (2008-2012).  Click on the link to see all of the Upsilon men who were appointed to serve during the Church of God's 73rd General Assembly.

Upsilon Xi's Vernon Darko Honored by US Department of Commerce, Releases New Book

Left to Right: DOC Under-Secretary Sanchez, Vanessa Darko, Vernon Darko, DOC Secretary Locke

After leaving Lee University, Upsilon alumnus Vernon Darko started his own company that has grown into a multi-million dollar exporting juggernaut.  Vernon is the President of EquipXP, internationally known as an industry leader among export companies with specializations in procurement and distribution of transportation and heavy construction equipment.  EquipXP is based in Houston, TX with international satellite offices worldwide. 

 On May 13, 2010, US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke honored EquipXP with a Presidential “E” Star Award.  The Presidential “E” Star Awards are the highest U.S. government honor for increasing exports.  The Presidential “E” Award was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to recognize persons, firms or organizations that contribute significantly to increasing U.S. exports. The “E Star” Award, meanwhile, recognizes continued superior performance in increasing or promoting exports.

• Read the entire story on the Department of Commerce Blog – May 13th Edition
• Visit Vernon’s Book website
• Visit EquipXP’s website

Upsilon Xi Leading Major Effort to Help Haiti

Upsilon Xi will be partnering with Operation Compassion to hold a benefit concert to raise funds for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Every $1 raised will result in $88 of wholesale goods being produced in Haiti.  This effort will be executed through an agreement with Operation Compassion, recently ranked by Forbes Magazine as one of the Top 3 most efficient philanthropic organizations. The concert will be held on April 24 at the Conn Center on the campus of Lee University and will feature Shawn McDonald as the headliner.  For more information, please contact current Upsilon Xi Senior Member Nathan Nessle at: cnessl00@lee.edu. If the concert does not sell out, tickets will be available at the door, subject to availability, or can be reserved via e-mail at: haiti.upsilon@gmail.com.  Please pray for a successful turnout, and let's "go the extra mile" for the community and Haiti!!!!!

Upsilon's 43rd President, Zac Roland and his family are preparing for the mission field.

Zac Roland and his wife Katherine are preparing to permanently go to the mission field in Mexico. Lord willing, they will be moving in May to Guanajuato and will be serving under Hands and Feet Ministries and Great Commission Ministries. Right now they are raising prayer and financial support.  Please read their letter and pray about supporting their ministry.  They can accept checks or on-line donations.  All donations are tax deductible.

Upsilon Adds its First New Members of the New Decade

From left to right: Jesse Morgan, Chris Higgs, Chris Morris, Blake Ray, Brad Yaun, and Chris Barker.  Two notes of interest.  1- Brad's parents Cathy and Brian were both in Upsilon and Brian was our 27th President.  2- Chris Morris' father was a former President of Alpha Gamma Chi

Two Upsilon men to compete in Prime Time A-Cappella Show on NBC - Dec 14th, 15th. 16th, and 21st (8pm-10pm)

A former Upsilon Historian (Chad Madden) and former Upsilon Secretary (Bryan Sanders) will compete with "Voices of Lee" in a 4-day, prime-time competition on prime-time television to determine who is the country's best a cappella singing group.  Click on this link to pre-vote for "Voices of Lee" or click here to see the "Voices of Lee" bio.

New UXAA President's Agenda posted
As in previous years, you can now follow the activities of the UXAA through this constantly updated webpage.  Many important projects and initiatives will be pursued during this term.  Feel free to send us your suggestions as we are always looking for new ways to further the goals of Upsilon Xi.

Larry Carpenter wins Upsilon's Highest Honor
The highlight of the Upsilon alumni breakfast is usually the honoring of one of its alumni with the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award.  This year was no different, as Larry Carpenter took home the top award.  Click on the link and see all of the updates from Homecoming 2009, including the UXAA annual update and a video of Larry Carpenter's acceptance speech.

Become a Facebook "Fan" of Upsilon Xi
Follow the latest developments with Upsilon Xi by becoming a "Fan" on Facebook.  Facebook updates will stream on the bottom left of this page.  Click on the icon to add Upsilon to your profile on Facebook. 

Sadies planned for Homecoming 2009!! 

For the first time in history, Sadies will be held at the beginning of Homecoming weekend on November 6th, so Lee alumni wishing to attend should plan to arrive the evening before Homecoming day.  The Sadies Chase Day will also be held on October 20th and 22nd.  Bracelets can be picked up after chapel from 11:30 to 1:00.  Sadies tickets will be sold during the Chase Days, DZT Ho Down (October 23rd) and on the following dates: October 26, 28, 30 and November 2-6 in the PCSU. Alumni may buy tickets during any of the above dates, or email Senior Member Mike VanHook at: vanhook08@gmail.com.

Upsilon Inducts 4

The tap of Spring 2009 ushers four new members into Upsilon.  The new Highman is Matt Keyt from Marietta, Georgia, the Middlemen are Cody Brady from Huntsville, Alabama and Aaron Owens from Ashville, North Carolina, and the new Lowman is Jarrod Long from Marietta, Georgia.  Upsilon also now has two awesome new little sisters and a new Sweetheart. 
 

Ty Abernathy Completes Doctorate

On December 13, 2008, Ty Abernathy graduated from Mississippi State University (College of Arts and Sciences-Department of Psychology) with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in cognitive science. Dr. Abernathy, from Cartersville, Georgia, was a co-low in Upsilon Xi, tapped in fall 1991.  Johnny Tab Abernathy, his brother, also became a member in spring 1997. He and his brother are among several Upsilon alumni from Cartersville. Dr. Abernathy graduated from Lee University in 1995 with Bachelor’s degrees in both business and psychology, and from Mississippi State in 1997 with a Master’s degree in psychology. He has worked for the past decade as a research associate studying academic and social factors related to first-year student success and retention. He also teaches psychology courses at both the Mississippi State University and East Mississippi Community College. Dr. Abernathy has remained an active supporter of the club since graduating from Lee through the Upsilon Xi Alumni Association and other various projects.
 

Dr. Doug LeRoy wins 2008 Upsilon Alumnus of the Year Award

At the 2008 Upsilon Xi Alumni Breakfast, Upsilon honored Dr. Doug LeRoy as this year's Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.  Dr. Leroy was one of the earliest members of Upsilon Xi, and currently serves the Church of God as Director of the Department of World Missions.  Click on this link to see all of the updates from Homecoming 2008.
 

Fall tap of 2008 includes several with links to Upsilon

Upsilon Xi tapped 15 new prospective members this fall, more than any other Lee club.  Among those tapped were several with ties to Upsilon including: Xavier Jasso (brother of Milo Jasso (Spring 2003)), Josh Glass (son of former Upsilon President Guy Glass (Spring 1978) and brother of Matt Glass (Spring 2001)), Jared Jaber (son of Bill Jaber (Spring 2001 Honorary Member)), Joey Castillo (brother of Kevin "Chico" Castillo (Spring 2007)), Nick Hammett (comes from Josh Childers' Youth Group in SC (Spring 1999)). Also tapped were: Steven Panos, Rob Wooden, Chris Lane, Joe Eaton, Eric Thomas, Logan Vinson, Mark Cole, Jonathan Landis, Mitch Varner and Benjamin Wilson.
 

Upsilon Xi mourns the loss of one of its founding members and original chaplain, Billy J. O'Neal

Dorman wins

Over $2,000 in donations poured into the UXAA during the alumni breakfast alone, and pledges are still coming in.  Click on the logo above to read the report from the alumni breakfast, and click here to join the UXAA.

2007 Lee Alumnus of the Year
During Homecoming 2007, Lee University honored Dr. Steven M. Dorman as the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. Dr. Dorman is a 1979 graduate of Lee and has gone on to make remarkable contributions in the field of health education. Dr. Dorman is an internationally recognized scholar who has devoted much of his life to health education at the local, state, national, and international levels. He has served as faculty professor, chair and professor at Texas A&M University, and is presently serving as dean of the College of Health and Human Performance at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla.  The Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award in the highest honor Lee University can bestow upon one of it's graduates.  During the 9 years from 1999-2007, a Upsilon man has won the award 5 times.  During the past 20 years, a Upsilon man has won the award 9 times (view all Upsilon award winners)
 

DaVinci Code Solved!!!
On August 24, 2007, Upsilon Xi historians were given unprecedented access to the Mona Lisa and using state-of-the-art techniques have uncovered the truth concerning why she is smiling
 

 
At Homecoming 2006, four athletes were inducted into the Lee University Hall of Fame. Russ Meilstrup (spring 93) and Rodney Knox (spring 93) were Upsilon men. The other two inductees were Michelle Nash Hubbard, wife of Brian Hubbard (spring 94), and Sarah Habermas Sausville, wife of Paul Sausville (fall 98).

Upsilon Xi alumni were elected to dozens of senior offices at the 71st COG General Assembly held in July of 2006. For the second consecutive Assembly, the two highest offices in the Church of God: the General Overseer (Dr. G. Dennis McGuire) and 1st Asst. General Overseer (Dr. Raymond Culpepper) will be held by alumni of Upsilon Xi. Before 2004, the General Overseer had never had a Lee University club affiliation. In addition to these offices, four Upsilon men serve on the Lee University Board of Directors.  Check out all of the Upsilon men appointed to positions at the latest assembly.

 

Tom Heeren graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center at Memphis on May 26th, 2006. He graduated from the School of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Degree. Tom also has two Bachelor's Degrees, one from the University of Delaware and a second from Lee University. While at the UT Health Science Center, he was a fully installed member of The IMHOTEP Society, an honorary leadership recognition organization, for having significantly contributed to student government and student life. Tom joined the Navy a couple of years ago and will soon be moving with his wife, Kim to the greater Washington DC area

Tom, his wife Kim, and Ty Abernathy
(click to enlarge)

Fellow lowmen: Tom and Ty

Fall 94 Lowman Tom Heeren graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center at Memphis on May 26th, 2006 with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS).  Fall 94 Highman Joe Giove now manages two Presidential Initiatives at the United States Department of Energy and has been asked by Lee University to give the 2006 Summer Commencement Address. (View the pre-release / view the post-report)

Upsilon's Jasso wins Lee's Highest student award

Milo Jasso has recently been named the 2006 winner of the F.J. Lee Award, the most prestigious award that can be bestowed upon a Lee University senior.   Milo has held several positions in Upsilon while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.  Milo has worked in President Conn's office for the past couple of years and has engaged in countless acts of service, including several significant missions trips. Milo is the 13th Upsilon man to win the F.J. Lee award since its creation. . .more than any other club (3).

For the 8th time in the last 17 years (and 4th time in the last 6 years), a Upsilon man was selected as the Lee University Alumnus of the Year.  At Homecoming weekend, Bill George was awarded Lee's highest honor by Lee University President Paul Conn.  Read Secretary Gentner and President McLeod's report on everything that took place this year at Homecoming.

 

Upsilon men hold two highest offices in Church of God

In a truly unprecedented achievement, Upsilon Xi alumni swept dozens of senior offices at the 70th COG General Assembly held in August of 2004. Among those offices are the two highest in the Church of God: the General Overseer (Dr. G. Dennis McGuire) and 1st Asst. General Overseer (Dr. Raymond Culpepper). Never before has the General Overseer had a Lee University club affiliation. In addition to these offices, Upsilon alum Loran Livingston was selected as Chairman of the Council of 18, and fellow alum Darrell Rice was selected Chairman of the Board of Lee University.

Click here to see all of the Upsilon men who have been appointed at the 70th Church of God General Assembly
 

The UXAA is proud to announce the first ever Upsilon Xi Alumni Directory.  The alumni directory will be used for alumni networking and career development among our current students and young alumni.  Upsilon is the first fraternity to put together a directory of this type.  If you would like to receive a copy of the alumni directory, follow this link.

Dear Upsilon Xi,

Today I attended the commencement ceremonies at Lee University and proudly watched as the Upsilon Xi ceremonial mace, borne by the faculty marshal, Dr. Mark Wickam, a Upsilon alumnus, led the procession of faculty and graduates.

The mace is simple, but beautiful. A 54-inch wood staff, ringed with gold bands, the top one-third carved with a repeated design of tiny raised squares, is crowned by a golden orb (14 karat gold) topped by a copy of the seal of the university. The golden orb is divided into two equal halves and the two halves are separated by a golden band, on which is inscribed the date of the school's founding. From the top, a set of intertwined cords hangs down about one-third the length of the staff. One set of cords is maroon and white, the colors of Lee University, and the other set is black and gray. The mace flashed in the sunlight and caught the attention of the crowd. The printed program explained the significance of the mace and gave credit to Upsilon for the gift.

Read the entire story and view larger photos