NEW ORLEANS, LA – Theta Chi Fraternity proudly awarded the Sidney Ann Gilpin Lewis Memorial Trophy to three deserving chapters and ten individuals for exemplifying the Fraternity’s motto of “The Helping Hand.”
The chapters that took home this year’s award were Psi/Wisconsin, Alpha Xi/Delaware, and Gamma Rho/Florida State.
This year’s individual winners were Keenan Deaton (Iota Tau/Northern Kentucky 2025), Shane A. Dorsey (Alpha Xi/Delaware 2019), Jason S. Kingsborough (Eta Pi/East Stroudsburg 1997), Christopher R. Rogala (Delta Psi/Kansas 1991), Charles F. Withuhn (Mu/California 1972) and the individual Theta Chi brothers of the 'Kick’n the Asphalt out of Cancer' Pan Ohio Hope Ride Bicycle Team: Mark A. Taft (Alpha Zeta/Rochester 1981), Dr. Jim Carlson (Zeta Beta/Adrian 1989), Vince Crawford, Zeta Beta/Adrian 1988), Mike Kamm (Delta Theta/Toledo 1993) and Jeff Malish (Gamma Kappa/Miami (OH) 1991). Award plaques were presented to these chapters and individuals during the 168th Anniversary Convention in New Orleans.
Keenan Deaton (Iota Tau/Northern Kentucky 2025) was nominated by a member of his chapter’s alumni corporation, who wrote, “His passion for serving his hometown community in Hazard, Kentucky, is clear to anyone who meets him.
In 2022, he helped those in need following devastating floods. He spent the summer of 2023 at the Appalachian Arts Alliance where he fostered a space for all members of the community to find their voice and express themselves. This included work with children, adults and children with disabilities, and senior citizens.”
Great job, Keenan!
Last fall, when Rich Green (Omega/Penn State 1993) learned that he needed a new kidney, several of his friends and family members stepped forward as potential donors. Unfortunately none of them were good genetic matches, including Rich’s brother-in-law Brother Jason S. Kingsborough (Eta Pi/East Stroudsburg 1997). Undaunted, Jason readily agreed to a "paired donation," and they were connected with another kidney donor in Los Angeles who was a better match for Brother Green - and had a loved one who was compatible with Brother Kingsborough. Their paired donation was the 100th of its kind at the University of Pennsylvania hospital in just 12 months!
The brothers of Psi/Wisconsin host an annual event called Ski For Cancer, which is the largest student-run philanthropy event in their state. 2023’s Ski for Cancer had more than 220 people in attendance. Brothers also shaved their heads in support of those battling pediatric cancer. The chapter’s two full weeks of fundraising totaled nearly $120,000! I must also mention that the humble beginnings of Ski for Cancer go all the way back to 1969, and during 2023’s events, this chapter surpassed a grand total of more than $1 Million Dollars raised over the past 50+ years for the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer Fund (MACC Fund) and for St. Baldrick's Foundation.
Since 2016, Alpha Xi/Delaware has been paired with Wyatt, a child who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2015. The chapter lends an Assisting Hand in a financial, mental, and spiritual way, by planning events and hang-outs with Wyatt, who has become a bright light in all of the brother’s lives. The chapter even established a “Wyatt Chairman,” who is dedicated to staying closely in touch with his family so they can support him in the best ways possible.
The newest Wyatt Chairman lost a cousin to childhood leukemia, and has been able to coach the chapter and make this relationship even more impactful.
The chapter also participates in their university's annual dance marathon and ranks consistently among the top five fundraising fraternities each year, placing fifth last year by raising $18,700. The chapter is constantly looking for more opportunities to fundraise including car washes, trivia nights, bake sales, and other events with sororities.
Our final chapter, Gamma Rho/Florida State demonstrated commitment to community service through various initiatives, including collecting more than 250 toys and $300 for Toys for Tots, raising more than $11,000 for the USO during their Desperado week, and honoring a fallen brother. This chapter extended a Helping Hand to the family of a collegiate brother who joined the Chapter Eternal last December by establishing a GoFundMe. Their heartfelt efforts provided financial support to alleviate some of the burdens faced by the family following their tragic loss. These brothers raised nearly $50,000 to support this family but ultimately noted that "this act highlights the deep bonds of brotherhood that define our fraternity and our commitment to supporting one another in times of need."
The five Theta Chi brothers of the Kick’n the Asphalt out of Cancer Bicycle Team: Mark A. Taft (Alpha Zeta/Rochester 1981), Dr. Jim Carlson (Zeta Beta/Adrian 1989), Vince Crawford, Zeta Beta/Adrian 1988), Mike Kamm (Delta Theta/Toledo 1993) and Jeff Malish (Gamma Kappa/Miami (OH) 1991) made the four day, 350-mile Pan Ohio Hope Ride, which started in Cleveland and ended in Cincinnati, raising money to provide assistance and free housing for patients undergoing cancer treatments. The entire bike team raised more than $175,000! The Team Captain, Mark Taft, was the overall top fundraiser with more than $40,000 and one of the other brothers was in the Top Five with $10,000.
The Fraternity once again congratulate and thank these five chapters and two individuals for their efforts in exemplifying our motto of An Assisting Hand.
The Lewis Award, represented by the Lewis Memorial Trophy, is based on the account of past National Vice President James G. Lewis. In 1930, his daughter, Sidney Ann, was stricken with spinal meningitis, which developed from an infection following a serious operation. Lewis gave blood transfusions but when doctors refused to use his blood again, it was essential that others be found whose blood would match Sidney Ann’s. Fellow Grand Chapter officer Dr. Robert L. Irish, of Alpha Chapter at Norwich University, was in constant contact with the situation and informed the officers of Upsilon Chapter at New York University.
The next day several of Upsilon’s members arrived at the hospital offering to donate their blood. Two more transfusions were made, but tragically, Sidney Ann passed away at midnight. Later that year, Brother Lewis presented a trophy to the Grand Chapter in memory of his daughter. He did not specify a purpose, but merely wanted to thank the Fraternity for its assistance during the period of his daughter’s illness.
Today, the Lewis Award recognizes Theta Chi members and chapters that most exemplify lending a helping hand to their campus and community, matching the true Theta Chi spirit demonstrated by Dr. Irish and Upsilon Chapter’s desire to help Brother Lewis in his time of need.