Upsilon Xi
Encyclopedia
Upsilon Xi is a social service organization formed on the campus of Lee College (now Lee University
) in the fall of 1962. Lee University
does not have national fraternities like many other institutions, but does have “Greek clubs” that are similar to national fraternities in tradition and function.
, centered around the non-negotiables of strong fellowship, dedicated service and solid academic achievement.
On September 26, 1962, Upsilon Xi received its official charter from the Lee administration and became Lee’s first Greek club. Nine were present at that time, the original four founders, and five others: Richard Goodman, Billy J. O’Neal, Jim McClain, Donnie Shoemaker, and Roger Coursen. These original nine "charter members" chose the name "Upsilon Xi." Upsilon
is taken from Acts 13:36 and means, “to serve, to render service, to be helpful.” Xi is taken from I Tim 5:10 and means, “to show hospitality.” The original members also chose I Cor 10:31 as their club scripture as they believed it embodied their mission, "Whether therefore ye eat, drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
While many in the Lee College administration viewed the founding of Upsilon Xi with skepticism, the event was met with tremendous enthusiasm among the student body and attracted many of the top students and leaders on campus. Over the next few years, Upsilon became the first Greek club to have a member hold each major office on campus (President of the Student Body, Vice-President of the Student Body, President of the Junior class, President of the Sophomore class, President of the Freshman class). Over the years, Upsilon Xi has attracted and produced several of Lee University’s most successful alumni
. This success is further evidenced by a statement made by current Lee University President Dr. Paul Conn at Upsilon’s 30th Anniversary, "It is an unquestionable fact that the men of Upsilon Xi have produced more leading ministers among our denomination, more doctors in the medical and academic field and more success stories within the world of business than any other club, choir or organization on the Lee College campus."
(Sadies.) Sadies is held each year in the fall and includes food, live music, fireworks and a series of bonfires to keep the crowds warm. Upsilon also throws a Block Party
at the beginning of each school year to welcome new and returning students to campus.
Although not a part of the original club’s history, Upsilon members must now go through both a "formal" and "informal" induction in order to become a member of the club. The formal induction consists of a simple, yet solemn ceremony. The informal induction only lasts for 24 hours and includes a secretive event called, “Hickory.” Although the precise nature of Hickory is kept confidential, it is known to be highly consistent with Christian values, beliefs and goals. In late 2006, Lee University overhauled all its Greek club induction processes to ensure that any remaining hazing
practices like "grueling physical tasks" or "physically or emotionally degrading" events were eliminated.
and Hurricane Rita
. On April 24, 2010, Upsilon partnered with Operation Compassion to hold a benefit concert entitled "Help for Haiti," to raise funds for the victims of the major earthquake that hit Haiti
in January 2010. Through the efforts of Upsilon Xi, $3,000 was raised which provided $264,000 worth of wholesale good to be sent to Haiti.
Upsilon has sought to be the most progressive Greek Club at Lee University. Upsilon was the first to hold a social event, the first to undertake a major campaign of service, the first to elect a black President, the first to own an internet domain name, the first to print a formal alumni directory and the first to create an alumni association
(the UXAA).
.
Lee University
Lee University is an American accredited, private, four-year liberal arts college located in Cleveland, Tennessee, United States. It is historically affiliated with the Church of God, a Pentecostal denomination, and was the denomination's Bible Training School from 1918 until 1947, when the name...
) in the fall of 1962. Lee University
Lee University
Lee University is an American accredited, private, four-year liberal arts college located in Cleveland, Tennessee, United States. It is historically affiliated with the Church of God, a Pentecostal denomination, and was the denomination's Bible Training School from 1918 until 1947, when the name...
does not have national fraternities like many other institutions, but does have “Greek clubs” that are similar to national fraternities in tradition and function.
History
Upsilon Xi was originally conceived in the summer of 1962 by four men: Dr. Duran Palmertree, Dr. James Hubbard, Rev. Dale Huff, and Mr. Duane Lambert. The goal of the club was to develop a culture of excellence involving men bound together in Christian loveAgape
Agape is one of the Greek words translated into English as love, one which became particularly appropriated in Christian theology as the love of God or Christ for mankind. In the New Testament, it refers to the fatherly love of God for humans, as well as the human reciprocal love for God; the term...
, centered around the non-negotiables of strong fellowship, dedicated service and solid academic achievement.
On September 26, 1962, Upsilon Xi received its official charter from the Lee administration and became Lee’s first Greek club. Nine were present at that time, the original four founders, and five others: Richard Goodman, Billy J. O’Neal, Jim McClain, Donnie Shoemaker, and Roger Coursen. These original nine "charter members" chose the name "Upsilon Xi." Upsilon
Upsilon
Upsilon is the 20th letter of the Greek alphabet. In the system of Greek numerals it has a value of 400. It is derived from the Phoenician waw. The name of the letter is pronounced in Modern Greek, and in English , , or...
is taken from Acts 13:36 and means, “to serve, to render service, to be helpful.” Xi is taken from I Tim 5:10 and means, “to show hospitality.” The original members also chose I Cor 10:31 as their club scripture as they believed it embodied their mission, "Whether therefore ye eat, drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
While many in the Lee College administration viewed the founding of Upsilon Xi with skepticism, the event was met with tremendous enthusiasm among the student body and attracted many of the top students and leaders on campus. Over the next few years, Upsilon became the first Greek club to have a member hold each major office on campus (President of the Student Body, Vice-President of the Student Body, President of the Junior class, President of the Sophomore class, President of the Freshman class). Over the years, Upsilon Xi has attracted and produced several of Lee University’s most successful alumni
Alumnus
An alumnus , according to the American Heritage Dictionary, is "a graduate of a school, college, or university." An alumnus can also be a former member, employee, contributor or inmate as well as a former student. In addition, an alumna is "a female graduate or former student of a school, college,...
. This success is further evidenced by a statement made by current Lee University President Dr. Paul Conn at Upsilon’s 30th Anniversary, "It is an unquestionable fact that the men of Upsilon Xi have produced more leading ministers among our denomination, more doctors in the medical and academic field and more success stories within the world of business than any other club, choir or organization on the Lee College campus."
Governance
Upsilon Xi operates under a Constitution and set of Bylaws that governs the functioning of the club. The original Constitution and Bylaws were created around the time of the founding of the club and have been in operation ever since. The original Constitution was drafted by Dr. James Hubbard.Traditions
Since 1962, Upsilon has sponsored the oldest annual social event on the Lee University campus called, Sadie HawkinsSadie Hawkins dance
In the United States, the Sadie Hawkins Dance is usually a less formal dance sponsored by a high school, middle school or college, in which female students invite male students...
(Sadies.) Sadies is held each year in the fall and includes food, live music, fireworks and a series of bonfires to keep the crowds warm. Upsilon also throws a Block Party
Block party
A block party is a large public party in which many members of a single neighbourhood congregate, either to observe an event of some importance or simply for mutual enjoyment. The name comes from the form of the party, which often involves closing an entire city block to vehicle traffic...
at the beginning of each school year to welcome new and returning students to campus.
Although not a part of the original club’s history, Upsilon members must now go through both a "formal" and "informal" induction in order to become a member of the club. The formal induction consists of a simple, yet solemn ceremony. The informal induction only lasts for 24 hours and includes a secretive event called, “Hickory.” Although the precise nature of Hickory is kept confidential, it is known to be highly consistent with Christian values, beliefs and goals. In late 2006, Lee University overhauled all its Greek club induction processes to ensure that any remaining hazing
Hazing
Hazing is a term used to describe various ritual and other activities involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group....
practices like "grueling physical tasks" or "physically or emotionally degrading" events were eliminated.
Service Projects
In 1994, Upsilon completed the most significant service project attempted by any Greek Club when over $80,000 was raised to present the “Upsilon Xi Clocktower” as a gift to the Lee University campus. Upsilon has also engaged in some very significant service projects over the years including the "Love Atlanta Run" (1987) and the Ceremonial Mace (2003). In late 2005 and throughout 2006, Upsilon engaged in several significant trips to Alabama and the surrounding regions to assist with the rebuilding after Hurricane KatrinaHurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
and Hurricane Rita
Hurricane Rita
Hurricane Rita was the fourth-most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded and the most intense tropical cyclone ever observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Rita caused $11.3 billion in damage on the U.S. Gulf Coast in September 2005...
. On April 24, 2010, Upsilon partnered with Operation Compassion to hold a benefit concert entitled "Help for Haiti," to raise funds for the victims of the major earthquake that hit Haiti
2010 Haiti earthquake
The 2010 Haiti earthquake was a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake, with an epicentre near the town of Léogâne, approximately west of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital. The earthquake occurred at 16:53 local time on Tuesday, 12 January 2010.By 24 January, at least 52 aftershocks...
in January 2010. Through the efforts of Upsilon Xi, $3,000 was raised which provided $264,000 worth of wholesale good to be sent to Haiti.
Key Accomplishments
- In the history of the Church of GodChurch of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)The Church of God, with headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee, is a Pentecostal Christian denomination. With over seven million members in over 170 countries, it is one of the largest Pentecostal denominations in the world...
denomination, only Upsilon Xi has had a member of its fraternity serve as the General Overseer (the highest office in the Church of God). Dr. G. Dennis McGuireG. Dennis McGuireG. Dennis McGuire is a pastor, evangelist, and administrator in the Church of God denomination. He served two terms as the General Overseer and has also been First and Second Assistant General Overseer...
was elected General Overseer at the 70th Church of God General Assembly (2004) and again at the 71st General Assembly (2006). Dr. Raymond Culpepper was elected General Overseer at the 72nd General Assembly (2008) and again at the 73rd General Assembly (2010). - During the 14 years from 1998–2012, Upsilon Xi has continuously placed at least 3 members on the Church of God Executive Committee and “Council of 18.”
- During the 19 years from 1988–2007, 9 Upsilon men won the “Lee University Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award” (The highest honor Lee University can bestow upon one of its alumni).
- During the 20 years from 1981–2000, 9 Upsilon men won the “F.J. Lee Award” (The highest honor Lee University can bestow upon one of its current students.
- During the 10 years from 2000-2009, 52 Upsilon men and women graduated “with honors,” including 19 who graduated Summa Cum Laude.
- During the 11 years from 2000–2010, 7 Upsilon alumni have served terms on the Lee University Board of Directors, including 3 Chairmen (Dr. Raymond Culpepper, Mr. Darrell Rice, and Mr. Gary Sharp).
- During the 10 years from 2001-2010, alumni of Upsilon Xi have contributed just shy of $400,000 to Lee University
- As of 2010, Upsilon men and women accounted for over 20% of the Lee University Athletic Hall of Fame, having 10 alumni inducted out of Lee's 47 total members.
Upsilon has sought to be the most progressive Greek Club at Lee University. Upsilon was the first to hold a social event, the first to undertake a major campaign of service, the first to elect a black President, the first to own an internet domain name, the first to print a formal alumni directory and the first to create an alumni association
Alumni association
An alumni association is an association of graduates or, more broadly, of former students. In the United Kingdom and the United States, alumni of universities, colleges, schools , fraternities, and sororities often form groups with alumni from the same organisation...
(the UXAA).
The Upsilon Xi Alumni Association (UXAA)
The UXAA was organized in the fall of 1998 as a 501-3c non-profit organization. Upsilon Xi was the first Greek Club to start its own alumni association. The mission statement of the UXAA is, “The Upsilon Xi Alumni Association exists to glorify God by fostering a cooperative and closer relationship among its members, look after their common interest and welfare, initiate educational, research, and other programs for the benefit of its members, and undertake fund raising and other philanthropic activities for the benefit of Lee University, Upsilon Xi, the Alumni Association, and any other brothers who have a need.” The official website of the UXAA is: http://upsilonxi.com/UXAA/A Few Notable Upsilon Xi Alumni
- Col. Dale Bain - US Army (retired)
- Jim Basket - 3-term City Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem of Decatur, GA
- Kevin Brooks - Current State Representative for Tennessee District 24 as of 2007.
- Matt Brumlow - Successful Actor based in Chicago, Il
- Javen Campbell - Actor/Vocalist – Named one of the "Top 10 to watch in 2010” by the Gospel Music Channel"
- Larry Carpenter – 2007 NAIA National Athletic Director of the Year, Lee University
- S. Todd Culpepper - Executive Director, International Affairs Council
- Dr. Raymond Culpepper - Current General Overseer of the Church of God
- Vernon Darko - President & CEO of EquipXp
- Dr. Steve Dorman - Dean of the University of Florida College of Health and Human PerformanceUniversity of Florida College of Health and Human PerformanceThe University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance is a college at the University of Florida. The college has three departments, and four research centers. The college is unique in that the majors that are offered are inter-disciplinary in nature...
- Rick Folino - President and CEO, Financial Quest Services
- Junus Fulbright (deceased) - Former Member of the Church of God “Council of 18”
- David Griffis – Currently the 3rd Assistant General Overseer of the Church of God
- Dr. Robert Herron - Vice President, Southeastern College, Lakeland, FL.
- Keith Jeffords, M.D., D.D.S. – World-renowned surgeon based in Atlanta, GA
- Dr. Bobby Johnson - Associate Professor, University of UtahUniversity of UtahThe University of Utah, also known as the U or the U of U, is a public, coeducational research university in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. The university was established in 1850 as the University of Deseret by the General Assembly of the provisional State of Deseret, making it Utah's oldest...
- Dr. Douglas Leroy - Director, Church of God World Missions
- Dr. Loran Livingston – Member of the Church of God "Council of 18"
- Jeremy McCoyJeremy McCoyJeremy McCoy is an American bass guitar player, known for playing on the road and in the studio with several artists around the world.-Beginning career:...
- Concert bass guitar player for Epic RecordsEpic RecordsEpic Records is an American record label, owned by Sony Music Entertainment. Though it was originally conceived as a jazz imprint, it has since expanded to represent various genres. L.A...
artists' The FrayThe Fray-Literature:*Fray, a phenomenon in Terry Pratchett's The Carpet People*Fray , a comic book series by Joss Whedon**Melaka Fray, titular character of the comic book series-Music:*"Fray", a song from the album 14 Shades of Grey by Staind...
. - Dr. G. Dennis McGuireG. Dennis McGuireG. Dennis McGuire is a pastor, evangelist, and administrator in the Church of God denomination. He served two terms as the General Overseer and has also been First and Second Assistant General Overseer...
– Served 2 terms as General Overseer of the Church of God - Dr. H. Douglas Morris - Nuclear physicist, Laboratory of Cardiac Energetics, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.
- Dr. Ray Newton - Organic Chemist, Eastman Kodak Corporation
- Dr. Randy O'Bannon - Director of Education & Research, National Right to Life Educational Trust Fund
- Dr. Robert O'Bannon – Prominent educator and speaker at Lee University (retired)
- Col. Benjamin Perez - US Air Force Chaplain (retired)
- Dr. Mark Pitts - Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in Frederick, Md.
- Darrell Rice - Chairman of the Lee University Board of Directors
- Samuel Robeff - Member of the Lee University Board of Directors
- Gary Sharp – Member of the Lee University Board of Directors
- Mark Smiling, J.D. - Attorney in Tulsa, OK.
- Martin Smith – Manages 23 hospitals as President of Division III Operations for Community Health SystemsCommunity Health SystemsCommunity Health Systems Inc. is a Fortune 500 company based in Franklin, Tennessee. It is the largest non-urban provider of general hospital healthcare services in the United States in terms of number of acute care facilities. As of May 2009, it operates 120 hospitals in 28 states. After...
- Charles Tilley - Owner and CEO, Vanguard Entertainment Agency and "Atlanta Fest" (2nd largest Christian music festival in the world)
- Roby Walker - Chief Operations Officer, Joyce Meyer Ministries.
- Chad Guyton and Jayson VanHook from Four VoicesFour VoicesFour Voices is a barbershop quartet based in Tennessee. After winning the SPEBSQSA Collegiate Barbershop Quartet Championship in 1996, Four Voices went on to become international champions in 2002....
- Chad Madden and Brian Sanders - Members of "Voices of Lee" who came in third place on NBC's "The Sing-OffThe Sing-OffThe Sing-Off is an American television singing competition featuring a cappella groups. It premiered on NBC on December 14, 2009, and is produced by Sony Pictures Television....
"
.