User:Joe "Highrock" Giove/Upsilon Xi

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.

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 love, 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.”

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.

Early Spring 1963 - Vindagua (left to right) '''Front Row on the ground: Ted Gee, Gordon Bloodworth Second Row: Dale Huff, Duran Palmetree, Duane Lambert, Ron Harvard Back Row: James Hubbard, Donnie Shoemaker, Roger Coursen, Jim McClain, Richard Goodman and Junus Fulbright not pictured: Billy J. O’Neal''']]

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 Hawkins” (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 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 a couple days 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.

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).

Key Accomplishments
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).
 * In the history of the Church of God, only Upsilon Xi has had a member of its fraternity serve as the General Overseer (the highest office in the Church of God denomination). Dr. G. Dennis McGuire was elected General Overseer at the 70th General Assembly (2004) . and the 71st General Assembly (2006), and Dr. Raymond Culpepper was elected General Overseer at the 72nd General Assembly (2008).
 * During the past 12 years from 1998-present, Upsilon Xi has had at least three members on the Church of God Executive Committee and “Council of 18.” During the 19 years from 1988-2007, Upsilon alumni have won the “Lee University Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award” (The highest honor Lee University can bestow upon one of its alumni) nine times.
 * During the 20 years from 1981-2000, Upsilon men have won the “F.J. Lee Award” (The highest honor Lee University can bestow upon one of its students) nine times..
 * Upsilon Xi was the first Greek club to have a member hold each major office on the Lee University 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 past decade, six Upsilon Xi alumni have served terms on the Lee University Board of Directors. The last two Chairmen have been Upsilon Xi alumni (Dr. Raymond Culpepper and Mr. Darrell Rice.  The current board has 4 Upsilon Alumni members (including Chairman Rice)..
 * 23 Upsilon men and women graduated “with honors” from 2000-2003..
 * An overwhelming percentage of Upsilon men have completed advanced degrees and currently serve as physicians, lawyers, pastors, professors, and prominent businessmen..

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 to 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 of Decatur, GA.
 * Kevin Brooks - Current State Representative for Tennessee District 24 as of 2007.
 * Larry Carpenter – 2007 NAIA National Athletic Director of the Year, Lee University
 * S. Todd Culpepper - Executive Director, IVC-World Affairs Council
 * Dr. Raymond Culpepper - Current General Overseer of the Church of God
 * Dr. Steve Dorman - Dean of the College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida
 * 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 Utah
 * Dr. Douglas Leroy - Director, Church of God World Missions
 * Dr. Loran Livingston – Member of the Church of God "Council of 18"
 * Dr. G. Dennis McGuire – 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.
 * Marty Smith – Manages 23 hospitals as Vice-President of Community Health Systems Inc.
 * Charles Tilley - Owner and CEO, Vanguard Entertainment Agency and "Atlanta Fest" (2nd largest Christian music festival in the world).