GAMMA XI
Widener University

FOUNDED ON
4.28.1962

LOCATION
Chester, PA

HISTORY
Widener University originated as the Bullock School in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1821.  It became Penn Military School in 1892. Penn Military School added a civilian component for returning World War II veterans in 1946, and grew into Penn Morton College. The two institutions became PMC Colleges in 1966.  In 1972 Penn Military College was dissolved, the Corps of Cadets disbanded, and the name of the college was changed to Widener College. University status was obtained in 1979.

In March 1961, Lambda Zeta Rho was organized at Penn Military College. The group petitioned Alpha Sigma Phi for a charter and was installed one year after its organization. The initiation and installation took place at the Omicron Chapter house. Ellwood Smith, Penn, a past staff member of Alpha Sigma Phi and Assistant Executive Director of the University of Pennsylvania Alumni Association was in charge of arrangements. Ralph Burns, Ohio Wesleyan ‘32, presented the charter to Charles Wedemeyer, Widener ‘62, the chapter’s first HSP Grand Senior President Donald Hornberger, OWU ‘25, and Grand Chapter Advisor Steven Toadvine, I ‘18, were speakers at the banquet held at Newton Square.

In the Winter of 1981 the chapter moved into a new Victorian house; the house was sold to the College in 1993. Low academic performance, poor financial irresponsibility, and damage to property led to charter revocation on February 3, 2000.  “The Gamma Xi Talisman” was the chapter’s newsletter.

Michael J. Honeyman, Widener, Theodore M. Madonna, Widener ‘73, and Michael D’Archangelo, Widener ‘68, were Alpha Sigma Phi Scholars of the Year in 1979,  1976, and 1968, respectively.  David G. Mason, Widener ‘81, received the Delta Beta Xi Award. Fritz E. Dixon, Widener ‘73 received the Distinguished Merit Award. Phil Martelli, Widener ‘74 was Atlantic 10 Conference Basketball Coach of the Year at St. Joseph in 2005.

CHAPTER AWARDS
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INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Records show brother's name, initiation year, and award received.