It is with great sadness that Theta Chi Fraternity announces the death of Brother Howard R. Alter, Jr.
Brother Alter was a 1941 graduate of Pennsylvania State University, where he became a member of the Omega Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity and served as chapter treasurer and president.
Howard was appointed a Regional Counselor in 1955 and served in that capacity until his election to the Grand Chapter in 1960. He was twice elected as National President (1962-1966). Following his service on the Grand Chapter, he was appointed as Executive Director of Theta Chi Fraternity January 1, 1968. Brother Alter retired in June of 1984, and was appointed Executive Director Emeritus.
The Howard R. Alter, Jr. Award for Chapter Excellence was created by past Field Representatives to commemorate Brother Alter’s retirement as Executive Director. The award is the highest honor bestowed on a chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity. The Alter Award was first presented in 1985.
Following his retirement Brother Alter continued his service to the Fraternity by serving on the National Board of Trustees from 1984 to 1994. He also served on the boards of both foundations in our Fraternity -- the Foundation Chapter and Theta Chi Funds for Leadership and Education, Inc.
Brother Alter has been honored with every award in Theta Chi Fraternity, including the Distinguished Service Award, the Fraternity’s highest honor, and the “Theta Chi for Life” Award. In 1993, the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) bestowed upon Brother Alter the NIC Gold Medal, the highest honor in the fraternity world, for his interfraternal service. That service included serving on the NIC Board of Directors from 1985 to 1993, and serving as president for the Fraternity Executives Association (1978-1979).
His lifelong and selfless work on behalf of Theta Chi Fraternity and the interfraternity world serves now, and will continue to serve, as an example for all to follow.
Visitation will be held May 14 and 15, 2009 at Stockland Farm, 7151 Leechburg Road, New Kensington, Pennsylvania 15068. A service of thanksgiving will be held at The Presbyterian Church of Plum Creek on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 12:30pm, Reverend Doctor Jack Lolla (Beta Omicron ’77) officiating. Burial/Graveside service will take place at Plum Creek Cemetery. A reception will be held at Oakmont Country Club immediately following burial.
Cards of condolences may be sent to: Brother William Booth (Theta Chi ’09), 7151 Leechburg Road, New Kensington, PA 15068.
Memorial contributions can be made to either: The Howard R. Alter, Jr. Memorial Fund, Theta Chi Fraternity, 3330 Founders Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268. (Make checks payable to Howard R. Alter, Jr. Memorial Fund) or The Presbyterian Church of Plum Creek, c/o Memorial Fund, 550 Center-New Texas Road, Plum Borough, PA 15239
Brother Alter's obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is posted here.
Condolences may be left here.
1 comments:
Howard, you will be greatly missed.
Brian Hall
National Marshal
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