Monthly Archives: March 2012
SELEF Literary Competition
Posted on by Nik VanDenMeerendonk
Break out your laptops, instruments, and cameras…it’s once again time for the annual Samuel Eells Literary and Educational Foundation (SELEF) Literary Competition, one of the largest and most treasured traditions of our great organization! It is an opportunity to share some of your finest creative talent with original works of fiction/non-fiction writing, poetry, music and lyrics, photography and film! A $1,000 GRAND PRIZE will be awarded to that single entry which shows the greatest level of overall excellence in one of the six categories: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, photography, film, and music/lyrics. The 2012 SELEF Literary Competition is open to all undergraduate college students associated with SELEF at select schools. As you may know, the Literary Competition has been gaining strength within the last few years. We have received more entries, of higher quality, from more participants around the country and Canada. Alpha Delta Phi would like to thank you and congratulate you for making the effort to support our literary tradition. We wish you the best of luck in the contest, and in the development of your own individual literary endeavors! Please see the rules and details of the competition at our designated facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/notes/samuel-eells-literary-and-educational-foundation-literary-competition/2012-literary-competition/403558029654927 or visit the official SELEF Literary Competition page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Samuel-Eells-Literary-and-Educational-Foundation-Literary-Competition/152992471378152 Please be sure to contact the Foundation Headquarters if you have any questions.
Fishing, friends and family
Posted on by Nik VanDenMeerendonk
I recently had the opportunity to go ice fishing with Brother Phil Virden’s ’10 family. This trip was just one of many activities that I have been invited to. I can honestly say that Brother Virden’s family has some of the most generous, gracious and kind people I have ever met. My own family lives 2 states away, and I am rarely able to see them. Both of Phil’s parents treat me as if I were their own son. Whether it be Mrs. Virden sending me some of her famous Hunter’s Casserole or Mr. Virden offering to take me fishing every chance he gets, I would never have had the opportunity to get to know such a great family if it hadn’t been for both Phil and I being in the same pledge class and becoming fast friends. This just goes to show that the bonds we form in Alpha Delta Phi transcends friendships and creates extended families. John “Jingles” Jacobson Class of 2009 Licensed Mortician St. Paul, Minnesota
In Memoriam: Rodney “Rod” S. Dickey
Posted on by Nik VanDenMeerendonk
Recently, we lost a brother-in-arms and former president: Rodney “Rod” Dickey. A big thanks to Brother Dave Roberts, Minn. ’54 for sharing this. Rodney S. “Rod” Dickey, 85, of Edina, MN passed away Thursday, March 1, 2012. The memorial was held March 8, at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. Rod was born on January 9, 1927 in Cincinnati, OH to Clarence and Una Dickey. He grew up in Sioux Falls, SD. He is a graduate of Washington High School (Sioux Falls) and the University of Minnesota, where he served as President of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. Rod’s college years were interrupted by World War II, when he entered the Army. The war ended while he was en route to Okinawa. He served on General MacArthur’s staff in Manila and Tokyo. On August 1, 1953, Rod married Margaret Ranseen. Their marriage was an example to all of love and commitment. They were blessed with two daughters, Susan and Jane, Rod’s career began with Travelers Insurance Company in Fairmont, MN, as Farm Loan Representative. He held a similar position with Northwestern Mutual in Sioux Falls, SD. The family moved to Storm Lake, IA, where they lived for 24 years. There, Rod served as President of the Federal Land Bank. In 1980, Rod and Margie moved to Minneapolis, where Rod returned to Travelers Insurance Company as head of the Farm Load Division until his retirement. Rod loved all sports. He was an avid golfer and loved to watch football, baseball, basketball, and of course, golf. He was a man of great integrity and humility. He valued education and independence, stressing both while raising his family. He battled COPD and other medical challenges with grace and courage, while always maintaining his sense of humor and gratitude for a wonderful life. Rod was [read more…]