Alpha Xi Chapter
Arizona State University
Installed May 10, 1958
   
Charter Members in Order of Initiation
1. Grant L. Richardson 13. Glen R. Grubbs
2. Elvin D. Trysom 14. Robert C. Kawa
3. Lloyd G. Meyer 15. John C. Hadlock
4. John M. Sparks 16. Robert L. Hunt
5. Thomas W. Taylor 17. Ray N. Jensen
6. Terry Mauldin 18. Philip E. Peterson
7. LeRoy Whitson 19. Richard L. Sparks
8. Jesse M. Smith 20. James N. Finnell
9. H. Dave Eastlake 21. John W. Fincher, Jr.
10. Lee G. McCleery 22. Enest H. Lucke, Jr.
11. Ronald L. Richard 23. Eugene H. Miller
12. R. King Cooper 24. Glen M. Richardson
25. Ronald G. Sparks
   
The first 37 chapters of AGR were installed at Land Grant colleges or universities. It remained for the group at Arizona State University to "break the ice" and become the 38th chapter of AGR. The local Alpha Gamma Sigma became Alpha Xi Chapter on May 10, 1958 when 25 men were initiated; 23 students and 2 faculty members. (Dr. Grant Richardson and Professor Alvin Tyson. The initiation team consisted of undergraduates from Phi, Rho and Alpha Lambda chapters; assisted by Maynard Coe, Chairman of the Extension Committee. Among those assisting with initiation ceremonies was Jim Makus, Noble Ruler of Rho Chapter who flew from Colorado; Robert Cameron, Ross Providence, Tom Vestal and Neck Cleghorn of Phi Chapter and the following men from Alpha Lambda Chapter: Clarence Thompson, George Spence, Robert Villineal, Larry Paradee, Kile Medina, Ronnie Gains, James Thornten, George Tigner and Melvin Ferris. At 9:00 a.m. on May 10 the group gathered in the Home Economics Building where the initiation took place. The facilities proved excellent for the intiation ceremonies, which were completed by 2:00 p.m. The group then attended a late lucheon at Harman's Ranch Restaurant. Immediately following the lunch the first meeting of Alpha Xi Chapter was held, the first act of business being the election. Terry Mauldin was elected Noble Ruler, and Monroe Smith, Secretary. The officers received many helpful suggestions from the undergraduates as well as the alumni present. One the evening of the installation, the banquet was held with Mauldin serving as toastmaster. Words of welcome were received from Dean of Students Professor W.P. Shofstaff and Dr. Lee P. Thompson, Dean of teh College of Arts and Sciences. Maynard Coe made a formal presentation of teh charter, and in his talk he gave the new chapter many good ideas and suggestions. After the banquet a pink rose formal dance was held in the Student Union Ballroom.

The chapter lost no time getting on a sound business basis. The alumni group was soon incorporated under the name Alpha Xi of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity with Elmer Fenton as president and William R. Ritchie, Lloyd G. Meyer and Grant L. Richardson as the other incorporators. The first board of directors consisted of these men, and in addition James L. MacIntyre, A. L. Herm, W. O. Davis, Thomas W. Taylor, Robert Kawa, D. F. Snyder and Monroe Smith. In the fall of 1958 the chapter published its first Crescent. In the fall of 1959 Dr. Robert L. Freeman became chapter adviser, replacing Grant Richardson and Elvin D. Tayson who had served jointly. In the summer of 1960 Brother Richardson was appointed Southwest Province Councilor for the National Fraternity. In the fall of 1961 the chapter moved from the old house at 27 E. Seventh Street to a rented house on South McClintock Drive, remaining there until the fall of 1962 when the chapter occupied a university-owned fraternity house on Aldephi Drive; meals being served in the men's dormitory, Sahuro Hall.

In the spring of 1963 Alpha Xi hosted the first Officers Training School in April. The fall of 1964 found the chapter occupying the former Delta Phi Kappa house at 213 East 13th Street and Professor H. David Eastlake was appointed chapter adviser. He served until 1968 when Dr. Thomas W. Taylor became chapter Adviser.

In June 1969 the chapter purchased its own home, located at 1219 East Lemon Street in Tempe, Arizona. The house required considerable remodeling which was completed before the University opened in September. The purchase price was $50,000 exlusive of the remodeling costs. The alumni corporation, financed the deal through the Valley National Bank, of which Brother Warren Langfitt is vice president. The men at Alpha Xi appreciate the faith and interest in the future of the chapter evidenced by Brother Langfitt. The National Chapter House Loan Fund and the bank made it possible for the alumni corporation to finance the new home with but a small down payment.
   
   
* From the History of Alpha Gamma Rho.  
   
Note: Alpha Xi Chapter's charter was surrendered in 1978 after it was determined that the declining enrollment in ag programs at Arizona State University would not support the strong tradition of the Tempe group.