FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THETA CHI FRATERNITY ANNOUNCES 2013/2014 SIDNEY ANN GILPIN LEWIS AWARD RECIPIENT
SEPTEMBER 2, 2014 - Carmel, IN - Theta Chi Fraternity is proud to announce the 2013/2014 recipient of the Lewis Memorial Trophy. This year, an alumnus member was recognized for his commitment to helping others in need:
- Dale J. Hetland, Phi/North Dakota State University 1992
Dale Hetland gave a special gift; he made a sacrifice simply from the goodness of his heart and because he felt it was the right thing to do.
When Dale learned that the life of fellow chapter brother, Jon Kragness (Phi/North Dakota State 1992), was being threatened by kidney failure, he decided to be tested to see if he was a match. The tests revealed that he was a suitable donor, and arrangements were immediately made for him to donate a kidney to a brother he had not seen in many years.
Shortly before the transplant surgery, Dale contacted his friend, former National President Douglas Allen, to let him know that he would be in a Minneapolis area hospital for a few days. Dale just wanted Doug to know, but didn’t think he would need anything.
Doug Allen shares, "After a great deal of concerned prodding, Dale finally relented and told me the reason he would be in the hospital. His reluctance to share his wonderful offering is demonstrative of his humility and unassuming nature."
The transplant was a success and we are happy to report that Brother Kragness and his family are doing well. Our brother gave of himself to save the life of a brother. His actions not only exemplify our motto of “An Assisting Hand,” but also reinforce the concept of “Theta Chi for Life.”
Brother Hetland has never sought any recognition for his selfless act. He only consented to be nominated for this honor because Brother Kragness encouraged him to use their story to promote organ donation.
It is Theta Chi Fraternity's deepest honor to name Dale J. Hetland the recipient of the 2013/2014 Sidney Ann Gilpin Lewis Award.
The Lewis Award, represented by the Lewis Memorial Trophy, is based on the account of past National Vice President James G. Lewis of Alpha Xi Chapter at the University of Delaware (left). In 1930, his daughter, Sidney Ann, was stricken with spinal meningitis, which developed from an infection following a serious operation. Lewis gave blood transfusions but when doctors refused to use his blood again, it was essential that others be found whose blood would match Sidney Ann’s. Fellow Grand Chapter officer Dr. Robert L. Irish, of Alpha Chapter at Norwich University, was in constant contact with the situation and informed the officers of Upsilon chapter at New York University. The next day several of Upsilon’s members arrived at the hospital offering to donate their blood. Two more transfusions were made, but tragically, Sidney Ann passed away at midnight. Later that year, Brother Lewis presented a trophy to the Grand Chapter in memory of his daughter. He did not specify a purpose, but merely wanted to thank the Fraternity for its assistance during the period of his daughter’s illness.
Today, the Lewis Award recognizes Theta Chi members and chapters that most exemplify lending a helping hand to their campus and community, matching the true Theta Chi spirit demonstrated by Dr. Irish and Upsilon Chapter’s desire to help Brother Lewis in his time of need.
Founded in 1856, Theta Chi Fraternity is a men’s collegiate fraternity with more than 175,000 initiated members and has established 226 chapters. Leadership development, personal development, and service to alma mater are fundamental to Theta Chi Fraternity’s mission.
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