Remembering SigEp Giant, Fred Turner, 1933-2013

Kevin Teets provided this outstanding tribute to Fred Turner. Thanks Kevin.

Remembering SigEp Giant, Fred Turner, 1933-2013 Fred Turner, Drake ’54, was no ordinary man. At the age of 35, Turner was elected president of the board of McDonald’s and later became the company’s chief executive officer. He has been called the architect behind McDonalds—introducing the world to the Chicken McNugget, the Egg McMuffin and the Happy Meal. Turner died on Monday in Glenview, Ill., at the age of 80. His life reflects that of a pioneer in the food and service industry, accomplishments which earned him a SigEp Citation, an award that recognizes those SigEp alumni with the highest of professional and personal accomplishments. Turner started his career with McDonald’s at age 23. In a meeting with Drake University SigEps in 2007, Turner shared that his career choice was one that happened by accident. Before flipping burgers at a newly formed McDonald’s in 1956, Turner was a driver for a cookie delivery company in Des Moines, Iowa. He told the students that he wrecked the delivery truck and was fired from his first job. It was then that he met McDonald’s pioneer, Ray Kroc. Turner was pointing out to those students that sometimes “failure” and “bad luck” open the biggest doors. He said, “If I didn’t wreck that cookie delivery truck, I may not be where I am today.” When Turner met Kroc, McDonald’s had only 14 restaurants. Turner’s mishap in cookie delivery brought him together with Kroc at the right place and the right time. His leadership and dedication built the present McDonald’s empire into more than 31,000 restaurants in over 120 countries. Turner will be known for giving back to the places he loved. In 2010, he gifted $1.3 million to Drake University to build the Fred and Patty Turner Jazz Center, a 4,600-square-foot facility that now adjoins the Harmon Fine Arts Center on Drake’s campus. The center includes a practice and performance studio, jazz gallery, piano alcove, recording studio and student lounge called “Patty’s Place,” named in honor of Fred’s wife, Patty Shurtleff, who passed away in 2000. The two kindled their relationship on Drake’s campus. Iowa Delta Alumni Board President Gary Ordway '64, said that Turner has also given generously to the chapter’s capital campaign. “Fred made life-long commitments to enhancing the lives of Drake students. He really enjoyed young people and valued giving them opportunities. We are all fortunate that Fred found time to visit the chapter and attend chapter and alumni meetings at the Drake Relays. In addition to his generosity, Turner will be remembered as someone who loved to enjoy life and have fun. “Rod Rhodes and I got the chance to attend Fred’s annual ‘Fred Party', in Chicago,” Ordway said. “What a blast it was to have fun with Fred. His life and legacy will live on.” In his 2007 Citation acceptance speech, Turner said that the most common character trait you will find in successful people is persistence. He encouraged undergraduates to be persistent in all that they do and told the alumni that the best thing that can be given to “our descendants” are “roots” and “wings.” During that same Conclave, Grand Chapter President Stephen Shanklin said in his speech, “We are all standing on the shoulders of giants.” Fred Turner will be remembered as one of those giants. Fraternally, Kevin Teets Tennessee-Martin '06

Former McDonald's CEO Fred Turner dies

Farewell to Brother Fred Turner, Drake '55. Holder of a Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation.

Chicago Tribune - Former McDonald's CEO Fred Turner dies

By Emily Bryson York, Tribune reporter
9:37 am, January 8, 2013

McDonald's Senior Chairman Fred Turner, one of Ray 

Kroc's first employees, flips burgers at the company's 

first restaurant in Des Plaines for a charity even in 2002.

Former McDonald's Corp., CEO Fred L. Turner, who had been named honorary chairman of the board, died late Monday from complications from pneumonia, the company said. He was 80.

A native of Des Moines, Iowa, he was one of founder Ray Kroc's first employees in 1956, and then partnered with Kroc in building the McDonald's system. His grandfatherly persona and popularity among company employees made Turner something of a company mascot in his retirement.

"Fred was a true pioneer and shaped the quick service restaurant industry. We will remember his leadership, passion and dedication to McDonald's, our customers and our people," said Andy McKenna, McDonald's chairman.

Turner became president and chief administrative officer in 1968 and was named McDonald's president and CEO in 1974. He was elected chairman and CEO in 1977 and served in that capacity until 1987.

He remained chairman until 1990, when he was named senior chairman. He continued in that role until 2004 when he retired and became honorary chairman.

Turner is credited with significantly building the Oak Brook-based burger giant’s restaurant base. The chain more that tripled its number of locations and expanded into new international markets during his tenure as CEO.

He also is considered the architect of the "quality, service, and cleanliness" (QSC) restaurant operations model that launched McDonald's global growth.

Citation Recipient Hugh Harter passes away

Citation Recipient Hugh Harter passes away Dr. Hugh A. Harter, Ohio Wesleyan ’41, retired professor emeritus, author and translator died August 13 at his home in Portsmouth, NH. He received the Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation for career achievement in 1999 at the Grand Chapter Conclave in Chicago. His career started when he left college to serve in World War II where he served in the Military Intelligence 3d Army at Normandy, and then the Air Transport Command. He was the recipient of the medals St. Calais, Vendome, Blois, Dombasle, Utah Beach, Avranches, and Ouzouer, as well as the medaille d'Honneur of Confedn. Europeene des Anciens Combattants, and many other awards. He later wrote about his war experiences, which affected him deeply, in Return to Patton’s France: 1944’s Odyssey Retraced. Hugh returned to France for the dedication of Avenue Hugh Harter. After the war, he received his B.A. cum laude in 1947 and Ph.d. in 1959 from The Ohio State University, an M.A.cum laude from Mexico City College, the University of the Americas in 1951, and a Doctor of Letters degree from Alma College. The latter honored his innovations in international education. He began his teaching career while still a student. He was the Andrew Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh in 1960 and 1961. He also taught at Wesleyan University, Elmira College, Chatham College and Loyola University before becoming a professor at Ohio Wesleyan University where he taught from 1966 until 1984. For many of those years he served as chairman of the department of romance languages. He was also the Robert Hayward Professor of Modern Foreign Languages from 1976 to 1984. Hugh found time to teach abroad, including at the University Catolica de Santa Maria, Arequipa, Peru in 1969 and as director of academy programs in Segovia, Spain from 1969-1998, serving as the director of the International Institute of Spain, where he was named professor emeritus. He lived in Segovia for years and in 1976 was made an Honorary Citizen of the city. He also taught and conducted research in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Professor Harter was an author in several genres and several languages and became known internationally as a scholar of Spanish and French literature. He was particularly renowned for his translations of Nobel Prize winning Spanish poets. His bilingual editions of major poetical works, Shadow of Paradise and The Diary of a Newlywed Poet by Nobel Laureate Vicete Aleixandre and Juan Ramon Jimenez are widely recognized as masterful. He translated seven novels from French. The books he authored include Gertrudis Gomez de Avellaneda, Tangier and All That, and more recently, The Countess, which he called "a satirical novel in verse." His most recent work, a book of poetry called Flying With Nightingales was published in 2009. He co-authored and edited many other books. He was also a business man, a visual artist, and an art collector. He created an original holiday card every year that he sent out to all of his loved ones, and his watercolors illustrated his favorite book, The Countess. Hugh would say his greatest achievement was winning the heart of his beloved wife, Frances, who predeceased him in 2006. Fran and Hugh traveled extensively but lived many years in New York City before retiring in Portsmouth, NH in 2003. Fraternally, Douglas D. Scheibe Executive Director Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation

SigEp laments loss of Citation Recipient Bishop Dick Shimpfky

Photo credit: Rev. Michael Dresbach Excerpt of 1995 Interview with  Dick Shimpfky and Dave Eskes, author of Our Journey of Brotherhood Eskes: Dick, what impact has the Fraternity had on your life professionally and privately? Shimpfky: I can't define my life outside of the Fraternity. The Fraternity is essential to my self-definition, beginning as an undergraduate up to now. It is just part of my fiber. I wouldn't know myself without the Fraternity. Eskes: What has it provided you? Shimpfky:  Working for the Fraternity taught me everything I ever need to know about being with people, how to go about that. On the level of values I think the Fraternity was my source of mediated values. Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love are how everyone may define them. A pretty good shorthand list of values. Yep, to treat other people decently."   SigEp laments loss of Citation Recipient Bishop Dick Shimpfky Richard L. Shimpfky, Colorado ’63, arrived in Richmond from Colorado to join the SigEp staff in 1963. Dick was a giant in a small frame. It was easy to take him for granted until you spent a few minutes with him, and then he brought you into his orbit and it was a great experience. We enjoyed a year together on the staff. After travelling as a Regional Director for a year his management and leadership abilities were apparent, and he moved to a position on the headquarters staff in Richmond. He was Chapter Services Director, the number two man, until 1967, when he had the calling to the Episcopal priesthood. When Dick informed Executive Director Don Johnson, Kansas '45, of his decision, I had been with Procter and Gamble for only a year. Don took the trip to Cincinnati and hired me to take Dick's place. So my career with SigEp was a direct result of the Episcopal Church calling Dick. It is my church too so we understood it well. Dick thrived in the church and was installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Camino Real in Northern California in the 1980's, one of the youngest Bishops in the Church and a candidate for presiding Bishop of the Church in the 1990's. He received the Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation for career achievement in 1993. It was a well deserved honor that he humbly accepted. Dick was a true leader. And he followed the motto of, "Lead, follow or get out of the way…with empathy" He could be controversial but never unloved. He was SigEp National Chaplain for a time and at every occasion was eloquent and unforgettable. He loved Sigma Phi Epsilon, crediting his undergraduate experience with establishing his foundation and his staff experience with expanding his vision. He was proud that his son Trevor selected Sigma Phi Epsilon at the University of Richmond, Virginia Alpha, as his Fraternity. What I remember most are Dick's penetrating discussions, his always challenging outlook and his deep care and concern for all he came in contact with. Our Fraternity will miss its wonderful SigEp Brother, Bishop Richard L Shimpfky. Chuck White, Western Michigan Former President SigEp Educational Foundation Read an obituary about Bishop Shimpfky.

Citation Videos on SigEp YouTube Channel

We mentioned this about a month ago, but it bears repeating because of the new content. The HQ sponsored YouTube channel "SigEpFraternity" Has recently added several videos of the acceptance speeches from recent Citation recipients. Here is one of the most inspiring:

SigEp 2007 Conclave Atlanta, GA Gen'l James Conway Citation Acceptance Speech

Looks good. Maybe they will get the Grand President and OGH remarks up soon too.

McClellan Endorses Obama

(Yes, I know, we usually don't make political statements here. But this was so out-of-the blue I couldn't resist.)

As my friend Steven said: "Maybe now we can give him his Citation back."

Scott McClellan, President Bush's former press secretary, says he is backing Barack Obama for president.

McClellan made the endorsement during a taping of Comedian D.L. Hughley's new show that is premiering on CNN this weekend.

McClellan Endorses Obama

Scott McClellan: SigEp, Citation Holder, Tattletale?

Scott McClellan received the Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation for his professional achievements at the 2005 Conclave in Nashville, TN. Shortly thereafter he left the job. There was speculation at the time whether he was "helped" out the door.

Now he has written a book about what really happened in the White House. Predictably, the Republicans are dismissing it as the act of a "disgruntled former employee." Equally predictably, the "liberal media" are his new-best-friends.

We are not taking sides here. Although we did see an email that was passed around suggesting Scotty should be stripped of his pin. We suspect an equally large group would like to give him another award for speaking out. Scott McClellan: SigEp, Citation Recipient, tattletale, in the news.

The comment line is open.

The Official Story

We posted names of Conclave honorees earlier, but here are links to the releases from HQ:

• Order of the Golden Heart
• Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation
• New Grand President

Chair of Dartmouth Board of Trustees earns national award for career achievements from Sigma Phi Epsilon - 08/15/07

Press release from Dartmouth about Ed Haldeman receiving the Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation.

The national leadership of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity presented Charles E. "Ed" Haldeman Jr., Chairman of the Dartmouth College Board of Trustees, its biennial citation for distinguished career or professional achievement on Aug. 11 during the fraternity's annual conclave in Atlanta. The citation recognizes in particular Haldeman's record of building trust in organizations he has led.
[...]
Also receiving citations this year are fellow "SigEps" James T. Conway, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps; Fred L. Turner, chair and CEO of McDonald's Corporation; and D. Travis Engen, the recently retired chair of Alcan, Inc.

This is a really good example of how to write a press release. It showcases bothe the honored person and the honoring organization in the best possible light.

Dartmouth News - Chair of Dartmouth Board of Trustees earns national award for career achievements from Sigma Phi Epsilon - 08/15/07

In Memoriam - Brother John Hofmann

I just received word today that Brother John Hofmann, OGH, passed away on June 16, 2006. Brother Hofmann was the glue that held the Cal Gamma chapter at the University of California at Santa Barbara together for some 30 years. Tough, opinionated, and extremely passionate about Sig Ep, Brother Hofmann was the epitome of a servant leader and a local legend amongst us volunteers here in So Cal and amongst the Richmond staff who worked with him in their travels. It was an honor and privilege for me to serve with him as a volunteer here in Southern California.

Below is the obituary that appeared in today's Cincinnati Enquirer. RIP Brother Hofmann. The thoughts and prayers of the hundreds (if not thousands) Sig Eps you touched are with you and your family.

HOFMANN John F., husband, father, and friend passed away June 16, 2006 after a courageous 15 month battle with a brain tumor. He was 58. John is survived by his wife of 20 years, Nancy; sons, Willie and Adam; a brother, Peter and his partner Amy Diffenderfer; and a sister, Cynthia Hofmann; a niece Madeline Hunt; a brother-in-law Lawrence Hunt; and cousins Susan Makos and Ann Smith. He was born in Middletown, Ohio, moved to San Diego, California in 1964 and graduated from La Jolla High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1970. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree in 1973 from the University of Cincinnati. He was admitted as an attorney and counselor at law in Ohio and California in 1973. He practiced law for over 30 years in Santa Barbara first with a partner Paul Roberts and then as a sole practitioner specializing in family, business and real estate law. He continued practicing law in Ohio where his family moved in 2000. He had a passionate interest in many hobbies including old home restoration, Victorian era antiques, stained glass windows, antique porcelain signs, model trains, and 1929-1931 Model A Fords. During his lifetime he restored many Victorian homes and many Model A cars. Much of his life had been devoted to volunteering. He has been honored by the Santa Barbara Jaycees as a life member for his extraordinary commitment to the organization, as well as being its Legal Counselor, and received the President's Special Citation in recognition of his outstanding service. John was active for many years in Special Olympics and received their recognition award for his support of the developmentally disabled. He served for many years as the Alumni Board President of the fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon, the Cal Gamma chapter. For his tireless efforts to the fraternity, the John F. Hofmann Library was dedicated to him in 2001. That same year he was awarded the fraternity's highest award, the Order of the Golden Heart. This was given to him in recognition of his constant, faithful and distinguished service to his brothers and to Sigma Phi Epsilon. Throughout his life John has influenced and shaped many young lives, especially his two sons. He is missed. Funeral services will be held on Saturday July 8th at 4:00 p.m. in the Jon Deitloff Funeral Centre, 4389 Spring Grove Ave., the family will receive guests beginning at 3:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes research Foundation (JDRF), 8041 Hosbrook Road, Suite 422, Cincinnati, 45236.

Funeral Home: Jon Deitloff
Funeral Date: July 8, 4 p.m.

White House shake-up - McClellan out

...but does he get to keep the Citation he got last year?

During an appearance on the South Lawn with Bush, McClellan announced his departure after two years as press secretary saying his departure was right during a "time of transition."
[...]
'Honor and privilege'

McClellan said it had been "an extraordinary honor and privilege" serving the president.

"The White House is going through a time of transition," McClellan said. "Change can be helpful. This is a good time and a good position to help bring about change. I'm ready to move on. I've been in this position a long time and my wife and I are excited about beginning the next chapter in our life together."

Bush thanked McClellan for his service to the country.

"His is a challenging assignment dealing with you all on a regular basis and I thought he handled his assignment with class, integrity," Bush said. "He really represents the best of his family, our state and our country. It's going to be hard to replace Scott."

The link to CNN has a video of the announcement.

There was other news, but we are not being political here so you can find it yourself.

CNN.com - White House shake-up touches McClellan, Rove - Apr 19, 2006

Technorati tags: McClellan, Sig Ep, Politics

Conclave Video - 2005

Oh be still my heart, the Conclave Video is here. Click the link to order from HQ.

2005 Conclave DVD

The 2005 Conclave DVD captures all the amazing moments of the Grand Chapter in Nashville. Witness the awarding of the Buchanan Cup, Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation, and the Order of the Golden Heart. Featured keynote speaker Erik Weihenmayer's inspirational testimony is included in eight hours of captured footage. Great for chapter meetings and recruitment functions.

Just a hunch, but I bet you won't see the 3-story plunge off the balcony captured on the highlight reel.

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity - Merchandise

White House Press Secretary is cited

Scott McClellen, Press Secretary for the Bush White house, was awarded the Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation for his professional achievements Saturday night at the 49th Grand Conclave of the Fraternity.

Staying on-message, he did not divulge any new information about the Karl Rove - Valerie Plame issue or whether the White Hose would relent and release Judge Roberts' papers.

Meet the executive behind Federated decision making

Terry Lundgren, Chairman and CEO of Federated Department Stores, talks about his college experience in this article.

[Federated Department Stores Inc. chairman and CEO Terry Lundgren] told a reporter for the University of Arizona Alumni Association magazine last fall that his father, who was working two jobs at the time, once rang Lundgren up on the pay telephone in the Sigma Phi Epsilon house to give the young man some bad news.

Lundgren's bad grades meant that his father was through paying the college tuition.

"You sound like you're having a really good time," Lundgren remembered his father saying to him. "I wish you a lot of luck, but I can no longer support your college education. If you want to go to college, I wish you would, but it's all got to be on your nickel."

He was awarded a "Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation" in 1993 but the listing on the HQ website needs to be updated.

"Terry J. Lundgren (1993), Arizona Beta, University of Arizona, '74; Chairman and CEO, Neiman Marcus Group. (1993), Arizona Beta, University of Arizona, '74; Chairman and CEO, Neiman Marcus Group."

Meet the executive behind Federated decision making