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At 25 years, Golf Classic Celebrates Legacy of Sam 'Galen' Unger '58
2/9/2010
The Acacian Newsletter
January 10, 2010
By: Brett Eakin '06
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Brotherhood. As men of a great fraternity and Greek system, we understand the meaning of this word. But how would you describe the feeling of brotherhood to someone who has not felt its close bond?
For some, they would share a story of the good 'ole days and talk about the people they have met. For most, that story usually includes Galen Unger.
Throughout the more than 96 years of Acacia Fraternity at Kansas State University, the men of this Chapter have gathered for fun and fellowship. In the early 1980s, alumni would meet in mid-April for an annual Founder's Day Celebration (now recognized as the Acacia Leadership and Scholarship Banquet). The weekend's events would feature speakers and updates on the day-to-day activities of the Chapter. It was also meant as a time for gathering with old friends.
"Some of us had been going to Founders Day and playing golf for a few years," recalled Br. Gil Rumsey '66. "However the weather was too unpredictable in April."
The ever-changing temperatures of Kansas during that month, inspired this group of golfers to push back their tee time to late spring in hopes of creating a new event, Stag.
"The [weekend] was called Stag because it was meant to be a 'brotherhood' event not a family event," said Rumsey '66. "It was not meant to have anything but a wholesome fellowship atmosphere."
At the core of this new alumni event was golf. What started as a 'friendly tournament' became a mainstay of the first Saturday in June. Acacia was changing; it had a new event and also new leadership.
The Acacia Alumni Association prospered under the watchful eye of Br. Samuel 'Galen' Unger '58. For more than 15 years, Galen (as he was known best throughout the halls of Acacia) had devoted time to the Chapter, serving as Alumni President and Secretary/Treasurer. Often seen as an innovator and motivator, Sam held offices for the Acacia Alumni Association from 1967 to 1982.
A 1958 initiate of Acacia Fraternity, Sam helped usher in a brand new chapter house and oversaw full capacity with quality membership and programming during his undergraduate career. Sam's natural leadership skills and genuine personality shaped Acacia in those days.
"Sam was a relatively quiet but very strong leader," observed Br. Don Rasmussen '58 who served as Senior Dean under Unger in 1960. "He was the obvious choice among us for Venerable Dean. He set a great example in his academics and his maturity. He strongly encouraged us on campus leadership issues. He would have fit perfectly into today's vision of an Acacian."
Sam's professional career began with the Development Planning and Research Associates in Manhattan. Visionary solutions to problems were the hallmark of Sam’s career including the solution to the water allocation from the Colorado River in Arizona. Unger was the principal investigator on 67 projects and published 71 professional articles and reports.
"Galen was a very intelligent, efficient, and hard working individual," Br. Jim Birkbeck '60 acknowledged. "He seemed to be able to do all the things for Acacia. There are many fellows I went through the house with that I respect and admire however Galen would be near the very top."
Acacians across the board echoed that Sam's influence had changed the Fraternity. In 1986, four years after Sam had retired from Alumni leadership, it was time to cement Sam's legacy among its members.
Brs. Jerry Heck '69, Michael Rumsey '69, Jack Britton '60, and Gil Rumsey '66, who were the officers of the Acacia Alumni Association at that time, announced the Stag Weekend golf tournament, which Sam initiated years earlier, would forever bear his name.
"Sam was the glue that held the alums together and saw to it that the Fraternity House was kept in good repair. He had more than earned a little recognition," emphasized Rumsey '66.
As spring approaches, this friendly golf outing is celebrating a milestone, its silver anniversary. On Saturday, June 5th, 2010, Kansas State Acacia will celebrate the alumni weekend Br. Unger inspired more than two decades ago with its annual Samuel G. Unger Golf Classic. The anniversary reminds us of the event’s true purpose.
"Sam believed in 'Brotherhood' and had remained close with several from his Pledge class," said Rumsey '66. "Sam believed in being an asset in the community and Sam believed that to whom much is given, much will be required."
Sam's belief in brotherhood continues to inspire Acacia leaders today.
"Hopefully all of us at some time will meet a man whom we recognize as a natural leader, a man who cares for and is interested in other people," noted Br. Roger Brannan '58. "Sam seemed to exude character. He was a person who naturally drew people around him with his friendly manner."
In 2006, almost a year after Sam passed away, a luncheon tribute was held in honor of Sam as the International Council named Sam an Acacia Fraternity Award of Merit winner. The highest honor bestowed upon a member of Acacia, the Award of Merit signified Sam's leadership at Kansas State.
"Sam would be pleased," remarked Dr. Elizabeth Unger, Sam's wife and K-State Vice Provost for Academic Services and Technology during the luncheon. "This occasion provides the men of this house - all of them - a chance to reflect on the principles that Sam felt so strongly about. Integrity, respect for all peoples, a focus on ethics in all of our roles as humans, leadership and having fun doing all of this. You all really honor him by including new members and their families."
The meaning of brotherhood is difficult to describe. Yet as we walk to the first tee this June, we will understand. Sam dedicated his life to the ideals of Acacia and showed us that character, above all else, is at the heart of leadership.
As we join together to celebrate 25 years of Sam's golf classic, may we remember a challenge Sam loved to give his fellow Acacians,
"Risk more than others think is safe, Care more than others think is wise, Expect more than others think is possible."
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Kansas State Chapter of Acacia Fraternity
One of the four original fraternities at Kansas State in 1913, Acacia Fraternity's rich tradition includes five buildings on campus named after Acacians including Seaton, Willard, Waters, Ford and Bushnell Halls. With leadership as a main cornerstone, Acacia Fraternity at Kansas State has been recognized as a leading chapter in human service events, alumni support, and scholarship excellence. Acacia believes in providing members with an alcohol-free, family environment dedicated to lifelong improvement in leadership, scholarship and character.
Contact:
Lucas Shivers, Executive Secretary
Acacia Alumni Association
2005 Hunting Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66502
lshivers@hotmail.com
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