Jeremy D. Slivinski – Beta Nu Chapter (Virginia Commonwealth University) – 2004 to Today
Brother Jeremy D. Slivinski is a distinguished alumnus of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where he earned his degree in Mass Communications. At VCU, he was initiated into the Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Lambda, marking the beginning of his lifelong commitment to the fraternity. Before joining the fraternity’s national staff, Brother Slivinski gained valuable experience as Program Advisor for Greek Affairs at VCU and as Activities Director at an Assisted Living Community near Virginia Beach.
In 2001, Brother Slivinski was appointed Assistant Executive Director of Alpha Kappa Lambda. Following the retirement of Brother Gilchrist, he ascended to the role of Executive Director, becoming the fraternity’s eleventh Executive Director and the first to receive the Man of Character Award in 2000, later renamed the Gilchrist Man of Character Award. Additionally, he was among the inaugural recipients of the Man of Vision Award in 2000, presented by Virginians Aligned Against Sexual Assault (VAASA).
Beyond his duties with Alpha Kappa Lambda, Brother Slivinski is actively involved in the broader fraternity and sorority community. He served as President of the Fraternity Executives Association (FEA), the national organization representing professionals who work for fraternity and sorority headquarters, providing leadership and advocacy during his tenure. Additionally, Brother Slivinski is actively involved with the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), where he contributed to advancing collaboration among fraternities, promoting best practices in fraternity management, and supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing member development and organizational governance. Additionally, he is the General Manager of Carmel FC, a community soccer club in Carmel, Indiana.
Keith Gilchrist – Kappa Chapter (Purdue University) – 1985 to 2004
Brother Keith Gilchrist is one of the longest-serving and most dedicated members in the history of Alpha Kappa Lambda. He served as National President from 1985 to 1987 and held numerous leadership roles over several decades. While at Purdue University, Keith was active in campus life, including membership in the glee club, which led to performances on the Ed Sullivan Show and at President Eisenhower’s inauguration. He graduated in 1956 with a degree in agriculture.
Brother Gilchrist’s commitment to the fraternity began early, being elected to the Kappa Corporation Board in 1965 and volunteering for over thirty years. He joined the National Executive Council in 1974 and was appointed National Secretary in 1976. Notably, he played a crucial role in relocating the National Headquarters to Indianapolis in 1978. He served as Chairman of the National Executive Council from 1980 to 1983 before becoming National President. Following his presidency, he continued to serve as Executive Director from 1985 until his retirement in 2003. During his tenure, he guided the fraternity through a significant period of growth and development.
Beyond Alpha Kappa Lambda, Brother Gilchrist contributed significantly to the wider Greek community. He served as Treasurer, Secretary, and President of the Fraternity Executives Association, advancing the interests and professionalism of fraternity leadership nationwide. In recognition of his extraordinary service and dedication, the fraternity honored Keith and his wife Ann by naming the Gilchrist Man of Character Award after them in 2004.
William C. Durow – Xi Chapter (Truman State University) – 1983 to 1985
Todd Bille – Beta Mu Chapter (Winona State University) – 1981 to 1983
Carl Hoog – Phi Chapter (Oregon State University) – 1979 to 1981
Brother Carl Hoog served as the fifth Executive Director of Alpha Kappa Lambda from 1979 to 1981. A proud alumnus of Oregon State University, he actively contributed to the Phi Chapter by holding leadership roles such as Rush Chairman, Newsletter Editor, and Chapter President. He graduated in June 1976 with a degree in Geography.
Before joining the National Office, Brother Hoog built a career in the transportation industry. He also demonstrated his ongoing commitment to the fraternity by serving as President of the Phi Chapter Corporate Board before his Executive Director appointment.
Frank Puglia – Alpha Beta Chapter (University of Arizona) – 1979
Brother Puglia served as the Assistant Executive Director until being named interim Executive upon Brother Ely leaving staff.
Duncan C. Ely – Alpha Beta Chapter (University of Arizona) – 1977 to 1979
I have found additional information about Brother Duncan C. Ely, who served as the fourth Executive Director of Alpha Kappa Lambda from 1977 to 1979. After his tenure with the fraternity, he pursued a career in nonprofit and human services leadership, focusing on administration, staff supervision, change and conflict management, and congregational development. He has over 50 years of experience in these areas. His educational background includes certifications in clinical pastoral education, human services administration, adventure programming, and as a master gardener. He has also completed training with Outward Bound.
Brother Ely’s commitment to service extended to various roles, including executive positions with organizations such as Youth Alternatives Camps, Inc., Crisis Assistance Clothing Ministry, North Carolina Harvest, Inc., Spartanburg Community Events, Inc., and Gravatt Camp & Conference Center. He also served as a consultant, counselor, spiritual director, and trainer with the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina. Since 2009, he has been involved with the General Board of Examining Chaplains of the Episcopal Church.
In addition to his professional achievements, Brother Ely has been an active volunteer and board member for various organizations, including the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Volunteer Center Charlotte, Charlotte Emergency Housing, Inc., Metropolitan Music Ministries, Inc., Piedmont Area Girl Scouts, Inc., and the South Carolina Institute for Nonprofit Leadership. He has also served as chairman of the board of advisors for the Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education Program at North Carolina State University.
William S. West – Iota Chapter (Kansas State University) – 1975 to 1977
Brother William S. West served as the third National Executive Director of Alpha Kappa Lambda from 1975 to 1977. He graduated in 1973 with a B.S. in Psychology, emphasizing business and journalism. Shortly after graduation, he joined the fraternity’s National Headquarters through an internship program, traveling nationwide to assist chapters in improving their operations.
Before he was appointed Executive Director on October 1, 1975, Brother West served as Director of Chapter Services and Expansion. As Executive Director, he managed the fraternity with a business-oriented approach, focusing on meeting the evolving needs of college men and strengthening organizational efficiency.
In 1977, Brother West stepped down to pursue a career in real estate. He joined The Group Inc. Real Estate in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he became a Broker Associate and Partner. His real estate career has been marked by numerous honors, including “Salesman of the Year” in 1978 for Dillon-Vaughan-Walters Real Estate and “Realtor of the Year” in 1984 by the Fort Collins Board of Realtors, where he also served as President that year. Additionally, in 1981, he earned the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation from the Realtors National Marketing Institute, an honor achieved by fewer than 4% of Realtors nationwide. Brother West has also contributed significantly to the real estate community, serving three terms on the Colorado Association of Realtors Executive Committee and as Northeast District Vice President.
Beyond real estate, Brother West is an accomplished author, having published two influential books on garage organization and home remodeling: Your Garagenous Zone: The Complete Garage Organizer Guide (1999) and Your Garagenous Zone: Innovative Ideas for the Garage (2004). These works are widely recognized as foundational resources in the home remodeling niche.
Donald L. Heering – Kappa Chapter (Purdue University) – 1973 to 1974
Brother Donald L. Heering served as Executive Director of Alpha Kappa Lambda from January 1973 to August 1974. Prior to his appointment, he was the National Coordinator, providing vital support to the fraternity’s operations. He graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science before stepping into leadership at the national level.
Gary Tye – Eta Chapter (Washington State University) – 1972 to 1973
Brother Tye was appointed interim Executive Director at the retirement of Brother Bacon.
Lewis J. Bacon – Lambda Chapter (Emporia State University) – 1949 to 1972
Brother Lewis J. Bacon was the pioneering Executive Secretary—and later Executive Director—of Alpha Kappa Lambda, serving an impressive 23 years from 1949 to 1972. After his service in the Navy, he initially enrolled at Kansas State College (now Kansas State University) and pledged the Iota Chapter. Before initiation, however, he transferred to Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University), where he played a key role in founding the Lambda Chapter, serving as its colony president before chartering. His leadership caught the eye of National President Dr. H. George DeKay, who sought to hire a full-time executive to manage the fraternity’s day-to-day operations. Bacon accepted the position in July 1949, initially running the fraternity’s affairs from his bedroom and later his basement, before moving to dedicated office space in Emporia. Remarkably, he typed the first official executive correspondence on a typewriter he had purchased as a freshman for $15, and it took nearly five years before a telephone was budgeted for the National Executive Secretary’s office.
Under Brother Bacon’s leadership, Alpha Kappa Lambda was a trailblazer in eliminating the traditional—and often harsh—“hell week” pledging practices. He professionalized fraternity operations by hiring national staff to support chapter relations, alumni engagement, and record-keeping. Bacon also orchestrated the relocation of the National Headquarters to Fort Collins, Colorado. In 1966, coinciding with the 23rd National Conclave in Chicago, he launched the first Leadership College, setting the foundation for ongoing fraternity leadership development programs.
Two significant milestones defined his later tenure: in 1968, he oversaw the creation of “The Fraternity of Alpha Kappa Lambda” to manage chapter and alumni relations, alongside “National Alpha Kappa Lambda,” focused on chapter housing—a pioneering organizational structure in the interfraternity community. That same year, the National Executive Council formally changed his title from Executive Secretary to Executive Director.
Brother Bacon resigned on April 30, 1972, leaving a legacy of remarkable growth during which Alpha Kappa Lambda initiated over 10,000 men and chartered approximately 40 new chapters, marking the fraternity’s most expansive era. After his fraternity leadership, he went on to serve as manager of the Brawley, California Chamber of Commerce.
Brother Lewis J. Bacon entered the Omega Chapter on August 20, 1997, leaving behind a profound and lasting impact on Alpha Kappa Lambda.
