Triniteers’
Petition to Trinity University for Reinstatement as a Recognized Organization.
Table of Contents
I.
Correspondence
with Greek Council
II. Declaration of Current Members of the
Triniteers
III. Alumni Support
IV. Off Campus Housing for Seniors
V. History
VI. Constitution and By-laws
Greetings,
On behalf of the Triniteer Fraternity, Joe Donnelly and I
would like to express our desire to have the Triniteers return as a recognized
student organization and a participating member in the activities of the Greek
Council. We would like to schedule a meeting with you at your earliest
convenience, so that we may discuss our efforts and what is expected of us from
the council.
Joe can be reached at
x4461
Cory can be reached at
381-1091(cell) or 732-4789
Sincerely,
II.
Declaration of Current Members of the Triniteers
Begum, Alex:
Graduating
senior – business/finance major
Will attend the
University of Miami Law School
Mozsgai, Greg:
Graduating
senior – engineering major
Will
attend the University of Illinois Engineering Graduate School
Traffic
and parking university committee
President’s
Scholarship
Engineering
club social chair
Two-time
faculty nominee for USAA National Collegiate Engineering Award
Owens, Bryan:
Will return
in the fall to complete degrees in history and communication
First
Year Leadership Council member
Pyle, Gerald:
Will
return in the fall to complete degree in finance
Roberts, Evans:
Will
return in the fall to complete degree in anthropology
Shields, Ben:
Graduating
senior – marketing major
Garza, Damond:
Graduating
senior – political science major
Will
apply to law school in Spring 2001
Trinity
football – running back
Donnelly, Joe:
Rising
senior – finance/marketing major
1999-2000
ASR senator
Traffic
and parking, and Security university committees
Trinity
lacrosse
Wetzel, Cory:
Graduating
senior – mathematics major
Hancock, Tim:
Rising
sophomore – art major
President’s
Scholarship
Private
grants
Will
play tennis for Trinity in the fall
Kelly, Devin:
Rising
sophomore
Trinity
engineering program
Layman, Nick:
Rising
sophomore – history major
Midwest
Arab League competition delegate
President’s
Scholarship
Martinson, Torgen:
Rising
sophomore – political science major
President’s Scholarship
Vasquez, Skip:
Rising
sophomore – pre-medicine major
President’s
Scholarship
Trinity
lacrosse
Hivnor, Derek:
Trinity
football – defensive end
General
and tuition equalization grants
Jimmy
Reese Scholarship
President’s
Scholarship
Ryan
Scherbel Scholarship
Athletic
Booster Club Scholarship
Agricultural
scholarship
Jackson, Daniel:
McLaughlin,
Ricky:
First Year Leadership Council
Staff writer, managing editor – the Conscience (1999-2000)
Publisher, editor in chief – the Conscience (2000-2001)
Intercollegiate Studies Institute member
Collegiate Network member
Association of Student Representatives Organizational Networking coordinator
Traffic and parking university committee (2000-2001)
College Republican chairman (2000-2001), (Texas State Club of the Year 2000)
Chemical Rubber Company Outstanding First Year Award
Student publication school at the Leadership Institute in D.C.
Historian of the Trinity University math society
KRTU disc jockey
Alpha Lambda Delta First Year Honor Society
President’s Scholarship
Health Occupations Students of America Scholarship
Catholic student group
Respondek,
Jacob:
Trinity football – receiver
Academic scholarship
Stafford Loan
Academic grants
Vansa,
Jeremy:
Rising sophomore, engineering major
Trinity football – defensive lineman
Future Farmers of America Scholarship
Athletic Club Scholarship
National Honor Society Scholarship
Stafford Loan
Academic grants
Witwiski,
Robert:
Trinity football – tight end
Academic scholarship
Academic grants
V. History
“The Triniteers were formed from
an idea; from this idea came our purpose; and beneath both of these was my
belief and faith in those people who came to accept the ideals upon which
Triniteers were founded.”
Albert Herff-Beze
It
is only fair to say that this account is a brief one. There have been hundreds of Triniteers, each of which has left
his mark. Every Triniteer has lived,
loved, and learned in Triniteers. The
history of the Triniteers is not an old or antiquated one by any means, but it
would be impossible to do justice to a complete Triniteer history. Although the development has been a
relatively recent one, the years are filled with many outstanding people and
events that have contributed to the unique and exciting history that has
characterized the growth of Triniteers.
Although
the name, “Triniteers,” was not originated until 1945, the actual founding of
the club came in 1936, with the organization of a small group of students known
as the “Engineers.” A young, handsome
and popular teacher by the name of Albert Herff-Beze, better known as “Beezie,”
enthusiastically accepted an invitation to become the first sponsor of the
organization. Thus, more than sixty
years ago on the old Woodlawn Campus in San Antonio, which Trinity University
formerly occupied, the roots of Triniteers were planted.
Three
students: King, Reinhart, and Taylor (who became the second president of the
Triniteers later in 1946) approached Beezie with the idea of forming a social
and service organization. Actually,
Beezie was not at first overly enthusiastic about the proposal, for it had
proved to be unsuccessful many times before.
However, as fate would have it, Beezie was duly influenced to accept the
sponsorship by another member of the faculty, whom he was dating at the
time. A student by the name of Jimmy
Wyatt was also instrumental in getting Beezie to become the first sponsor.
In
1936, under the guidance of Beezie, the Engineers were founded, and in the
Constitution it was explicitly stated that the semester dues were “not to
exceed fifty cents” per member. There
were twenty-five members in this first year of the Engineers existence. In 1939, the President of Trinity
University, Dr. Jackson, was made the first Honorary Member of the
Engineers. Tommy Cannon was elected as
the first President and Jimmy Wyatt became Vice-President of the
Engineers. Beezie and Wynne Brown, who
both professed a great interest in music, worked together to write the words
and compose the music for the Club song.
Several years later Beezie revised the song with slight modifications,
but it is virtually the same today as when it was first originated.
Beezie
and the members of the Engineers took great efforts to compose a Preamble to
the Constitution of the club, which would be representative of the purposes and
principles that were indicative of the ideals beneath the foundation of the
organization. In this effort, they were
successful beyond all hopes. Although
various parts of the Constitutions articles have been changed and modified over
the years, the words to the Preamble beginning with, “In order to foster
brotherhood,” have not changed in over forty years. It is the same Preamble, which introduces the Constitution of the
Triniteer organization today.
After
only a short time in existence, the declaration of World War II was felt, and
the Engineers unofficially disbanded as Beezie and a large majority of the
University students entered the Armed Forces.
During the next few years, there was a lapse of activity on campus, as
most of the student population was composed of women. In the absence of the Engineers, the Spurs, founded in 1932 by
Dr. Hendricks, became a well-known service club on campus, taking the
initiative first established by the Engineers.
Following
the War Years from 1944-1945, hundreds of male students returned to Trinity,
swelling its total enrollment to more than 900, and with them came Albert
Herff-Beze. Beze returned from the war
with the intention of leaving Trinity as soon as he could get some personal
matters settled. Considering the fact
that he found only eight students in his first class, Beze was not too
optimistic about his future as a Trinity University instructor. However, several students who had previously
been Engineers, realized the plight Beze was in; moreover, wanting him to
remain as the sponsor of their club, these students decided among themselves on
a plan to recruit students for Beze’s language classes in the hope that this
would induce him to remain at the University.
By the time the second semester arrived, Beze was astonished to walk
into his first class of the new term and find that he had over 200 students in
the class! This was almost entirely the
work of the Engineers; and, their devoted efforts on Beze’s behalf reflected
their great respect and liking for this man who had provided the strength and
the feeling of the nine original charter members explains best the meaning of
Beze to Triniteers. IN the design on
the pin for this organization, the word Triniteers, which appears vertically
down the center, stands for and symbolizes in every way the character and
person of Albert Herff-Beze.
Resuming
where they had begun, Beze and several of the outstanding student leaders on
the campus felt a strong need for the creation of a new organization which
would have purpose and be of value to the University in a two-fold way: to be
of service to the school, and to bring together in a select association those
students who held similar interests and ideals. Thus in 1945 nine students, who became known as the Nine Charter
Members (the symbol of the nine rays on the pin)—Reinhart, Silber, Ollif,
Taylor, King, Hershey, Jackson, Magans, Young, and Beze got together to draft
the first Constitution for an organization that was to be known from that time
on as Triniteers. Dr. Schwabb, who was
President of Trinity University, established a precedent at the University as
he enthusiastically welcomed the Triniteers organization as a “much needed and
outstanding association of young scholars, leaders, athletes and gentlemen.” Consequently, in 1945, the Triniteers
officially separated themselves from the Engineers organization by electing
John Silber as the first president.
They also wrote a new, but informal constitution based upon Robert’s Rules of Order, brought into
existence the Triniteer pin, and adopted a design of the Triniteer emblem by
Bob Farber. Farber, incidentally, was
also the President of the Student body in the period following the war.
With
the Triniteers firmly established as Trinity University first active male
social and service club, a new and exciting aspect was added to college
life. It should be noted that the Spurs
preceded the Triniteers by one year as a social and service club. Beze was in addition to a language, music
teacher and club sponsor, the Dean of Men then known as “Counselor for Men
Students.” Of course the IFC, now known
as the Greek Council, had not come into existence, and there were no other
competing clubs or organizations on campus during this period. The only other organization existing on the
campus was a large, non-selective, all-school cheerleader and pep squad that
went by the name of Lancerettes. So,
being the first club on campus, and with the Dean of Men as the sponsor, the
Triniteers had very definite advantages.
The President of the University occupied a large twenty-room home on the
Woodlawn campus, in which Beze also lived.
With Beze’s influence and the excellent reputation of the club, the
President granted the Triniteers permission to use the entire fourth floor of
this mansion as a clubroom. Triniteers
held meetings, conducted informal get togethers, and installed such indoor
recreational facilities as pool and ping-pong tables for their use any time. During this period, the amount of dues was
still fifty cents a semester. These
facilities provided a means whereby members of the Triniteers were better able
to develop a closeness, a congeniality and a sincere feeling of brotherhood and
respect for the organization to which they belonged. And these same qualities are characteristic of Triniteers today.
In
the late 1940’s, the basic function of the Triniteers were first, as a service
organization and, secondly, as a social group.
As part of their service responsibilities to the community and to the
University, Triniteers published the Student Directories (this service was
started by M. Crites, the third President of Triniteers), taking baskets of
groceries to orphans in the city, promoted fund-raising intramural games with
other schools, and acted as ushers for the Baccalaureate and Graduation
Commencement exercises starting in 1950.
These service projects were initiated with a definite purpose in mind,
and proved themselves to be of good value and help to other people. “Unselfish service for the good of other: is
a specific part of the original founding principle behind Triniteers. Every one of these programs was beneficial
and testified to the true meaning of the word service to every Triniteer.
Of course, there is also an eventful and colorful history of social functions associated with Triniteers. However, it is important that one realize that today, even as it was in 1950, the social activities of Triniteers have always been characterized by an attitude and philosophy for upholding the esteem and reputation of the organization as a hole and of its founder, Beezie, at all times. But Triniteers have shown themselves to be as fun loving and as adventuresome as any other group in any other college or university. In fact, some of Triniteers’ social endeavors have been quite unique in flavor as well as in lace. In 1949, Beze began what was known as Teer-Spur picnic on his ranch near Boerne. Actually, Beze’s family ranch played an important part in the development of the Triniteers; it became the place where club members often gathered on weekends to camp out, hunt, fish and swim. In fact, Bezes’ ranch was the scene for many years of the informal initiations; and, before the war, some of the Engineers had begun building a club house at the ranch, but never were able to complete it because of the war. But this first Teer-Spur event proved so overwhelmingly successful that through the years the Triniteers and Spurs have undertaken trips to Lake McQueeny, Lande Park in New Braunfels, Padre Island at Corpus Christi, and trips to Mo-Ranch in Kerrvile. But, Triniteers have not always found it necessary to depend of the Spurs for companionship, and in years past, Beezie had organized stag outings to such romantic places as Monterrey, Mexico. There is a picture in the club scrapbook showing Triniteers eating dinner with Mayor Manuel Flores in 1945. There have also been trips to Nuevo Laredo and to various secluded Gulf Islands for fishing excursions. But beneath all of the fun in this social character of the organization there is a certain unity, which brings Triniteers closer together as friends and as brothers, whether it is a picnic, party, retreat or appearing in church. This is all a part of Triniteers, a part of their history as well as of their future.
The
history of Triniteers would not be complete without some discussion of other
specific events, which have exerted an influence on the organization as it
appears today. For instance, the annual
Father-Son Banquet, which was started by Beezie in 1952, was the first function
of any sort to be held on the new campus, which Trinity occupies at
present. It is an event unique to the
Triniteers on this campus. In the past,
Triniteers had organized the annual Derby Day, which had been received with
great popularity and enthusiasm by all the social clubs on the campus. The Teers and Spurs were the first to hold
their Homecoming party and in following years other organizations took the cue
and imitated this popular event in the Triniteer manner. This event, like so many other aspects of
Triniteers, was born in tradition and originality. There is a continuing need for change, for fresh new ideas, and
Triniteers are always looking for originality creativity and for the ideas that
had continually made Triniteers first in bringing many innovations and
constructive changes to this campus.
Triniteer history has its roots and its foundation in these beliefs and
the successful results of staging new and unusual events had made the Triniteer
organization an outstanding club on campus.
This
first thirty-one years of history gives tremendous strength to these concepts
of teamwork, cooperation, and spirit.
Triniteers had been awarded the first-place trophy several times at the
now retired Sing Song competition. The Triniteers
have been actively involved in all aspects of Intramurals, and can count
several victories among their accomplishments.
In years past, Triniteers also received a number of blue ribbon awards
for the float entries in the annual Fiesta Street and River Parades.
1st
Supplement
In
1969, Sing-Song ceased to be a competitive event, and in order to make the
experience more interesting the Triniteers joining with their sister club,
Spurs, to sing together on that night.
The consolidation proved to be a popular idea because the next year they
again sang together under the direction of Teer Blue Angel Pat Fry. This Sing-Song was followed by a special
Teer-Spur party at which we celebrated our twenty-fifth anniversary with
champagne and birthday cake.
In
1968, Conrad True, a Teer alum and Director of Trinity’s Alumni Association
agreed to become Beezie’s assistant in the sponsorship of the club. IN 1970, when Conrad left Trinity, the
Triniteers were lucky enough to get Dr. Donald Everett, chairman of the History
Department, and Dr. Peter Terwey, chairman of the Math Department as
co-assistant sponsors. These gentlemen
had been two of our Honorary Triniteers for several years. The other active honorary members were:
Dr. John A. Burke Dr.
Richard S. Machalek
Dr. Richard M. Burr Coach James R.
Potter
Alfred “Sonny” Delgado Mr. Gerald D. Smetzer
Mr. Russell L. Gossage Mr. Leon “Tex”
Taylor
Mr. Derwood L. Hawthorne Dr. George Thompson
Dr. Bates L. Hoffer, III Dr. C.H. Treat
Raymond E. Judd
During
these years the Teers were frequently entertained in the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Derwood Hawthorne. Mrs. Hawthorne, the
mother of two Triniteers, was made a Triniteer Sweetheart in 1970. The club also showered their affection for
the couple by dedicating their affection for the couple by dedicating to them
the 1970-71 School Directory.
From
the time when the Triniteers presented a new American flag to the University at
the Woodlawn campus and were responsible for raising it and lowering it, to the
legendary bus trips to Nuevo Laredo, the events in the history of Triniteers
have taken on a great versatility and ingenuity. The history of this organization has taken on many different
people. But the one prime force has
been the inspiration, influence, dedication and loyalty provided by the
original founder and sponsor of the fraternity, Albert Herff-Beze, “The Father
of the Triniteers.”
Albert
Herff-Beze died on April 18, 1976—Easter Sunday. He was buried the following Wednesday at Sunset Memorial
Garden. Many were sorrowed at his loss
and humbled by the thought that they had known and loved a great man. In reflection, Beezie died a fulfilled man. That semester he had participated in his
first informal initiation in over ten years.
The week prior to his death he was honored by the San Antonio
Symphony. The night before his death he
saw “The Girl of the Golden West,” the opera he told many he wanted to see
before he died. It is stated that
“Behind a purpose there is a meaning”—behind the Triniteers was and shall
remain Beezie. He loved the Triniteers
more than any man could have loved a dream, for the Teers were Beezie’s dream
come true. His ideals are more present
and active in this fraternity than any of its members are aware. Beezie truly was the “the way, the truth and
the life.”
--Supplement by
Mark Race
October 1976
2nd Supplement
On April 2, 1977, Beezie was honored
posthumously when B-Dorm was renamed Albert Herff-Beze Hall. The dedication commemorated Beezie’s forty
years of teaching and his devoted love of his students.
When Trinity’s new Library, the last
structure to be built as a part of the Skyline campus master plan, was
dedicated on April 7, 1979, it contained a case with memorabilia of Beezie’s
tenure at Trinity. There is much
valuable Triniteer history in this collection, as well as in the new library’s
archives department.
In January 1981, Dr. Terwey
submitted his request for resignation as sponsor of the club. ON February 9, that request was accepted and
Dr. Terwey remains a respected Honorary Member. On September 18, 1981, Dr. Everett was joined by Dr. Harold M.
Barger and Dr. L. Middleton as co-sponsors, and thus became the fifth and sixth
sponsors in the thirty-seven years of the Triniteers.
As the first generation of the
Triniteers not to be guided by Beezie’s physical presence graduated, the club
continues to maintain the ideals upon which the Triniteers were founded, for
the spirit of Beezie will always be with us.
Historical
Supplement added in the spring of 1989 by:
Dave Doderer
Ian Grorge
Ben Lagueux
Pete Sturdivant
Lynn Westfall
In
the fall of 1985, the Triniteers had their last fall pledge class. John
Crabtree, Jon Freeman, and Randy McCann completed the final fall pledge
program. Since the formal Rush and Pledging have been limited to the spring.
1986
was the start of increased state and university confinement of the
Triniteers. The school directory, which
we had published since 1945, was taken from us and published by the University,
depriving the Triniteers of an important fund-raiser, as well as leaving the
Trinity Campus without a top-rate directory.
On
September 1, 1986, the legal drinking age in Texas was raised from 19 to 21,
which had a serious impact upon the Triniteers and their social
activities. All-school parties became
difficult to have without losing outrageous amounts of money, as alcohol could
no longer be served at these functions.
This alcohol ban also extended to nearly all of the Trinity campus.
In
the Spring of 1987, the Triniteers were placed on social probation by the
school after the Bandera Rush Party at the Gallagher Ranch in Bandera, Texas,
where alcohol was served. Triniteers integrity
came through as we admitted our guilt, and accepted our punishment for the
remainder of the semester, and the following fall.
In
March of 1987, during the pledge period, Dean Colleen Grissom declared a
moratorium on all physical hazing after a pledging incident involving another
fraternity. With the moratorium in
effect, the pledge program was forced to undergo change. As always, the
Triniteers adapted to the changes and still managed to produce a strong in
spirit and spine pledge class. A tradition that shall never die!
In the spring of 1987, Dr. Donald Everett, our faculty sponsor, was presented a silver paddle to celebrate and thank him for 25 years of caring for and devotion to the Triniteers. In the spring of 1988, Dr. Everett retired as sponsor of the Triniteers, and Dr. Middleton and Dr. Barger took over as our co-sponsors. His 25 years with the club has effected every member of the Triniteers, and his example will continue to guide us, as does that of our founder, Albert Herff-Beze.
The fall of 1988 saw the Triniteers accept as the new faculty sponsor Dr. David L. Middleton, professor of English. Dr. Middleton was presented with a large paddle with all of the active Triniteers signatures, symbolic of our unified acceptance.
The 1980’s have brought many changes, both to the Triniteers and Trinity University. The Triniteers will continue to be tested, both by themselves and the University, and we will strive to produce the caliber of men that make this fraternity second to none on this or any other campus.
In 1989, an active broke a rule by taking a pledge on campus during the traditional dress-up day. This mistake was compounded by the Jewish pledge wearing a Nazi Storm Trooper uniform. While on campus, several students took offense and reported it to school officials. The school in turn took action against the Triniteers as well as reporting the incident to the Press. After explaining that the pledge picked out and paid for the costume to the student court, the court still felt that the incident was a result of hazing.
The Triniteers eventually lost a pledge class in 1990 and received community service after an appeal to University Court and a later reversal by President Calgaard. What started as a humorous act to Triniteers, turned into a school and National incident that tarnished the Triniteer image.
During the 1991 Spring pledge program the Triniteers suffered one of its most tragic losses with the death of a pledge, Rollie Pederson. Rollie was accidentally hit by a car in route to a pledging event. The Trinity Administration, due to the fact that the Triniteers had served alcohol to minors that night, revoked the club charter. After this incident pledging was no longer allowed on the Trinity Campus.
During 1991, the Triniteers continued to be very active at Trinity with only 13 members. In the spring of 1992 the first “underground” pledge class was taken. This class of nine marked an important step in continuing the Triniteer tradition off of Trinity’s campus.
In 1992, the Triniteers took steps to return to a more service-orientated club. A stretch of Highway 46 has been adopted for cleaning by the club, and individuals have undertaken various service projects including working with local gangs, Camp Flaming Arrow, and the Walk for Life Program.
In March of 1993, Trinity’s Alumni weekend, two actives were involved in altercations with two members of another fraternity at two off-campus locations. As a result, the University suspended the two actives and placed all other Triniteers who were present on disciplinary probation until they graduated from Trinity. Through negotiations with Trinity President, Ron Calgaard, it was agreed that the actives that were on probation would have their probation removed if the Triniteers did not take a pledge class in the Spring of 1994.
Following a peaceful semester in Spring 1994, actives had their probation removed. The Triniteers elected to take a pledge class the following fall. Fall 1994 became the first fall pledge class since 1985.
Although he no longer has any formal affiliation with the Triniteers, Dr. Donald Everett continues to be a valuable asset. He still performs many of the duties of an official Triniteer sponsor such as attending Daily Signature, Father-Son-Banquet, and Formal Initiation.
The transition into the 1990’s was difficult one for the Triniteers. It has been one of change, but more importantly it has been one of growth. We dedicated this historical supplement to the late Rollie Pederson of Spring 1991. We have learned that many of the problems we experienced could have been avoided with more responsibility and planning. As an underground fraternity here at Trinity, the club continues to uphold the ideals upon which the Triniteers were founded. The spirit of “Beezie” will always be with us as we overcome the inevitable challenges of the future.
Historical Supplement added by Pledge Committee 1994/1995:
Andre deLauney
Pierce Knight
Alex Montoya
Scott Francis
Christian Stallworth
Jeff Hooper
Steve Sher
Kevin McKenna
After the conclusion of the Spring 1996 orientation program a new active acting in collusion with older actives was placed in grave danger. In the wake of having completed the orientation program an overzealous celebration ensued in which hard liquor was made available to minors. The new active consumed an excessive amount of liquor, which resulted in a severe case of alcohol poisoning. Realizing the immediate danger that the situation posed, the other actives involved made the prudent decision to take the active to the hospital despite the consequences that would undoubtedly occur.
Upon the new active’s discharge from the hospital, the involved actives were called to appear before Student Court to be held accountable for their actions. The court found the actives not in violation of the moratorium placed on physical hazing, but all those involved agreed that unwise decisions were made and that subsequent punishments should be incurred in order to acknowledge those mistakes and deter further incidents.
As a result, the
Triniteers have become more responsible in terms of their position on
alcohol. All Triniteer actives choose
to take a more responsible approach to their personal decision to consume
alcohol both at Triniteer sponsored functions and in their own personal time
and leisure activities. This is made
evident in the Triniteers’ recent decision to add an amendment to the Triniteer
Constitution. In Amendment One, the
Triniteers take a hard-line on the alcohol issue and absolutely forbid all
actives from asking or forcing another active to consume alcohol at any
time. Further, actives are prohibited
from consuming alcohol themselves, even of their own volition, either before or
during any orientation activity. Those
found guilty of violating this important amendment shall be brought before the
fraternity for review of the violation.
The guilty active will be subject to censurship. Additionally, the Triniteers, as a group,
have taken further steps to prevent alcohol from being made available to minors
at all Triniteer sponsored events.
From the mistakes made throughout the 1990’s, the Triniteers have learned many lessons, some more valuable than others. Foremost, the presence of alcohol before, during, or after orientation events represents a serious lack of responsibility towards the individuals, the organization, and the University. We have made clear our decision to avoid these potential problems through the banning of alcoholic beverages.
As a means of avoiding other potential problems, the Triniteers recognize the need to fully re-establish a healthy and fulfilling relationship with Trinity University. This relationship, as reflected in the variety of positive contributions the organization has made to and received from the university, is something the Triniteers have not benefited from during the past decade. However, in the spirit of Beezie the Triniteers hope to restore the long-standing and history-filled relationship with Trinity University that serves as the basis of our proud organization.
Historical Supplement added by Orientation Committee 1999/2000:
Brian Owens
Damond Garza
Joseph Donnelly
Nicholas Layman
VI. Constitution and By-Laws
THE TRINITEERS OF TRINITY
UNIVERSITY
CONSTITUTION
In order to foster brotherhood, to create a more congenial understanding among the men of this campus, to maintain the true spirit of Trinity University on a high level, and to develop leadership in each, we do solemnly swear to uphold and abide by the constitution of the Triniteers.
Article I – Name and Colors
Section 1. Name
The name of this organization shall be the Triniteers of Trinity University.
Section 2. Colors
The official colors of the Triniteers shall be Red, Gold, and Blue.
Article II – Purpose
The objectives of the Triniteers shall be to foster brotherhood, to develop leadership, to serve the University, to maintain a high ideal of service and friendship among the men of the University.
Article III – Membership
Section 1. Qualification of Members
The active members of this organization shall consist of those male students enrolled in the University who have been voted membership by the club.
Honorary Membership may be extended to any male person deemed deserving by the club. Such membership shall be for life.
All Triniteers and Engineer ex-students are considered alumni members of the Triniteers.
Section 2. Duties of the Members
It shall be the duty of every member to fulfill the obligations expressed for him in the by-laws and to abide by the constitutional procedures set forth in this document. Failure to do so may be grounds for loss of membership. Honorary and alumni members shall incur no duties in this constitution or its by-laws.
Section 3. Size
The total undergraduate active membership of the Triniteers shall not exceed ninety (90) for any one time.
Section 4. Dropping of a Member; Censorship
Any member may be dropped from the membership at any time by vote of ¾ of the total membership during a regular business meeting. Any member may be censured for his conduct at a public or Triniteer function by 2/3 vote of regular membership. The Secretary shall file such censorship action and the reasons for such in the minutes and a copy given the offender.
Article IV – Officers
Section 1. Election of Officers
The new executive council shall be elected during the second week of April of each year and take office thereafter.
Nominations for executive officers shall be made at the meeting previous to the election. Nominations may be made from the floor at the time of the elections. All offices shall be elected at the next meeting after election of the executive council. Nominations may be made from the floor for any office at the time of the election of that office.
Election of the executive council shall be by secret ballot. Majority rule will decide the election of any office.
Section 2. Terms of Office
The officers shall serve from the time they assume office until replaced.
Section 3. Removal of Officers
Grounds for removal may be presented to the club at any regular business meeting on the form of a written statement which shall be filed with the secretary and read by the President during said meeting. If a majority of the members present vote to consider the charges, the officer shall be suspended from office until cleared. At the next regular business meeting the club shall reconsider the removal petition. Should 2/3 of the members so vote, the officer in question shall be removed from office and a new election to fill the vacated position shall take place.
Section 4. The Executive Council
The executive council shall consist of the President, the Vice-President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Alumni Secretary, the Social Chairman, the Orientation Chair, and the Rush Chairman.
The club shall elect the committee chairman of the following standing committees: Intramurals, Social, Greek Council, Rush, and Orientation.
Section 5. Duties of Elected Officers
Any decision of the executive council, except these exceptions contained in this document shall require a 2/3 vote of those present to be overturned.
It shall take a 2/3 vote of those present to change or reject any standing committee report.
It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the organization, to call special meetings, to appoint Finance, Publicity, Music, Special Events, Service, Honorary Members and any other special committees deemed necessary by him to carry out the necessary functions of the club. He shall also appoint a photographer, historian, chaplain, and any others to assist him in his office. He shall preside at formal initiations, and act as executive of the organization.
It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to conduct all meetings in the absence of or at the request of the President, to assume the duties of the President in the resignation or removal until an election can be held to fill the office, to act as coordination of all committees and special activities.
It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the roll of the organization, to keep a record of the nomination of officers, to keep a record of the minutes of all regular and special meetings, to keep the nominations for membership, to keep record of all proposed amendments to the constitution and by-laws and of all petitions for the removal of officers until such times as these petitions are dismissed by the club, to inform all members of any special club activity at the order of the President, to serve notice of club elections, and to carry on all correspondence of the organization.
It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to keep an accurate account of the organization’s financial affairs, to collect all dues and assessments, to pay all bills when so authorized by the President, and advise the President of financial matters of the club.
It shall be the duty of the Alumni Secretary to work with the Trinity University Alumni Office in maintaining a file of the names and mailing addresses of all alumni members, to conduct correspondence with same, and to undertake such projects pertaining to alumni members as the club shall direct.
It shall be the duty of the Social Chairman to plan all social events of the Triniteers.
It shall be the duty of the Orientation Chair to organize and act as the executive of the New Active Orientation Program, being ultimately responsible to the mandates of the Fraternity.
It shall be the duty of the Chaplain to provide for the spiritual growth of the organization and to offer prayers of a non-denominational character on all appropriate occasions.
It shall be the duty of the Historian, assisted by the Photographer, to keep a pictorial and written record of the history of the Triniteers. At the end of each school year such report shall be filed with the Secretary.
All officers are obliged to attend executive council meetings at the request of the President.
Article V – Meetings
Section 1.
All regular and special meetings of this organization shall be held at a place and time designated by the President with the approval of 2/3 the membership.
Robert’s Rules of Order, when not in conflict with the Constitution shall govern all meetings.
Section 2.
Three-fifths of the active membership of the organization shall constitute a quorum and will be required to transact any regular or special business.
Section 3.
Business at any meeting shall carry with a majority vote.
Article VI – Finances
Section 1.
The executive committee shall submit a budget to the membership at the beginning of each semester with 2/3 approval necessary.
Section 2.
Dues, special assessments, and initiation fees must be approved by 2/3 membership each semester.
Article VII – Amendments
Amendments to this constitution shall be proposed by a 2/3 vote of the members present at any regular or special business meeting. The proposed amendment shall then be presented for consideration at the next regular meeting. Upon the third regular business meeting the amendment shall be presented for a vote, a ¾ vote of the membership being required for passage.
Article VIII – Ratification
This constitution shall be ratified by a majority vote of the membership. Acceptance of the by-laws appended to this constitution shall be simultaneous with its ratification.
Article IX – New Actives
New Actives shall be selected by secret vote of the active membership of the Triniteers in accordance with procedures set up by the Trinity Greek Council.
Section 1. New Active Membership Status
A person shall be designated as a New Active by accepting an invitation from the club, and shall remain a New Active for a specific period of time decided upon by the club prior to the selection of New Actives. He must eligible to go through Rush according to the standards set by the Trinity University Greek Council.
New Actives status is no less than an actives status. He must attend all activities and learn all Triniteer information as all Triniteer members have done before him.
A New Active is required to be active the semester of the orientation period.
Section 2. Initiation
At the termination of the orientation period, a new active shall be formally inducted into the Triniteers.
An applicant for initiation must be enrolled for at least twelve semester hours at the undergraduate level at Trinity University at the time of initiation.
BY-LAWS
By-Law No. 1.
Any member may request non-voting status for a semester due to conflicts at the time of meetings, and may be voted so by the club. Such members carry all of the obligations and responsibilities of an active member, but do not have to attend meetings and lose the right to vote when they do attend.
Non-voting status may not be granted for more than two consecutive semesters.
By-Law No. 2.
Any member may request inactive status and be voted such by the club. An inactive member is not liable for dues or assessments and is not required or does not have the right to participate in club activities.
Any member with inactive status for two consecutive semesters is automatically dropped from the rolls.
By-Law No. 3.
Alumni members are defined as ex-Triniteers and ex-Engineers who no longer attend Trinity. Any alumni member re-enrolling in Trinity University as a full time student may be reinstated as an active member upon his request.
By-Law No. 4.
Any member who has three unexcused absences, as deemed by the executive council, in any one semester from business meetings or who has failed to pay his dues by the time specified is automatically inactive. He shall be required to file a written petition with the Secretary of the Club before a vote of the membership can be held and that a filing fee of five dollars be paid at the time the member’s petition for re-admission is considered by the membership. This filing fee shall be paid only once for each separate infraction. The aforementioned petition may be accepted by a 2/3 vote of the members present at any regular business meeting.
By-Law No. 5.
Applicants for membership shall meet the requirement established by the Greek Council for membership in a fraternity.
Voting shall be at a time set by the common consent of the members.
Three negative votes shall refuse a candidate membership. If the membership of this organization is less than twenty, two negative votes shall suffice.
Candidates for membership shall be discussed during the meeting at which the voting is held.
By-Law No. 6.
There shall be a Father-Son Banquet once a year on Founder’s Day of the organization, March 8, 1945 or as near that date as possible.
There shall be when possible, an annual retreat, and an all school function sponsored by the Triniteers each year.
By-Law No. 7.
The Triniteer President shall represent the club on the Trinity University Greek Council.
By-Law No. 8.
A New Active may request New Active designate status by notifying the Orientation Chair before the current orientation program ends. A New Active designate forfeits all privileges of a New Active or a member. A formal Triniteer bid is extended for one semester and if the bid is accepted, the designate will start at the beginning of that orientation program. New Active designate status will be granted by a majority vote of the members present at any business meeting.
By-Law No. 10.
No active member may hold more than one elected or appointed office at any one time.
AMENDMENTS TO THE
CONSTITUTION OF THE TRINITEERS OF TRINITY UNIVERSITY
I. Any Triniteer Active or Triniteer New Active member shall not consume alcohol before or during orientation events. Any member found guilty of this infraction will be subject to censurship.