Mike Vitale, Rider (NJ), was presented his Silver Helmet at the North Central LEAD Provincial Conference in Chicago in February. Originally initiated into Beta Xi, Mike eventually transferred to the University of Texas at Austin to complete his degree, where he served as the Chapter Advisor for nearby Theta Omega at St. Edward's (TX) and as District Director to the colony that would become the reactivated Beta Kappa Chapter at Texas-Austin. Upon making the move to the Chicagoland area, he served as a District Director for Eta Mu at Northern Illinois and has been extensively involved in the Chicago Alumni Chapter, including serving as President for the last three years. In addition to his local involvement, Mike has served as a national bylaws reviewer, member of various regional, provincial, and national committees, and since 2017 has served as a Trustee for the Leadership Foundation. Over the years, Mike has also made a significant financial commitment to supporting the Fraternity, recently being recognized for reaching the Entrepreneur lifetime giving level. 


Joseph Ward, Lewis (IL), was presented his Silver Helmet at the North Central LEAD Provincial Conference in Chicago in February. Shortly after graduation, Joe became Vice President of the Chicago Alumni Chapter, serving in multiple roles for the chapter including President and District Director. In 2013, he was a charter member and President of the Joliet Area Alumni Chapter at which time he also served on the National Scholastic Development and Awards Committee. Nationally, he served as VP-Finance from 2007 until 2011 and then as our last VP-Organizational Development (2011-2013), a role now handled on the committee level. During his time on the Fraternity Board and then again until 2016, Brother Ward also served as a Leadership Foundation Trustee. For his service, he has been elected to the Golden Council and earned the status of Trustee Emeritus. Joe continues to attend national events with wife Kim, Lewis (IL), and their kids Nolan and Ashley. In total, Joe has attended more than 60 events, including 12 Grand Chapter Congresses. Joe and Kim have also earned Leadership Foundation recognition as a Fifth Founder, for their donations totaling more than $50,000. 


Daniel Tracy, Truman State (MO), was presented his Silver Helmet at the North Central LEAD Provincial Conference in Chicago in February. Dr. Tracy is the biggest supporter of Alpha Eta at South Dakota, serving as their Chapter Advisor since 2013. He spends an immense amount of time attending their weekly chapter meetings, professional events, fundraisers, social events, and more. He also travels with the chapter to LEAD events and Grand Chapter Congress. Dr. Tracy also provides monetary support to both the chapter and the Fraternity, making donations to the Leadership Foundation as a Deltasig For Life Donor.