The Remo D'Ortenzio Leadership Award

The Remo J. D'Ortenzio Leadership Award was established in 2016 to recognize the depth and quality of Leadership provided by Brother D'Ortenzio throughout his lengthy service to the fraternity and the college.

Background—About Remo

Remo entered Rensselaer in 1952 and became a member of LXA in 1953 (EH-311). He served as the Junior Class Representative to the Student Council in 1954-55. He was elected to the office of the President of the Student Union (PU) for 1956-57 and he was subsequently elected to the office of Lifetime President of the Class of 1956. Remo also served as the LXA Sports Manager in 1954-55 and High Beta (Vice President) in 1955-56.

Remo graduated from RPI with a BEE degree and received an MS in Mathematics from RPI in 1958. He went on to a career in design and analysis of electronic systems for companies like RCA, General Dynamics, Stromberg Carlson, Xerox and Redcom Laboratories. He was the coauthor of nine patents and numerous professional articles.

Walt Gibbs suggested Remo could have been known by his fellow brothers by the following descriptive phrases:

  • "Moral model" - Remo had a deep and abiding faith that he often turned to for guidance.

  • "Generous tutor" - Remo would always make himself available to tutor any brother who needed help in understanding calculus or physics prior to an exam.

  • "Trusted mentor" - As PU Remo controlled all funding for student activities. Brothers often sought his advice on personal matters as well as academic problems.

  • "Unassuming leader" - Remo was known as the inspiration and organizer of the first "reunion" for the LXA classes of the 1950s, held in Williamsburg, VA. in 1992. This event provided the inspiration for subsequent reunions in 2005 in Williamsburg and the reunion in Troy in 2011, which recognized and honored the former Lambda Chi Alpha house at 243 Hoosick St. which served as home for many brothers.

As Remo's physical health declined, his accomplishments and contributions to Lambda Chi were recognized by a group of his fellow brothers from the 1950s era by a special plaque. The original plaque was presented to Remo's wife Joyce D'Ortenzio, shortly after Remo's death. A duplicate of the plaque was presented to the chapter for display in the chapter's Charter Room.

Award Recipients

2017 - Jay W. Hawthorne, EH1 and William S. Gardiner, EH333

2018 - Frank L. Parisi, EH 462

2019 - Brendan N. Falco, EH 1016

2020 - Joseph A. Cotroneo, EH 711

2021 - Walter M. Gibbs, EH 819

2022 - Geoffrey M. Seber, EH 1250

2023 - Jamie Burkhardt, EH 910

2024 - David Burkhart, EH 597

The Remo J D'Ortenzio Leadership Award Nominations

Eligibility:

The award may be presented to any past, current, or future brother of the EH chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha who, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, reflects the high standards of leadership established by Remo J D'Ortenzio.

Nomination and Selection process:

Nomination: Nomination of candidates may be made by any active or alumni brother of the EH Chapter of LXA. At least one additional brother must co-sponsor the nomination. Nominations should be submitted in writing or electronically on the proper form to the current chair of the Selection Committee. All correspondence should be kept confidential.

Selection Committee: The Selection Committee shall consist of the following:

  • The High Pi, Chapter Advisor (serves as the Chair of the Selection Committee).

  • The current High Alpha (serves as the representative from the current era).

  • The current High Rho (serves as the bridge between alumni and the active chapter).

  • One representative from each of the following eras: Founding to 1965, 1966 to 1986, 1987 to 2006, 2007 to 2027 (current High Alpha or a representative of that era).

The Selection Committee will discuss and vote electronically to select an annual winner. Logistics will be determined my the committee’s chair. The Award is a sub committee of the Board of Directors.

Award Committee:

The BOB of the House Committee shall serve as the Award Committee. The nomination shall be submitted to this committee for approval. Upon approval, the presentation of the award will occur at the Chapter's annual Homecoming Reunion or other Chapter event selected by the current High Alpha. The BOD shall bear the cost of the award.

The Award Recipient:

The recipient of the Leadership Award shall receive a plaque with a commendation recognizing his example of leadership. His name will be inscribed on a plaque maintained yearly along with Remo's main plaque in the Chapter's Archive Room. In addition, the winner will be listed on this website.

How to Nominate:

To nominate, send write-up of the deserving individual to the High Pi, Roger Grice, at rogergrice2@gmail.com.