Written by Rusty Weadon
On November 17th, 2023, after 36 years, Rod Uribe was initiated into the bond of brotherhood of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, at the Phi-Theta Zeta Ritual ceremony.
In the Fall of 1987, Rod Uribe became an Associate Member in Phi-Theta Zeta at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. He joined with other Associate Members in completing his journey in Lambda Chi Alpha’s teachings. However, before he could be initiated, unforeseen family circumstances caused him to leave UNC-Greensboro. He enrolled at Georgia Southern University to complete his undergraduate degree and still be close to his family. Uribe was unable to complete his initiation into the bond of brotherhood as there was no Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter at Georgia Southern. After graduating and taking care of his family, Uribe enrolled into the Peace Corps.
His service in the Peace Corps took him to the Philippines for a three-year deployment during which he served as a marine biologist in the efforts to preserve the local coral reefs and fisheries. While stationed abroad, he continued to stay in close contact with the Brothers of Phi-Theta Zeta, sharing with those in the active Chapter his life-changing experiences and their applicability to the Fraternity’s teachings. Upon conclusion of his Peace Corps service, he extended an invitation to the Brothers of Phi-Theta Zeta to visit him in the Philippines and experience first-hand his transformative work.
Through the years, Rod has remained in close contact with the Brothers of Phi-Theta Zeta, being an active supporter of the Chapter and its Members. On many occasions, he has joined with Alumni Brothers to provide support and aid to Brothers and their families, when such help has been needed. In particular, he was instrumental in the 2011 project to make the home of Brother Digger Nelson (PT 80) handicap accessible. Along with a cadre of Phi-Theta Zeta Brothers, he travelled hundreds of miles to Chattanooga, Tennessee and spent the weekend retrofitting the residence. Upon the completion of the project, he and Phi-Theta Zeta Alumni then raised funds to purchase appliances for the Nelson home as well as a handicapped-accessible, wheelchair lift-equipped van.
Most recently, Uribe was in attendance at the 40th Anniversary celebration of Phi-Theta Zeta. Along with his dedication and connection to the Brothers of Phi-Theta Zeta, Uribe is a loving and dedicated husband to his wife Jennifer and father to his three children, Roderick, Carmen and Giuliana. An outstanding community member, he is active member of his church and a member of the Knights of Columbus, as well as a Boy Scout Assistant Scoutmaster. His son Roderick earned his Eagle Scout and Arrow of Light Award. He is a successful businessman and is currently the CEO of Pro Med Sales Inc, in Flowery Branch, Ga.
On November 17th, he was finally inducted into the bond of Lambda Chi Alpha as the 524th initiate of Phi-Theta Zeta.
