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Lyttle-Buie Endowed Scholarship for Beta Rho

The Lyttle-Buie Endowed Scholarship for Beta Rho was established in September 2023 at The University of Akron by Lonnie G. Justice '82. Justice created the endowment on behalf of hundreds of fraters of the Beta Rho chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) who long have wished to recognize and honor two of their finest.

Thomas J. Lyttle, Ph.D. (Scroll #255) was initiated into Beta Rho on February 8, 1959. He served as chapter Prytanis in 1961, and Dan L. Buie (Scroll #298) was his little brother. Lyttle is a two-time ¹ú²úÂ×Àí graduate, having earned bachelor's and master's degrees in theater in 1963 and 1968, respectively. Following graduation, Lyttle completed his Ph.D. in theater, with an emphasis on directing and staging, at Bowling Green State University.

Lyttle's long and distinguished career began with a teaching position at the University of Northern Iowa, then a move to Houston, where he was at the heart of the University of Houston Downtown's (UHD) theater program for more than 40 years. Lyttle was a professor in the College of Humanities and Social Science and was the coordinator of the drama area. He developed the UHD Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program, was the first director of UHD' s O'Kane Theater, and directed or produced more than 90 productions. In 1996, he received the UHD's Award for Excellence in Scholarly and Professional Activity. Lyttle also served as a dresser for the Houston Ballet for 25 years and worked as a staff director at the Houston Musical Theater/Theater Under the Stars, as well as an instructor for their School of Musical Theater.

Buie was initiated into TKE on June 10, 1962. Beginning with his earliest days in the fraternity, he placed a strong emphasis on the mental, moral, and social development of every member. After graduating from ¹ú²úÂ×Àí with a bachelor's degree in education in 1966 and a master's degree in guidance and counseling in 1969, Buie accepted a job with his alma mater, where he naturally excelled at advising young men and helping them achieve the utmost in their lives.

Buie's distinguished career with ¹ú²úÂ×Àí spanned more than 45 years and featured roles of increasing responsibility, including Assistant Vice President of Advising & Counseling Services and Assistant to the Sr. Vice President & Provost. After retiring in 1998 as an emeritus instructor, he rejoined ¹ú²úÂ×Àí as an Adjunct Fellow and continued to serve students and the University in various positions. At the time of his second retirement in 2013, he had returned to his passion and was working as an Academic Adviser.

In addition to ¹ú²úÂ×Àí, Dan has given more than 55 years of service to Beta Rho as a member of the Board of Advisers, taking time to meet with every undergraduate and guiding them to reach their full potential. Dan and his wife, Cheryl, continue to reside in Akron. He has one daughter, Danielle.

It is the firm belief of Justice that this endowed scholarship, which will be further supported by alumni of Beta Rho, is a fitting tribute to Lyttle and Buie and will extend - in perpetuity - their remarkable lifelong commitment to their brothers in the bond.

The Lyttle-Buie Endowed Scholarship for Beta Rho was established as part of We Rise Together, the Campaign for The University of Akron.

Students eligible for The Lyttle-Buie Endowed Scholarship for Beta Rho must:

• Be initiated members of the Beta Rho Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon, enrolled in any College or program at The University of Akron;
• Be in good standing with the University and the fraternity;
• Have a GPA of 2.6 or higher; and
• Submit a personal statement about the scholarship's importance to their academic pursuits.

Each spring, the Beta Rho Board of Advisors will forward the names and personal statements of all TKEs who are in good standing with the fraternity to the University Scholarship Committee in the Office of Student Financial Aid. From this list, USC will make the final selection (based on eligibility requirements) and allocate scholarship amounts. The scholarship may be renewed for recipients who reapply and continue to meet all criteria.

To make a tax-deductible gift to this scholarship, please visit ¹ú²úÂ×Àí’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “Lyttle-Buie Scholarship” in the text box. Thank you!