1998 Hall of Fame

Patrick T. Costin - Patrick grew up in Crown Point, Indiana. He graduated from Crown Point High School prior to enrolling at Ball State in 1971. As a member of the “Divine 29,” who comprised the February, 1972 pledge class, he began a life long commitment to Indiana Gamma. As an undergraduate he was Social Chairman, Rush Chairman, Pledge Educator, Little Sister Coordinator, and Chapter President in 1975. His wife Coleen was Chapter Sweetheart in 1978. Following graduation in 1977, Patrick maintained his interest in Indiana Gamma and has been an active alumnus. He has supported renovation projects at the fraternity house and has been a member of Martin Riverside Society throughout its history. Professionally, Patrick and Coleen located on the East coast where he became involved in the shipping business. After a few years in the international shipping business, he founded RCL Agencies, Inc., of which he is President and CEO. The business, located in Clifton, NJ, has grown into a very successful company, importing and exporting various merchandise for numerous manufacturers. In his office hangs a drawing of the fraternity house which Patrick says, “I see daily and recall that some of the best days of my life were spent inside the halls of the Eps household.” Patrick and Coleen, with their 3 children, reside in Kinnelon, NJ.

Mick Keppler - Michael F. Keppler has compiled a 37-year record as an outstanding educator. Starting as a social studies teacher in Highland, Indiana in 1961, his leadership skills were quickly recognized. During 10 years in Highland he became Department Chairman, then Student Activities Director, and ended the decade as Assistant Principal. Mick moved to Penn High School, one of Indiana’s largest and most comprehensive, in 1972 as Assistant Principal for Instruction. At the end of five years he became Principal of Northwood High School in Nappanee, Indiana, where he served until he returned to Penn High School in 1983. Keppler’s outsanding experience and leadership as a high school principal lead to his selection as Director of Secondary Education, Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township in Indianapolis in 1989. He presently holds that position. During his career Mick has demonstrated outstanding expertise in curriculum development, supervision, administrative evaluation, restructuring and reform, and negotiations. Significant involvement in numerous professional organizations has marked his career and brought his leadership ability to the attention of his peers throughout the profession. He participated in numerous community organizations and has been very active in his church. A priority in his life has been his family, which includes his wife, Elle, and two sons, Matthew, 23, and Michael, 22. Since his graduation from Ball State in 1960 with a major in Social Sciences and Secondary Education, he has supported Indiana Gamma alumni activities and was a charter member of the Martin Riverside Board of Directors.

Howard X. Reece - Howard X. Reece demonstrated a commitment and dedication to Indiana Gamma that is unparalleled in the history of the chapter. He came to Muncie in 1954 from Detroit, where he had been an accountant with the General Grinding Wheel Corporation and Chrysler Corporation. During the early 1960’s, Howard became a member of the Indiana Gamma Housing Corporation. Soon he became Treasurer, a position he held for over 15 years. His financial leadership made it possible to construct the East side of the chapter house in 1964. His dedication and support of the chapter grew each year. Seldom did a week go by that he did not stop by the house to visit with members or assist with the kitchen and financial management. Howard, Betty Woods (the cook), and Mom Kinder attended practically every chapter function as a group. Other activities of Reece included the Lions Club, Moose Lodge, and Muncie Civic Theater. He graduated from the University of Illinois and was a member of the Illinois Alpha chapter. Howard X. Reece passed away on January 22, 1980.