Name: Bob Canfield
Marital Status: Married to Sidney for 23 years
Gamma Rho: 876
Degrees Earned: BA (political Science, MBA (Finance), Went to law school but hated it!
Big Brother: Keith Walker GR 843
Little Brothers: Jack Claxton GR 899 , Lindel Hodges GR 922
Favorite party: Tradewinds, 1977.
Favorite LXA Memory: This is a tough one! There were so many, from Parties, to Scandals, homecoming floats, initiations. But maybe what defines for me more then anything about the life experience in a fraternity house, is the relationships with my brothers. There was a group of us that, after dateless weekends, would stay up all night down un the living room playing “Risk” and “Diplomacy”. Those were some of my best times.
What did LXA mean to your college experience:
This may come as a surprise to those who know me, but I was a confirmed anti-Greek when I hit campus in 1972. It didn’t take long for me to realize that college was way different from high school and dynamics of friendships and peer relationships change dramatically. It was just an off-chance that a friend of mine from High School, who had joined a sorority, convinced me to go with her to an LXA party (Western Weekend) in the fall of my sophomore year, with some of her sorority sisters that were dating LXAs. After meeting some of the members, and going to a couple of formal meals as a guest, I associated on February 6th, 1974. The day I remember so well as it was one of the most positive decisions I have made in my life. I consider 904 College as the “house that I grew up in”.
How do you stay connected to the Fraternity today?
With the exception of a 5-yr exile to San Antonio, I have served on the alumni board since 1992. Most recently, I have been President of Sigma Phi since 2005.
What advice would you like to give undergraduate members?
It may seem a hackneyed phrase to you, but make the most of your college experience! You are at a unique time in your life in a unique environment. Too soon you will be out facing the real life struggles of the “real world”. It is true college requires dedication and hard wok, but it also allows opportunities not available in later life. Get involved! Build a float, (you will be working with cute girls after all), audition for Scandals (even if you can’t dance)! Run for office, apply for awards. You will never have this chance again, trust me! And don’t be afraid to ask out the cute Pi Phi, she may say yes!
