By definition, loyalty is giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution. However, most people know that it goes beyond that. Loyalty is a feeling, something stirring on the inside that cannot be turned off. It can cling to us with devotion and fidelity when we find our passions. Richard “Dick” Troncone (San Diego State ’65) truly personifies loyalty, not just to the Fraternity, but to every cause he supports. For his unwavering loyalty to Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the past Eminent Supreme Archons are formally nominating Richard A. Troncone as to serve as the Honorary Eminent Supreme Archon for the 2019-2021 biennium, voted on during the 163rd Anniversary Convention. Unfortunately, Dick has recently fallen ill and we expect him to pass through the doors of Chapter Eternal in the coming days. Please keep Brother Troncone and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
The San Diego native didn’t stray far from home for college—perhaps this was the kindling of the loyalty Troncone would embody his entire life. After entering the chapter at San Diego State, he quickly found himself in leadership roles, eventually serving as Eminent Archon. While most members waver from the Fraternity as the years pass, Troncone steered the opposite direction and dove head first into volunteerism, continuing to support and cherish what he loved. He is the past San Diego Alumni Association President, oversees the San Diego State Chapter Education Fund, and previously served as President of the California Theta House Corporation. For his longtime service to every faction of SAE in the San Diego area, the Fraternity has awarded him the Order of Minerva, Merit Key, and our highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award.
Although the Fraternity is his passion, it is not the only cause to which he is loyal. Troncone was heavily involved with his alma mater, serving as the SDSU Alumni Association President for six years and continuing in an active role as past president, eventually receiving the prestigious Monty Award for Distinguished Service to the University. But this was not enough to settle his eternal fire of giving back. Troncone is also active in the San Diego Rotary, taking a particular interest in reading to elementary students for over twenty years. He also chaired the club’s Camp Enterprise program through various high schools in the San Diego area.
Much like the Phoenix rising above its previous iteration, Troncone has been ensuring future generations of SAEs and SDSU alumni will have the same opportunities he had to build lifelong friendships. “I’ve enjoyed the people I met, and developed lifelong friendships,” he said in 2007. After all, SAE’s mission is to advance the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, leadership, and service throughout life. Dick Troncone sets that standard. Loyalty knows no bounds, but if it had them, he transcends those limits.
