John Bitzer ’74

To embody the iconic image that is Chief Illiniwek is said to be the echelon of the University of Illinois. To reign supreme in this position for a decade makes the experience all the more extraordinary. But we Betas don’t consider this kind of “hypothetical talk” when speaking of our historical feats: originating with John Bitzer from 1970 to 1974, we Sigma Rhos lived it.

John Bitzer ’74, no stranger to U of I, Collinsville, Illinois, resident and son, father, and uncle to Beta can trace his Illinois passion through his entire family. His father, Robert, was the Chief from 1945 to 1946. From Robert’s 1947 Illinois-UCLA Rose Bowl game and parade performance to the yearly Illini football and basketball games with his son, the younger Bitzer always had the Chief spirit coursing through his veins.

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We are a group of Chicago Area Progressives based primarily on Chicago’s north side and northern suburbs who have worked intensely over the last 7 years (initially as part of MoveOn) to advance a Political Progressive Agenda, as a response to our failed 2-party system, and excessive Corporate Influence on our elected officials.

DIAC is a resource for Progressives in the Chicagoland area. In planning and organizing in partnership with like-minded organizations, DIAC seeks to inspire, train and mobilize our community to stay involved and take action on our four issues. We are organized into the following four task forces:

• Fracking and the Environment
• Fighting Austerity
• Ending Mass Incarceration
• Winning Good Jobs