Kappa Sigma
Alpha-Sigma | Ohio State University
Larry was born 1943 in Wooster, Ohio where he grew up and graduated from high school, later being named to the Wooster HS Hall of Fame. Larry begin his undergraduate studies in the fall of 1961, having received a football scholarship. He played for the late Woody Hayes and, although suffering a knee injury his sophomore year, he played all four years. Larry was one of “Woody’s Boys,” making himself and teammates better football players. Larry completed his undergraduate education in 1965 with a BS in Education.
Larry pledged Kappa Sigma, was initiated in 1962 and has benefitted Kappa Sigma by being one of the early pioneers during college to help recruit quality students for membership, especially the football players who have brought much honor to our fraternity (Greg Lashutka, Ike Kelley, Don Dwyer and Gary Miller just to name a few). Larry was one to whom other brothers came for honest and straightforward advice.
His teaching enabled Larry to forego a military commitment. Instead, Larry volunteered for military service. His duty sent him to Vietnam after only three weeks of marriage to Leslie. Larry would fulfill military duties and then enroll in Ohio State and earn a Master’s degree in history while also serving as a graduate assistant for the Buckeye football team.
Entering teaching again, Larry started his career with the Columbus Public Schools at Whetstone High School and for the next thirty-six years taught in numerous Columbus schools. He also coached football, wrestling, cross country, track and even girls’ soccer and gymnastics. Unknown to most, he would purchase equipment and supplies for needy students out of his own pocket. His success as an educator can best be exemplified by his selection as Teacher of the Year at every school he taught. His trademarks as a person have always centered around generosity, compassion, hard work and a driving desire for life-long learning as exemplified by his teaching after retirement to online students for another eleven years.
In retirement Larry found time to serve as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, help provide meals for the homeless at the Y-Family Center and Faith Mission, volunteer at Worthington Kilbourne to help the football program and serve as a mentor for Senior School Projects and been elected as both a deacon and elder in his church.
In recent years, Larry contributed to and helped recruit others to take part in the Rise to the Challenge Building Campaign, not to mention actively participating in both Project Rebounds and assisting with the Thursday night Homecoming Celebrations of Kappa Sigma. He was a member of the initial focus group regarding Alpha Sigma going forward and most recently was one of five brothers to initiate the monthly Kappa Sigma luncheon open to all brothers held at the Varsity Club.
The Alpha-Sigma chapter’s HOF was created, “to honor and recognize those brothers whose contributions and service have brought honor to the AE of KE Fraternity,” Few have better fulfilled those requirements than Larry Snyder who has served and contributed to his country, his community, the educating and mentoring of young people, his faith, family and fraternity.
Larry currently resides with his lovely wife of 57 years, Leslie Snyder. The couple have two daughters and numerous grandchildren in Columbus, Ohio.
Submitted by: Greg Lashutka and Bob Weltlich in nomination of Larry Snyder for 2024 Hall of Fame