Convention Review

benefit. Moreover, thinking based on goodwill imbues our bearing and facial features with pleasant attributes, and a pleasant smile is the forerunner of harmonious speech.

With goodwill in our hearts, we do not deal with others out of ulterior motives; we do not meet them with a desire to find their similarities while holding on to our differences. Rather we accept the differences along with the similarities.

The fourth step to fraternal living is the sharing of rightfully acquired gains. The well-trained and virtuous person is able to experience this higher kind of happiness, the happiness of giving. It is a relaxed and buoyant kind of happiness. In Buddhism it is taught that the ability to give should be developed through training, and the ability to experience happiness from giving is considered to be a gauge of mental maturity. People who are so developed will be the ideal members of a society.

Step number five in the pursuit of fraternal living is uniform moral conduct. How many times have we told our undergraduate members, “If you don’t govern your actions, someone will govern them for you”? This holds true for risk management guidelines, but also can be said for the laws of the land as well.

This last of the six conditions for fraternal living is of vital importance: people must have some common understanding and belief in principles. As Delta Chis we should at least possess the same beliefs in relation to what our organization stands for - justice, friendship, brotherhood. Without such a common understanding, problems are bound to arise.

The Buddhists were smart. Think about it. By abiding by these six principles harmony and progress is assured. We will relate to each other with kindness, speak to each other with kindness, think of each other with kindness, share our gains, abide by the laws and regulations of Delta Chi and society and refrain from harming or exploiting each other, and ultimately have beliefs that are harmonious. In doing so, unity will arise and progress is assured.

In the coming year, let’s all work hard to make sure unity will arise and progress will be assured. Delta Chi’s Board of Regents and staff are committed to the pursuit of that goal, and we stand ready to assist the chapters in any way we can.

Happy Founders’ Day.

Fraternally, 54th International Convention

August 4-8, 2004 Washington, D.C.

Convention

Review By evening, attendees gathered on the breathtaking 12th floor terrace for a reception and town hall meeting. Mother nature forced the event inside but did not dampen the evening’s spirit. Candidates vying for

The 54th International Convention of Executive Committee offices took the stage The Delta Chi Fraternity was held from and answered questions from attendees August 4-8, 2004 at the J.W. Marriott regarding their visions for the Fraternity’s Hotel in Washington, D.C. More than future. To end the evening, Aaron Otto, 400 undergraduates, alumni, and guests Kansas State ’98, led attendees on a late gathered in the U.S. capital for five days night walking tour of the capital’s of fellowship and brotherhood with monuments, memorials, and government other Delta Chis. Brothers from across buildings. North America attended educational sessions, voiced opinions on Fraternity Thursday, August 5 business, and learned more about Delta After an early breakfast, brothers Chi’s values and brotherhood. gathered in the convention ballroom for General Session I. Wednesday, August 4 Russ Driscoll, Florida ’57, called the

Brothers arrived at the hotel and registered Session to order as the “FF”, and the for the Convention throughout the afternoon. Convention recited the Preamble to begin Many men took the opportunity to explore all the session. “AA” Chuck Mancuso, Florida that Washington, D.C. has to offer and visited State ’84, welcomed the attendees, and landmarks like the Washington Monument, Jimmie J. “Doc” Underwood, Kansas ’51,Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, Smithsonian Museum, and the White House—all merely gave the invocation. The Memorial blocks from the hotel! Resolution was then presented by Greg Hauser, Michigan State ’75, in honor of those brothers who had passed away during the past biennium. Executive Director Ray Galbreth, Missouri ’69, recognized attendees based on the number of conventions attended. “Doc” Underwood was recognized for attending his 21st Convention and Fred Hammert, Oklahoma ’60, was recognized for having attended the 1956 convention. The Convention gave resounding applause for our senior members’ dedication to Delta Chi. Chuck Mancuso then took the microphone and deemed “Doc” the new elder statesman of the Fraternity with the recent passing of George Obear, DePauw ’30. George Obear, who had attended the most conventions, passed away in June—less than two months away from what would have been his 25th

Convention. Brothers draped their badges in deep black throughout the Convention in memory of George.

Steve Bossart, Kent State ’90, then honored Ray Galbreth for his 25 years as Delta Chi’s Executive Director by presenting him with 25 bars of silver and a gift certificate for Ray and his wife, Janet.

After a brief break for the Convention photo, nominations for Delta Chi Executive Committee positions were the first order of business in General Session I. Steve Bossart was nominated for “AA”. The nominees for “CC” were John Dorner, Illinois State ’91, Tom Horowitz, Michigan State ’87, and Aaron Otto. Nominated for “DD” was Chuck Mancuso.

After nominations, the Convention delegation unanimously approved two new officers emeriti. Dr. Alan Brightman, Kansas ‘67, was named “BB” Emeritus for his service as “BB” of the Illinois and Kansas State chapters. Raymond Borelli, Illinois ’58, was honored as “AA” Emeritus of the Fraternity by a standing ovation. General Session I came to a close as brothers headed to lunch.

At the Delta Chi and Delta Chi Educational Foundation Luncheon, Foundation President Fred Hammert, Oklahoma ’60, addressed the attendees regarding the Foundation’s operations. Greg Hauser then gave a speech reflecting on the Preamble. After the luncheon, attendees broke into the various Regional Caucuses where the Executive Committee candidates stated their goals for Delta Chi and answered questions from the audiences.

To begin General Session II, “Doc” Underwood gave the “Handshake Across Time,” a tradition begun by Founder Monroe Marsh Sweetland to bridge future generations of Delta Chis with the Founders through this meaningful and inspiring tradition. The session continued with the election of Executive Committee officers. Steve Bossart was elected “AA” and Chuck Mancuso was elected as “DD”. A runoff election between Tom Horowitz and Aaron Otto was held for the office of “CC”. As a result, Tom Horowitz was elected as the new “CC”.

Legislative items of note included: approving a new stipulation regulating inactive status, increasing associate member dues by $5, and increasing initiation dues by $5. The Convention also changed Delta Chi Law by increasing scholastic standards for its chapters to be in compliance with the newly adopted NIC standards. Chapters and colonies are now required to maintain a 2.5 cumulative G.P.A. to be in good standing. Also, associate members are now required to have a 2.25 college G.P.A. or a 2.5 high school G.P.A. to be initiated.

After General Session II, the Convention broke for dinner, and the former Delta Chi staff members enjoyed a reunion dinner. The Alumni Ceremony and Ritual Exemplification ended the evening’s events on an inspiring and positive note. Members then gathered for a t-shirt exchange with other chapters.

Friday, August 6

Educational sessions kicked off the morning with presentations on the chartering process, recruitment, managing change, and how to impress the women in your life. Attendees were then enamored by an interactive session on Gender Communications with Dr. Lori Hart-Ebert. Dr. Hart-Ebert expounded on the ways that men and women communicate differently and what each is really trying to say. Next, Jerry Nelson addressed the Convention on the topic of “Winners and Losers,” encouraging members to challenge themselves and to strive to be the best they can be.

After lunch, the Convention took part in a walking tour of the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam memorials. A list of Delta Chis who died in each conflict and a wreath of white carnations were laid at the base of each memorial by Charles Valder, Augusta ‘82—a veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. The names of these gentlemen, along with the names of World War I and Operation Enduring Freedom deceased, were prominently displayed throughout the Convention.

The 5th Biennial Kimball Open Golf Tournament was held at Cross Creek Golf Club in Beltsville, MD. The team of Reed Davis, Appalachian State ’02, Jennifer Washburn, and Miles Washburn, Massachusetts ’87, repeated as champions along with the welcome addition of John Ziegler, Louisiana Tech ’01. In addition, Miles Washburn won the straight drive and Tony McClain, Kansas State ’00, won the closest-to-the-pin contest.

Most attendees took the afternoon to see more of the D.C. area. Many groups enjoyed the ESPN Zone for dinner and the Adams-Morgan district for the nightlife.

Saturday, August 7

Educational sessions continued to provide attendees with valuable information on a wide variety of topics. Attendees gained insight on such topics as Leadership Consultant recruitment, technology, risk management, battling mediocrity, and new member education.

For lunch, Lorrie Bossart addressed the Convention with her presentation entitled “Manners Matter: A Lunch Like No Other.” Lorrie gave attendees valuable tips on proper etiquette and manners for a business or social dining atmosphere. Attendees left prepared to use these skills at the Convention Banquet that evening.

In the afternoon, gentlemen enjoyed four of the most popular educational sessions of

the Convention. First was “Warm Fuzzies, Cold Pricklies” presented by Ray Galbreth. Ray conveyed the importance of making those around us feel good about themselves through positive interaction and reinforcement. Paul Picciani, Connecticut ’89, captivated those in attendance with a presentation entitled “Movies, Lessons, Life.” This presentation discussed what it takes to be successful not only in business but also life in general. Paul discussed the strategies of working smart, working with passion, working with energy and the importance of having balance. Chuck Mancuso commanded attention in his “He Said, She Said” presentation. Chuck detailed the tragic demise of the Florida Chapter and gave attendees tips on how to avoid dangerous situations. Greg Hauser gave the final educational session of the Convention entitled “The History of the Ritual.” There was standing room only as Greg packed the house. Greg expounded upon how the Founders got the ideas used to compose the Ritual.

At 6 p.m., Chuck Mancuso opened his Presidential Suite for a Life Loyal Reception. This time was taken to thank Life Loyal Delta Chi members for their continued support. They then made their way downstairs to join everyone at the banquet reception.

The Convention Banquet was held in the evening to celebrate the many achievements of our Fraternity and its members. Dr. E. Duane Meyer, Hobart ’58, and an ensemble of brothers moved the Convention with the singing of the United States and Canadian national anthems and the Bond Song.

After a wonderful dinner of filet mignon, Chuck Mancuso presented the Convention awards. The Certificates of Achievement, President’s Most Improved Trophy, Awards of Excellence, and President’s Cups were presented first. The 2003 and 2004 Delta Chi of the Year Awards were awarded to Bob Stump, Arizona State ’51, and Richard Shelby, Alabama ’57, respectively. Ed Pease of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity was awarded the John J. Kuhn Award for outstanding service to the interfraternal movement. Mr. Pease addressed the Convention with words of admiration and respect for Delta Chi and its leaders.

The banquet came to a close with the keynote address of Charles Manatt, Iowa State ’58. Manatt reflected on how his involvement with Delta Chi as an undergraduate prepared him for a career in public service. He shared a story about losing an election for associate member class president as a freshman and how this taught him to deal with defeat and adversity. Manatt is a former U.S. Congressman from the state of Iowa and the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee. After closing remarks and reflections of the past biennium by Chuck Mancuso, the Convention attendees circled up to sing the “Bond Song.” It was a fitting end to a special evening.

Sunday, August 8

The Awards Brunch began at 9:30 a.m. when the chapter programming and individual awards were presented. One highlight during the awards program was the presentation of the Outstanding “C” Award. In recognition of Marge Lee’s 40 years of service to Delta Chi, the award was renamed the Marge Lee Outstanding “C” Award, and Marge was presented the first award bearing that name in honor of her dedication to maintaining the records of the Fraternity.

Greg Hauser then swore in the new International Officers. Steve Bossart addressed the Convention with his closing remarks, reflecting upon the outstanding week. Steve encouraged everyone to make plans for the 2006 Convention in Cleveland, July 26-30, 2006 at the Sheraton Convention Centre.

The 54th Convention was then officially adjourned, and the attendees said their farewells and parted with a clear intent to see each other again in Cleveland.