Centaur's Yell Summer 2016 - Lead with Service

C ENTAUR ’ S Y ELL DELTA LAMBDA PHI SOCIAL FRATERNITY QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

Summer 2016

AND THE AWARD GOES TO… PG 5

CONGRATS, GRADUATES!

PG 7

LEAD WITH SERVICE

John De Vito A Young Alum’s Journey Continues In Public Service PG 8

CONVENTION 2016

ΔΛΦ TAKES OVER TEXAS PG 4

DLPAA | CREATING AN UNRIVALED ALUMNI EXPERIENCE | PG 10

FROM OUR TRUSTEE Hello my Brothers, It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Brotherhood as your Trustee for the past (almost) six years. As I wrap up my term as Trustee there are some things that we set out to do that stand accomplished and other challenges that yet still remain. Nevertheless, DLP as an organization has a strong mission within our wider community today as much as ever.

I believe that the things that bind us together as a Brotherhood are as present and timely as they were back in 1986 when our Founder brought us together for the first time. There is still much work to be done before gay, bisexual and trans -men will have an equal footing in our society. Today, we fight for inclusion of our trans Brothers and for the ability of each person to define themselves without our masculine space. We are making a difference in across the fraternity community in this regard. DLP, with its unique means to achieving our ends, can do much more to advance our community.

Together we have taken great strides in the past six years at integrating the lessons of policy governance. At the beginning of my term as Trustee, the Board barely understood what its role was in the new organization or how to function. As the board and I have worked together over the past six years, we have truly laid the foundation for a board that can establish the strategic direction for the Fraternity without micromanaging the operations of the organization. I believe that this has been the foundation of our success over the past six years and hope to see it continue for many

years to come.

The election of a new Trustee is a time for the Fraternity to assess its strategic direction. What things are going well?

What are the challenges that we must meet? These and other important questions will be considered over the coming months. I encourage each of you to engage with the candidates for Trustee and then come to Convention in Austin to express your opinions.

Yours in Brotherhood, Jeff Thompson Trustee

FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Greeting Brothers, As the school year draws to a close many of you are embarking on new journeys in you life. For some that will be a life post-university, for others that may mean a new job or a new city in which you will start a new life. Finally, some may be at the point where they feel that they need to reevaluate what they hold most dear to themselves. It is when we make these changes that we sometimes ask ourselves; “What will the Fraternity mean to me during my new journey?”

This is a question one can only answer for themselves, and that there is no one answer to.

From that answer an individual determine how they will involve the fraternity in their daily lives, be it through living by the values and guiding principle, or giving back with time and resources. Meanings can inform our actions.

On my current journey the fraternity means “duty, honor, and pride.” I am involved by serving in a volunteer position, donating one of the easiest resources I have to give, which is my time. I fill countless hours of my weeks with strategic conversations, meetings, and travel across the country, and more e-mails than one would care to read in a life time. I have given up countless hours of vacation time, evenings out and the ability to randomly pick up and go. I feel it is my duty to give back to the Brotherhood, and time is the one resource I can give the most of. I also feel that it is my duty to live up to the oath that I took when I had the honor of becoming the Tenth Executive Director of Delta Lambda Phi.

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Every day this entire organization accomplishes many things, large and small, and I take pride in every step we make towards realizing the Full potential of this organization. I take pride in the work we do together, and the work I do alone. My meaning informed my action.

When you begin your new journey, ask yourself “What does the Fraternity mean to me?” and then, follow that up with “What do I want to do about it?” There are many opportunities available to give back, will you be one of the ones to help us and lead with service to your Brotherhood? Will you join us?

Fraternally, Cory Molner Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer

Inside this Issue 4 Convention 2016 5 Awards & Accolades 7 To The Class of Spring 2016 8 Cover: Lead with Service 10 Creating An Unrivaled Alumni Experience 12 Ask & You Shall Receive / Lifetime of Service

14 Get A Mentor Before You Graduate 15 Committed in Service 18 Delphi Foundation Serves the Fraternity 19 Heartland LAA: Giving Back in Kansas City

Delta Lambda Phi® Alumni Association DLPAA EXECUTIVE BOARD & ALUMNI AFFAIRS COMMITTEE President, Chair Bryan Guffey Vice Chair Ben Sokollof Clerk Miles Brainard At-Large Members Orie Givens Lenny Haas Armando Huipe Troy Hoffman Nolan Petersen Eric Van Sant

20 In Memoriam ALUMNI SERVICES STAFF

FROM OUR DLPAA PRESIDENT Welcome to the Summer 2016 issue of Centaur’s Yell! The Alumni Association has been quite busy in the past several months, with the transition to White & Gold Weekends from Weekends of Fun, the revamp of the membership model, a restructuring of LAA of the Year, and more! It’s been a busy spring, and summer isn’t slowing down! We have a bunch of exciting things right around the corner for you at Convention 2016 in Austin, TX, so I hope you’ll be there!

I want to take a special moment to say thank you to all of our alumni who have continually supported DLP whether through the Alumni Association, Delphi, or through their tireless efforts in the Fraternity Office or supporting their local chapters or colonies. As this issue shows, there are many ways to serve our Brotherhood, and it’s important that we remember that as we look to how we can continue to serve our Fraternity in the future. Also, to our new alumni: WELCOME! We’re so very glad to have you as a part of our community and we look forward to taking this lifelong journey with you!

As always, my door is always open to ALL brothers who have questions, concerns or want to find ways to be involved. Please reach out to me on Facebook, through email or give me a call at (785) 215-2140 - I want to hear from YOU! I’m looking forward to an amazing upcoming year for the Alumni Association and all of our brothers in Delta Lambda Phi - and that includes YOU!

Chief Alumni Services Officer Julian Casillas Director of Alumni Outreach Jordan Cardoza Alumni Outreach Coordinator Randy Jose DLPAA Stewardship Coordinator Alejandro Torroella Director of Alumni Engagement Zach Ozbun Alumni Engagement Coordinator Armando Sanchez Alumni Consultant Lou Camera

Production of the Centaur’s Yell is led by the DLPAA in collaboration with the Fraternity Leadership Team.

Questions can be directed to Julian Casillas, julian.casillas@dlp.org

In the Bond, Bryan Guffey DLPAA President

DLP.ORG | 3

Brotherly Buzz

Annual Convention

Recaps & Future Events

Austin, TX / July 21-25, 2016 dlp.org/convention For over 25 years, Brothers from all over the globe have gathered in July to celebrate the bonds of Brotherhood, learn about our past, and lead the next generation of Lambda Men in planning our future. This year's event will be held from July 21-25 in the "Live Music Capital of the World" - Austin, TX!

They say everything's bigger in Texas and we're taking that to heart - this Convention will be bigger and better than ever with discussions on hot-button issues, educational workshops, new social events, and the kickoff of our 30th Anniversary celebration!

GENERAL REGISTRATION Tier 4: 6/1 - 6/30 => $150 Tier 5: 7/1 - 7/20 => $180 On Site => $220

GUEST REGISTRATION Tier 3: 6/1 - 7/20 => $90 On Site => $100

Each registration includes welcome packet, meal ticket for the Saturday Banquet, and admission to all DLP events (unless listed otherwise).

HOST HOTEL Convention 2016 will be held at the newlyrenovated Holiday Inn Austin Midtown.

Hotel Direct Phone: 512-451-5757 or 1-888-300 -6273 (mention Delta Lambda Phi or DLP for room block rate) Room Rate for single, double, triple, & quad occupancy rooms: $114/night (plus 15% tax).

Each room reservation includes breakfast for up to 4 people per room.

4 | DELTA LAMBDA PHI SOCIAL FRATERNITY

- KEYNOTE SPEAKER -

JUSTIN SAYRE Credits Include “The New Hanky Code”, a popular YouTube feature.

ALUMNI EXPERIENCE at CONVENTION Thursday, July 21 Alumni Meet & Greet Friday, July 22 Opening Session & Workshops Alumni Ritual Welcome Reception & Talent Show Saturday, July 23 Alumni Track Sessions DLPAA Annual Meeting Banquet & Keynote Speaker Sunday, July 24 Experience Austin DLPAA Happy Hour Monday, July 25 Hamilton Pool Preserve Excursion MORE INFO Convention website: dlp.org/convention Convention space on Confluence: https://pythia.dlp.org/confluence/display/CONV/ Convention+2016+%7C+Austin%2C+TX

AWARDS & ACCOLADES During the Spring 2016 Regional Conferences, Fraternal Services recognized active brothers and alumni who have exemplified the values of Delta Lambda Phi during the past year in the categories of New Member, Active Member, Alumnus and Alumnus Advisor of the Year. Below are descriptions of each award and awardee. Congratulations, brothers!

New Member of the Year The New Member of the Year award is awarded to a Brother who has been active less than a year or currently a pledge.

This member is involved as much as possible, and can always be counted upon when needed.

This member has great potential in serving the chapter in larger ways in the future.

WESTERN

CENTRAL

EASTERN

Steven Barbee Rho

Preston Rheaume Chi

Aaron Waver Gamma Beta

Active Member of the Year This Brother or Colonist must be an active member for at least a year.

This brother has been a great asset to the chapter and can always be counted on to move the organization forward.

WESTERN

CENTRAL

EASTERN

Wes Palau Alpha Delta

Christopher Valadez Beta Nu

Francis Senecal-Lebeuf Beta Omega

Alumnus of the Year The Alumnus of the Year award is awarded to an Alumnus to whom the chapter can rely one when they are needed.

The alumnus is involved with the chapter in a supportive and active role.

WESTERN

CENTRAL

EASTERN

Michael Webb Omega

Adam Vester-Wright Alpha Beta

Lee Andrzejewski Delta

Alumnus Advisor of the Year The Alumnus Advisor of the Year award is awarded to the Chapter Alumnus Advisor who lives out the values of the fraternity. They are attentive to the needs of the chapter and act as a role model for them.

WESTERN

CENTRAL

EASTERN

Kristopher Borders Iota

Jess Stevens Chi

Troy Hoffman Alpha Epsilon DLP.ORG | 5

Growing Our Family & Making A Difference.

Brotherly Buzz…. read more at dlp.org

The Return of DLP at Vanderbilt

The Beta Phi Chapter of Delta Lambda Phi disbanded in 2013; however, that did not end a need for DLP’s presence in the heart of Tennessee. Quinton Turner, a sophomore at Vanderbilt University, aimed to bring our Fraternity back to campus. He received support from the Office of Greek Life, polled the campus gender-sexuality alliance listserv, and contacted Br. Cory Molner (Executive Director) to find ways to kick start interest.

Br. Owens Elected Treasurer at U of Miami

The Brotherhood of Delta Lambda Phi is committed to making their presence make a difference.

Difference comes at all levels: locally, regionally, nationally, and abroad. We want to congratulate Br. Morgan Owens of our Gamma Alpha Chapter at the University of Miami for his recent election as Student Government Treasurer for 2016-2017! Br. Owens (front row, third from right) ran with the “True to You” platform during the elections.

DLP May Return to Washington, D.C.

Delta Lambda Phi may once again have a presence where it all began.

We are one of six total fraternities being considered for the George Washington University campus.

The IFC on-campus is planning to add one chapter at a time over the next few years.

To read more, check out “Six national fraternities vie to join campus” by Andrew Goudsward of “The GW Hatchet.”

DLP Welcomes Brothers from Louisiana

Welcome and congratulations to the two newest members to cross into Brotherhood.

From the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, in the late hours of May 14, 2016, Br. Kristopher Hallam and Br. Austen Angers were initiated into the Brotherhood.

Immediately following they were conferred the right of Alumni Status.

“Green with Envy” Still Trans-Inclusive a Hit at Kent State Organizations On Saturday, March 5th, the Brothers of our Alpha Psi Chapterat Kent State presented their fifth annual “Green with Envy” drag show. The proceeds ($2,243.00) went toward an LGBTQ scholarship.

The event was sponsored by Kent State Fraternity and Sorority Life, Skulls Salon, All Media, and Little City Grill.

6 | DELTA LAMBDA PHI SOCIAL FRATERNITY

Greek

In a recent ThinkProgress article titled, Greek Organizations Are Slowly Becoming More Trans Inclusive, Br. Sean Finn of the Gamma Gamma Chapter shared his thought-process when joining Delta Lambda Phi: “Being a part of [Delta Lambda Phi] it really provided a social community experience I don’t think I would have found without it, so joining the fraternity gave me a sense of community, a sense that I belong. “

Fellow Brothers, On behalf of Delta Lambda Phi Social Fraternity it is with esteemed pride that we send to you an enthusiastic congratulations on the accomplishment of completing your studies and earning your degree! We would like to use this opportunity to welcome you into your next chapter with Delta Lambda Phi as an alumnus of our fraternity; joining the ranks of a 3,000+ global alumni network.

We hope that your time as an active brother was filled with cherished memories and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Delta Lambda Phi holds a very special place in all of our hearts and we hope you continue to support the sustainability and expansion of our beloved fraternity.

As you may already know, as an alumnus, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged within our fraternity, including:    

Becoming a member of the DLP Alumni Association Attending Fraternity-wide Events including White & Gold Weekend Serving in the Fraternity’s Leadership Team Getting active in or starting a Local Alumni Association

We encourage you to continue to make time for our brotherhood. We understand that as a recent graduate your priorities have definitely shifted and we would love to continue to provide the support to meet your personal and professional goals. For further details on the aforementioned opportunities you can visit us at dlp.org/alumni or contact us directly at alumni@dlp.org.

Again, congratulations on achieving this milestone and we look forward to your future as an alumnus of Delta Lambda Phi Social Fraternity.

In the Bond,

Bryan Guffey DLPAA President

Next Steps

Join the DLPAA

dlp.org/alumni/join

J. Julian Casillas Chief Alumni Services Officer

New Alumni Survey dlp.org/alumni/survey

Brandon Walter Akamine Simon Austin Wesley Bibb Tony Bishop Chris Brewer Kyle Brinkmann Michael Brown Julio Carpio Alexander Delgado Travis Fulk Andrew Garcia Zach Haak Alexandrer Hruska Karan Jalundhwala Trevor Leeper Lu Li-Hsueh Dani Mardini Derek Allen McDowell David Ocampo Luis “Louie” Olvera Julian Palmquist Phil Perez-Ara Ethan Pravetz Angel Ramirez Jake Ramsey Chui Raybourne Marc Reed Trevor Rice Darwin Rivera Michael Romero Ruben Saenz Tristan Saffron-Cottrell Dondray Shelton Jeffery Michael (Jeff) Silva DaVaughn Smith Malcom Steele Nhia Pheng Thao Lee Tran Brandon Venerable Ben Weiss David Yi Names of brothers listed were submitted by chapter leadership to the Fraternity Office.

Connect & Engage

dlp.org/alumni/get-involved DLP.ORG | 7

by Br. Julian Casillas Delta Lambda Phi – Beta Xi alumnus John De Vito is running for office as the Democratic Candidate for the New York State Senate’s 3rd District. At 25 years old, John is an advocate for getting LGBT people involved in the Democratic process at a local and national level. John served as Service Chair for three years with his chapter.

There, he built a strong relationship between Beta Xi and the Trevor Project, as well as Aids Walk NY. These relationships continue to this day and further DLP’s mission to develop dignified and purposeful services activities.

Prior to running for office, John worked as a progressive organizer, traveling across the country to fight for economic opportunity and a sustainable environment. Committed to justice, John studied law at George Washington University. He served in the Enforcement Division of the Securities and Exchange Commission and with the Special Victim’s Bureau at the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.

If John wins in 2016, he will be the youngest serving New York State Senator in history. He encourages his brothers to reach him at John@DeVitoForSenate.com and on Facebook.com/DeVitoForSenate.

In mid-April I had the opportunity to connect with a fellow Delta Force graduate, John “Johnny” De Vito, during his campaign for public office. I found him just as inspiring and humble as ever. A few guided questions lead our conversation about his time as an active brother, his drive, and his pleasures in life.

Julian: What is one of your fondest memories as an active?

Johnny: Sure, so one opportunity that we took together at the Beta Xi was going to a Regional Conference in Atlanta some years ago. We took a road trip from NY, met with a brothers’ family from the Atlanta area, and met brothers from around the Eastern Region.

When you’re on a, you know, 8hours road trip, you get to know each other very well actually. By the end of the trip, as much as I loved them, being the driver, I also wanted to strangle them... out of love. Taking advantage of the opportunity we were able to

grow together as a chapter outside of our NYC bubble and it tested us in different ways I always looked fondly on that experience we had together.

Julian: I’ve taken many a road trips as well and they were some of the best and worst experiences I’ve had with my brothers. (laughter)

scribe why it's an important program for our brothers?

Johnny: Delta Force provides a unique opportunity to bring active members from different chapters to focus on building inter chapter bonds. The conventions provide some resemblance of that, but with Delta Force, you bring active members together so the bond is a little bit different

Johnny : (laughter) Can’t underscore that enough.

Julian: What would you tell a potential member is the single best reason to join DLP? Johnny: I don’t think DLP is a hard sell. In fact, I’d say, do it for yourself. You have a network of friends all over the country for the rest of your life, even if you’ve never met the person. So do it for yourself and do it for that network.

Julian: Johnny, you and I were both part of the inaugural Delta Force Alpha Class. Can you de

8 | DELTA LAMBDA PHI SOCIAL FRATERNITY

Brothers Ryan Rockmore & John De Vito at DLP’s Annual Convention.

John De Vito hits the streets for a candidate's mayoral campaign .

For me it was where I met one of his best lifelong friends, Michael Webb. You need that interchapter skill building. Delta Force is the best venue for that.

Julian: As an alumnus, how do you feel you carry the guiding principles of Delta Lambda Phi in your personal and professional life?

Johnny: To have earned the right to run for office I have to have shown… I’ve spent my life engaging and organizing behind public service. Whether I was sent across the country to Arizona to fight for immigration reform and access to affordable care or to NYC to fight for a living wage, for instance, I’ve demonstrated and I’ve been committed since day one to fight for public service. By running for office, leading the fight to protect the rights of individuals of people New York and what that means in New York.

We have a lot to do to secure the rights of LGBT individuals. It starts with banning LGBT conversion therapy, actually I hate to use the word therapy, LGBT conversion torture. It means stepping up to fight homelessness, which disproportionally affects the LGBT community 100 times over. By taking this risk and being the man in the arena, one thing that guides me is the ability to present a strong and positive image of a Lambda Man. I think my run encapsulates the guiding principles of Delta Lambda Phi quite nicely.

Julian: “Lead with Service” is the theme of this quarter’s issue. Following that theme, can you describe the path to your choice to run for public office and a life as a public servant?

Johnny: Give me a call or shoot me an email. Happy to provide my number or email and talk you through how to get involved and stay involved in something you’re passionate about.

Johnny: So, the answer to that question is two-pronged. On one hand, I’m in a state the leads the country culturally, economically, with progressive values but whose capitol is a cesspool of corruption and families of Long Island are suffering because of it.

I’m a young candidate, only 25 years old, but there are decisions being made that are delaying my ability to start a family, for instance, because I have a mortgage and student loans to get through, there are decisions that are affecting my future and affecting the future of those who are similarly situated and we don’t have a seat at the table. So this is what gets the fire in the belly and gets me up every morning but on the other hand, the second prong to the answer, is pragmatic. I want to run, but I want to run so I can win, and this is the seat where I was born and raised. We have a real opportunity to do something historic, put up a young candidate, take the seat back from a first-term republican incumbent. So, to summarize, it’s a two-prong answer; ideologically what gets me motived, pragmatically, how I can win.

Julian: Quick and easy plug.

Love it! Connect with Johnny.

What role do you wish Delta Lambda Phi to play in your life in the years ahead?

Julian: What advice would you give a current active brother interested in entering the field of public service?

Johnny: I look to my brothers most often to ground me and remind me of where I came from. To remind me who I was as an active brother is still who I am and not stray away from those values. The bonds that I’ve made and those that can check me the best are brothers of Delta Lambda Phi. I suspect that those bonds will continue indefinitely into the future. I look to my brothers for counsel. Some fraternity members who have served the fraternity with distinction in the past sit as my kitchen cabinet in this campaign and are advising me very closely, helping me get through this and making sure I make correct decisions. So, I look to DLP to ground me, provide counsel and direction for my personal and professional life.

Julian: So I recognize that you’re very busy and you may or may not be able to answer a few of these quick and fun questions but hey, we’ll give it a shot! What was the last show you binge watched?

Continued on pg. 21

John De Vito spends his birthday at Victory Fund in Indianapolis with some of the most impressive, bipartisan LGBT candidates from across the country.

DLP.ORG | 9

DLPAA

Fees shown effective July 1, 2016. Lifetime Membership only $120 through June 30th.

dlp.org/alumni alumni@dlp.org

Join the Delta Lambda Phi® Alumni Association

Programs of the DLPAA Events White & Gold Weekends Alumni Conference Speakers Convention Alumni Events & Excursions Active & Alumni Support Chapter Alumni Relations Programming Lambda Mentors Program LAA of the Year Program Funding Programs David L. West Convention Assistance Fund Timothy Ortyl Memorial Conference Travel Fund Shining Knight Fund Outreach Centaur’s Yell Lost Boys Campaign New Alumni Survey Benefits* Vote at DLPAA Annual Meeting Convention Registration Discount White & Gold Weekend Discount DLP Store $5 Credit DLPAA Events First-to-Know DLPAA Events Priority Access DLPAA Programs Priority Access Alumni Pin Replacement Welcome Packet DLPAA President Welcome Letter Membership Certificate How to Join Visit www.dlp.org/alumni/join Questions can be directed to alumni@dlp.org *Benefits may vary by year and may carry limitations. The DLPAA will provide regular information on available benefits and instructions on how to redeem.

8 10| |DELTA DELTALAMBDA LAMBDAPHI PHISOCIAL SOCIALFRATERNITY FRATERNITY

NEW GRADUATE

$25

TAKE THE FIRST STEP IN YOUR JOURNEY AS AN ALUMNUS. ENJOY BENEFITS OF AN ANNUAL MEMBER FOR ONLY $25 YOUR FIRST YEAR.

ANNUAL

$50 ANNUAL MEMBERS ALLOW THE PROGRAMS OF THE DLPAA TO FLOURISH WHILE ENJOYING THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP.

LIFETIME

$750 BROTHERHOOD IS A LIFELONG JOURNEY. MAKE THE COMMITMENT AND ENJOY BENEFITS FOR REST OF YOUR LIFE.

AT YOUR SERVICE

By choosing to join the DLPAA, you are investing in programs that help provide an unrivaled alumni experience for our alumni and support our active members, while providing you worthwhile incentives.

CREATING AN UNRIVALED ALUMNI EXPERIENCE

Bryan Guffey President, Chair Alpha Psi Chapter

Miles Brainard Clerk Beta Lambda Fort Dodge, IN

Armando Huipe At-Large Member Gamma Los Angeles, CA

Troy Hoffman At-Large Member Alpha Epsilon Elkridge, MD Eric Van Sant At-Large Member Alpha Psi Akron, OH Ben Sokoloff Vice-Chair Chi Portland, OR

Orie GIvens At-Large Member Alpha Sigma New York City, NY

Julian Casillas Chief Alumni Services Officer Beta Tau San Francisco, CA

Zach Ozbun Director of Alumni Engagement Beta Mu Kansas City, MO

Lenny Haas At-Large Member Beta Sigma Hillsborough, NJ

Nolan Petersen At-Large Member Gamma Gamma Iowa City, IA

Randy Jose Alumni Outreach Coordinator Iota Sacramento, CA

Jordan Cardoza Director of Alumni Outreach Iota Sacramento, CA

Alejandro Torroella DLPAA Stewardship Coordinator Beta Psi Melbourne, FL

Alumni Services is currently looking for personable, organized, and passionate alumni to serve as LAA Coordinators.

If you, or someone you know, is interested, please contact Julian Casillas at julian.casillas@dlp.org.

Armando Sanchez Alumni Engagement Coordinator Beta Rho Houston, TX

DLP.ORG | 11

ASK & YOU SHALL RECEIVE

By Br. Adam Conrad

As a relatively young Brother - one of the first classes to experience policy governance - I’ve seen a fair bit in my time. From a wee little Colonist with big dreams about this the future of my one-day Chapter, to an alumnus with a vision for the entire organization, I have always been looking for what will take us over the next hurdle; to get us passed the next bump in the road. I think I found what I was looking for right in front of me - I just had to ask.

When I was hired and came onboard as the Eastern Regional Director, I came in knowing two

LIFETIME OF SERVICE

things to be true: The East was down, but definitely not out; and there are always those willing to help. With these two things in mind, when we were confronted with lower than expected regional conference turnout and dwindling regional cohesion, I decided it was time to try something new. So we asked.

We asked why people wanted to go to conference. Why they didn’t want to go to conference. What was standing in their way to going to Conference. What they wanted to see at conference. What did our chapters need help with. Where can they go to for advice and help.

Why are there some people who we never see at Conference or Convention.

What are some stories from the early days of the organization.

Why does the third verse have a different rhythm, anyway.

Slowly, but surely, we started to get answers.

Some answers were great. Some felt like a Cont’d pg. 13

By Br. Timothy Tank

Delta Lambda Phi is a unique and special organization full of men and people of a significant quality caliber. One of the numerous things about Delta Lambda Phi that makes our fraternity and brothers magnificent is our vision that brotherhood truly is a ‘lifelong journey’. The traditional alumni ceremony doesn’t signal the end of our fraternal experience; it is the beginning of numerous more opportunities and experiences. Many brothers have stepped up to the plate in continuing their dedication to Delta Lambda Phi and its brothers. We should all take the time every once in a while to thank our brothers who work hard at making sure DLP continues to be in existence for our brothers who wanted a traditional college experience, a safe place for LGBTQ+ individuals, or most importantly, a family. Say a thank you to a Board of Directors member, a Fraternity Office member, a colony mentor.

12 | DELTA LAMBDA PHI SOCIAL FRATERNITY

Thank the brothers who put in countless hours of volunteer work outside of balancing their careers, personal lives, and their own wants and goals for the sake of our brotherhood. We’d like to highlight some of the Board of Directors members who have started their “Lifetime of Service” to this organization in this edition of Centaur’s Yell.

Phil Hernandez has been an initiated brother for ten years now, and started his experience back in 2004 as a founding member of Beta Lambda at Iowa State University. He has served as Eastern Regional Governor, a Colony Mentor, a Chapter Advisor, and has served on the Board not only currently, but prior to the reorganization as well. In addition to serving DLP, Phil says his most rewarding service experience was serving as site leader for MLK Day of service at Johnson & Wales University. Cont’d pg. 13

punch in the gut. Some answers led to way more information than we really needed to know.

So as I sit reflecting on the past year - a wee little Colonist at heart with big dreams and high hopes - I wonder how we are going to get up the next And then one answer gave us our next step hill. I think about the people who never showed eight active Brothers who really wanted to attend up from the beginning. About the people who Conference but couldn’t afford it. These answers showed up and then intentionally stopped led to more asking and then more asking until showing up for one reason or finally we were able to get four of the another. About the people who will eight to Providence, RI for the read this, and it be their first weekend. Br. Lee Anderzejewski of “If you’re reading, interaction with the organization in Delta Chapter was awarded Alumnus I’m asking: help a years.

Brother of the Year for being the first Brother out?” person to step up and offer to pay for I have four actives trying to get to one Brother’s airfare; and Br. Hung Austin, TX for Convention this year.

Nguyen of Xi Chapter deserves an The Tim Ortyl Travel Assistance and honorable mention for paying for the hotel for David L. West Convention Funds could both use them during Conference. As we were celebrating some refilling. Convention seats could use some in near tears for being able to accomplish more attention, too. Their are some loose threads in than we thought possible at the outset, we were our multi-faceted history that could use to tying ecstatic to hear that the Local Alumni Association up - I absolutely love DLP Story Time. of Massachusetts Bay was willing to sponsor hors Reach out to your local chapter or consider making a d’oeuvres for the welcome reception. donation to one of the DLPAA Funding Programs used to support brothers who wish to attend fraternity-wide events. www.dlp.org/alumni/giving

“It was rewarding for the reasons of leading a Logan Meyer is also one of our newest Alumni group of students from all walks of campus life to -at-Large. Logan stepped up to the plate after the support the Special Olympics in Denver. The traditional start of the traditional term year to fill group of students had to step out of an emergency vacancy on the their comfort zone in a matter of “I work to ensure Board. With six years in the hours to accomplish various tasks and fraternity, Logan has proven his that DLP stays it was certainly rewarding to witness lifetime of service as their appreciation for the amount of Programming Coordinator, around to help good service to others can achieve.”

Central Regional Coordinator, LAA save someone Coordinator, and now the Board Bryan Walton is one of the Board’s of Directors. Logan says he likes to newest Alumni-at-Large members and else just as it was help DLP where he can, including chairs the Ritual, Symbols, & Traditions around to help but not limited to the Heartland Committee.

His brotherhood LAA and his local chapters. save me.” experience started in the Fall of 2000.

Bryan has served his own chapter as Always feel free to reach out to Vice President and was also Western Regional other Leadership Team volunteers and listen to Interest Group Director. Bryan continues to serve their stories, thank them, and find out how you Delta Lambda Phi in order to give back what was can get involved in the future or even present to so freely and abundantly given to him. start or continue your own lifetime of service.

DLP.ORG | 13

Why You Need A Mentor Before You Graduate

Br. John Sporing

Whether you are graduating this year, just starting your college career, or already in the workplace, it is not too late to begin a mentoring relationship. By joining DLP, you entered into a mentoring relationship whether or not you recognize it as such. When you joined, you gained a big brother who mentored you through the initiation processes and introduced you others in the chapter. He probably introduced you to his big brother and gave you the opportunity to meet other members and alumni.

But despite what many people think you need more than one mentor in your life. These mentors, some people call them a Personal Board of Directors, can help you navigate the challenges that life will bring you. What can a personal board help you with? Here are five ways that a personal board can help you?

Provide a Perspective on the Workplace

Meet New People

Learn New Skills

Gain Self-Confidence

Talk Candidly and Receive Honest Feedback

In the next issue, I will discuss ways to find good mentors, not just someone who tells you what you should be doing. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at John@JohnSporing.com

You're in school and picked your major for some reason. Have you ever spoken to someone who actually works in the field that you have picked? By having a mentor in a field that you are interested, you can ask questions about the everyday, the unusual, and what it takes to be successful. Having mentors in various fields can help you understand the path you would like your career to take.

A good mentor will challenge the way you do tasks and the way you think. This does not mean that the mentor is right, they are just trying to get you to understand the reasoning behind what you are doing/thinking. This gives you the opportunity to provide reasoning to a person who is there to help you.

Once you feel comfortable defending your positions to your mentor, you will be able to defend them in front of others.

One of the great takeaways from college, is the opportunity to meet others from all walks of life. Within the brotherhood you will meet people from all across the world, from different races, different incomes, and different ages. Take the opportunity to meet others at your University.

Take the opportunity to meet alumni (both within DLP and your school). A diversity of friends and mentors will make you a more rounded person and able to accept the challenges that lay ahead and will help you enjoy your experiences more.

Sometimes you need to talk through a problem at your work, but do not want to talk to your boss or a coworker. This is a perfect opportunity to reach out to a mentor and bounce some ideas off of them. A good mentor will not tell you what to do, but will listen and offer suggestions and give you honest feedback and an outside view of how things may play out.

Having different mentors can lead to you learning new skills. Some of these skills may help you become more successful in the workplace, some will help you get the most out of your life.

Whether a new mentor can teach you how to cook a meal from a different cuisine or program a computer, these skills will be useful in the future. From these types of skills, you learn how to work with others, learn from a different culture, learn how to incorporate technology into your life, and learn how to live your life to the fullest.

John Sporing is an alumnus of the Alpha Chapter, Eta class. He has been involved in teaching mentoring for over a decade. He is a mentor to many, and still has many mentors of his own. He is the owner of JohnSporing.com, a consultancy that specializes in Leadership Development, Mentoring, and Networking.

Active Brothers & Alumni are welcome to apply to the Lambda Mentors Program at dlp.org/alumni

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Committed In Service Br. Kris Borders // Iota Chapter “Giving back to DLP has been a very rewarding experience. As an active alumnus, I have served in many capacities in fraternity leadership both in my home chapter and at levels of the greater organization.

Volunteering my time and talents to this brother-hood helps me know that we will continue to survive and thrive and that I did my part to contribute to our aims and goals.

Consider serving our fraternity in an array if positions available below.

Please contact appropriate person for details and requirements.

Board of Directors Br. Kris Borders accepts the Alumnus Advisor of the Year Award at WRC in Los Angeles. Picture L to R Br. Cory Molner, Br. Andrew Hogan & Br. Kris Borders.

I find this fulfilling on both personal and professional levels, as I have continued to grow my skill inventory in many areas as a direct result of giving back to this fraternity. I can see where my actions have been impactful. I know that what I have done has made a difference. There isn't much more I could ask for than the satisfaction of knowing that I did something meaningful for my brothers. “

Br. Zach Ozbun // Beta Nu Chapter “I have realized that being an active brother was really only a small part of joining the brotherhood of ΔΛΦ. As an alumnus, I have had the privilege of serving as the President of an LAA, serve as a Colony Mentor, and began working for Alumni Services. I can attest that I have easily done more with DLP as an alumnus than as an active brother.

Br. Zach Ozbun (L), and Br. Julian Casillas (R) , enjoying their time during brunch at White & Gold Weekend in Las Vegas NV.

ALUMNI WANTED

There are so many opportunities to give back to our organization. Not only is giving back the right thing to do for an organization that has given

me so much, but it is also a way for me to continue sharing my talents and skills for the betterment of the brotherhood. Most importantly, I firmly believe that giving back to DLP has given me the chance to continue learning and growing as a person.”

Br. Julian Casillas // Beta Tau Chapter “I honestly can't imagine not spending time supporting DLP because I have been given an opportunity to grow my professional skill set like no other. My work for DLP is in a supportive and engaging environment. The sense of team and challenging each other to do better is something that I love carrying though other aspects of my life. Most importantly, I've been able to build a personal support system that has helped me in times of crisis.

I believe two things stay true when it comes to pledging this brotherhood that continue throughout your alumni years ,1.) you receive ten fold back in what you give 2.) you're only alone if you choose to be. I'm looking forward to continuing to support our mission and motivate others to do the same.”

Trustee (three year term) Two Alumnus At-Large Members (three year term) Two Active At-Large Members (one-year term) Regional Steering Committee Chairman (all three regions) Email chris.newman@dlp.org for more information.

DLPAA Executive Board At Large Members (3) Email bryan.guffey@dlp.org for more information.

Fraternity Office Eastern Regional Coordinator Central Regional Coordinator

LAA Coordinator (2) Health & Wellness Coordinator Design Specialist Director of Human Resources Director of Accounting Risk Management Coordinator Email michael.davis@dlp.org for more information.

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#deltalambd

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daphi

zenvirtue

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Delphi Pictured Delta Force Leadership Academy Zeta Class at Camp Ohio January 15-18, 2016

Delphi Foundation Serves the Fraternity

By Br. Marshall Smith President, Delphi Foundation

As we enjoy the summer and look toward our new year with the fall return to school, the Delphi Foundation is constantly working to provide the services and programs which will help the fraternity grow and expand the educational opportunities for our brothers and chapters. Through our Delta Force Leadership Development programs to our annual Academic Scholarships, Delphi provides support to our individual members to expand their knowledge and experiences and build better leaders for tomorrow. In addition to our support for individuals, Delphi is also here to support chapters as well.

We serve the chapters by providing a conduit for taxdeductible charitable donations which are held for the exclusive use of your chapter. You chapter can hold a fundraising event, and if there is a business or individual that requires a charitable organization or tax deduction in order to make their donation then we can use the Delphi Foundation for that purpose.

When they send the donation to Delphi, we will set it aside and hold it for the exclusive use of your chapter.

Your chapter can use this money for just about any purpose that can be supported by Delphi, which is a pretty wide-ranging set of options.

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If your chapter would like to send more brothers to regional conferences, you can use these funds to cover costs to attend those regional conferences. You could also promote your own educational and outreach events around your campus or town, bring in a speaker for an event, coordinate a team-building activity for your chapter or leadership team, and many other uses.

Our goal is to serve you in achieving your goals and make this as easy as possible, providing you with a way that these individuals and businesses can contribute to your chapter. For more information about raising and using these funds that have been encumbered for your chapter, please see our website: http://dlp.org/delphi/ We're here from the Delphi Foundation to serve you and help each chapter and individual grown into the best Lambda Man they can be. From leadership development to financial support, we're here to support and educate as many brothers as possible and to help you achieve your goals. Please let us know how we can serve you, and we're happy to help. You can always reach us at delphi@dlp.org, or contact any member of the board individually.

HEARTLAND LOCAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION:

Giving Back in Kansas City

By Br. Zach Ozbun

1. Kansas City Care Clinic Volunteering 2. AIDS Walk Pub Crawl 2016 3. AIDS Walk KC 2016

Lambda Men have been making their presence known around Kansas City for over a decade. Delta Lambda Phi has opened chapters at many universities within a few hours of Kansas City, including the University of Kansas, Iowa State University, and Missouri University of Science & Technology. However, as these chapters flourished, there was still no official group of Lambda Men within Kansas City.

That all changed in 2013 when the Alumni Affairs Committee approved the LAA Application for Heartland Alumni Association.

“From the beginning, our goal was to build upon DLP’s three purposes”, stated Jeffrey Hart, Heartland Alumni Association’s President. “We wanted to build a social network for brothers and alumni in Kansas City, help support chapters in the area, and help organize events for alumni to continue giving back to the community.”

The Association hit the ground running, quickly organizing social, service, and recreational activities for Lambda Men in Kansas City.

They worked to make their presence known with active brothers by attending rituals and other events hosted by area chapters. Heartland LAA advertised and marketed both area chapter and alumni events in a newsletter published quarterly. The group’s hard work paid off and they were named the LAA of the Year at convention in Minneapolis that summer.

“Many of the events we do in the community have become annual events for Heartland,” remarked Hart.

“Our members are dedicated to various causes, and we do our best to make giving back fun for everyone.” This April, Heartland LAA wrapped up their third year fundraising for AIDS Walk KC.

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The LAA kicks things off each March by participating in the AIDS Walk Open, a miniature golf themed pubcrawl through the historic Westport district of Kansas City. Participants register in teams of four. This year, Heartland had a record three teams participate in the pub-crawl. To date, Heartland LAA has raised over $3,000 for AIDS Walk KC. Heartland LAA often organizes events for members to complete community service hours.

“Community service is an integral part of our LAA and we are always looking for new ways we can give back in Kansas City,” stated Hart. A reoccurring benefactor is the Kansas City Care Clinic. The clinic is dedicated to providing services for the uninsured, underinsured, and those who may face challenges accessing health care. “ When we first got started, a friend of Heartland’s worked as an outreach coordinator for the Kansas City Care Clinic,” remarked Hart.

“His job was to educate those in the community about practicing safe sex, a job he often had to do at bars in the evenings and on weekends.”

The LAA often donates their time by making condom kits that can be dispersed in the community free of charge.

Each kit also includes contact information for Kansas City Care Clinic, reminding those receiving the kits that access to health care for all is simply a phone call away!

In 2015, Kansas City became home to another group of Lambda Men when the University of MissouriKansas City Colony officially opened. The LAA was quick to step up and volunteer to provide assistance to the colony.

“It is exciting to have a colony here in Kansas City,” Hart said. “Of course we are going to do everything we can as a group to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to succeed in our community.”

Heartland LAA has gone above and beyond though! Seven members of Heartland signed on to be big brothers for the UMKC Colony’s Alpha Class.

They make their presence known at all of the colony’s rituals and events, have invited the colony to participate in alumni-sponsored events like AIDS Walk KC, and partnered with them to complete community service hours at Kansas City Care Clinic.

In addition to the work detailed in this article that Heartland Alumni Association has done to give back to Delta Lambda Phi and the Kansas City community, the LAA often has representation at our regional conferences and convention.

Its members have worked hard to be able to make contributions in the past to both local chapters, and Delphi. The work of Heartland Alumni Association helps to remind us all that giving back to our fraternity is possible, regardless of whether it is done via financial contributions or time, individually or collectively!

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IN MEMORIAM Br. Shane Wang Alpha Delta Chapter Alpha Phi-Camera Class 1997-2016

Shane was an international student from China and a sophomore at the University of California, San Diego.

His Alpha Delta Brothers described him as a "young and very bright individual that inspired others with gracious and calm demeanor, and his continuous fight for trans rights."

"Shane, above all else, was my brother.

My little. Our brother. He met everyone with kindness, laughter, and an adorable accent... He left his mark on me, and I'm sure many others in our chapter. He will forever be my brother and a quintessential example of what it means to be a Lambda Man. May we take this time to remember his everlasting paw print in our hearts as I'm sure we left our own on him. May Brother Wang find his happiness in light, as we continue to burn our lamp bright for him." - Br. Wesley Paláu, Alpha Delta President There will be a memorial gathering for Br. Wang on Monday, January 11th during the lunch hour and again at 5pm at the UC San Diego LGBT Resource Center. UCSD Counseling and SDSU Counseling & Psychological Services are readily available for any grieving Brothers.

The Alpha Delta Chapter has asked us to share one of Br. Wang's favorite quotes, from Captain America, with the Brotherhood: Doesn't matter what the press says. Doesn't matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: the requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world — "No, you move."

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Br. Jordan Powell Beta Omicron Chapter Sigma Ortyl Class 1988-2016

Jordan lived in Bowling Green, OH and was employed by the Wood County Board of DD and Woodlane Residential. He was a proud alum of Delta Lambda Phi and often attended many Fraternity events.

"Jordan had such a strong passion for DLP and building brotherhood with whomever he met. He stopped at as many chapters as possible during a cross -country trip from Ohio to Colorado just to meet more Brothers. I will never forget the few times that we had dinner together before he had to go to work and all of the life conversations that we had over a good meal and drink, as well as all of the laughs. I will miss him greatly, as will all of the Brothers whose lives he touched." Br. Andrew Hyclak, Beta Omicron Alum One of Jordan's posts, an outlook on life, has been circulating online: “I think the trick to understanding the world is to realize you’re just one of the 7 billion people alive who all have unique experiences and perspectives. Most things are pretty relative, there are few absolutes. So spend your life listening and learning. Surround yourself with people who challenge you and help you grow. Accept that you can’t know everything and thus, aren’t always right.

Being ignorant isn’t a bad thing, it’s an opportunity to learn. Accept your weaknesses but don’t be coy about your strengths. We all have something to teach each other. Figure out what that is instead of focusing on the things you don’t agree on. Be kind. Be respectful. Be empathetic. Be honest. Be accountable. You’ll do just fine.”

The memory and legacy of Br. Shane Wang and Br. Jordan Powell will live on forever in our Alpha Omega Chapter. We invite you to leave testimonials and memories of our brothers in the Alpha Omega space on Confluence.

Johnny: [Laughter] Yeah, so, I did find your questions fun BUT I can’t relate. I don’t…I can’t name a show. I don’t watch shows because I’m afraid that if I start I will have to binge watch them. So it’s something I avoid. I am an avid reader though. I read usually up to 5 books at a time. Most recently, since January I’ve read, Between the World and Me by TaNehisi Coates, Frank by Barney Frank and The Price of Inequality by Joseph Stiglitz… I love to read.

Julian: Fantastic. That’s very true to yourself. Are there any songs that keep you going?

Johnny: I don’t have an iTunes. I think someone downloaded Spotify on my phone once… I know, I’m not, these things sort of go over my head [chuckle] ...

I like Whitney Houston. I think?

Julian: Are there any shows you’ve attended recently? Concerts? Things you’ve done for personal pleasure or amusement?

Johnny: That’s a good question. [pause] The inability to answer this question immediately is sort of providing a reality check right now… but come to think of it.

Actually, on Easter, come to think of it, I couldn’t do any politicking… which I was so happy about I couldn’t make any calls even if I wanted to. There were NO events other than be with one’s family. I went to the aquarium in Long Island with my family, baby cousin, who loved it, we had a terrific time. I really treasure those moments when I am not worrying about anything but being with people that you love.

Julian: Glad to hear that you gave yourself that time, or, you didn’t have much of a choice? Right? [laughter] Johnny: I took that time, no, I was very happy to take that time. [Laughter] Julian: Best vacation destination so far?

Johnny: I’m going to definitely want one when this is over. I find myself in Arizona more frequently than more people…. Some of it was y my own volition, some of them were a series of events that made me go to Arizona. I had to live out there for some time, but the point is I’ve been to Arizona like three or four times in the past two to three year. When I’m there I spend my time with the Omega chapter down in Tucson. So if there is every a great vacation to go somewhere that’s warm, where there is plenty of outdoor things to do, and somewhere where there are plenty of brothers who will show you a good time, go to Arizona.

To follow John De Vito and his campaign visit www.facebook.com/DeVitoForSenate.

Now accepting contributions & ads for the Centaur’s Yell!

For more information visit www.dlp.org/alumni/centaurs-yell or email julian.casillas@dlp.org

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The Celebration Begins Convention 2016