Spring 2015 Carnation

Delta Sigma Phi | Spring 2015

Delta Sigma Phi Convention Takes New Orleans Career Achievement Award Winners Members Bike/Race Cross-Country For Cancer Research

dream a father’s legacy, a son’s

Alumnus uses flying to heal, serve others

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Brothers, Parents & Friends of Delta Sigma Phi, LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Brothers and Friends of Delta Sigma Phi, As Grand Council President, I have had the honor of meeting Delta Sigs from all over the country as I travel to collegiate chapters, attend alumni events, speak at Fraternity programs like Presidents’ Academy, and read the responses to my monthly emails. One of my favorite things is to find out why each man I meet loves Delta Sigma Phi. As brothers, we are bonded in the Fraternity’s shared values, mission, history and our Ritual experience. But each of us has our own story to tell. Why I joined is different than why you joined. Our experiences are different, too. That’s the beauty of Delta Sigma Phi. We have so many stories to share, and despite our differences, we can all relate to one another.

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In this issue of The Carnation, we will share some of these great stories with you. You will read about brothers will travel by bike or on foot across the country to raise money for cancer research. You will have the opportunity to learn about our growing volunteer Commissioner program. You will hear from two men who have attended Delta Sig Conventions for more than 50 years.

We will also share stories of our Fraternity’s progress. We will celebrate the five outstanding chapters that were chartered or re-chartered in the fall of 2014.

We will also give you a candid look at our recent chapter closings. These stories are to be used as cautionary notes of what happens when our chapters fail to provide a positive, well-rounded membership experience emphasizing the Delta Sig ideals of Courage, Action and Excellence. It is the responsibility of all of us to uphold the values and expectations of Delta Sig and what it means to be a fraternity man.

I want to thank those of you who have granted interviews to our Communications Department at Headquarters and to our volunteer writers. Publications like The Carnation and The Pearl (the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation’s newsletter) would not be possible without our brothers sharing their story.

Those who share others’ stories deserve thanks, too. We very much appreciate each and every one of you who shoot us a short email, text or call to let us know about an award someone has won or a chapter’s good deed.

We each have a story to tell. I encourage you to share them with us, whether it is your own story or that of another Delta Sig. The only way we can spread the news of your outstanding accomplishments is if you tell us about it! Please reach out to our communications team at communications@deltasig.org with your good news!

YITBOS,

Tom Cycyota, University of Illinois ‘77 Grand Council National President

Contents

CARNATION THE

Volume 108, Issue 1

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A Father’s Legacy, A Son’s Dream

Editor Brian Brooks, Missouri ’64 Contributing Writers Jennifer Graham Clark Ceillie Simkiss Cory Collins, Transylvania University ’10 Marco Galvan, University of Texas ’10 Logan Lanier, Western Carolina University ’14 Tim Moungey, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse ’06 Loren Mall, Kansas State University ’58 Art Director Shelle Design Incorporated

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Convention Preview

Address publication materials and correspondence with national office to: Delta Sigma Phi 2960 N. Meridian Street P.O. Box 88507 Indianapolis, IN 46208 317.634.1899 FAX: 317.634.1410 E-mail: communications@deltasig.org Web: www.deltasig.org THE CARNATION OF DELTA SIGMA PHI (USPS 091-020), official publication of Delta Sigma Phi, 2960 N. Meridian Street, P.O. Box 88507, Indianapolis, IN 46208, is published semiannually. Publication postage paid at Indianapolis, IN and additional mailing offices.

39 4K For Cancer

Copyright 2015 by the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity; 2960 N. Meridian Street, P.O. Box 88507, Indianapolis, IN 46208. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the copyright owner.

THE CARNATION® and Delta Sigma Phi® are registered trademarks of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc.

DEPARTMENTS 2 Letter from the President 5 Pause for Applause 6 Delta Sigs in the Military 10 Commissioner Program 16 New Chapter Development

Postmaster: Send address changes to THE CARNATION OF DELTA SIGMA PHI, 2960 N. Meridian Street, P.O. Box 88507, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Subscription price to non-membersis $8 per year. Single copies $3.

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Career Achievement Fraternity Giving DeltaGraphs Bond Eternal

/DeltaSigmaPhiHQ @DeltaSigmaPhiHQ @DeltaSigmaPhi

Mission: The Carnation is a lifestyle magazine meant to entertain, educate and inspire the members of Delta Sigma Phi to become better men and lead better lives, while also educating and entertaining other readers who may not be members.

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Tech Talk

techtalk Social media is a great way to stay in touch with Delta Sigma Phi. Follow us on Twitter at @DeltaSigmaPhiHQ and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/DeltaSigmaPhiHQ) to keep up-to-date with the triumphs and happenings of Delta Sig, as well as to interact with the National Fraternity and one another.

What’s your favorite memory from a past Convention? For those who will make the pilgrimage for the first time this July, what are you looking forward to the most?

JARED BRITTON, MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY ’12 “The pilgrimage is a MUST!!!! It was so cool to meet and make friends with some amazing guys from around the country!”

Join the Conversation!

“Like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/ DeltaSigmaPhiHQ, follow us on Instagram @DeltaSigmaPhi and and follow us on Twitter @DeltaSigmaPhiHQ for JIM KNOLL, your chance to have

SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY ’83 your name appear “This will be my 13th. The Centennial Convention was in this section.

great, but I think 2009 when Scott Wiley announced my chapter’s charter had been approved was the best moment. The emotion in the room was MASON powerful. Fifteen years after closing my chapter, RENSCH, I got the opportunity to present a new charter SOUTH DAKOTA to an outstanding group of men. Looking SCHOOL OF MINES & forward to seeing many old and TECHNOLOGY ’13 “I went to

new friends in NOLA!” the last Convention in Phoenix. My favorite memory was meeting Brother Michael Wims and learning more about our Fraternity. I now know things that brothers at SCOTT RAKOWSKI, CALIFORNIA my chapter had no idea about. I’m trying to STATE UNIVERSITY, EAST BAY ’10 save up some money to come down “I can’t wait to see all my brothers from different to New Orleans!”

chapters from around the country. Also [I can’t wait] to take the final pilgrimage journey and learn the final 5 percent of our history.”

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Pause for Applause ALUMNI

DELTA SIGMA PHI LIBRARY

B rad Sullivan, Transylvania University ’99, was appointed to Vice President of ICAP Energy.

Steve Hayes, Duke University ’79, was recognized for his long-time service to the Texas Chapter Special Olympics.

Krishna Subramanian, University of California, Davis ’99, started a new company, Captiv8.

Bill Cronin, Michigan State University ’84, was selected as Economic Development Director for the City of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Austin Farr, Georgia College ’09, was named Rookie of the Year for 2014 by his employer, Workday, Inc.

SINGER/SONGWRITER Chris Puckett, East Carolina University ’13

UNDERGRADUATES Henderson, Transylvania ’15, received Transylvania’s Outstanding JT Fraternity New Member Award.

K evin Moore, Transylvania ’13, received Transylvania’s Servant Leadership Award.

W ill Stubbs, Georgia College ’14, was named Homecoming Duke for Georgia College.

CHAPTERS

Alpha Eta at Ohio Northern University hosted its Polar Plunge event and raised $2,200 for the Red Cross.

Alpha Mu at University of Virginia had the largest new member class on campus for spring 2015.

B eta Mu at Transylvania University was named Chapter of the Year and received the Academic Excellence and the Involvement awards at Transylvania’s Greek Awards.

Epsilon Delta at University of Wisconsin-Platteville received the Platteville Chamber of Commerce’s Junior Community Spirit Award.

Epsilon Phi at East Carolina University had the highest fraternity GPA on campus for fall 2014.

Eta Chi at New Mexico State University had the highest fraternity GPA on campus for fall 2014.

FOUNDATION The 2nd Annual Bracket Madness Winners have been announced!

1st Place: Matt Sparling, Indiana University ’13 2nd Place: Frank Nigro, Gannon University ’15 3rd Place: Matt Wagner, Kansas State University ’03, Jason Gamble, Cleveland State University ’06, Santiago Realmo, Millikin University ’15 and Kelley Tuley

ALBUM “Palindrome” GENRE Indie Alternative SOUNDS SIMILAR TO John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews WHERE TO BUY chrispuckett.bandcamp. com, soundcloud.com/ notchrispocket ABOUT THE ALBUM “Palindrome” is the result of 18 months of songwriting, recording and editing by Chris Puckett and his friends. Recorded mainly in his apartment in Greenville, North Carolina, “Palindrome” is a concept album about a girl for whom the first and last songs are written. The four tracks in between represent the other girls he fell for throughout his time knowing her. Puckett’s drive to release this EP was not only to help him to launch his music career, but is also to honor the woman for whom “Palindrome” was composed. Puckett plays all instruments on the record except for drums, which were recorded by his friend Niraj Singh.

Another friend, Matt Batson, recorded and edited each track.

ABOUT THE MUSICIAN Chris Puckett is an undergraduate brother of Epsilon Phi Chapter at East Carolina University.

Puckett is currently studying the arts of jazz and classical music on the double bass. Aside from the school of music, he is also pursuing a singer/ songwriter career with his own original material.

He would like to personally thank his brothers from EΦ for their support and the confidence they have helped him develop.

Do you have an item to submit for Pause for Applause or the Delta Sig Library? Please email us at communications@deltasig.org.

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Delta Sigs in the Military

For years, this publication tracked our brothers who either volunteered or were drafted into military service. As a National to those who fought for their country. In each issue we will continue to highlight brothers who have served. Tell us your sto

Why did you enlist?

Well, I didn’t enlist in my current position—I am a commissioned officer. While in college, I did enlist (as a private) in the Kansas Army National Guard, but through the R.O.T.C. program at Kansas State University, I earned my commission as a second lieutenant in May of 1994. But, for both my earlier enlistment and my commissioning source, I entered the U.S. Army to primarily serve my nation. I was raised in western Kansas around multiple veterans from World War I, World War II, Korea and the Vietnam era and always held their service in high esteem.

Why do you continue to serve?

I continue to serve after over 21 years of combined enlisted and commissioned service for the same reason [I joined]— service to the nation. I believe I still have the ability to contribute. I enjoy the multiple tours of duty and locations that the Army has taken me. I believe the military is a central aspect to my family’s and the nation’s security, and I want to honor those who have fallen in the service of the nation, several of which served with me.

J LT. COL. (PROMOTABLE)* JOHN HIGHFILL, KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY ‘89 G3 FOR TASK FORCE 51 AT U.S. ARMY NORTH (ARNOTH), FORT SAM HUSTON (SAN ANTONIO, TX), U.S. ARMY What is a G3?

The G3 is the senior operations officer of an organization that prepares future places for the organization, gives guidance on current operations to the staff and subordinate units, and is the key contributor to the military decision making process for the commander of the unit.

What is Task Force 51?

It’s the deployable headquarters responsible for the Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) missions in the United States. DSCA entails homeland security/homeland defense tasks to support federal, state and local agencies during emergencies, incidents or disasters in the United States.

Unlike my previous jobs, which took me overseas to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan to support the Global War on Terror, this job is focused on the homeland.

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What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your time in the Army?

Common vision for any organization is key, but it must be based on values and morals that are common to all.

Teamwork [is needed] to get the mission done, but leadership is essentiall. It brings the vision and teamwork together to accomplish goals. Understanding all of them is what makes the Army work: vision, teamwork, leadership, mission.

How does your membership in Delta Sig affect your role in the armed forces or how do they relate?

Well, Delta Sig did have some impact—focus on teamwork and leadership skills where there, but it is really the individuals who affect you, who can drive you to do better.

At the time of interview, Lt. Col. Highfill was a Lt. Col. (Promotable) which means that he had been selected to become a full-bird colonel with a ‘pin-on’ date later in the year.

Fraternity, we take tremendous pride in the work our brothers do for the world and would like to extend a special thanks ory or provide the name of a brother or brothers who have served by emailing us at communications@deltasig.org.

J AVIATION FIRST LIEUTENANT, ROBERT FERRAINOLO, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH ‘02 PLATOON LEADER FOR 1ST FLIGHT, CHARLIE COMPANY, 3-158TH ASSAULT HELICOPTER BATTALION, 12TH COMBAT AVIATION BRIGADE, U.S. ARMY What does your position entail?

My flight is one of two flights in Charlie company that provide rotary wing support to units across the entire United States Army Europe theater of operation. We utilize the UH-60L Blackhawk helicopter to perform missions that include fast rope insertions, paradrops, helocasts and traditional air assault insertions. We also move everything from soldiers to spare parts to every corner of our area of responsibility. My duty as platoon leader is to ensure that the platoon has everything we need to accomplish our mission. This can include, but is not limited to, coordinating mission support with and from outside agencies and units, supervising maintenance operations, developing flight training plans, and the administrative maintenance of the platoon.

Why did you enlist?

I first enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1999 between my junior and senior year of high school. My father and grandfather had both served, and the day a recruiter came knocking on my door, it just seemed like the right thing to do. I started off as an E1 (Private) but planned from the very beginning to go to college and eventually become an officer.

After a few years at the University of Pittsburgh and one deployment in the Reserves, I needed a break. I joined the Active Army in 2006 and deployed to Iraq in 2007 as part on the 3rd Infantry Division. In 2010, I started ROTC at the University of Maryland and commissioned in 2012.

Why do you still continue to serve?

My time in the Army has been rewarding and educational. I serve because I feel it is the right thing to do and because it gives me a sense of purpose. My plan is to stay in the Army for as long as I feel that I have something to offer. Change is a constant in our profession, and I have never found myself bored or without a goal to accomplish.

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your time in the Army?

The biggest thing the Army has taught me is that you need to be adaptable to most any situation. Missions change, environments change, even policy changes, but as long as you are capable of holding on to what you have learned and figuring out how to make that knowledge work for you in each new situation, you will be successful.

How does your membership in Delta Sig affect your role in the armed forces or how do they relate?

I joined Delta Sig when I was in school because I value friendships, and I saw the Fraternity as a way to make and sustain such relationships. The military and the Fraternity are both brotherhoods. They rely on a sense of loyalty and dedication in order to be successful. The brothers I have made through Delta Sig and the brothers I have made through the Army are some of the most valuable people in my life, and I am thankful every day to have them.

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Headquarters

Delta Sigma Phi Closes Door to Taggart, Opens Door to Fairbanks

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// As announced in fall 2014, Delta Sigma Phi moved its headquarters a mere 2 miles north of it’s home of more than 20 years, Taggart Mansion.

Dec. 2, 2014 marked a new chapter in Delta Sigma Phi history—the Fraternity began work at the Fairbanks Mansion.

The building was constructed in 1912. From 1913-1923, Charles Warren Fairbanks (26th vice president of the

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United States, serving under President Theodore Roosevelt) and his wife, Cornelia, resided in the home until they sold it to the Indiana Life Insurance Company.

In the years since, it has served as office space for several Indianapolis-based businesses. The Fraternity is leasing the space.

Until your next trek to Indianapolis to see our new Headquarters, here are a few photos of the Fairbanks Mansion to tide you over.

Above: The front entrance to Fairbanks Mansion. Far Left: Dining area/meeting space on the first floor. Immediate Left: Executive Director Patrick Jessee’s office.

Bottom Left: The Main Hall on the first floor. Below: Painted portraits of Delta Sigma Phi founders on display in the library.

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Volunteer Engagement

Commissioner

Program

BY JENNIFER GRAHAM CLARK

I

n the past year, Delta Sigma Phi has been hard at work to revive and redevelop the Commissioner

Program. While the redevelopment is still in its infancy, it’s making great strides.

The program was developed and formed off of what was known as District Governors program from the 1980s and early ’90s. It was then resurrected and redeveloped as the Commissioner program prior to the 2013 Convention.

The purpose of the program is for the National Fraternity to extend its reach and support to chapters.

“We started under the leadership of Mark Johnson and, eventually, Mark Kipp. Both of them did an exceptional job of jump-starting the program,” Commissioner Jim Rath said. “As we have gained traction across the country, the model has been changed to have the Commissioners report to Brandon Wells, our new Director of Volunteer Engagement, along with the way we have been supported and challenged by the Grand Council. In particular, Jim Knoll and John Knowles have played key roles in the evolution.”

The program’s first initiative was to have 100 percent of chapters with Alumni Corporation Boards by Convention 2013. While the goal was met, not all of the ACBs were fully functioning—some were solely on paper.

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As the program continues to move forward, the goals for this upcoming Convention are to have stronger ACBs as well as Collegiate Chapter Advisory Boards (CCAB) to serve as mentors to undergraduate chapters.

The CCABs are something new Delta Sigma Phi has developed to be more hands-on with undergraduate chapters. The group consists of a Chapter Advisor, Faculty Advisor, Membership Advisor, Recruitment & Retention Advisor, Finance Advisor, Risk Reduction & Education Advisor. Their main focus is to serve as the primiary level of hands-on volunteer support for the chapter. The role of the ACB is to serve as the incorporating governing body that manages external chapter related areas such as accumulated funds, alumni relations, facilities, and financial expulsions and suspensions.

Having all Regional and Deputy Commissioners positions filled by Convention 2015 is also a goal.

“We have been very slow in getting out of the box because we did not want to have any false starts this time around,” Rath said. It is important that we get this right and offer the support that our alumni volunteers need.

I greatly appreciate the patience shown to me by our alumni volunteers.”

The newly developed Commissioner program will also assign Deputy Commissioners within a region who have direct interaction with one-to-two chapters.

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DO COMMISSIONERS DO? ///////////////

•O versee and evaluate Deputy Commissioners within their respective region •A ssist in the recruitment and training of Deputy Commissioners, Collegiate Chapter Advisors/Advisory Boards, Alumni Corporation Boards and general volunteers as needed •A ssess volunteer support needs of chapters within the region in coordination with Headquarters and Deputy Commissioners • Provide leadership and guidance in the implementation of Vision 2025 and strategic plans within respective regions and at the national level • Assist in setting regional priorities for Deputy Commissioners • Report monthly to Headquarters on the status of the region •A ssist in the coordination of attendance by regional volunteers at national/local events and programs • Attend and/or serve as a facilitator at educational events for the Fraternity and/or Foundation • Engage in the implementation of The LAMP

Volunteer engagement is a key piece to the Fraternity’s goals outlined in Vision 2025. The Commissioner program will help push Delta Sig to meet those metrics.

“The Commissioner program will be measured by how we meet our metrics in our goal to become America’s Leading Fraternity,” Rath said.

For example, one metric outlined in Vision 2025 is that 1,250 alumni volunteers will be trained and engaged. Another includes 50 percent of ACBs developing and using strategic plans. To help achieve these metrics, the Fraternity will host a Volunteer Engagement Academy at the 2015 Convention. Attendees will participate in skill development including effective communication and communication across generations. They will also discuss how to determine and meet chapter needs.

Rath believes the key to Vision 2025 is more volunteers.

“We certainly need more volunteers if we are to become America’s Leading Fraternity by 2025,” he said. “What does it take? It takes an attitude to act locally and think globally. Please join me in volunteering for Delta Sigma Phi. We need your time, talent and treasure.”

Interested in filling a vacant position or learning more about the Commissioner Program and CCABs? Please contact Director of Volunteer Engagement Brandon Wells at wells@deltasig.org or (317) 634-1899 ext 484.

CENTRAL – Tom Seto Martin Cram: Missouri, Missouri S&T, Missouri State Ben Hopper: Kansas State, NW Missouri Paul Mintner: Iowa State, SD School of Mines, Morningside Vacant: Texas, Texas A&M, North Texas, Texas Tech GREAT LAKES – Jim Rath Darren Pierre: Loyola Chicago, Illinois State, Eureka Beau Hanger: Illinois, Millikin Chris DeMartino: Wisc-Oshkosh, MSOE Bucky Boland: Wisc-Platteville, Wisc-La Crosse Vacant: St. Cloud State, Wisc-Eau Claire, Western Illinois, Bradley MID-ATLANTIC – Vacant Tony Blanton: Transylvania, Kentucky Joseph Fletcher: NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke, UNC Greensboro Matt Ferguson: Virginia, Virginia Tech, James Madison Vacant: East Carolina, UNC-Wilmington, Methodist, Western Carolina, Wingate, Appalachian State MOUNTAIN – Alain Balmanno Bryan Blemler: Utah State, Northern Colorado, University of Utah Nicholas Hudson: Idaho, Boise State Vacant: Arizona State, Arizona, New Mexico State NORTHEAST – Vacant Brian Golden: Maryland, Towson, Gallaudet Dominic Catapano: UPenn, Drexel, LaSalle Vacant: Penn State, Franklin & Marshall, Dickinson, Clarkson, SUNY-Oswego, Binghamton, SUNY Plattsburgh, Johnson & Wales, Hartford, Columbia, Rutgers, SUNY-StonyBrook, Thiel, Pittsburgh, Gannon OHIO VALLEY – Bart Ankney Richie Holmes: Rose-Hulman, Indiana State, IUPUI, Indiana Geoff McCuen: Purdue, IU-South Bend Greg Gifford: Ohio State, Miami of Ohio, Wittenberg Vacant: Hillsdale, Michigan State, Albion, Grand Valley State, Ohio Northern, Cleveland State, Case Western Reserve, Eastern Michigan, Michigan, MichiganDearborn, Michigan Tech PACIFIC – Miles Bellamy Thomas Sale: UCLA, Loyola Marymount, Woodbury, CSU-San Bernardino Michael Wycisk: Berkeley, San Jose State, UC-Davis Scott Rich: Washington, Oregon Vacant: CSU-Fresno, Cal Poly SLO SOUTHEAST – Scott Moore Randy Engle: Auburn, Alabama, ULM, UAB Walid Neaz: Georgia Tech, Oglethorpe, Shorter Ben Breuning: Stetson, UCF Arthur Richard: UGA, Georgia Southern, Georgia College, South Carolina-Aiken *Positions current as of May 1, 2015

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Young Alumni Spotlight

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A Father’s

Legacy, A Son’s Dream

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Delta Sig Alumnus Uses Flying to Heal, Honor Father

BY JENNIFER GRAHAM CLARK

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S

ince the day Luke Bishop was born, flying was his life. “I owe the credit of my wings to my dad,”

Bishop, Kansas State University ’11, said. “He had a four seat Cessna Skyhawk longer than I had been alive, and I grew up flying. I would have my rolled up overalls or phone book or whatever to sit on to see out.”

By the age of 2 or 3, Bishop knew he wanted a career in flying. He said there was no question about it.

“It was great,” he said. “I learned instrument flying before visual flying because I couldn’t see out the dash, so I had to use instruments.”

Bishop’s dad flew him around constantly, taking him to fly-in pancake breakfasts and airshows during their many father-son journeys.

By the time Bishop was 15, he was taking official flying lessons.

At 16, he was flying solo. At 17, he earned his private pilot’s license.

Then, it was time for college.

Bishop went to Kansas State to study business because he wanted to get into the corporate flying of business jets.

“I came home every other weekend to go flying and to keep up on my flight ratings and certificates,” he said.

All was right with the world—Bishop was excelling at K-State and was flying every chance he had. But, at the end of his freshman year, his life abruptly changed.

“My dad passed away from a sudden accident,” Bishop said. “I was completely devastated by it.”

After dealing with the initial shock, he broke the news to his chapter brothers. He urged them not to come to the funeral because it was in the middle of finals, and he said he didn’t want to inconvenience anyone. But, for his chapter brothers, it was anything but an inconvenience.

“One of my favorite Delta Sigma Phi memories is walking out of the funeral and looking back, and there were three rows full of the most handsome men in their suits,” Bishop said. “It was like the whole entire Fraternity came during finals week of all weeks, and that was just really special.”

In true Fraternity fashion, the brothers of Kansas State supported Bishop in a time of need. It wouldn’t be the last time, either. “[After my father’s death] I had a lot of self-evaluation to do,” he said. “We always talk about sticking to the sincerity of your purpose, and after getting my viewpoints finalized, I said, ‘You know, I have my commercial pilots license at this point, and I’m ready to go. I’m going to take a leap of faith, get into the flying world now and finish my degree online.’”

Bishop was pretty nervous about breaking the news to his chapter.

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Young Alumni Spotlight “That was a incredibly difficult decision because I While Bishop’s job as a pilot is professionally rewarding, love Kansas State a lot. I love Delta Sig, and I was really it’s also played a major factor in his personal life as well. To worried about what was going to happen with that,” he said. this day, he continues to use flying as a way to help him Without hesitation, his chapter came through for him through the grieving process over the passing of his father. again with their full, unwavering support.

“The day I left the hospital, I went directly to the “The entire house was airport and went for a final thrilled,” Bishop said. “They formation flight, if you will. were just lifting me up with That was a very emotional tons of encouragement. It time,” he said. was incredible.”

Bishop has the amazing So, Bishop packed up opportunity to live out his his belongings and moved dad’s dream: to fly for west. His first job took him a career. to Phoenix, flying a plane “My dad just flew for fun. for a skydiving company.

His dream was to always Next, he got a job with fly for a job; he wanted Eagle Sky Patrol, where he to more than anything,” did surveillance for natural Bishop said. “I think that gas pipelines. He had about it’s a very honest, passed 10,000 miles of pipeline to down dream. It is my fly over monthly. Without dream, and it is his dream.” an aircraft flying low to Bishop, who describes visually inspect every inch his dad as “the greatest of the pipeline, there is a pilot who’s ever lived,” “lot of room for infringetakes pride in his work ment and encroachment.” and believes he’s making Bishop landed his his dad proud. current job flying an air “I think my dad is Bishop stands beside his plane prior to takeoff. ambulance for LifeTeam smiling bigger than he’s in 2014. When he originally ever smiled. I’d like to think applied, he didn’t have the amount of flight time or ratings there are times that it feels as if we’re flying in formation, required. He continued to reach out, and the company even though he’s obviously not there. It’s something I can’t allowed him to do a ride along as a passenger about two really describe, but it’s something I feel every single time I and a half years ago. Every six months or so, he’d update get in the air,” he said. his résumé and resubmit his application.

Bishop now flies his dad’s Cessna. The importance of Finally, Bishop had the amount of flight time it was the aircraft is indescribable for him. The airplane, which is looking for, and Luke was interviewed and hired on the just something to everyone else means everything to Bishop. same day in November 2014.

“That airplane is an inanimate object, and I’m aware that “Basically, it is critical care transport. Our tagline is its just aluminum,” he said, “But its so much more than a ‘saving time, saving lives,’” he said. “We pretty much Cessna Skyhawk to me.” have access to all of western Kansas, eastern Colorado, When the opportunity presents itself, Bishop jumps Oklahoma, and really whoever calls as long as we are in on any chance he has to take people up in the Cessna and the range and the weather looks good.” show them the ropes.

Bishop and the rest of the air ambulance crew often fly “That is the epitome of what aviation is and what it stands to rural and isolated places where people have access to for, continuing to pass the torch on,” he said. “My dad did only one ambulance. that for me, and I want to be able to do that for others as well.”

“A lot of the time, the only way these people have access While Bishop’s dad cannot physically be with his family to hospitals or surgery centers is by aircraft,” he said. anymore, his legacy lives on with each take off and landing Bishop thrives on being a part of something bigger than Bishop makes. The feeling, he says, is indescribable. himself. It takes a pilot, a flight paramedic, a flight nurse “Every time I fly is a sensation of urgency, a rush, a thrill, and ambulance drivers, among other things to successfully a responsibly. There is nothing like having a handful of lives complete a run. Each piece is no bigger than another. in your hands, being able to be responsible for those people “Its such an incredible career,” Bishop said. “It is a and make those decisions they are counting on you to total thrill and is very, very rewarding.” make. There’s nothing more rewarding than that.”

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TOGETHER, WE HELP EACH OTHER DO MORE. Nationwide® is proud to partner with Delta Sigma Phi. You wouldn’t be involved with Delta Sigma Phi if you weren’t passionate about being part of a group that shares your values, but that’s not the only reason you’re proud of being a brother.

Delta Sigma Phi believes in the importance of philanthropy and in playing an active role in your community. Nationwide shares these values, too, and that’s why our partnership works.

To learn more about our partnership, call 1-866-238-1426 or visit nationwide.com/DeltaSig.

Nationwide may make a financial contribution to this organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members or customers. Products Underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies, Columbus, OH 43215. Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies, and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle design are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ©2015 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. AF0-0576AO.1 (01/15)

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New Chapter Development

New Chapter Development Update F

all 2014 was an eventful year for New Chapter Development—a record (in recent years) five chapters were chartered or rechartered in four short months. Starting with this issue of The Carnation, chapters that chartered in the previous semester will be featured.

Completing the metrics for chartering is a lengthy process. Many understand that a new chapter starts with Headquarters staff going to campus and ends with a chartering banquet, but what happens in between is a bit fuzzy. So how does Delta Sig get an invite to a campus and what exactly happens between the initial recruitment and chartering?

“There are a number of reasons why Delta Sig would select an institution for growth,” Nik Koulogeorge, Assistant Director of Fraternity Growth said.

“Many times, our Headquarters reaches out to institutions where we believe our message would resonate well

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with the students.”

In most cases, Delta Sigma Phi submits a proposal that provides an overview of the Fraternity, its programs and growth process. Sometimes an institution knows that it wants Delta Sig to return or colonize and simply exchanges letters of interest with the Fraternity. Other times, institutions are “closed” to fraternity expansion and will not consider acknowledging new chapters until they decide to open for expansion.

“When these institutions do open for expansion, many fraternities submit proposals, and we often need to present to their deciding body in order to win an opportunity to return or colonize,” Koulogeorge said. “We share the unique history of Delta Sig, our bold vision for the future and our ability to create new chapters that excite entire campus communities. Most importantly, the

atypical things our chapters do can oftentimes greatly impact our potential for success.”

There are other aspects to consider when determining what campuses are best for Delta Sig. Some institutions require fraternities to operate out of a chapter facility or at least have a plan to have a facility within a certain amount of years before granting permission to be recognized as a student group; in many cases this is impossible in the short term.

“This is typically a very tough financial burden to overcome unless a chapter has an expansive alumni network or the institution has campusoperated housing available,” Koulogeorge said. “It is especially hard at large institutions where we have no historical presence or no recent presence, as larger public institutions tend to be the ones with such requirements or expectations.

Recently Chartered ( ) • Iota Psi - Indiana University, Jan. 31, 2015* • Zeta Pi - University of Louisiana at Monroe, April 25, 2015* • Theta Upsilon - Texas A&M University, May 2, 2015* * Full chartering article to appear in the Fall 2015 issue of The Carnation.

Established in Spring 2013 • The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

• State University of New York Plattsburgh • Kennesaw State University

Established in Fall 2013 • Alpha Nu - Oglethorpe University

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Established in Spring 2014 • Beta Alpha - Iowa State University • Bradley University

Current New Chapter Development Projects ( ) Those with a Greek-letter designation signify a recolonization

Established in Fall 2014 • Omega - University of Pittsburgh • Alpha Theta - University of Michigan • Eta Chi - New Mexico State University • University of South Carolina Aiken

Established in Fall 2012 • Beta Iota - Wittenberg University** • Appalachian State University (will charter as Iota Lambda)**

Established Spring 2015 • Zeta Nu - Missouri State University • Eta Upsilon - Indiana State University • Theta Sigma - LaSalle University

The Fraternity has ongoing conversations with more than 100 universities at any given time and regularly tracks which ones are open or closed to expansion.

“We tend to focus first on institutions where our chapters have closed,” Koulogeorge said. “We also consider schools in areas where we have many alumni, but not many chapters. Chicago, for example, is home to more than 3,000 Delta Sigs, but just one chapter exists within the city. Unfortunately, most other schools in Chicago are closed to expansion for the time being, but we submit proposals at every opportunity.”

Once Delta Sigma Phi is selected to develop or redevelop a chapter on a campus, the Fraternity has conversations with campus professionals and alumni. This happens long before recruitment actually begins on campus.

“So in the case of alumni, it’s discussing where we’d like to go and how we’ll get there. In the case of campus professionals, we are trying to get an idea of how our group can address a need

and what type of messaging we’ll need to use to recruit the right man at a given institution,” Koulogeorge said.

After conversations wrap up, there is an initial five-week recruitment phase, during which time NCD staff are on-site gathering referrals and extending bids to the Better Men of that campus. As the recruitment phase ends, a Chapter Development (CD) staff member visits campus to assist in placing and training new officers. A chapter retreat is hosted, and alumni and volunteers begin to engage with the new chapter.

From there, the CD staff works very closely with the new chapter to establish bylaws, transition recruitment efforts to the chapter, start planning service and philanthropy events with the Red Cross, etc. CD staff visit in person multiple times each academic year and provide distance coaching on a continual basis.

New chapters work to fulfill the same requirements as active chapters through the Accreditation program. They very quickly begin functioning as a fullfledged chapter.

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Future New Chapter Development Projects ( ) Fall 2015 • Florida International University • Eta Eta - Rochester Institute of Technology • Eta Rho - The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Spring 2016 • Methodist University • University of California, Irvine • Theta Eta - Texas State University ** Approved to charter at the time of printing

For chartering, new chapters must be performing at a high level on Accreditation (Pyramid of Excellence level), as well as demonstrate an ability to recruit and retain membership, fulfill financial obligations, perform academically and demonstrate a commitment to Delta Sigma Phi’s Code of Conduct. They are also asked to submit a strategic plan for continued growth and achievement.

After chartering is approved, the chapter works with local alumni and volunteers, as well as the National Headquarters, to plan a chartering banquet. The banquet is a time to celebrate the founding fathers’ hard work and officially install or reinstall them as an active chapter within the Fraternity.

This process is currently taking place across the nation on a wide variety of campuses as you can see on the robust project lists. Be sure to read the next issue of The Carnation for the latest on Fall 2015 NCD project locations.

SPRING 2015

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Charterings

Beta Psi

BY TIM MAUNGEY, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, LA CROSSE ’06

F

ounded in 1948, the Beta Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Phi at Arizona State University had a long and proud tradition. It was the first national, social fraternity at ASU, with the largest alumni base of any fraternity on campus. Beta Psi also had a strong record of donating to ASU’s Foundation. Clearly, this chapter in the desert was one of the crown jewels of both Arizona State and Delta Sigma Phi. Then, serious issues of risk management and misconduct surfaced. Faced

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CHAPTER

with potentially severe punishment, Delta Sigma Phi Headquarters met with Arizona State in 2010, and agreed to close Beta Psi for two years on the condition the chapter would be allowed to recolonize within a fixed timeline.

Beta Psi Alumni Corporation Board President and Foundation President Mike Hoffman, Arizona State University ’85, emphasized that this course of action was “a collective decision between the university and the Fraternity.”

Yet, having a timeframe for Beta Psi’s recolonization was not enough.

Potential new members who valued Delta Sigma Phi’s tradition of Building Better Men needed to be found. This

process began in fall 2012 with the arrival of Headquarters staff who spent time acclimating themselves to Arizona State’s campus and student population before starting recruitment efforts.

As part of the recruitment drive, the national team gave a presentation on Delta Sigma Phi to seven chapters of the Panhellenic Council to seek out recommendations. It built a large database of names and proceeded to set up a series of interviews to further narrow the list to the best prospective members. By the end of the fall, a final list of a little more than 100 names became the founding class of the new chapter.

Headquarters’ efforts did not stop there. Staff trained the new cohort in how to run meetings and about Delta Sigma Phi’s ceremonial aspects. In short, the national team did yeoman’s work to help the recolonization process.

Hoffman said he had “high regard for the guys from the National Office” in terms of the incredible job they did in assisting the new Beta Psi class.

But of course, with any new endeavor, challenges will inevitably arise. First, there was the natural difficulty of more than 100 new members getting to know one another and the organization of which they just became a part. There was also

an adjustment period in simply going through the process of doing everything for the first time. This was further augmented in spring 2013, when the then-President decided to step down. After consulting with the national office and local alumni on how best to proceed, the new chapter opted to reorganize the executive board. Although the transition caused a delay in the path to chartering, it would ultimately prove beneficial in the long run. Adding to the difficulty was an extended search in finding a new Chapter Advisor after the existing advisor moved to another part of the country.

And yet, despite the tumult, Beta Psi was able to power through.

The new executive board made a concentrated effort that spring and summer to have better and more advanced planning for fall 2013. That hard work culminated in Beta Psi not only becoming one of the largest chapters at Arizona State, but winning Homecoming and establishing a true identity on campus.

Furthermore, Beta Psi was able to be the host chapter of Delta Sigma Phi’s 2013 Convention in Phoenix, where chartering President Nick Sweetman, Arizona State ’12, said, “It was great to see Delta Sigma Phi on a national level” beyond the initial assistance from the national team.

Support also came from Beta Psi’s 2,000-member strong alumni base, which provided sponsorship fees for some new members in addition to mentoring with the new chapter’s leadership team. In the end, Beta Psi officially rechartered on Sept. 27, 2014, and held a banquet to celebrate the event. More than 20 alumni were also on hand to help commemorate the occasion.

As for some of the other specifics that resulted in a successful colonization, Sweetman said, “We had long chapter meetings to ensure everyone had a voice to express their opinion.” He added that focusing on establishing a vision to

chartering and emphasizing community service and individual responsibility also played major roles.

During the chartering process, Beta Psi positioned Delta Sigma Phi as not being like the typical fraternity.

Sweetman also had advice for other new chapters, whether they are being rechartered or brand new. “Get to know each other and Delta Sigma Phi really well,” he said. As part of that, he advised that chapters look at the Fraternity’s Rituals and values to truly understand Delta Sigma Phi’s purpose.

He also suggested setting a standard for how members and the chapter as a whole are to conduct themselves, and build on that standard with programs and activities. By following these guidelines and having accountability, the new chapter can not only be a model for Delta Sigma Phi, but serve as an example to other chapters on campus of how to approach fraternity and sorority life in the right way.

Hoffman articulated the importance of establishing groundwork by making the university a partner in new chapter efforts and noted that though Arizona State has a vast alumni network to build on, even a dedicated group of 20 people can build a successful chapter, provided it has the commitment to see the project through.

Clearly, there is much value in Beta Psi’s story. Its success is the culmination of a multi-faceted alliance and collaboration between the National Fraternity, Arizona State University’s Fraternity and Sorority Life Office, the alumni, and the new members. This tale demonstrates the importance of many people all working together and striving to achieve a goal and a purpose with single-minded commitment and dedication—key takeaways not only for other new chapters, but for Delta Sigma Phi and its members as a whole.

SPRING 2015

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Charterings

Delta Mu

BY CORY COLLINS, TRANSYLVANIA ‘10

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n September 2014, the alumni of Delta Sigma Phi at Loyola Marymount University held their annual barbecue.

On the surface, it seemed simple— another get-together, another chance to reminisce. But for the five dozen alumni in attendance, it meant something more than a reunion.

It represented a new start.

Written in both lined and fresh faces of those present was the story of Delta Mu Chapter. Faces old and new. A Fraternity once old, but new again.

Alumni had convened from graduation classes as far back as 1959.

Upon arriving, they were greeted by new guests, the undergraduate members—the young men who would serve as founding fathers to the new Delta Mu. All of them.

In that dedication, the brothers who had come before saw promise.

“They couldn’t believe how well the undergraduates were involved in this,” Alumni Corporation Board (ACB) President Vincent Lombardo, Loyola Marymount University ’64, said.

The alumni knew then that these undergraduates represented “a very strong group.”

The new members of Delta Mu would have to be strong. Originally

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chartered in 1958, the chapter had been on hiatus since 1994. It returned to a competitive scene in the spring semester of 2013, an LMU campus featuring eight other fraternities. It returned to an era with fraternities under fire, their stereotypes under scrutiny. The new Delta Mu did not have to simply resurrect the past; they had to set themselves apart.

But the new era required great assistance from the Fraternity’s old faces.

Long before the chapter’s closure, Delta Sigma Phi had enjoyed a “top flight reputation” on LMU’s campus, according to Lombardo. From the university’s all-male beginnings, it had been more than the boys in the Fraternity beach house. Members’ GPAs were high, their involvement widespread. During Lombardo’s senior year (1966), when he served as Chapter President, the student body treasurer, secretary, and vice president all belonged to Delta Sigma Phi. It was men of that stock who would eventually help bring the Fraternity back to LMU. A change in administration and philosophy at the university presented an opportunity for expansion.

From the beginning, Lombardo and his fellow alumni led the charge to renew Delta Mu.

CHAPTER “The ACB, made up of 17 alumni, was definitely the backbone of this whole thing,” Lombardo said. The group presented the proposition to the school and the undergraduates. They met monthly, sometimes more, to ensure Delta Sigma Phi returned to LMU. In the university, and in many undergraduates seeking something different, the ACB found a willing audience. Alongside Delta Sigma Phi’s national volunteers and staff, its hands-on approach not only gave the chapter new life, but provided integral support to its new leaders.

“The guys on the ACB were extraordinarily helpful and extraordinarily generous,” Joe Montoya, Loyola Marymount ’13, who served as Delta Mu’s President at chartering, said.

“They gave a lot of their money…but also a lot of their time to help organize things, especially in the first two years of the chapter when it wasn’t a welloiled machine yet.”

In a time when the chapter had to accomplish national Accreditation, meet LMU’s Chapter Standards of Excellence, and learn how to structure its executive board and committees, the experience and involvement of the ACB paid dividends.

According to current President Matthew Pigott, Loyola Marymount ’14,

“Having the alumni there as a presence and helping remind us what needed to be accomplished was certainly a good impetus for getting everything done.”

Lombardo agreed. “You need that alumni support to show the undergraduates that you care,” he said. “That is important.”

The leaders of Delta Mu embodied that sincerity of purpose. The alumni and ACB had set them up. But it was up to the new members of the chapter to set themselves apart.

According to a 2013 report from the Los Angeles Loyolan, LMU decided to expand its fraternity roster because so few of its young men interested in Greek Life were extended bids. There existed a demand for a different fraternity, a more diverse fraternity. Enter Delta Mu and a challenge.

“The biggest obstacle was coming in with zero reputation,” Montoya said.

“You have to sell something brand new, and you also have to sell something that’s going to require a lot more work.”

The new Delta Sigma Phi chapter set itself apart by daring to be something different than the typical fraternity.

In 2013, then-sophomore Zeeshan Kabani, Loyola Marymount ’13, told the Loyolan’s Allison Croley, “We have bonded in the fact that none of us want to stand for what the normal fraternity is,” a sentiment echoed by Pigott.

“I think, honestly, one of the reasons I joined Delta Sig to begin with was the idea that this chapter was really being held to a higher standard than a lot of

other chapters on campus,” Pigott said.

The new Delta Mu also set itself apart with its commitment to diversity.

“The one thing that I thoroughly, thoroughly love about this chapter is that it’s very diverse,” Pigott said. “A lot of the other fraternities are much more cookiecutter. There’s a lot of repetition…We could not be considered cookie-cutter brothers. There’s no longer a single major, [or] ethnicity… that defines us.”

Even from Lombardo’s vantage point, the contrast is stark and impressive. “A lot of the fraternities, the kids come from the same high schools, geographic areas or backgrounds,” he said. “Not the Delta Sigs.”

Perhaps most importantly, the new LMU fraternity set itself apart with strong leadership. Lombardo refers to both Montoya and the newly elected Pigott as “excellent choices” to set the Delta Sig standard. Delta Mu quickly re-earned that top flight reputation on campus.

According to Montoya, the crucial cog of that development was heightened efficiency. Chapter meetings ran more seamlessly as separate committees held separate meetings and encouraged more impassioned involvement. At every level of the chapter, issues got full attention.

The results: multi-disciplinary success.

A 93 percent score from Delta Sigma Phi Headquarters on its Accreditation.

The highest fraternity GPA on campus.

The second-most service hours among any Greek organization, despite having roughly 170 fewer members than the sorority that finished first. And in its

first year participating in the campuswide Lip Sync and Greek Week, Delta Mu Chapter placed second and third, respectively.

According to Lombardo, Delta Mu not only set itself apart from its peers. The Fraternity set itself apart from its forefathers.

“Back in the ’60s, fraternities were viewed as a party organization,” Lombardo said. “The Delta Sigs now are a great group of kids and much more focused, much more orientated toward a brotherhood.”

“We had a great brotherhood back then,” Lombardo admitted. “but not with the fortitude these kids have.”

That fortitude and brotherly bond eventually led the Delta Mu Chapter to its seminal moment. On Nov. 22, 2014, the chartering ceremony made it official: after a 20-year absence, Delta Sigma Phi was back at Loyola Marymount. Two years of setting and meeting standards had finally paid off.

“I’m usually not very emotional about anything like that, but it was basically the culmination of a lot of hard work by my executive board, myself and the chapter,” said Montoya. “So when [Grand Council President] Tom Cycyota handed me the gavel, it meant a lot.”

The young, successful chapter’s secrets to success won’t jump off the page: strong alumni support, diversified perspectives among leadership, a solid relationship with the university. But at the core of all of this, Lombardo says, is something even simpler, something that connects the Fraternity’s old and young members beyond the barbecue: a devotion to brotherhood.

“What we try to explain to them is that there is no difference whether you are a graduate of 2015 or 1959,” Lombardo said. “You are still all brothers. It’s a very important issue to us that we maintain that attitude.

The kids feel that. And I think that’s an integral part of Delta Sigma Phi.”

SPRING 2015

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Charterings

Iota Iota

BY MARCO GALVAN, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ’10

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very chapter has its story. The story that describes how it started, where it is and all the achievements along the way. One chapter has caught the attention of Delta Sigs nationwide with its quick rise to success in the past two years.

Iota Iota Chapter at Case Western Reserve University’s story started in spring 2013. Shortly after all new members were pinned, the new chapter had to quickly get to work, especially with a campus that has such a rich Greek community.

“Case has a pretty big Greek Life presence. About 50 percent of students are Greek and we had, at the time, 14 fraternities; and now we have 16,” Chapter President at the time of chartering Greg Bokar, Case Western Reserve University ’13, said.

As with any new chapter, the group’s initial meeting brought speculation for some of the new members. The new members were asked to join an organization with people they had never met

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CHAPTER

before and asked to establish a brotherhood with them in a matter of months.

“I looked around the room and thought to myself, either I’m going to think back at this and think this wasn’t smart, or one day I’m going to think of these guys as my best friends. And that’s exactly what happened,” Bokar said “It was one of the things that I thought I would never want to do, but I turned it around into something super positive in my life.”

After establishing bonds between their brothers, they also had to find a way to differentiate Delta Sig from 14 other fraternities all while meeting the high standards set by the campus’ students.

“It’s a private institution, so they [students] have high standards for themselves,” Mark Starr, Director of Greek Life at Case Western Reserve University, said. “We expect groups to bring in a new way of doing things on campus.”

Iota Iota worked hard to figure out exactly how it was going to meet this challenge, and it all started with recruitment. Members didn’t only go out looking for guys to join. They

decided to go into recruitment with a strategy.

“It’s interesting because we went into it strategically. We [Case Western Reserve Univeristy] have a fraternity that is literally the entire football team.

You have the swimmer fraternity and a fraternity that calls itself the computer science fraternity. We didn’t like that,” Bokar said.

The members realized they all came from different groups, and this was their initial reason for not joining a fraternity when they first started at Case Western Reserve. They decided it was much more than finding people who fit into one homogenous stereotype. It was about finding people from different places and different social pools. With this mindset, the new chapter went out with the idea of dynamic recruiting and showed it was a fraternity to be watched on campus.

“We had the largest recruiting class out of the 15 fraternities on campus at the time. We had the most diverse group of people,” Bokar said.

This mindset continues a year later as the chapter goes through its

fourth semester of recruitment. To ensure successful recruitment, the chapter passes down its knowledge and best practices.

“The old VP of Recruitment helped me before he took off to do semester abroad. He was very helpful and very supportive as well as other previous recruitment chairmen. There are a lot of people backing me up,” Jacob Kimes, Case Western Reserve University ’14, Vice President of Recruitment, said.

As the new chapter continued to show success by having two strong semesters on campus, there was still one thing the brothers were unsure about.

“It’s interesting because our first President, Sid Dey, said during our first executive meeting we were going to charter before he graduated or get approved to charter,” Bokar said. “We didn’t know how that was going to work because we were always told it was a long process, but we were set on getting it done as soon as possible.”

It was hard for the new chapter to keep calm after achieving so much even when it was told not to get frustrated.

The new chapter had the most new members in its first semester out at Case. It was also preforming highly in academics and exceeding community service hours.

The chapter received confirmation in spring 2014 it would be chartered and be known as the Iota Iota Chapter.

It chartered on Sept. 9, 2014 with 70 members.

“We were extremely resilient. We weren’t just checking all those boxes along the way, but making sure we developed a great chapter as we went on. We just knew we were ready to charter. That’s probably why we are [one of] the fastest chartering chapters,” Bokar said.

However, this wasn’t the end of the road for the chapter. It knew chartering was only the beginning, and it had to continue to look forward and ensure its longevity. The chapter decided to create

a strategic planning committee.

The committee consists of four brothers who focus on how the current goals the chapter will be reached, as well as goals one, five and 10 years down the road. The committee goes through the goals of the executive board and chairmen. From there, it determines how the goals will help the chapter long-term.

“I don’t think they want to have a decline. I think the strategic plan came into play because now that they have chartered, what’s their next step,” Chapter Advisor Marc West, Wittenberg University ’84, said. “ I think they took this seriously, and after the chartering, we need to have something that we can build on. So I think that was really beneficial.”

The chapter also has stressed the importance of having the support of its Chapter Advisor and how he has been a key role to their success.

“Marc is one of those brothers who truly cares past the point that most people stop caring. That’s just something you respect,” Kimes said.

“He expects everything out of each brother, as he should.”

West has put his time to assist the chapter in all aspects. He made it clear when he took the position as Chapter Advisor he was there to look out for the chapter in whatever capacity it may need.

“I want them to utilize me as a resource. I am a brother. I have taken

the same Ritual, the same oath. I’m not from their chapter, but I am a brother.

Anything that goes on, I am going to be involved with,” West said.

All these factors have been the keys to Iota Iota’s success. The driven members, having a consistent plan for the future, and the support from a Chapter Advisor have pushed this chapter to be a powerhouse on campus and within Delta Sigma Phi nationally. The chapter looks forward toward Convention in New Orleans this summer as it hopes to receive the Fraternity’s ultimate form of recognition, The Pyramid of Excellence.

“I think we are probably one of the most efficient chapters, and getting a Pyramid of Excellence is definitely a goal, and we will push toward that goal no matter what,” Bokar said.

SPRING 2015

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Charterings

Iota Kappa

BY LOGAN LANIER, WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY ‘14

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elta Sigma Phi’s Iota Kappa Chapter may have recently been installed on Dec. 6, 2014, but the University of Utah is no stranger to Delta Sig; the Fraternity had a presence on campus in 1993 when 19 members were initiated and the chapter began to colonize. However, when the chapter could not meet the university’s and National Headquarter’s standards regarding chapter size, the new chapter was dropped to an “interest group” level. While the interest group quickly faded, interest in developing a chapter on campus remained.

From the early 1990s to 2000, Michael Wims, University of North Texas ’66, kept in touch with Utah’s faculty not only with words, but through his sincerity and honest nature. Ever embodying the true

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nature of a Delta Sig, discussions took place. Wims was soon asked to assist at Utah for a special Greekoriented project.

Fast-forward to the early 2000s, and the University of Utah took interest in strategically adding more Greek Life on campus, one by one, under controlled circumstances. It was Wims who came in to assist on the “Strategic Greek Plan Initiative.” Years of planning and coordinating led to one single day, a day where a single vote would choose which Fraternity would be allowed to charter.

While the university was preparing to vote for the Fraternity to come on campus, the interest in Delta Sig remained high. Wims said by the end of the decade, it was unanimously decided Delta Sigma Phi would colonize at Utah.

During the spring of 2011, Delta Sig restarted on campus, coming in strong and hitting the ground ready for

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its coveted charter. A year later, more than 20 brothers graduated, depledged, were expelled or were on mission trips, leaving about 15 undergraduates. Fall 2013 recruitment posed a bit of a challenge with only three new members being initiated. Pressure was mounting and challenges kept compiling.

The University of Utah is a highlycommuted campus, so a majority of the student body drives from around the Salt Lake Valley. One of the biggest advantages of commuters affiliating with Greek organizations was the house that came along with that affiliation; a place to just unwind and socialize after classes.

Yet housing was another stumbling block for the new chapter. With no house, weekly chapter meetings were held in a meeting room on campus, and there wasn’t that “wow factor” to immediately draw in potential new members. After time began to pass, motivation and morale began to fade.

The men may not have earned a charter by their goal date of a year, but what they did have, however, was very strong and very present support from local alumni, including Wims, Skate April, Cornell Brown, Trevor Brown, Dean Dominguez, Brian Blemler and Alain Balmanno. This would prove essential in later endeavors: donations, simple advice and foundation.

Chapter President David Fisher, University of Utah ’12, said, “Alumni members were essentially mentors to all of us undergrads, and [they] provided us with efficient ways to make this chartering possible [like leading with values].”

Developing a new chapter is a very difficult and daunting task, one full of obstacles, stepping stones and lessons, one of which Fisher was very adamant in sharing.

“The one thing I learned the most was that as a brotherhood, if you stay committed and share a similar vision,

[your goal] will come faster than ever,” he said.

In a sense, the lengthy development process brought his chapter together, gave it a very obtainable goal, and helped every single brother grow stronger bonds.

“The day we learned that we would be receiving our charter was one of the most amazing nights for our brotherhood,” Fisher said. “All of the hard work and effort put into making our brotherhood [over the years], proved that with commitment and a vision, you can achieve anything.”

Iota Kappa Chapter of Delta Sigma Phi at University of Utah, received its charter on Dec. 6, 2014—just in time to celebrate Founders’ Day. Upon chartering, three brothers were immediately granted the honor of obtaining the Order of the Sphinx.

Voted by Utah’s sororities as the Most Chivalrous Men on campus in 2011, the chapter continually impressed

the campus and Delta Sigma Phi Headquarters throughout its new member phase. The chapter boasted some proud achievements, including winning back-to-back Greek Weeks in 2013 and 2014 and initiating Sam Ortiz, University of Utah ’12, who later became student body president.

By 2014, the chapter received a perfect score on its accreditation, but because it wasn’t chartered yet, it wasn’t eligible for the award. Now that the chapter is installed, Fisher said he completely expects a Pyramid in the near future.

In fall 2014, the chapter initiated 17 new members who, according to Fisher, “wanted to see our Fraternity grow and are currently trying to be as involved as possible.”

With numbers staying strong, quality was something stressed over quantity.

The gentlemen carried over their high values by hosting and holding two etiquette dinners, and raising more than $1,000 for the American Red Cross, Delta Sig’s national philanthropy.

The Iota Kappa brothers are constantly reminding themselves to follow the principles and values they are to embody as Delta Sigs. Living and leading by Fraternity values is a major reason for Iota Kappa’s success and a way for all chapters to be successful. “[Chapters] should not emulate other fraternities, rather, we should live and lead by our values, by our principles that are outlined in The Gordian Knot,” Wims said.

Fisher said that the three key components to his chapter’s success are strong and committed new member classes, strong brotherhood and staying true to Delta Sigma Phi’s values.

As the men from Iota Kappa Chapter have proven for the last four years, hard work and determination can get a chapter anywhere. As the newly chartered chapter begins its journey, the sky is the limit as long as it continues to live by Delta Sig values.

SPRING 2015

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Charterings

Zeta Omega

BY CELLIE SIMKISS

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elta Sigma Phi chartered its Zeta Omega Chapter at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) originally on Nov. 8, 1986. However, due to severe financial difficulties, the chapter’s charter was revoked by National Headquarters in 1993.

In 2012, Zeta Omega was able to redevelop on campus and rechartered on Nov. 15, 2014. The chartering banquet was held at the Shell Island Resort in Wilmington, North Carolina with more than 100 people in attendance, including Executive Director Patrick Jessee and Grand Councilman Jim Larson.

Its working process toward rechartering involved working with the National Fraternity to recruit new

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brothers, but this is where the chapter ran into trouble—retention.

According to current President Austin Franchino, UNCW ’13, Headquarters’ efforts recruited 50 men, but as the summer passed, that number dropped to fewer than 30. Franchino believed that this drop was due to the lack of developed friendships in the recruits. He thought that if the new recruits had built the brotherhood that exists in the chapter today, they would never have turned their backs on the chapter.

“The men at Delta Sig rejected that [the typical fraternity stereotype] from day one, striving to truly be the gentlemen here on campus. Going against the grain provides many a challenge itself, but looking back at

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the end of the day and knowing that we never compromised any of our values means everything,” Franchino said. The chapter currently has 34 members and a plan for continued growth. Their last new member class was eight members, with two men graduating.

Franchino believed that traditions guided the new chapter process through the three qualities that all men of Delta Sigma Phi believe in: culture, harmony and friendship.

“Culture has guided our pursuit of drawing great and diverse men into our organization. It is our unique composition that lends to our strength.

I have learned so much interpersonally from these men who have walked very different paths than me, only to converge and share their stories and lessons

learned,” Franchino explained, adding that he hopes that the lessons he has learned will help him be a better leader to the members of the chapter, as well as bring harmony to the chapter. “[Harmony] imbues itself in everything that we do. Whether it be our emblem or our aptness to ask one another for help, we most often work for each other and not against.

Friendship in its simplest sense is incredibly important to the Zeta Omega Chapter, according to Franchino, saying that its members’ dedication is what allows them to keep pushing forward.

“Without it we would lack the energy that makes us so great and able to impact our communities locally. We did not have a vision to devote our time and effort to originally, only each other,” he said.

Both Presidents cited advisor Drew Smith and Headquarters liaison Vince Woods for helping get the chapter started and keep it going. Smith, as an alumni advisor, serves as a model to all members of the chapter because he is the “epitome of a good, caring and genuine brother,” according to Franchino.

Woods helps by keeping himself available at any time of day for any questions. Franchino believes that he exemplifies “what it is to put your heart into an organization in a way that is completely unique to fraternity.”

Franchino believes that it’s the little things that make it possible for a chapter to continue.

“It’s the brother who stays up with you all night making sure you understand derivatives, or the brother who picks you up from the auto shop when your car’s in for repairs. It’s the safety net that our brothers comprise that gave each and every one of us the drive and confidence to aspire after and eventually attain our charter.”

Chartering Pesident Jonathan Whiting, UNCW ’12, and Franchino both believe the men of Zeta Omega live up to the “Better Men, Better Lives” motto statement.

Whiting said, “We have taken this statement to heart and make sure we not only recruit with this in mind but also groom our members with this mission, as well. With everything that a Delta Sig does, we are always keeping in mind, ‘Will this make us Better Men or are we falling into stereotypes?’”

“The men of my organization are not satisfied in doing things ‘as they have always been done,’” Franchino said.

“We scrutinize, pick apart and then reassess what has worked for us.

You can see this in the way that we conduct our fundraisers, brotherhood retreats, socials and personal selves.”

Franchino believes that the three keys to success for Zeta Omega Chapter were passion, the willingness to act in the interest of the entire organization and charisma.

The first thing that the Zeta Omega Chapter has done well is have passion about its cause, according to Franchino.

“Without the strong belief in the brotherhood that we had spent years forging, it would be unrealistic to keep the high retention rate that we do, let alone the full chapter participation that we see at our philanthropy events. It’s those brothers who share their vision for the chapter and implement ways to make all the talk a reality, that we really owe everything to.

He also believes you must recognize that you will have to work and sometimes make sacrifices for the best interest of the entire organization.

He believes that the members of Zeta Omega Chapter are set apart from other organizations on UNCW’s campus because of this willingness to sacrifice in order to respect the mission.

The last key that he thinks helped bring the Zeta Omega Chapter together was charisma, saying “In these early years, we were given another chance to build an organization worthy of the Delta Sigma Phi branding. We were the new guys on campus, which is as exciting as it is daunting. Getting footing and momentum could have been a much longer process, had it not been for our motivated members.”

Keeping members motivated, electing the right officers and recruiting the right type of men can help set a new chapter on the right path. But, according to Franchino, there are always bumps in the road, and new chapters should have patience throughout the process.

“There will be hardship, some senseless and some unavoidable,” Franchino said. “You may want to point fingers in blame but know that does not get you anywhere. You have to make a good faith effort with all your members to get them to understand their potential impact, and with that, the immense power for change that they have at their disposal. Figure out what drives your men and work to that.”

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Career Achievements

Roeser, Duke Selected for

2014 Career Achievement Award

BY JENNIFER GRAHAM CLARK

I

n 1985, Delta Sigma Phi introduced and awarded the first Career Achievement Award, which is presented to members of the Fraternity who have achieved outstanding success within their field.

In 2014, Tom Roeser and Mike Duke joined the prestigious line of recipients that includes two Pulitzer Prize winners, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s deputy chief of staff, and former chairman of the NCR Corporation, among others.

TOM ROESER, PURDUE UNIVERSITY ’70 Tom Roeser, Purdue University ’70, is the President of OTTO Engineering, a company that manufactures electronic control and communications switches and gear for aerospace, medical and industrial use.

While Roeser’s role with OTTO definitely put him in the running for the Career Achievement Award, it may have been something else that secured his selection.

In 2008, the country was in the middle of a financial crisis. The housing bubble had burst, and property values plummeted.

OTTO Engineering, which operates out of Carpentersville, Illinois, is the largest employer (around 500) in its medium-sized town—a town that in 2008, was the 10th largest foreclosure area in the country.

“My business was [located] in a slum,” Roeser said. “I could not afford for Carpentersville to become Detroit.”

And so, in the middle of a nation-wide economic crisis, Roeser set out to build a stronger foundation for his community by launching Homes by OTTO. “Out of survival, I started this program,” he said.

“I drove through a particular neighborhood with 200 empty homes—vacant homes. You can’t believe how bad of shape they were in. They were absolutely uninhabitable homes,” Roeser said. “Who’s going to buy that? They were going to sit

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there forever as the vandals’ next place to live.”

So, Homes by OTTO began buying foreclosed homes, flipped them and then sold them at a low cost to employees and others in town.

“In 2009, I was the only person in Carpentersville who bought a single family home,” he said. “I bought everything that came on the market through the bank.”

All in all, Homes by OTTO has purchased 150 singlefamily homes and 75 townhomes. Each home was completely renovated, some down to the studs, and equipped with appliances.

While, technically, Roeser could be out hundreds of thousands of dollars from purchasing and renovating homes, he really isn’t. Thanks to all of the new and improved homes, the value of the properties he owns throughout Carpentersville has risen.

“The capital investment has made a town that people once would hold their nose and not want to drive through, into one people [want to] go out of their way to drive there,” he said.

Though Roeser doesn’t describe himself as a philanthropist, the people in Carpentersville are benefitting, and benefitting big time.

“My business is the highlight of my family, including my father who started the business,” Roeser said. “There are a couple of thousand people (employees and families) who rely on me every day to make good, sound judgments. Their lives are better because of OTTO Engineering.”

At OTTO, Roeser said people trust each other, depend on one another and have built their self-confidence. “This business has flourished because of the people, and the people have flourished because of the business.”

Roeser’s Homes By OTTO project also helped his business recruiting, thanks in part to national news picking up his venture.

“People see this extremely public thing happening and think ‘oh, that’s a great place to work,’” Roeser said.

Through it all, Roeser remains very humble. He asked himself “why me?” when he found out he was selected for Delta Sig’s Career Achievement Award. He believes there are many more deserving brothers than him.

“When you get recognized by an organization that you regard, those kinds of recognitions are more important,” Roeser said. “Sometimes, an organization has to search for someone to give a medal to. When I think about Delta Sigma Phi, my experience and getting this kind of recognition, they don’t have to search for somebody.”

MIKE DUKE, GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ’68 After five years as president and CEO and nearly 20 years total at Walmart, Mike Duke still pinches himself to make sure it’s real—the opportunities he’s had, the differences he’s helped make, the life he’s created for himself.

Duke, Georgia Institute of Technology ’68, served as Walmart’s president and CEO from 2009-2014. In January 2015, he wrapped up his time as the chairman of the executive committee of the company’s Board of Directors, which helped him transition out of his leading role.

Duke officially retired from Walmart at the end of January 2015, but he remains on the Board of Directors.

While his schedule isn’t nearly as full these days, he remains very busy, attending five board meetings a year in addition to day-to-day work.

“I will still provide oversight, governance and support for the management of Walmart,” he said. “So, for those associates working full time at Walmart, my job as a director is to support [them] and provide perspective.”

The almost 20 years Duke spent with Walmart, which he describes as a tremendous blessing, was filled with highlights and important moments. But the people are what made ordinary days worth it.

“I think the most important and probably greatest reward came from seeing people develop, grow and get promoted,” he said. “The most important [decisions] were decisions about people.”

Duke mentioned that watching current CEO Doug McMillon work his way up in the ranks was one of the most rewarding things he witnessed and was a part of during his time at Walmart.

“I’ve worked with Doug since my first week on the job in 1995—he was already there,” Duke said. “He started as an hourly associate working his way through college, and now he’s the CEO.” Duke’s accomplishments from the actual business aspect are nothing to scoff at either.

“Some of the other great experiences involved the global growth of Walmart,” he said, noting that Walmart has stores in 27 countries today.

With the company being a global superstar, Duke has had the opportunity to travel across the world, but his focus still always goes back to the people.

“Those were tremendous opportunities to see the company grow all over the world and help fulfill our mission at Walmart to help people save money and live a better life,” he said. “I think helping people live a better life around the world has been one of my greatest joys.”

Those business trips afforded him the opportunity to sit in places like the White House and the Indian Parliament. They allowed him to meet people like the President of the United States. But, he’s humble about it.

“I do have to admit, there were a number of times that I’d pinch myself and say, ‘I can’t believe that I’m doing this,’” Duke said. “[I would] think, ‘Hey, is this a dream?!’”

Mike Duke, Georgia Institute of Technology ’68, stands with Grand Council President Tom Cycyota and Executive Director Patrick Jessee after receiving the Career Achievement Award.

What may have started as just a dream became a reality thanks to honest, hard work. Duke studied engineering at Georgia Tech, which he said was a full workload by itself. In addition to his educational priorities, he worked his way through college, spending time unloading trucks and doing different jobs to help pay for his education.

“I really enjoyed the fellowship of my brothers at the Delta Sig house, but I had to kind of balance my priorities between academics, work and time with my brothers,” he said. “It was a great experience.”

Duke, who was presented his Career Achievement Award at the Georgia Tech chapter house, said being in the house brought back great memories of the time he spent with his brothers.

“It was such a nice, warm, humbling feeling that I would be recognized in that way. It brought back great, great memories,” he said.

Being honored with the Career Achievement Award and having such a long career and leading one of the largest corporations in the world didn’t happen by chance. The road was long, and at times challenging, but Duke believes the current generation of undergraduates has the keys to success, it just needs to be sure to be guided with strong morals and integrity.

“First, do everything with complete integrity. Build trust on integrity and doing the right thing because that’s the foundation of all else,” he said. “The second thing would be to support and treat other people the way you want to be treated. The real focus [is] on others. [Having] the focus on a team rather than the individual is so important, and how you help the team succeed is really important. Third work hard, strive for excellence and get results the right way.”

Duke has seemingly made it. He’s had the career of a lifetime with Walmart and is now retired, so does he celebrate that he’s “made it” or keep pushing for more?

“Even now, I don’t think I’ve made it. I’ve still got more plans and excitement for the future,” he said.

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Convention

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B

rothers, we hope you are ready for New Orleans 2015! Delta Sigma Phi Headquarters staff is in the midst of planning the 2015 Convention, and it is sure to be the best yet. This year’s Convention will feature Convention favorites such as Loren Mall’s session on the Ritual and a silent and live auction hosted by the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation.

Be prepared for new events, too. For the first time in Delta Sigma Phi history, the Delta Sigma Phi Convention will wrap up with a concert by Big Sam’s Funky Nation (check them out online!).

We hope to see you in New Orleans July 9-12, 2015! You don’t want to miss out on the fun.

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Convention CALLOUT FOR REGISTRATION //////////////////////////////////////////////// BE SURE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2015 CONVENTION! Undergraduates: $425 Alumni: $500 Guests: $350 DAY PASS FOR ALL ATTENDEES Thursday: $100 Friday: $125 (Silent & Live Auction only - $80) Saturday: $175 (Awards Banquet only - $100) Sunday: $175 (House of Blues Celebration only - $100)

NEW ORLEANS MARRIOTT 555 Canal Street / New Orleans, LA 70130 $129/night

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////// SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS THURSDAY Golf Scramble* Guest Welcome Reception Member Welcome Reception Messages for You From the Ritual with Loren Mall

SUNDAY In Convention Assembled (Two Sessions) Bond Eternal Educational & Professional Development Workshops House of Blues Celebration Concert

FRIDAY In Convention Assembled (Two Sessions) Foundation Luncheon Educational & Professional Development Workshops WWII Museum Excursion (including Silent & Live Auction)

*additional cost

SATURDAY Community Service Project Educational & Professional Development Workshops JUSTIN Wines Wine Tasting Awards Banquet Pilgrims’ Degree

To find registration, hotel and flight information, visit

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THE PILGRIMS DEGREE—IT’S FOR YOU!

BY LOREN MALL, KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY ’58 If you ask previous Convention delegates about their favorite part of a National Convention, some of them will say it is the Pilgrims Degree. This ceremony will be presented again at the New Orleans Convention to bring you a fast-paced and fun-filled evening. If you are part of it, you will gain additional best friends and new enlightenment by the time it finishes.

The first Pilgrims Degree was conducted at the 1923 Convention. It was conceived and presented by Charles Tonsor, the co-founder of our Fraternity. As defined then, it was and still is the third stage in the progression of membership. The first step introduces new members to the mysteries of Delta Sigma Phi during the pinning ceremony.

The second phase gives our initiates the age-old wisdom of our Fraternity through the Initiation Ritual. The third advance in the series allows delegates at a Convention to enjoy the Pilgrims Degree. It is awarded only then, and you will want to be there to discover its revelations.

The original program of 1923 was not specific to the Fraternity, and it was not presented again. A revision in 1937 did not generate much enthusiasm either. Twentysix years passed before the degree was conferred once more. That occurred in 1963 when the witty Harold Pete Winter, destined

to become President of the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation a few years later, decided to add activity to the Convention agenda.

He introduced his distinctive version of the event for that purpose.

In 1979, then National President Loren Mall accepted the challenge to provide both fun and meaning as a route to a fuller understanding of our Fraternity. This Pilgrims Degree is now presented at each Convention, orchestrated in recent years by former National President Christopher Northern. Judging by the chortles of laughter and smiling faces that pervade the great hall where the event occurs, along with the knowledgeable expressions that emerge when it has ended, it meets both tests.

You may have noticed a few members of your chapter wearing a fez at official Fraternity occasions. It is a safe bet they have not told you what it represents.

Whatever your age and Fraternity record, you can show off your own odd hat and make members regard you with wonder if you take the Pilgrims Degree in 2015.

This will be the 19th time the current degree has startled our Convention delegates. Through it, you can master the third sequence in the meaningful enigmas of our Fraternity. You will become one of the more than 5,000 Delta Sigs who have laughed and learned as they made this special journey into the deeper riddles of Delta Sigma Phi. SPRING 2015

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Convention

Dueringer, Mall Attend a Combined 50 Conventions, Discuss Conventions Past

BY JENNIFER GRAHAM CLARK

2015 marks the 59th & biennial Convention for Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Over the decades, many familiar faces continue to show up year after year in support and celebration of the Fraternity.

Loren Mall, Kansas State University ’58 (right), and Lee Dueringer, University of Illinois ’60, are two brothers who have seen their share of decisions made and milestones celebrated in their combined 50 Conventions.

Dueringer has attended every Convention since 1963. Mall attended Conventions in both 1959 and 1961, but missed 1963 and 1965 due to active duty with the United States Air Force and 1967 while he attended law school. In total, Dueringer has attended 26 Conventions and Mall has attended 25.

The start of Dueringer’s Convention attendance streak is an interesting one. In 1963, he attended as a paid employee of Delta Sig (he left midway through his junior year to take a position at Headquarters).

After the 1963 Convention, Dueringer enrolled at Illinois State University to finish his undergraduate degree. Greek Life was not allowed on campus at the time, so he was unsure of how he would be involved with the Fraternity. Shortly after enrolling, Alpha Alpha Chapter from the University of Illinois employed him to serve as the Executive Director of its Alumni Corporation Board. In 1965, he went to Convention as a representative for the ACB. By 1967 and after his graduation, Dueringer had been transferred to Kansas City with his position at pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly. At that time, he was the Chapter Advisor for the nearby chapter at University of Kansas, so that earned him a spot at the Convention in 1967.

In 1969, Dueringer started a different chapter of his Convention attendance: he began going as a representative of the National Fraternity. That year, he joined the Grand Council.

“It was kind of a normal evolution. Once you get to that position, you just keep going,” Dueringer said of his continued attendance.

Mall’s Convention attendance record began in a more traditional fashion.

“My chapter advisor at Kansas State was James ‘Gus’ Larkin,” Mall said. “He was a member of Delta Sig’s national Board of Directors (Grand Council) when I was a student, and 34

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he got me interested in the National Fraternity.”

After Mall had graduated and had two Conventions under his belt, he was on active duty with the United States Air Force, making him unable to attend the next three Conventions. By 1969, Mall was back at Convention.

“My first two Convention trips showed me I could continue to enjoy the Fraternity bond long after my college days. And I always wanted the Fraternity to do more to help college men make the most of their lives,” Mall said. “With every Convention and nearly every national program, we make progress on that goal.” ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

“My first two Convention trips showed me I could continue to enjoy the Fraternity bond long after my college days. And, I always wanted the Fraternity to do more to help college men make the most of their lives. With every Convention, and nearly every national program, we make progress on that goal.” – Loren Mall //////////////////////////////////////////////////////// As Mall and Dueringer continued to attend Convention after Convention, some of their favorite moments stick out.

Dueringer has a favorite Convention time period, from 1974-1979. He served as President of the Grand Council during those years. He mentioned that during those days, it was an unrestricted, free-for-all to get elected to the Grand Council.

“These days, you have to meet requirements prior to Convention,” he said. “Not back in the day. You stood up, and you nominated somebody from the floor and the party began.”

Mall’s favorite Convention was 1959 because of the import-

ant decision he was able to witness.

“In 1959, we voted to allow all chapters to do what some had been doing for a long time, which was opening membership to every good man, regardless of religion or race,” he said. “This returned us, officially, to our founding philosophy.”

Over the years, both brothers have seen their share of changes to the ins and outs of how Convention is run and what sessions are provided.

“The favorite part for me now is when they say ‘if this is your first National Convention, sit down,’” Dueringer said.

“And if they say consecutive, I’m the last guy standing. It makes me feel very good!”

Mall’s favorite part of Convention is the Singing Pilgrims, a group of men who sing during different events at Convention.

“Participating [in] and hearing the Singing Pilgrims brings back wonderful memories of my days as a student,” he said. “It is also an emotional renewing of the fraternal bonds.”

Between In Convention Assembled, Singing Pilgrims, meeting new friends and reigniting friendships from years past, what is it that keeps both men from returning year after year? For Dueringer, it’s pretty simple.

“It’s kind of hard to quit [attending] now,” he said. “I think of the educational value of Convention (including leadership). I [also] like the contact with our college guys.”

Mall believes that because he’s attended for so long, it is his duty to continue.

“I’ve attended so many Conventions now and have learned and observed so much about the Fraternity’s development, that I feel a responsibility to keep as much of the story alive as I can,” Mall said.

Dueringer and Mall have seemingly seen it all throughout their long history of Convention attendance. From major decisions to celebrations, they both agree its an important part of being a member of Delta Sigma Phi, and something every brother should experience at least once.

“Undergraduates have to go,” Dueringer said, encouraging them to serve in officer roles so that they can attend as a chapter delegate. “Wring it dry. Get as much as you can out of it. Go to everything. If you have any blood in you, you’ll want to go back. If you go and get as much from it as possible, you’ll want to give back, too.”

MALL SHARES HISTORICAL TAKE ON CONVENTION What are some of the most important events and decisions you saw take place at Convention?

Mall: In 1959, we voted to allow all chapters to do what some had been doing for a long time, which was opening membership to every good man, regardless of religion or race. This returned us, officially, to our founding philosophy. In 1961, the delegates decided not to give up our name to merge with another fraternity, but to build Delta Sigma Phi. In 1969, we got the Fraternity business done despite a rebellion by angry students who turned the meetings into rallies against the Vietnam War. In 1981, we changed the Ritual to deepen our teachings about becoming Better Men. Revising the original Ritual was a wrenching experience.

Do you remember some of our early leaders?

Mall: Oh, yes! Starting in 1959, even before that, I interviewed our oldest national officers at each Convention.

The notes I took give first-person accounts about Fraternity developments that go back to 1914. They also record close observations back to our founding in 1899.

more impressive college members than ever. We have exceptional young men and alumni leaders who are lifting the chapters to higher levels than before.

And the loyalty level never dims—they want to bring the Delta Sig experience to more men around North America. ///////////////////////////////

CONVENTION FAVORITES Favorite Convention City?

Mall: Washington D.C.—it’s nearest to the numeric center of all our chapters so members can attend.

Dueringer: Scottsdale, Arizona or Vail, Colorado—I enjoy the resorts versus the city hotels.

Favorite Convention Year(s)?

Mall: 1959 Dueringer: 1975, 1977, 1979 Favorite Event of Convention outside of In Convention Assembled?

Mall: Singing Pilgrims Dueringer: When they ask people to sit down if it’s their first Convention, second and so on.

How have Conventions changed?

Mall: They have steadily grown larger in my time from around 200 delegates to 500. Because the crowd is larger, the programs and agendas are more formal. Yet the way delegates dress is much more casual. We used to wear coats and ties, with tuxedos for the awards banquet. Now its khaki and polo shirts most of the day.

Are the delegates different?

Mall: No, the delegates are as committed as ever to Delta Sigma Phi and what it stands for. In general, though, I think we have

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Fraternity Giving WHY I GIVE ///////////////////////////////////////////////////// “As I watch my three kids complete their college years, I realize how their leadership roles in service organizations will forever change the trajectory of their lives. I know I took my association with Delta Sig for granted for the last 30 years, but it’s time for me to start giving back in an effort to create opportunities for our next generation of Better Men.” – Steve Hayes, Duke University ’79 “I had been thinking about making a donation for a while before Delta Sig’s Day of Giving.

The event provided me with a nice opportunity to do so in a way that I hoped could inspire others to do the same, especially as associated with the Alpha Mu Chapter at the University of Virginia. I am impressed by the direction being taken by the National Fraternity and the Foundation, and feel good about contributing to their mission.

I also appreciated the opportunity to dedicate most of my contribution for the benefit of Alpha Mu.” – Eric Edwardson, University of Virginia ’91

Inaugural Day of Giving Raises $38,308 T

he Delta Sigma Phi Foundation hosted its inaugural Day of Giving Dec. 10, 2014. The one-day event crushed the $15,000 goal and brought in $38,308. By reaching and surpassing the goal, six matching donors contributed another $50,000 (combined) to the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation. Thank you to everyone who participated in the fundraising event! We give a special thank you to our matching donors who maximized the Delta Sig Day of Giving’s impact!

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// MATCHING

Chris & Cheryl Northern

“I chose to participate in the Day of Giving because I saw it as a great way to start repaying the debt while still in school. I love Delta Sig and wanted to do what I could to help others have the best possible experience of this great Fraternity.” – Chuck Terch, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ’13 DONORS ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Tom Roeser

Charlie Gilbert

Chris Edmonds

Mike Silvaggi

Purdue University ’70

Georgia Institute of Technology ’59

University of Alabama at Birmingham ’88

University of Detroit Mercy ’81

The University of Texas ’77

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“Delta Sigma Phi has afforded me opportunities I would never have been a part of by any other means. The people, positions and programs I have experienced through this Fraternity have truly made me a better man. To contribute to my brothers’ abilities to partake in the same positive experiences as me is something extremely important to me. What we can offer each other as brothers, no matter how much, is what progresses us as a Fraternity.” – Peter Lee, San Jose State University ’12

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Brad Sullivan Transylvania University ’99

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Fraternity Giving

PLANNED GIVING:

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE NOW The Delta Sigma Phi Foundation is grateful to the wonderful donors who support the Fraternity through various ways of giving. Were you aware that you can name Delta Sigma Phi Foundation as a beneficiary in your estate plans while helping the Fraternity and your chapter at the same time?

By naming Delta Sig in your estate plan, members and friends leave a legacy to the Fraternity beyond their lifetime.

This can be done in a variety of ways.

By naming the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation as the beneficiary of all or a portion of your IRA, 401k, 403b or other retirement asset, the full value of the gift is transferred tax-free, and your estate receives a charitable deduction.

Bequests A charitable bequest is one of the easiest ways to leave a lasting impact. With the help of a lawyer, you can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift to be made to the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation as part of your estate plan. You can do this by: • Gifting a percentage of your estate • Gifting a specific dollar amount or asset • Gifting from the balance or residue of your estate

You can do this in one of two ways: • Donate ownership of your life insurance policy to the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation today and receive a charitable tax deduction. You make tax-deductible contributions to the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation each year, which we use to pay the premiums.

• Designate the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation as the full or partial beneficiary of your life insurance policy. You will continue to own and make use of the policy during your lifetime. Upon the policy’s maturity, the appropriate portion will be transferred to Delta Sigma Phi Foundation and used how you requested.

Gift of Retirement Assets Did you know that a good portion of your retirement assets might be taxed if you leave them to your family at your death? Another option is to leave your family assets that receive a step up in basis (such as real estate and stock) and donate the retirement assets to the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation. As a nonprofit, we are not taxed upon receiving an IRA or other retirement plan assets.

Gift of Life Insurance If your life insurance policy is no longer needed or will no longer benefit your survivors, consider making a gift and help further our mission to Build Better Men.

Gift of Real Estate A gift of your appreciated real property (such as your home, vacation property, vacant land, farmland, ranch or commercial property) can make a great gift to

the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation. By giving real estate, you can avoid paying capital gains tax and receive a charitable tax deduction.

Your real property may be gifted to the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation by executing or signing a deed transferring ownership. You may deed part or all of your real property to the Foundation.

Your gift will generally be based on the property’s fair market value, which must be established by a certified and independent appraisal.

Here are some examples of how powerful your estate gift can be: • $10,000 helps fund 10 students to attend the Delta Sig Leadership Institute.

• $15,000 helps fund 30 students to attend the Bruce J. Loewenberg Summit.

• A $25,000 endowment will pay in perpetuity for 9 or more students from your chapter to attend a Regional Leadership Academy.

• $50,000 endowment funds your chapter’s attendees for either the President’s Academy or Bruce J. Loewenberg in perpetuity.

• $75,000 can create a scholarship for your chapter to award $3,000 or more to deserving students in perpetuity.

• $350,000 funds all current Delta Sigma Phi leadership programs.

• $1,000,000 and higher could name a leadership program in your honor.

I feel that I owe the Fraternity a great debt for helping to make me the person I am. Lots of things like lifelong friendships, navigating college, developing social and business skills, and more came from my participation in Delta Sig. Planned giving is important to help my chapter maintain its leading status at Mizzou. We have worked very hard over the last few years to take the chapter from an ‘alsoran’ to one of the top fraternities on campus. With the ability to pay down the mortgage on our new property, the chapter will be in a better financial position to keep the property in good condition, have competitive pricing with other fraternities, apartments and dorms. It will also be able to offer more scholarships and other perks to its members.” – Greg Speno, University of Missouri ’65 38

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Alumni Feature

L-R: Andrew Jirik and Tyler Tweeten, Iowa State ‘14

EVERY MILE MATTERS Delta Sigs travel cross-country in support of cancer research

BY JENNIFER GRAHAM CLARK

When Jeff Robson saw a Facebook ad for 4K for Cancer, he thought he was getting ready to sign up for a quick run around. But when he clicked on the link, he realized he was signing up for the experience of a lifetime.

“I love to run 5Ks and 10Ks, so when I saw a 4K, I naturally clicked it thinking, ‘Sounds like a piece of cake!’ Then, it took me to their website, and I knew I

had to do it that instant,” Robson, Iowa State University ’14, said.

The 4K for Cancer program, which started in 2001, is a cross-country trek to help raise cancer awareness and money for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. The event offers two different options, a bike ride or run. This year marks the 14th ride and third run.

“My aunt, Danielle Gilbert, had been battling colon cancer the past four years, and I thought it would be an awesome

thing to do for her. I dedicated my entire summer journey to her.”

The story of his adventure and the impact he made in the cancer community didn’t fall on deaf ears—in fact, it encouraged Tyler Tweeten, Iowa State University ’14, and Andrew Jirik, Iowa State University ’14, to explore the possibility of participating in the 2015 event.

After listening to Robson, doing their own research and weighing their options, SPRING 2015

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Alumni Feature Tweeten and Jirik decided to follow in the footsteps of their chapter brother.

Jirik will participate in the ride and Tweeten will run.

The running portion Tweeten is participating in is done relay-style, running two-to-four miles at a time for a total of up to 16 miles a day. Every three-to-five or five-to-seven days, runners receive a rest day depending on how many miles they are running per day. The running portion, which spans 49 days, will challenge runners to run between 300-400 miles total. Tweeten’s specific route will take him from San Francisco to New York, finishing in Central Park on Aug. 1.

Jirik’s trek is a little less logistically complicated, as bikers ride the entire way instead of relay-style. He will ride about 4,500 miles in 70 days from Baltimore to San Diego, starting May 31 and ending Aug. 8.

Neither Jirik nor Tweeten are strangers to athletic feats, albeit this event is on a different level than either are accustomed.

Jirik is a runner and a member of both the triathlon and rowing clubs at Iowa State.

Tweeten is an avid runner.

“I’ve done a lot of running in my time,” Tweeten said. “I used to run high school cross country (and ranked No. 2), and I’ve run a lot of races, including a marathon and just recently, a half marathon.”

The natural-born athletes decided they’d extend their training and prepare to spend their summer participating in the 4K for Cancer.

The 4K is much more involved than just riding or running across the country.

Those who participate in the event develop close ties with people in different communities as they travel from one side of the country to the other.

During their time on the road, Jirik and Tweeten will participate in community service projects, such as putting together care baskets. Each night, they will visit and speak with those in the community affected by cancer.

“The places we will stay will be gyms, some nights we may camp, and some nights the community will host us,” Jirik said. “Most of the people who host us have, in some way, been affected by cancer.”

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The hosts also provide food for the participants.

“I want to make the most out of my summer, and this was a perfect opportunity because it goes all summer,” Jirik said. “I will be helping out the communities, changing my perspective on a lot of things and seeing how other people live.”

Tweeten said the least he could do is raise awareness and money for people with cancer. “What they’re going through is a lot worse than what I’ll be going /////////////////////////////////////

“I feel honored to have had the opportunity to ride with the 4K for Cancer, but it’s not all about the bike,” Robson said. “When I tell people about the 4K, they always wonder how we were able to ride our bikes across the country, but that wasn’t the point.

We were a family, and we all were there to impact the cancer community in a positive way.” ///////////////////////////////////// through this summer [during my crosscountry run].”

To participate in the 4K for Cancer, each participant must fundraise for a total of $4,500. Both Jirik and Tweeten decided to set their goals a little higher at $5,000 and $5,500, respectively. Each month through May 15, participants must meet fundraising goals.

Last year, Robson was able to raise more than $6,000 in donations for the cause. Tweeten and Jirik decided to partner for fundraising purposes on campus at Iowa State.

“The more people involved, the more outreach you have,” Tweeten said.

In addition to fundraising on campus, Jirik emailed everyone in his circle, from Fraternity brothers and family to professors, to let them know what he’s doing and why they should donate to 4K for Cancer.

Jirik even took his marketing and outreach one step further than his immediate circle—he’s reached out to healthy living bloggers to speak to them about posting his cause on their blogs.

“One of the participants who is also fundraising posted a couple of ideas on the Facebook group we have, and that was one of them,” Jirik said. “We all share fundraising ideas, training and gear tips in the group.”

Not only do Jirik and Tweeten have the support of Robson and an online community made up of other participants, but their families and friends are also on board.

“My mom and dad thought it was crazy to start with,” Tweeten said.

“They thought I was joking for a second.

But really, my family has been very supportive.”

For Christmas, Tweeten’s family came together in a collective effort to help put him closer to his fundraising goal.

“My friends have been really supportive, too,” Tweeten said. “They’ve talked about coming to New York to watch me finish.”

As Tweeten and Jirik are prepping to take on the adventure of a lifetime, Robson reflected on his experience.

“I feel honored to have had the opportunity to ride with the 4K for Cancer, but it’s not all about the bike,” Robson said. “When I tell people about the 4K, they always wonder how we were able to ride our bikes across the country, but that wasn’t the point. We were a family, and we all were there to impact the cancer community in a positive way.”

Whether raising the extra money, putting in an extra hour of training or going the extra mile, these Delta Sigs have a go-big-or-go-home mindset.

“If anything in life is worth doing, it’s worth overdoing,” Tweeten said.

DECISION POINTS: Resolved to Upholding Our Standards We have all seen the headlines: allegations of fraternity/sorority hazing, sexual assault, alcohol misuse and abuse and more.

Websites like Total Frat Move glorify negative and risky behavior, and unfortunately, are heavily sourced by undergraduate Greek members.

As members of Delta Sigma Phi, we are all disheartened when another alleged scandal hits the news. We are even more upset when the headline is about Delta Sigma Phi. The fraternity/sorority community is in a precarious place. With a greater emphasis on student safety and policy adherence at the chapter and university level, the way fraternities operate has forever changed.

To help our members better understand the decisions made when an incident affects Delta Sigma Phi, the Grand Council and staff (with input from a broad range of volunteers and involved alumni) have decided to increase transparency into the state of the Fraternity in order for us to “grow and prosper with honor.”

With the Fraternity’s long tradition of providing members the opportunity to self-govern, addressing chapter misconduct is particularly difficult. This article, and the following information, is provided so that we may all reflect upon the obligations undergraduate members, alumni members, friends and volunteers have to support the Fraternity. We must all do our part to ensure the time-honored ideals of Delta Sigma Phi exist for future generations.

RISK MANAGEMENT OBSTACLES FACING THE FRATERNAL MOVEMENT & DELTA SIGMA PHI Increased scrutiny from the federal government, faculty, families and the general public has escalated pressure on campuses to respond swiftly and strongly to incidents of campus misconduct.

As we look forward to what may be on the horizon, it is important for members of the Fraternity to be aware of obstacles that could prevent chapter success.

• Community-wide suspensions of Greek organizations: Many campuses have recently mandated community-wide suspensions to address ongoing issues. Delta Sigma Phi believes it is fundamentally unfair for entire communities to be held accountable for actions limited to one or two chapters. A handful of campuses have already limited the operations of Delta Sigma Phi chapters through community-wide suspensions.

• Lack of Bystander intervention: From an early age, many of us learn that it is much easier to turn our backs to problems rather than confront them head-on. When this behavior bubbles up in chapter life—whether that takes the shape of not confronting a member behind on his dues or a member whose behavior under the influence of alcohol is unsafe—it can have dire consequences. Our members’ abilities to confront issues and hold each other SPRING 2015

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Upholding Our Standards accountable when things go wrong will, in many ways, determine the future success for our chapters.

• Alcohol in chapter housing facilities: In 1999, Delta Sigma Phi made a bold move to forbid the use of alcohol within chapter houses without written permission from Headquarters—removing a dangerous element from the places where we are most vulnerable. As the pattern of alcohol consumption evolves with new generations of college students, we must learn to confront challenges to the policies we employ to protect ourselves.

• Illegal drug use: The use of illegal drugs is a violation of Delta Sigma Phi policy and the law. However, Delta Sigma Phi members have been arrested and their chapter houses have been raided for drug use and distribution in the past two years. Illicit drug use creates criminal liability for our chapters, threatening their very operations.

• Hazing: Hazing has no place in Delta Sigma Phi, and allowing it to persist threatens individual members and our chapters. Hazing is not only harmful, reprehensible and indefensible; it creates significant liability for our members and chapters.

• Sexual assault: The national focus on addressing sexual violence demands that we confront allegations and always report even rumors of people being violated.

Not addressing sexual violence can foster a haven for harmful and unacceptable behavior in our chapters.

Being The Better Man means creating a safe place for all members and their guests. Delta Sigma Phi recently announced the development of a sexual assault prevention program with nine other fraternities and sororities.

HOW CHAPTER MISCONDUCT AFFECTS THE FRATERNITY When a chapter of Delta Sigma Phi is in violation of national policy, the Fraternity does everything in its power to correct inappropriate behavior and support our chapters in developing better practices. Before the decision to close a chapter is even entertained, the Fraternity analyzes and deploys its resources to help the chapter. Staff members will visit the chapter to assess operations; talk individually with officers, advisors and members; and meet with campus administration to discuss the chapter and available campus resources that could be used to educate or correct behavior. A plan for improvement is put into place.

Should a chapter continue to not follow this plan or continue negative behaviors, staff will work with the university and alumni to determine if further assistance or closure is in the best interest of the chapter and its members.

Any decision to close a chapter is made with the greatest care.

The Fraternity strongly desires to provide a positive experience, but sometimes, cumulative actions of chapters prevent us from doing that. The nature of Delta Sigma Phi binds members 42

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together as a family, and just like a family, we are all affected by our Brothers’ actions.

• When chapters close, we forfeit the ability to carry the message of the Fraternity and offer membership to men on campuses. At these institutions, entire generations of college men lose the opportunity to join our lifelong brotherhood during their formative undergraduate years.

• Delta Sigma Phi maintains liability insurance to protect the Fraternity. The fees for this insurance, while very affordable in comparison to other organizations, are very costly.

Particularly in closures and other incidents associated with risk management violations, the Fraternity faces claims and lawsuits that drive costs up for all members of the Fraternity.

• The Fraternity is frequently in the national—and sometimes international—media spotlight for our brothers’ actions. Sometimes, we are proud to be recognized for our philanthropic efforts or other good-natured work in some instances, however much more often, Delta Sigma Phi is recognized for the poor behavior of our members.

Regardless of the amount of good we do, the Fraternity’s reputation is blemished with stories of harassment, alcohol and drug abuse, hazing, and other misconduct. While unfair, this is a reality we must accept.

• The Fraternity’s reputation is far-reaching. Brothers at your very own chapters, as well as staff beginning new chapters across the county are faced with questions from prospective members about the Fraternity’s true purpose.

Extreme chapter misbehavior tarnishes Delta Sigma Phi’s reputation and creates doubt in good men considering joining this great Fraternity. For campuses considering our requests to join their communities, our reputation gives students, faculty and staff pause before extending invitations to the Fraternity.

RECENT CHAPTER CLOSURES While most activities within the Fraternity support the Ritual and mission of Delta Sigma Phi, the Fraternity has experienced an increased amount of situations deviating from our collective charge “that the Fraternity may grow and prosper with honor and that the world may ever be convinced of the sincerity of our purpose.”

During the 2014-2015 academic year, six Delta Sigma Phi chapters have closed. Each case required direct intervention from the Fraternity’s staff and Grand Council to address threats to our ability to move Delta Sigma Phi forward toward a brighter future.

GAMMA PSI CHAPTER – MORNINGSIDE COLLEGE For several years, Fraternity staff and officers expressed concern over Gamma Psi Chapter’s ability to thrive at Morningside College. College staff

shared these concerns, reaching out to the Fraternity to address the chapter’s inability to fill an on-campus hall the college provided to the chapter as Fraternity housing. At the end of the spring 2014 academic term, Gamma Psi Chapter received formal notice to immediately begin meeting financial obligations, academic standards and minimum chapter size expectations. Headquarters staff worked to develop improvement plans in these areas; however, progress on these plans was not made by the chapter.

By December 2014, Gamma Psi had only five members, three of whom were seniors, and maintained a past-due balance of more than $6,000 owed to the National Fraternity. Upon evaluation, the Grand Council determined that the burden of chapter operations and significant debt, combined with the limited prospects for chapter growth, was too much for such few members. Low membership numbers place a significant burden on the men in the chapter in terms of both meeting financial obligations and running chapter operations. This puts members at financial and academic risk.

Gamma Psi members were informed of the chapter closure at the end of the fall 2014 academic term. In response to the closure, chapter alumni have rallied together to address four key components to work toward re-opening the chapter: growing a robust and engaged volunteer corps; creating a sound financial foundation for the chapter; building interest for membership on the campus; and obtaining support from the university for a return. Fraternity staff has been working closely with the alumni to support these efforts for a return.

EPSILON ZETA CHAPTER – CLARKSON UNIVERSITY Epsilon Zeta Chapter struggled to meet its financial obligations to the National Fraternity for six years prior to its closing. During this period, it faced three separate financial suspensions. In April 2014, the chapter received additional university discipline for violating university policies. Due to its financial history and conduct concerns, before the start of fall 2014 academic term, the chapter was notified that the Grand Council would carefully review chapter performance during the academic term to determine whether Delta Sigma Phi would continue to operate at Clarkson University.

During that semester, the chapter continued to shirk its financial commitments to the National Fraternity. It also failed to take advantage of campus resources, Fraternity staff visits and educational programs provided to assist the undergraduate members. The chapter’s failure to uphold and meet the financial expectations and other standards of the Fraternity prompted the Grand Council to withdraw the chapter’s charter at the end of the fall 2014 academic term.

GAMMA KAPPA CHAPTER – WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY Over the past four years, Gamma Kappa Chapter undergraduate members engaged in inappropriate social behaviors that violated university regulations, Fraternity policies and alumni expectations.

Following significant investment in the Gamma Kappa Chapter (including alumni investments to improve the chapter facility, Fraternity staff assistance to reorganize the chapter, and Fraternity recruitment assistance), reports surfaced that members of the chapter used the Fraternity’s name while engaging in inappropriate social behaviors, such as use of illegal drugs and widespread and severe underage consumption of alcohol.

While the Alumni Corporation Board moved swiftly to expel many members of the chapter involved in gross misconduct, it soon became evident that there was a lack of a nucleus that could continue the chapter. Facing a longterm loss of university recognition within the Western Illinois community and bleak prospects for continued operations, the ACB requested that the National Fraternity close Gamma Kappa Chapter. The Grand Council consented to this request and withdrew the Gamma Kappa Chapter charter in fall 2014.

GAMMA ALPHA CHAPTER – SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY Many members already know much of the very public closure of Gamma Alpha Chapter at San Diego State University. The closure of the new chapter, whose membership exceeded 100 undergraduate men, came as a result of its multiple violations of university and National Fraternity policies. In fall 2014, Gamma Alpha moved into the chapter facility provided by the Alumni Corporation Board less than a year after restarting the chapter. This facility, recently renovated and christened in the name of chartering member Jim Boggus, a dedicated, passionate member of the Fraternity, served as the center of negative behaviors resulting in the chapter’s closure.

Many Gamma Alpha undergraduate members quickly assimilated into a predominately negative and unsafe SDSU fraternity culture, hosting large, unsanctioned and poorly monitored social events that featured heavy unrestricted access to alcohol (including by minors) at the chapter facility. The chapter facility was disrespected by residents and guests alike, sustaining thousands of dollars of damage. University staff reported hazing incidents, including forced consumption of alcohol by new members and requiring new members to act as servants to the brotherhood.

The chapter chose not to proactively engage in a positive relationship with the broader Greek or campus community, and had

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Upholding Our Standards several incidents of university and Fraternity policy violations.

Finally, an individual member engaged in harassing behavior on the chapter’s front patio, directed toward a sexual violence protest.

After a December meeting in which SDSU shared all of the complaints it had gathered over the course of the fall 2014 academic term, the National Fraternity, ACB and university agreed to an initial period of suspension and disbandment of Gamma Alpha through the end of the 2015-16 academic year.

Possible return will be discussed at that time pending the acceptable conduct of members who continue to attend SDSU. BETA OMEGA CHAPTER – UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA Beta Omega Chapter was closed March 25, 2015 after allegations of severe hazing activities and other egregious Fraternity and university violations. These allegations included forced consumption of alcohol and participation in extreme calisthenics by new members.

This chapter of more than 100 men was reorganized in 2013, but unfortunately quickly diverted from operational plans put in place by Headquarters staff and volunteers. While submitting appropriate plans on paper to staff, it became clear the chapter was implementing additional, harmful activities.

Member engagement became heavily weighed on the social aspect of fraternity, not personal development. Instead of being the “atypical” fraternity at Arizona, the chapter instead modeled negative behaviors of other chapters on campus and sought hazing activity recommendations from social media and Total Frat Move. Counter to Headquarters direction, many chapter members also signed leases in a residential apartment complex, creating a makeshift chapter housing facility. These living arrangements quickly became the center of inappropriate behavior.

A series of events in 2014 also led the chapter to be placed on university suspension through May 2015. Despite clear operational parameters given to the chapter, as well as multiple visits and frequent communications from Headquarters staff and the Chapter Advisor, Beta Omega Chapter’s leadership continued to conceal its negative practices and not work toward positive behavioral shifts. After learning of alleged hazing activities in spring 2015, Delta Sigma Phi immediately released all new members from the Fraternity. After investigating and obtaining recommendations from the university, the Fraternity determined it was not in the best interest or safety of members to continue the operations of Beta Omega Chapter.

EPSILON OMEGA CHAPTER – ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY In 2014 and 2015, a series of incidents highlighted negative behavior inconsistent with Delta Sigma Phi and Illinois State University policy.

In May 2014, the chapter was found responsible for violating campus pol44

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icies governing the use of alcohol and was placed on disciplinary probation through December 2014. In August 2014, the chapter hosted multiple unregistered events with alcohol at the chapter facility, violating that probation, resulting in an extended probation through December 2015. Even still, in November 2014, the National Fraternity received vague allegations of hazing in the new member process. Upon investigation, members did not provide corroborating information or details related to the allegations. Then, in January 2015, 25-30 members hosted an event at the chapter facility in which attendees—many underage—had open access to alcohol.

In March 2015, Illinois State University hosted a formal inquiry into the chapter’s probation violations. At this time, the campus agreed to allow the Fraternity to hold a membership review and continue operations provided the chapter did not utilize its chapter facility. Seven members of the National Fraternity staff and Alumni Corporation Board conducted this membership review in March, and we confirmed severe hazing practices in the membership review process.

Despite their expressed desire to correct behavior, those men left in the chapter continue to violate Fraternity and university policy. More events with alcohol were held at the chapter facility and caused significant damage to the property.

Upon recommendation of the ACB, the Fraternity closed Epsilon Omega Chapter in April 2015.

WHAT WENT WELL While some chapters, unfortunately, had to be closed this year, it is important to note we also had success in addressing risky incidents. In all circumstances, much can be learned about how to handle crisis and facilitate collaboration between chapters, the National Fraternity and campus administration.

In September 2014, the Theta Chi Chapter at The University of Georgia faced severe allegations that the chapter’s new member education program was dangerous and put men in severe harm’s way. Internal investigations from staff showed the allegations were severely dramatized. Despite sharing this information with the university and police, the chapter and individual members still faced not only aggressive campus inquiries, but also a criminal investigation. In immediately notifying the Fraternity’s staff and ACB, and sharing all relevant information, the Fraternity was able to coordinate support and guidance for the chapter and its members. Staff was able to share factual investigation findings with the university and reach an agreement with administration to address problematic behavior that did exist and continue operations at UGA. In a separate incident in October 2014, a member of Beta Kappa Chapter at The University of Alabama consumed enough alcohol that he required immediate medical attention.

Not only did chapter members take the young man to the hospital, they also contacted their local alumni advisors and the Fraternity staff to ask for help. Thankfully, the young man survived and all parties were able to work to provide additional education on responsible alcohol use and to revise risk management protocols to prevent future inci-

///////////////////////////////////////////////////

The most important factors that have defined success in chapters working through critical situations are honesty and cooperation.

When chapters self-report issues or concerns, ask for help and are honest about the challenges they face, Fraternity staff and volunteers are better prepared to provide necessary resources, navigate through complex decisions and systems and advocate passionately for those chapters. /////////////////////////////////////////////////// dents. Quick thinking and a collaborative approach allowed us to resolve a crisis and create a safer environment for members. Unlike the incidents involved in the Beta Omega Chapter (University of Arizona) closure, accountability by the chapter and a desire to correct behavior helped keep the chapter from significant disciplinary action.

The most important factors that have defined success in chapters working through critical situations are honesty and cooperation. When chapters self-report issues or concerns, ask for help, and are honest about the challenges they face, Fraternity staff and volunteers are better prepared to provide necessary resources, navigate through complex decisions and systems and advocate passionately for those chapters.

When chapters are honest and cooperative, Headquarters staff will passionately advocate for groups that are met with over-reactive or unfair punishments from the university and is correcting/has corrected actions. The Fraternity believes an in educational and developmental approach first. Fraternity staff and volunteers cannot support and fight for a chapter when members conceal information or are not fully honest and descriptive of problems. We should be mindful that not providing all the details in cases of risk management incidents can create the illusion that we are hiding or covering up important information. Honesty and cooperation allow us all to address problems constructively and learn from our mistakes.

Alumni and volunteer engagement is another key indicator in chapter performance. Not only can Chapter Advisors and ACB members support undergraduates in prevention efforts and creating a risk management plan, they can help undergrad-

WHAT TO DO IN A RISK MANAGEMENT CRISIS 1

Take control of the situation: The Chapter President or another predetermined officer should take charge of the activity, keeping people calm and giving clear directions.

2

Call emergency services: Appropriate emergency personnel (police, fire, ambulance) should be immediately contacted. Cooperate fully with the needs of any public safety organization seeking to help you or protect your safety.

3

Get help from the Fraternity: Headquarters staff is available 24/7 to help chapters navigate crisis situations. Contact the Headquarters staff, Chapter Advisor and ACB President.

4

Cooperate and Inform: Set clear expectations for members that there is an emergency, but that it is under control. Remind members that only the Executive Director can speak for the Fraternity to the media. We should not discuss details, speculate or otherwise elaborate on the crisis at hand. We should, however, fully cooperate with the appropriate authorities.

Not sure if an incident is a crisis? Need further guidance on how to respond to high-risk incidents?

Contact the National Fraternity Headquarters or visit the Fraternity’s website for a detailed Crisis Management Plan to assist in addressing critical incidents.

uates navigate responses when things go wrong. Alumni and volunteers can help younger members recognize issues could be problematic and empower the chapter’s self-governance.

Advisors can also help chapters navigate the relationships they may have in working with constituents such as ACBs, advisory boards, fraternity councils, campus administrators and Fraternity staff. Over the past few months, alumni and volunteers have provided incredible support and mentorship to chapter leaders navigating difficult circumstances.

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Chapter News

The Carnation is bringing back a Delta Sigma Phi tradition. For decades, undergraduate chapters of Delta Sig submitted a brief recap of the chapter’s wins, updates and forthcoming events. With the advent of the Internet, the capability of our organization to communicate expanded drastically in a few short years. Now that the Fraternity has a clearly-established communications model, it’s that time again—Delta Graphs is coming back.

Headquarters reached out to several undergraduate chapters for an update on the year so far. What we see below is intended to provide a snapshot of the full section yet-to-come this fall. To submit your chapter’s graph, please send us an email at communications@deltasig.org.

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA Alpha Mu What started as a suggestion for a small get together at UVA’s Homecoming grew into a reunion for more than 50 brothers initiated in the 1970s.

Members from every new member class in the decade were in attendance, and most brothers had not seen each other for close to 40 years. Brother Peter Ream, Virginia ’74, presented a slide show on Friday night at the chapter house, which provided the undergraduates a glimpse of how the chapter house and brothers looked in the 1970s.

Saturday was the main event, with pre- and post-football game tailgates followed by a get together at the house that evening.

“Current Chapter President David Fall, ’12, and his brothers welcomed this bunch of old Delta Sig geezers with open arms, and the weekend only confirmed what we all knew deep down: the Bond of Sphinx is lifelong and spans every new generation. While this bond may be dormant for decades, it is as powerful 40 years later as it was the day we all crossed the Nile,” said Peter “Tar” Bryan, ‘73.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS Gamma Xi Gamma Xi initiated 17 new members in fall 2014 and nine brothers in spring 2015. They have participated in all campus activities and won several awards. The chapter raised money for the American Red Cross and donated over $1,000 worth

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of clothes to the Salvation Army of Denton, Texas from its annual clothing drive. The chapter hosted a Regional Leadership Academy March 28, and it was a huge success. It also hosted the spring undergraduate versus alumni softball game in April and the spring golf tournament May 8. Proceeds from the golf tournament went to the Cumberland Children’s Home and Gamma Xi’s 21st Century fund.

JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY Eta Omega Over the past three years, this small chapter has struggled to pay national expenses and fund yearly operational costs.

When participating in any on campus event, it was almost guaranteed that brothers would pay from their own pockets.

At the end of the 2013-14 academic year, the chapter was more than $8,000 in debt and facing financial probation for the upcoming school year. Entering the 2014-15 academic year, the chapter took action. Realizing it needed to change the way it looked at fundraising, it stumbled upon an opportunity at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Led by brothers Bryan Faris, ’12, and Austin Savarino, ’12, a group of 12-15 brothers, contacted Gillette Stadium to participate in a 12-event fundraising package in which brothers were placed in charge of working stadium concession stands during summer concerts, MLS soccer games and, most recently, the AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. To this date, the chapter has raised more than $6,000, relieving its financial burdens and allowing it to allocate funds for future chapter growth, such as recruitment and philanthropic events.

*Items submitted prior to March 1, 2015

EPSILON David Ingraham, 12/5/48, 1/13/14 ETA Elmo Vestal, 3/2/47, 11/8/14 Donald Ferguson, 2/26/50, 10/4/14 Jesse Bigham, 2/15/53, 11/18/14 KAPPA James McGinty, 10/27/44, 2/26/15 Roland Wilson, 2/4/48, 7/20/14 John Courtney, 10/24/73, 10/10/14 Tommy McCutcheon, 2/29/76, 10/10/14 LAMBDA Stephen Clark, 10/28/51, 6/1/14 David Geist, 11/10/74, 11/11/14 HILGARD Hal Warren, 2/25/51, 11/30/14 RHO Thomas Cannon, 2/21/47, 1/27/15 Kenneth Harris, 5/20/45, 2/2/15 Benjamin Thrift, 4/11/48, 1/29/05 Anson Liverman, 5/30/48, 12/17/08 Buddy Klein, 2/12/50, 2/2/15 Davis Crater, 1/31/65, 1/26/15 Scott Shanklin, 4/24/75, 3/7/15 David McAllister, 4/13/80, 3/9/14

Duncan MacGregor, 2/19/58, 12/1/14 ALPHA PI Forrest Owen, 1938, 4/23/14 ALPHA SIGMA Thomas Palermo, 5/11/92, 12/27/14 ALPHA TAU Donald Dempster, 2/22/53, 9/10/14

GAMMA XI William Vincent, 5/5/55, 9/1/14 Rick Nelson, 12/15/66, 9/1/14 William Watrous, 5/29/67, 9/1/14 Gary Scarborough, 11/28/74, 9/1/14 DELTA ALPHA Raymond Silver, 9/27/57, 1/5/15 DELTA BETA Richard Morris, 5/14/56, 10/18/14

ALPHA PHI Daniel Breen, 10/12/41, 11/24/14

DELTA EPSILON Richard Acksel, 5/27/56, 6/22/14 Marcellinus Orf, 3/9/57, 4/7/14 Robert Boswell, 5/12/68, 11/26/14

ALPHA CHI Jimmie Yeargin, 3/28/56, 8/7/14

DELTA LAMBDA Matthew Harker, 4/3/94, 5/30/14

BETA BETA Gary Bonnell, 3/13/60, 3/7/15

DELTA MU Frank Yaeger, 6/12/58, 2/27/15 George Dennis, 5/21/61, 2/24/15

BETA GAMMA David Gorton, 10/3/54, 9/1/14 BETA EPSILON Michael Angelo, 2/10/63, 1/5/15 BETA ETA Frank Stupka, 3/24/35, 12/5/14 BETA IOTA Bob Brems, 5/26/85, 1/15/15

DELTA OMICRON Daniel Irvin, 12/11/66, 11/3/14 DELTA TAU David Grizzel, 5/18/72, 11/20/14 DELTA SIGMA James Baxter, 6/16/68, 11/25/14 EPSILON ETA Peter Long, 12/7/70, 1/1/08

SIGMA Paul Clare, 5/3/57, 3/3/15

BETA KAPPA George Coggin, 3/2/35, 1/2/15 Eugene Wright, 5/3/47, 12/1/14

EPSILON THETA Kevin Mellifont, 11/7/69, 2/27/14

UPSILON Ernest Haddad, 12/6/48, 12/15/14

BETA MU Andrew Smith, 2/11/82, 11/21/14

EPSILON KAPPA Joseph Becker, 5/6/67, 10/17/14

PHI Jim Guest, 10/12/63, 12/5/14

BETA NU Frank Puhl, 12/17/50, 11/18/14 Stan Wilson, 2/16/57, 11/18/14

EPSILON LAMBDA Nathan Hall, 12/4/90, 9/23/14

CHI Warren Gadpaille, 4/10/41, 11/20/14 Elroy Scott, 5/29/46, 11/27/14 August Perez, 2/28/53, 12/9/14 ALPHA ALPHA Leonard Hoeft, 5/22/42, 10/30/13 John Macauley, 1/11/42, 4/30/14 Robert Caldwell, 10/15/50, 2/7/15 William Ayers, 3/19/73, 10/25/14 David Stuber, 1/14/83, 10/25/14 ALPHA GAMMA Thomas Clark, 5/6/61, 8/21/14 Jack Farmer, 3/3/62, 10/2/14 ALPHA EPSILON John Kenealy, 4/15/79, 12/24/14 ALPHA ZETA Leon Dougherty, 2/6/20, 12/5/14 ALPHA LAMBDA E. Fitzgerald, 2/26/50, 3/3/15

BETA UPSILON Bruce Haynie, 2/22/72, 10/24/14 BETA PHI Andrew Herbick, 5/29/48, 8/12/14 Jim Hunter, 5/15/49, 8/12/14 Bill Cramp, 11/22/69, 1/30/15

EPSILON OMICRON Paul Ehlert, 5/14/66, 12/1/14 ZETA EPSILON Paul Hirsch, 5/3/76, 7/26/14 ZETA LAMBDA Matthew Hennel, 2/10/81, 10/1/14

GAMMA ALPHA Roland Bible, 3/8/64, 7/19/14

ETA ALPHA Andy Holtan, 12/17/94, 1/20/15

GAMMA DELTA Winton Wefer, 2/17/52, 4/1/14

ETA KAPPA Ally Ash, 7/1/94, 9/23/14

GAMMA ZETA Leonard Petrino, 4/24/60, 5/15/14 GAMMA THETA Jerry Williams, 3/24/83, 9/28/14 GAMMA IOTA Daryl Betts, 5/21/50, 7/17/14 Ken Agenbroad, 3/28/65, 2/12/15

bond eternal

William Savage, 10/5/52, 9/7/14 Donald Petty, 2/8/54, 4/28/13

Brothers are listed by chapter, with the following dates being of initiation and then of passing.

Due to incomplete information, deceased dates may reflect the date the Fraternity was notified.

Many of these notifications came from the Fraternity’s Directory Update. The Fraternity was notified of these members’ passings between August 1, 2014 and March 9, 2015.

SPRING 2015

47

CARNATION

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