Tennessee Delta Newsletter-Summer 2017

SUMMER 2017

THE

George A Long Jr., Illinois Eta, 6/6/1939 #586

George A Long III, Indiana Alpha 1413

George A Long, Indiana Beta

#539 Theta,

C. Loy,

#332

Edward

10/19/1208

3/18/1937

Indiana Strawbridge,

Indiana

Robert

Theta, 4/5/1934 #504

Strawbridge,

Indiana

Theta, 4/19/1936

#531

Dallas Ryan

Long, Florida

Gamma,

4/22/2007

#1663

4/27/1947

#749

Herbert

Granville

Theta,

Moody

Jr. Illinois

Eta,

3/7/1914

Russell

Strawbridge,

Indiana

#232

TENNESSEE DELTA Official Newsletter of the Tennessee Delta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta at Tennessee Technological University

NEWS

TENNESSEE DELTA NEEDS YOU

THE FUTURE OF THE CHAPTER DEPENDS ON YOUR GENEROSITY

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erving as Tennessee Delta Housing Campaign Chairman has renewed my passion for Tennessee Delta. It has been a thorough blessing to reconnect with so many men that I call brothers and to meet all of the new brothers that I have spoken to recently. It has been such a good time to reflect on the many years that have passed since we were chartered in May 1969 as Tennessee’s fourth Phi Delta Theta chapter. Our campaign team has studied the housing situation and has had multiple meetings with the housing staff at Phi Delta Theta in order to explore all of the avenues available to transform the 81 year old house into a house that could provide the amenities that are necessary for the current and future college student.

The Tennessee Delta Housing Corporation determined that the proven path was to conduct a feasibility study to determine the willingness and capability that is necessary to bring a new Chapter house into reality. The purpose was to assess a sample of highly successful, more senior brothers. The initial premise would

be for about 50 brothers to donate the funding for the house, which would include the demolition of the existing structure, develop a design of a new house along with the furnishings, and build a new house in the 626 North Walnut Avenue location.

To test this theory interviews were conducted with about 80 brothers. While the interest was high, the final conclusion was that the high risk of undertaking this expense would be too great. We were not able to confidently close the gap between starting and potentially incurring a loan debt that would be difficult to meet.

The suggested path forward now is to look more holistically into the total cash flow of operating a fraternity house at Tennessee Tech. Tennessee Delta is a fraternity that prepares men for greater duties in both their professional and family life and helps build that readiness by engaging in fraternity activities. You will not be surprised to learn that operating a fraternity house is a big expense and we recognize that accountability for meeting this need must be clearly identified.

Continued on page 2

CHAPTER DIGEST

GROWING AND BECOMING STRONGER DAILY

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t is with great enthusiasm that I write to you this letter. Never in my life have I been more impressed with my brothers, than I am right now. I have had the opportunity to work with the current active chapter and many of the alumni who have moved on with the next stage of their lives. Alumni who, despite having very busy lives, have donated their time to see us succeed.

It’s no secret that this chapter has had its fair share of setbacks over the years. Many of the setbacks seemed over bearable to achieve success. When I first walked through those doors of 626 North Walnut, I didn’t see a fraternity that seemed like it could end up on a news story at any moment. I saw a group of men that I could look up to. I saw potential in this group of guys that I didn’t see in some of the other fraternities. I still see this in them; we must strive to bring out the best version of every member in the chapter.

Over the past year, we have accomplished many personal goals we have set as brothers. We have grown closer with sororities through Homecoming events, mixers, philanthropy, and community service events. Many brothers have graduated but we have managed to grow our numbers. The housing campaign has become a goal for us brothers but also a very personal goal of mine. I take pride in what we have so I will do whatever it takes to make the house the best I can. With the help of Jim Hearn 65,

TENNESSEE DELTA NEEDS YOU: continued from page 1

The active brothers are responsible for all ongoing routine maintenance, including utilities, alarm monitoring, liability insurance and minor repairs on the house. The chapter pays rent (via members living in the house) to the STO Corporation who in turn pays the property taxes, property insurance and services the debt. The STO Corporation must also project and plan for major improvements on the current house and is charged with stewardship of not only chapter rent but also with alumni donations.

The challenge now is to begin preparing for our next 50 years as Tennessee Delta. We plan to initiate an Annual Giving Fund.

ABOUT US

The Tennessee Delta News is published two times per year by the Tennessee Delta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta at Tennessee Technological University for alumni and parents. ©Copyright 2017 Tennessee Delta. All rights reserved.

Send news, address updates and photos to: Tennessee Delta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta 2 South Campus Avenue Oxford, Ohio 45056 STAY UP-TO-DATE tntech.phideltatheta.org CHAPTER OFFICERS Brian Fike, President Pavankumar Patel, Vice President Cameron Carroll, Treasurer

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Brian Schreiber, Recruitment & Awards Austin Ellis, Phikeia Educator Justin Ladd, Scholarship Nicholas Lancaster, Risk Management Calland Agresta, Social Andrew Fortin, Secretary Kristopher Flint, Alumni Secretary Skyler Klontz, Chaplain Garrett Hood, Chaplain Austin Rider, Chorister, House Manager Joseph Icenhour, Community Service Adam Parks, Historian Jameson Rigsby, Warden HOUSE CORPORATION BOARD Jay Grannis, ’82, House Corporation President ADVISOR Todd Nisbet, USC ’87, Province President

The Tennessee Delta News » Summer 2017

we have completely remodeled the basement. If you have not had a chance to see the finished result, I strongly encourage it. I wish I had more room to write about all of our projects and accomplishments, but we welcome you to come and see our successes for yourself.

We are nowhere near where we want to be, but I can assure you, the men of Tennessee Delta are motivated. We understand the importance of this fraternity and everything it stands for. I look forward to meeting every single brother who has the desire to be a part of our story.

Yours in the Bond, Brian Fike 686, Chapter President Brianfike18@yahoo.com

Because of the Feasibility Study, we know it will take more brothers to make an investment and financially support the house. I ask that each brother consider making a gift of $100 (or more) beginning today using the enclosed envelope. We have 650 living brothers, making this an achievable goal. Remember: One man is no man.

There are three key purposes for these funds: 1. One account has been set up to meet the list of items in need of high risk repair. A few alumni have already given financially, and the work is being supervised by alumni and the actual labor is provided by current active brothers. The basement was first on the list and as you can see from the photos, the makeover has been amazing. An overall plan is being developed and priorities are established as we receive your donations.

2. The second account created will be used to retire an outstanding loan that has provided the contingency funds for the last many years. Currently that loan has a 5% interest so not paying this off only acerbates the problem.

3. The third account will be used as a savings fund for a new house. The house will continue to age, and the plan for a

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO! Please visit phideltatheta.org/members/update-your-info/ to update your contact information.

Tennessee Delta

TOP LEFT: Wyatt Mabry and Brian Fike. TOP RIGHT: Blake Locke and Cameron Carrol. BOTTOM LEFT: Noah Kaye, Brian Fike and Alex Rocco.

Tennessee Delta is your fraternity for life. This is the fraternity at Tennessee Tech for your sons, grandsons and in some cases, great-grandsons. Funny how time marches on. You were the solution when you were an undergrad, and now you are being called upon again as alumni to take charge and support future Phi Delts. I urge you to write that check today and exceed the minimum where your budget will allow. I wish you all great health and a long rewarding journey ahead as an alumnus of Tennessee Delta. Though many of us are separated by distance, we are a Phi for life!

new house, although delayed, has not been removed from future planned construction. The STO Corporation along with consultation of Chapter Advisory Board will establish proper donation funding for all three accounts as funded by the Annual Giving Fund.

Sustainability is a key success factor. One key enabler would be to create local Tennessee Delta Alumni Clubs to meet in key cities where alumni concentration is highest. We suggest leaders step up in the Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Cookeville areas to launch Tennessee Delta gatherings. You may have other cities to consider as well. This can start with as little as bi-annual lunches or after-work gatherings. How do you get started? Be informal.

Start and keep it simple. I am available and willing to help you locate alumni in your area. Keep the Phi for Life concept and networking alive. Start today.

Next steps…what can you do now? Let’s go back to our roots and follow what we learned as Phikeias: “To do what ought to be done but would not have been done unless I did it, I thought to be my duty.”

Thanking you in advance.

Yours in the Bond,

Stephen T. Desirey 10, Charter President Housing Campaign Chairman steve.desirey@verizon.net

LOST BROTHERS

We have a number of lost brothers! If you can help us locate these missing Phis, please send their address, phone number, and email address to jmorrow@phideltatheta.org.

Sam Long ’74-76 Bob Campbell ’81-194 Michael Green ’08-547 Glen Smith ’78-153 Cory Phillips ’86-246 Chris Gibson ’14-615 Larry King ’79-140 Larry Wassom ’01-463 Don Hollis ’79-160 Josh Dodd ’02-476 tntech.phideltatheta.org

The Tennessee Delta News » Summer 2017

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WE WANT YOUR PHI DELT TREASURES! The museum of Tennessee Delta is urging you to send us your unwanted pledge and fraternity memories. We need items such as: • • • • • • •

Scrapbooks All ΣΤΟ items Black books Photographs Jerseys Composites Key event memories

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #1315 DAYTON, OH Tennessee Delta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta 2 South Campus Avenue Oxford, Ohio 45056 Address Service Requested

• All-Sing items • And all of those memories that your significant other tells you that you no longer need!

Contact Jay at: jgrannis@gcpas.com to discuss the archives or send them to: STO Corporation Attn: Jay Grannis 515 W Burton Street Murfreesboro, TN 37130-3619

SAVE ★ the ★ DATE HOMECOMING

NOV

04 2017

Tennessee Tech vs Austin Peay Kickoff at 1:30 p.m.

CHAPTER GRAND We honor the following brothers who have entered the Chapter Grand. To submit obituary information, email kderickson@phideltatheta.org.

James D. Jackson 003, 11/01/1992 Bobby G. Holt 017, 03/20/2003 John E. Frasier 023, 04/26/2009 Paul T. Stevenson 027, 09/29/2014 Michael N. Stone 028, 06/19/1995 Thomas F. Rodgers 036, 12/25/2008 Albert D. Hagan 037, 12/10/1994 John J. Maddux 041, 05/22/1971 William H. Delucia 044, 01/06/1993 Harold G. Holloway 070, 03/03/2012

Donnie L. Johnson 079, 01/19/2003 Dr. W. Michael Huddleston 082, 05/01/2013 Daniel W. Satterfield 116, 12/17/1984 Bradford R. Smith 118, 03/18/2009 Daniel C. Bowden 119, 01/07/2006 Thomas L. Quinley 131, 09/17/2011 Milton C. Hackett 134, 03/31/1979 James A. Darcy 171, 09/23/1991 Mark L. Blaylock 203, 08/06/2006

David N. Cox 234, 12/15/2000 Robert D. Howard 236, 06/01/1985 William A. Clark Jr. 249, Unknown James D. Langsdon 268, 05/22/2013 Lennis E. Bates Jr. 308, 11/23/1991 Glenn C. Capps Jr. 316, 03/01/2004 Donny L. Harrison 327, 08/19/1990 Allan D. Jones 354, 11/19/2006 Robert L. Purcell 421, 07/01/2012 Eric W. Dowell 440, 12/25/2012

…in coelo quies est

“…in heaven there is rest”