The Deke Quarterly Vol. 140, No.1

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DEKE THE

QUARTERLY

WINTER 2022


CHAIRMAN’S LET TER

Dear Brothers and Friends, Greetings and belated Happy New Year. We are pleased to deliver this winter edition of the DEKE Quarterly. I hope you enjoy it. I thought I’d share two wonderful DKE related happenings that punctuated the end of my year. One has broad implications, while the implications of the other are so narrow that they balance on the head of a pin, literally. The first matter: In my Quarterly note a year ago, I was reflecting on the range of challenges Greek organizations were facing on many college campuses. Of particular concern was not the posture of certain college administrations (that’s not a new topic), but rather that of the students themselves. The protests and questions that students were raising were at times thought-provoking, and at other times fabrications worthy of a witch trial. At that moment, it all caused me to ponder questions about relevance and resilience. Why are some students disaffiliating? Were these mostly isolated moments or potentially a symptom of something larger? It may have taken some time, and there is more recovery needed, but as you will read in the cover story of this Quarterly, some remarkable things happened during the first semester of the 21-22 school year. The confluence of events that led to the largest single addition to our chapter roles may include a modicum of random coincidence, but primarily represents a clear preference for undergraduate affiliation and a strong endorsement of the DKE proposition. The second matter: On and off for about two years, I had been looking for my grandfather’s DKE pin. It was given to me decades ago, and although I rarely, if ever, wore it, I certainly savored knowing it was in my possession. After triple checking all the obvious and less obvious locations, I slowly resigned myself to the fact that it was permanently gone. I briefly contemplated ordering a new one, but quickly dismissed that as nonsense. It wouldn’t be his pin, it wouldn’t hold a thousand stories. In early December, a few weeks after the Board Meeting that voted in all the new chapters, my wife randomly mentioned that the DKE pin was in a lockbox where she keeps some jewelry. The pin was never lost. The only thing lost was my memory of where I had put it for safe keeping. My maternal grandfather, the original owner of the pin, was a very industrious jokester. Most people who knew him would say it was a vocation. When the pin and I were reunited, and after I had laughed at my own folly, it occurred to me that to possess his pin means that I should expect to be subject to some hijinks. He wouldn’t have it any other way. So, I am so pleased the start this New Year with great momentum and one old pin! In the Bonds,

Mason Morjikian Chairman of the Board Lambda-Kenyon ‘88 2

THE DEKE QUARTERLY | WINTER 2022


Winter 2022 V O LU M E 140, N O. 1

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 15

IN THIS ISSUE

10

MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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BOOK REVIEW – ABOUT DAVE PHILLIPS, BETA-NORTH CAROLINA ‘65

COVER STORY

DKE’S HISTORIC EXPANSION

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24

DEKE FOUNDATION – GRANTS FOR OFFICERS ACADEMY AND TO PROMOTE DIVERSITY

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DEKE AWARDS – MEET THE NEW BRYAN SCHOLARS AND BLAISDELL AWARD WINNER

IN EVERY ISSUE

FRATERNAL BONDS ALWAYS MATTER

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2

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

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HQ REPORT

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DEKE NEWS

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CHAPTER NEWS

27 LONGTIME EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BILL HENDERSON

PUBLISHED BY Delta Kappa Epsilon International 6921 Jackson Rd., Suite 400 Ann Arbor, MI 48103 (734) 302-4210 www.dke.org ∆KE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mason Morjikian, Lambda ‘88, Chairman Neilson Brown, Beta ‘67, Vice Chairman David Helverson, Delta Pi ‘81, Treasurer Grant Burnyeat, Phi Alpha ‘65, Honorary President Cory Crenshaw, Tau Lambda ‘01 Christian Cummings, Epsilon Rho ‘18 Semmes Favrot, Psi ‘82 Ray Reynolds Graves, Alpha Chi ‘67 Dan Johnson, Sigma Alpha ‘77 Ron Li, Phi Alpha ‘10 Stan McMillan, Gamma ‘89 John McNeil, Psi ‘79 Kevin O’Bryon, Tau Lambda ‘77 Terry Stewart, Phi Chi ‘69 John Yerger, Delta Chi ‘82 ∆KE HQ STAFF Executive Director: Doug Lanpher, Gamma ‘77 Director of Member Services and Health and Safety: Trey Robb, M.Ed. Director of Alumni Services: Craig Dick, Phi Alpha ‘16 Director of Administrative Services: Turner Spears, Lambda Tau ‘16 Assistant Director of Chapter Services: Dustin Stewart Senior Coordinator of Fraternity Education: Cody Hike Chapter Consultant: Morgan McElroy, Phi Epsilon ‘21 Expansion Consultant: Logan Nantais, Delta Kappa ‘21 Archivist & Historian: Grant Burnyeat, Phi Alpha ‘65 DEKE QUARTERLY STAFF Publisher: Doug Lanpher, Gamma ‘77 Editor: Kevin Cuneo, Gamma ‘77 Assistant Editor: Michael E. Hilts, Gamma ‘76 Production Editor, Jeff Hamilton Gamma ‘78 CREATIVE DIRECTION & DESIGN Scott-Goodman Associates: Lester Goodman • lestergcreative.com Barbara Scott-Goodman • barbarascottgoodman.net

THE DEKE QUARTERLY is published by Delta Kappa Epsilon in Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. POSTMASTER: Send address changes & correspondence to: DEKE Quarterly, 6921 Jackson Rd., Suite 400, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

MYSTIC CIRCLE

Manuscripts, literature, and letters should be addressed to the Editor. Submissions will not be returned.

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For change of address please contact ΔKE HQ and provide Full Name, Chapter, both old and new address.

CHAPTER ROLL

Copyright ©2022 Delta Kappa Epsilon w w w.dke.org

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HQ REPORT Greetings fellow Dekes, We’re pleased to present the winter edition of the Deke Quarterly and hope you enjoy it. We always appreciate feedback and story ideas from our readers, so please write to us at quarterly@dke.org with any comments or suggestions. We hope you’ll enjoy these 32 pages of DKE news, alumni profiles, and chapter updates.

For the rest of this column I’d like to touch on a related subject. In conversing with Deke alums, I have started to discern that there is a growing sense of pessimism about the future of fraternities. Many alumni seem to feel that it’s only a matter of time before fraternities get put out of business entirely. It’s very understandable to see why this view is gaining traction, given the relentless anti-fraternity sentiment in the media and entertainment industries, not to mention in the world of academia itself. Probably 95% of whatever you hear and read about fraternities is negative.

I’m writing this as I wing my way back on Southwest flight #169 from Washington D.C. to Chicago at the conclusion of our 2022 “Deke University” Chapter Officers Academy, which was held IN PERSON (that sounds But let me offer a more optimistic Doug Lanpher, great, doesn’t it?). We’ll cover this Academy counterpoint to that idea. There’s no doubt Executive Director in more detail in the spring issue, but it was that the fraternity system faces challenges a very successful event with over 80 young (some of our own making), but I see a Dekes in attendance. A handful of undergrads had to cancel different picture when I travel to campuses, visit with Deke at the last minute after contracting the virus, but in spite of undergrads, and even visit with Greek Life administrators that, those who could attend our first in-person event in two around the DKE system. I see a vibrant network of strong years had a very rewarding weekend. and active Deke chapters, committed undergraduate members and alumni advisers, and educators who believe in Perhaps even more rewarding for those of us on staff who the value of fraternity membership. Young men still want to had the opportunity to interact with DKE’s undergraduate experience the lifelong benefits of their membership in DKE, leaders. You could not help but come away from this event to enjoy their undergraduate years, and gain the leadership with a renewed sense of optimism about DKE’s future, experience and deep friendships that only their fraternity not to mention the future of the U.S. and Canada. The can provide. chapter presidents, and chairmen of Health & Safety (risk management) and Recruitment, were bright and personable, So while not being dismissive of the obstacles we face, I and hotel staff complimented us on their courteous behavior. remain very confident that DKE and the fraternity system in They stayed engaged in the programming throughout the general will continue to thrive and to be a very positive force in weekend, and contributed great ideas on their own. When the lives of young men for many years into the future. As the Dekes from various chapters get together for a conference lyrics to one of our songs says, “Viva la DKE!” such as this one, we’re well aware (and not offended) that they learn more from each other than from the content Best wishes to all Deke Brothers and friends of DKE for the that we present. We love to see them sharing ideas and remaining winter months and into the spring. suggestions about how their chapters operate, because each one of our chapters has good ideas to offer to the others. In the Bonds, I wish all alumni could interact with undergraduate Dekes in settings such as this, so you, too could see first hand the quality of our young men and their commitment to DKE. Perhaps the summer convention in Charlotte, N.C . will provide many alums with the opportunity to do so. The dates are June 9-12, and all alums are invited and encouraged to attend.

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Doug Lanpher, Gamma ’77 Executive Director, Delta Kappa Epsilon


DEKE NEWS Dreaming of Commencement Day, Pipes, Ladies and … Frisbee®

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s many college seniors do when nearing graduation, Paul J. Owens has a dream career in mind. But Paul’s deepest career wish isn’t linked to the five years he’s just invested in an accelerated mechanical engineering degree (combining masters and undergraduate coursework). This grave and reverent senior Deke is dreaming of pipes, ladies and … Frisbee. The full-blown fantasy of Brother Owens would be to play Ultimate (Frisbee football). Professionally. Full time. The current Brother Beta at the Delta Kappa chapter at the University of Pennsylvania, Owens would love to be able to make a living at Ultimate, a sport resembling touch football played with a flying disc, to use the generic, non-trademarked term. The game is played on a field similar to an American football field but on a playing area 70 or 80 yards long, rather than 100, and features 20-yard end zones instead of 10. Brother Owens has played the sport for close to a decade, just about as long as Ultimate has sported professional leagues. He’s already a pro. He’s even played on a national championship team. The leaves just one big step to that dream of earning a living wage from his favorite sport. Ultimate teams are just seven players, each usually given the job as a handler or a cutter. “Both are offen-

Delta Kappa chapter president Paul Owens cranking up an Ultimate throw for the Phoenix, Philadelphia’s professional men’s Ultimate team. (photo courtesy Marjorie Elzey/Pitch Photography)

sive roles,” Brother Owens describes. “The handlers are more like quarterbacks, the passers. Cutters are like wide receivers.” He loves all aspects of the game, but Paul prefers playing cutter— making the moves necessary to catch throws from his teammates and advance toward the end zone, and, hopefully, nabbing one for a 1-point goal. Owens is quick to say he’s put in almost as much work into honing he skills in ultimate than he has other pursuits. He joined his first organized team as a sophomore at Radnor High School in Wayne, Pa. As years went on, his passion only grew, and Brother Owens joined two teams as soon as he arrived at Penn. He has captained the men’s club team at Penn, which is open to all Penn students. And he’s active on Void Ultimate, the men’s competitive Division I team at Penn. It wasn’t enough to

curb his craving. So, Owens joined yet two more teams—both professional teams. One was the Philadelphia AMP, a mixed club team which competes in the Mid-Atlantic region in the USA Ultimate (USAU) league. The other, the Philadelphia Phoenix, is one of 22 teams in the American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL).

“I do play a lot of ultimate—as much as I can,” Paul admits, “for variety of teams. It’s a unique, fun sport where the players become so close. I have even tried to recruit some of my Deke brothers to get involved.” Making a pro team can be tough. The Phoenix holds open trials each year, measuring candidate performances in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and other physical tests, then evaluating players in drills and scrimmages. “Only if you pass those tests do you make it to invitation trials,” Paul says. Last season, about 80 players started open trials, 40 made it to the invitation level just to fill 20 slots on a 30-man roster. Brother Owens was a member of the AMP team that won the national crown in 2019. And, as a professional in ultimate, he is paid—but not enough to avoid a day job. Most players in the AUDL receive a portion of gate receipts and an ownership

Deke Words to Live By “America is now stumbling through the darkness of hatred and divisiveness. Our values, our principles, and our determination to succeed as a free and democratic people will give us a torch to light the way. And we will survive and become the stronger, not only because of a patriotism that stands for love of country, but a patriotism that stands for love of people.” –Gerald R. Ford, Omicron-Michigan ’35, 38th president of the United States, from a 1968 speech to the Order of DeMolay, an international fraternal organization.

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DEKE NEWS interest in their team. That typically translates to under $1,000 per player for a season—on a good team in a good season. While popular enough to have teams from San Diego to Boston, and Ottawa to Tampa Bay, Ultimate would have to expand beyond its base to draw crowds at games and lure television coverage. The league that Paul plays in, the AUDL, did sign an agreement with Fox Sports in 2020 to broadcast an Ultimate Game of the Week. Unfortunately, that promising opportunity to showcase the sport

and elevate its status was considerably muted when Covid cancelled the 2020 season. This year, the Phoenix season opens in April, about the time Paul finishes his exams and his college days. As he moves forward, his Deke brothers will be rooting for him, whether it be in an engineering role in Philadelphia or climbing up the Ultimate ladder. If you are interested in the sport, here is a link for one of Brother Owens games, the Owens action starts around 31:30! www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-APeaVf0Cc

Kenyon Dekes Revive Shawn Kelly Holiday Party

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KE’s chapter at Kenyon College, in partnership with Theta Delta Phi sorority, co-hosted the 30th annual Shawn Kelly Holiday Party on Dec. 2 and 3 that attracted more than 400 attendees. The annual event, in memory of DKE member Shawn Kelly who passed away during his first year at Kenyon, supports Head Start and assists in providing early education to low-income families in

Phi Gamma Starts Philanthropy to Aid Families of Fallen Syracuse Veterans

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his fall the DKE Phi Gamma chapter at Syracuse began a new philanthropic tradition, getting help by collaborating with the university’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. In 2006, Phi Gamma Brother Alumnus James Lyons ’04 fell in the line of duty in Afghanistan. First Lieutenant Lyons volunteered for a mission to Phi Gamma members establish a scholarship in memory of Lt. rescue a group of soldiers James Lyons to aid the children of fallen veterans. From left: Jasper Yu ‘24; Jake Cerone ‘24; Ethan Montgomery ‘23; Drew pinned down by enemy Parsekian ‘23; and Noah Concordia ‘24. fire. He bravely drove his tank through the side of a building, freeing the men but immobilizing his vehicle. He climbed out of the tank to provide covering fire for the trapped soldiers when he was ultimately killed in action. Brother Lyons was a recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal. He was also the first and youngest Syracuse alumni to be slain in Afghanistan. Upon hearing of their pledge brother’s sacrifice, Phi Gamma brothers of his class year launched a scholarship to provide aid to the children of fallen veterans at Syracuse University. Through September and October, we began a fundraising campaign for the neglected scholarship fund. Finally, at the biggest football game of the season (against Clemson), we welcomed the pledge brothers of James Lyons back to campus and raised over $2,500 in donations. (Turn to Chapter News in this issue for more updates on the Phi Gamma chapter.)

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THE DEKE QUARTERLY | WINTER 2022

Knox County. Held outdoors to comply with Covid-19 protocols, the celebration provides children hot meals and gifts from Santa and included cookie decorating, bounce houses, performance by the a cappella group Kokosingers, and other family fun activities. The Lambda chapter hosted the event on its own for many years, but Theta volunteered to continue the annual party when Lambda was not active on campus during a suspension from 2018 to 2020. The two Greek organizations agreed to work together as co-hosts to continue the popular party and service to the community. “DKE is extremely excited to continue this partnership going forward,” Lambda president Andrew Kotler said. “The event does a great job honoring the legacy of Shawn Kelly as a guy who took pride in giving back to the community.”

DKE Concludes Another Successful Movember Campaign

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ody Hike, DKE’s Senior Education Coordinator reports that DKE has

Cody Hike and fiancé Kathryn all smiles as Cody exhibits the mustache he grew for Movember this fall.


Alumni Rekindle Face to Face Rendezvous

T wrapped up its participation in the 2021 Movember campaign, which aims to increase awareness of men’s health issues, especially prostate cancer and mental health. “In November, our DKE chapters successfully raised a whopping $36,565, which is $15,000 more than last year!” Hike gives a huge thank you to all donors as well as congrats to all the participating chapters. The highest earning chapters were Delta-South Carolina, Iota-Centre, Alpha Phi-Toronto, Delta Kappa-Pennsylvania, and the newly revived chapter at Washington, Kappa Epsilon.

Undergrads Draw Spotlight in Campus Organizations Phi Epsilon Member Named IFC President. Matt Spanhake, secretary of the Phi Epsilon chapter at U of Minnesota, was elected president of school’s IFC in November. Now a sophomore, Matt worked last year with the IFC as Junior VP of Recruitment. In online media his Brothers pat Matt on the back for his hard work and leadership in the IFC, as well as solid support of the chapter— which was chartered in 1889 as DKE’s second among Big Ten schools. IFC President of the Year at Arizona. The Brother Beta at DKE’s young chapter at the University of Arizona, Sami Muslmani, was named IFC President of the

raditional alumni weekends and informal gatherings of Dekes across the land – often cancelled or postponed during the 18 months of the Covid-19 pandemic – began resurfacing in recent months. Here are some images of Jolly Good Fellows enjoying their rendezvouses:

Year in mid-November. It’s especially big news for the Omega Omega chapter that was founded just over a year ago (spring 2020) and having just earned its formal DKE charter – also in November. The Arizona chapter was one of a record eight new charters granted by the Board of Directors on November 167, 2021. See the feature article in this issue for details on this historic day for Delta Kappa Epsilon. Bryce Regian, Theta Zeta-Washingston State, was name IFC scholar of the Year. “I’m grateful to have received the Interfraternity Council’s Scholar of the Year award out of a large pool of qualified fraternity men at Washington State University” he said, adding thanks to the fraternity “and the brothers of Delta Kappa Epsilon for making me a better man and for challenging me in ways I never expected. . . It’s beyond rewarding to be able to honor the fraternity in this way and to help in building its prestige even in this small way.”

Because he wanted to encourage the return to face to face gatherings across DKE, Executive Director Doug Lanpher led by example, hitting the road to visit many chapters this past fall semester. He also promoted the Nashville November gathering pictured above, of mostly Gamma-Vanderbilt brothers and several DKE sweethearts. At the Park Café, from left were Sheryl and Kyle Mclain (’77), Shawna and Mike Berryman (’79), Richard Graves (’80), Darby and Doug Lanpher (’77), Craig Yeager (’77) and Brigid Yeager, Laurie Ann and Bill Cyclone Roberts (’77), John Teitenberg (’95) and Jake Price, Omega Chi (’19).

Seventeen Tau-Hamilton DKE brothers from the class of 1976 gathered for a 45th fully vaxxed reunion during the summer of 2021, and we also had three members from the class of 1975 on hand to provide adult supervision. We can’t reveal particulars of the exact time and place for reasons having to do with national security and parole terms. We took full advantage of the host hotel’s only amenity, which the hotel promoted as “a really big parking lot”…which was fully utilized every night into the wee hours.” Cozy Camaraderie in Calgary. These jolly good fellows gathered on December 30 to kick out 2021 and kick off 2022. Libations and brotherhood warmed these Canadian brothers despite the chill of Covid and outside temperatures plummeting to -40 degrees in downtown Calgary, Alberta. From left to right: William Cameron, a newly initiated active at Delta Phi-Alberta; Riley and Brinton Wolever, Tau Alpha-McGill ’20; Thanasi Pananos, Delta Phi-Alberta ’22 presenting the flag; thumbs up from Kevin Young, Alpha Phi-Toronto ’04; and Chip Filipski, a Beta Tau-Victoria initiate but now active at University of Alberta. Pledge brothers from 1969 at Kappa-Miami Terry Maltarich (r) and Tony Danzo (l) enjoying a cold one at The Yard in Dennison, OH.

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DEKE NEWS Deke Trivia. Did you know …?

DKE Brothers Are Marathon Men

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rother Joe Anastasi of our Phi Sigma Bryant Chapter ran and completed the Boston Marathon on October 11. It was the first time in the race’s 125-year history that the marathon was run in the fall instead of its traditional spring date. Covid had prevented its running in the previous 30 months. Photo shows Brother Anastasi and his Phi Sigma-Bryant cheering section after he completed the marathon. On November 7, another Deke, Joe Nicoletti, Phi Chi-Rutgers ’17, ran the New York City’s 50th anniversary marathon. It was the third NYC marathon for the former president and philanthropy chair of the chapter. Brother Nicoletti is now a senior strategist for Media Kitchen, a media planning agency and, by avocation, a long-distance runner. As philanthropy chair in 2016, Joe added Movember to the chapter’s philanthropy efforts, helping boost member participation and fundrais8

ing success to more than $3,000 for various causes. Since graduating, Joe has continued his support for the men’s health awareness organization, including personally raising $2,000 from running the Chicago Marathon in October.

Deke Foundation Provides Option for Donating Stock

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ekes can now donate appreciated stock to the Deke Foundation as a way to help with tax planning. If you’re interested, it’s an easy way to help DKE. Donating appreciated assets avoids federal capital gains taxes and provides a federal income tax deduction (US) for the current market value of the gift. Similar state tax benefits are also provided in many U.S. states. Combined tax savings up to 70% of your gift are possible when you donate appreciate stocks or mutual funds. DKE partner firm FreeWill offers help to explore your options and get the process started.

THE DEKE QUARTERLY | WINTER 2022

… that A Deke was among the first Muckrakers, a term President Teddy Roosevelt (Alpha-Harvard University) applied to reform-minded authors after the turn of the 20th century. David Graham Phillips (Psi Phi-DePauw University) conducted some of the most important investigations and exposing details of corruption of U.S. Senators by big business. Brother Phillips’ articles in Cosmopolitan Magazine, then owned by William Randolph Hearst (Alpha-Harvard University),

led to the defeat or departure from office 17 of 21 senators that Brother Phillips wrote about. Similar writings also led to the passage of the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution establishing election of U.S. Senators by popular vote rather than by state legislatures. Phillips’ reputation as a muckraker led to his death. He was shot outside the Princeton Club in New York City by a deranged individual who believed that a Phillips novel (“The Fashionable Adventures of Joshua Craigs”) had cast literary aspersions on his family.

Chapters Celebrate Significant Anniversaries

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KE’s Sigma Alpha chapter at Virginia Tech celebrated its 80th anniversary over the Nov. 6-7 weekend, delayed by Covid Several generations of Virginia Tech Dekes gathered to share stories, reminisce, and restrictions last Spring. The chap- make stronger the bonds of the brotherhood, all in celebration of the chapter’s ter was founded 80th anniversary. as Delta Kappa Sigma on April 21, 1941 by Walter S. Brooks, Morrison D. Meyers, Kenneth V. Wagenbach, and Thomas B. Wyatt and was the first fraternity on campus. The group applied to DKE for colonization in 1970 and received its charter as Sigma Alpha on February 6, 1971. Residing on Roanoke Street in Blacksburg since 1968, Sigma Alpha is among a few fraternities to retain its own off-campus chapter house.

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KE’s Psi chapter is preparing to celebrate its 175th anniversary. It was chartered on June 20, 1847 as the first fraternity at University of Alabama. To help planning or get updates about anniversary events, contact Semmes Favrot at sfavrot@cox.net.


CHAPTER NEWS

Chi Beta–UNC Wilmington

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his fall our chapter members continued to endeavor to develop ourselves into Gentlemen, Scholars and Jolly Good Fellows. Early in the fall term, we had a fabulous Parents Weekend (shown in the photo). It was a great turnout and a wonderful time to meet and spend some quality time with the parents and other family members of our brothers. We made some fine memories and hope we demonstrated those who visited what it means to be a Deke. Our philanthropy projects included a night when we took over a local hangout, the Might As Well Bar, to host “Knock Out ALS.” We conducted raffles, prizes and games, with all proceeds going to help fund research to fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research (ALS). We had a great brotherhood event, our Mountain Weekend, in mid-November. And, following that, just before Thanksgiving, we elected our new executive board. We can’t wait to see what these new leaders bring to our chapter.

Delta–South Carolina

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e are extremely proud to announce that the Delta chapter raised a total of $23,031 this fall for our philanthropic partners Movember – more than doubling our goal (and out-raising any other DKE chapter). A huge thank you to our alumni, families, brothers, donors and our Philanthropy Chair Kyle Trammell! In October, after a hardfought battle all season, the Delta intramural softball team won the championship game, 22-0. Looking forward to another undefeated season next year the brothers proclaim. Brothers on the team included Rusty Anderson, Matt Bobrowski, Ryan Dahlseid, Ryan Feehan, Drew Fields, William Lyden, Liam McClanahan, Joey Purvis, Shane Wenzel,

and Cameron Werme. For Veterans Day, we honored the Delta chapter members who have served: Trevor Gann ’18 (Army); Joe Murray ’23 (USMC and Army); and Brenton Taboada ’22 (Army). As we take this Veteran’s Day to reflect on the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes, we would like to specifically thank these members of our chapter who have served in the military. We appreciate their selfless attitudes and are proud to call them our brothers.

Delta Delta–Chicago

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n October, the Delta Delta chapter welcomed back numerous alumni during the University of Chicago’s Homecoming weekend. The gathering helped us to finally celebrate the in-person Graduation of the Class of 2020. Pictured here are some of the alumni in attendance ranging from the Class of 2017 to the most recent Class of 2021, alongside the current Alumni Relations Chair, Brother EJ Karobath. Among the alumni who joined us for lunch were former Chapter Presidents Brother Ben Wormsley (Class of ‘20) and Brother Kevin Walsh (Class of ‘19).

Delta Kappa– Pennsylvania

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aul Owens, Brother Beta reports: The Delta Kappa chapter at UPenn has continued its success through this past semester. Our achievements and involvement among fraternities on campus earned us the Chapter of Excellence Award for the 2020 academic year. Through the fall we continued our efforts to support local and national philanthropy. The Brothers of Delta Kappa supported the Movember foundation by raising money and spreading awareness for Men’s Health. The Brothers raised over $1,300 through the month of November for the cause. We also supported the St. James School of Philadelphia, and faith-based, tuition-free private education for kids in North Philadelphia. The Brothers of Delta Kappa helped organize a 5K run/walk sponsored by the school, and ran an on campus fundraiser to help purchase school supplies for the upcoming year. This past year we’ve made some improvements to the chapter house. Each bedroom was refloored and painted, and the hallways of the living quarters were fully recarpeted. We have renovated both main bathrooms completely in the last few years. Additionally, the basement was redone, and in the process, made some cool discoveries. Behind the previous wood panel walls w w w.dke.org

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CHAPTER NEWS Villanova, Pa., serves as Captain of the Men’s Ultimate Frisbee team on campus, his third year in the role. Owens also served as Brother Beta Class of 2021 Delta Kappa grads celebrating in this year. Germantown, PA at Deke’s BBQ, an eatery owned by Our reDerek Denmead, Delta Kappa-Pennsylvania ’93. cruitment begins this spring, and we are anxiouswere the original exposed ly waiting to welcome the stone walls, and a painted new class of Dekes. Last map of the Penn campus, year, we welcomed 10 new dated to 1933. The map members despite having an details campus landmarks, online recruitment program as well as all Greek houses during the pandemic. We on campus at the time and are optimistic that Greek their location on campus. life numbers will surge this The recent renovations year with both freshman to the house continue to and sophomores. We hope appeal to incoming new to continue our excellence members and reflect our on campus this spring, and excellence and involvement are looking forward to reon campus. cruitment and our chapter’s Our members continue continued involvement both their involvement across locally and nationally. campus via athletics, IFC, academia, and research. Jacques Thompson, a junior from Baltimore, MD, has just finished his term on the IFC as Judicial Inquiry Board Manager and served as chapter Social Chairman this past year. Travis Spreen, a senior from Sherwood, Ore., was a starting offensive lineman on the Penn football team. Wonwook Do of Vienna, Va., and Jack Clancy of Havertown, Pa., both completed their fourth and final seasons on the Penn Sprint football team – while holding chapter positions as Treasurer and Brotherhood Chairman, respectively. Paul Owens, a senior from 10

Omega Omega– Arizona

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he boys had an amazing time playing kickball in support of domestic violence awareness at Kickin’ It in October. They sent thanks to Alpha Chi Omega for hosting and for col-

THE DEKE QUARTERLY | WINTER 2022

laborating with DKE and other organizations in the U Arizona community to make the most of the philanthropic effort. The majority of proceeds are donation to the Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse.

Phi Gamma-Syracuse

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asper Yu, Brother Beta reports: Philanthropy is near and dear to the heart of our chapter and so we began our year strong with fundraisers and philanthropic events. In October, we hosted our annual Spike-It volleyball tournament for the first time since 2018. Our philanthropy raised around $3K for COVID frontline workers at the local hospital in Syracuse. It was a fabulously fun event for the Greek Life community because no one had seen a Spike-It event except for our Phi Gamma seniors. In November, we celebrated DKE’s 150th anniversary at Syracuse and as the first fraternity on campus. To mark the day, we invited students from other Greek Life organizations to the

house for Phi Gamma’s first food philanthropy, “DKE Dessert.” Our guests came to buy cookies, cakes, and other desserts to help celebrate our sweet history on campus. Proceeds went to support the Movember Men’s Health awareness movement. This spring, we have big plans for more philanthropy and a strong recruitment process. Meantime, we are proud that 19 of our junior class members will study abroad in Florence and Barcelona—the most out of any Greek organization on campus. The administrations at some universities support Greek Life better than others. At Syracuse, the school’s

strong support even leads to relationship-nurturing traditions. Our Phi Gamma chapter has a dinner every year with the chancellor and his wife, dating back to when Kent Syverud was named chancellor in 2013. Often, the affair is held at the stately Deke House on Walnut Avenue in the University Hill neighborhood. This past November, Chancellor Syverud and his wife, Dr. Ruth Chen, invited our actives to their home – almost right next door to the Deke House. We were warmly welcomed with a delicious dinner – and a dessert bearing our DKE letters!


Afterwards, we were invited to the Chancellor’s lounge to play chess, foosball, and pool with various administration officials. This long withstanding tradition has been upheld by our robust relationship with the administration. As next-door neighbors with the Chancellor, we have always maintained a respectful and collaborative friendship.

Pi Alpha-Missouri

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he Mizzou Dekes finished second place in Kappa Alpha Theta sorority’s flag football tournament. The event raises money for CASA, a nonprofit that provides children who have been victims of abuse or neglect with advocates who ensure the child’s voice is heard in the court system. The chapter also earned significant round of snaps during the fall semester for a great act of kindness and service. As Turner Spears DKE Director of Administrative Services reports: “At HQ, I received a random but wonderful call from a very nice woman named Karen. She was married to a Deke until his recent passing; her daughter currently lives in Columbia, Mo., but is moving to Texas to take a new position as a nurse. Her daughter had to be

out of her apartment that day – but had a third set of movers cancel. She wanted to know if the Dekes could help.” Turner took a longshot and called the chapter; Pi Alpha immediately sent five guys over to help her move. A round of snaps to Pi Alpha’s Vice President Brandon Galante for coordinating—as well as his immediate response of “Happy to do it, Dekes help Dekes.”

Psi–Alabama

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kipper Snypes, Brother Beta, and Henry Gaede, Alumni Relations Chair report: After a slow few semester at the DKE house in Tuscaloosa, we were happy to have returned to moreor-less normal operations. We’re all excited to have gotten back to the charged gameday atmosphere and our eagerly-awaited social events. In the fall, we initiated a freshman class of 35 outstanding young men who I am confident will further continue to cement DKE as a top fraternity on campus. We thank those alumni who were able to come to Tuscaloosa and be a part of the initiation proceedings. We have already begun the rush process for next fall’s class. Our rush chairs, Jay Rucker and Emmet Morrison, are doing a fantastic job and they welcome any recommendations for rush. The chapter has established a new goal to limit each pledge class size to around 35 members, recognizing we have had in recent years a traditional class size around 50, and sometimes more, new members. We hope the smaller class sizes will create a closer

bond among the pledge class members as well as preventing Psi from outgrowing our great chapter house. Psi is very proud of the expansion of our chapter’s philanthropy program, spearheaded by Philanthropy Chair Edward Leatherbury. Brother Leatherbury reports that Psi, in our new member education this year, emphasized philanthropy as central piece of our operations. He underscored that “giving back is a big part of who we are as Dekes.” Leatherbury also believes the new emphasis will be a very positive change for the chapter and its future members. This year Psi partnered with many different groups on campus for our philanthropy events. With Covid-19 still hampering lives, DKE decided to invite medical professionals to the house to administer the vaccine to students and help curb possible outbreaks from the new Omicron variant, still hoping to approach a normal school year. Psi also hosted two blood drives seeking donors of both blood and plasma, which could further Covid-19 research. Our new members spent time helping with the True Vine Foundation, a Christian non-profit group that helps bring friends, families, and communities closer together through team building activities. We sponsored a

party for the Brown House Community of Northport, for which we raised $3,700 and directly aided the West Circle community. Psi new members also helped the Raise the Roof project in Tuscaloosa build houses in Northport.

Zeta Theta– Washington State

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he two-year young DKE associate chapter at Washington State at Pullman, a campus where a quarter of students are Greek Life members, continues to grow its positive reputation with each passing semester. Zeta Theta men were highly recognized at the Arete Awards held Nov. 19, including capture of three of nine individual awards presented.

Bryce Regian, the chapter’s Brother Beta, was named IFC Scholar of the Year. Kole Lappe was honored as IFC Senator of the Year and Gus Waters was presented with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion award. The chapter collected hardware for its campus leadership in Global Citizenship as well as posting the most-improved Fall GPA. “Our chapter had an amazing night at the Arete Awards for Greek Life. We’re so proud of all of our brothers and the hard work they put in the past year to receive these awards.” w w w.dke.org

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MEET THE DKE BOARD OF THESE BRIEF PROFILES COMPLETE OUR SERIES ON THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE 15-MAN DKE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Ray Graves, Alpha Chi ’67

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ay Reynolds Graves has achieved much in his life. He’s also quick to tell you he had no choice, he was just meeting the expectations his family had for all its members. “Mom was one of eight kids in her family; Dad was one of seven; 14 of the 15 graduated from college.” His mom became an educator, a Head Start teacher; his dad was a dentist and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first African American fraternity. Courage and leadership were built into Ray’s genetic code. His paternal grandmother was the first woman to register to vote in Alabama. His uncle, his mom’s ‘baby brother,’ became the governor of Virginia. Brother Graves was elected to the DKE Board of Directors in June 2021, five-plus decades after his election as DKE’s first African American chapter president. That was Alpha Chi chapter at Trinity College, in Hartford, Conn., where Ray earned a B.A. in 1967 before moving on to earn his Juris Doctor at Wayne State University in 1970. While an undergraduate at Trinity, Ray worked as a radio announcer for WRTC-FM, allowing him to supplement his income through college and open opportunities later, including radio work in Detroit while he was in law school. Law degree in hand, Ray entered practice with the Defender’s Office of Detroit, where he was defense attorney for indigents charged with felonies. Later, in private practice, he served as trial counsel litigating for Aetna Life & Casualty, ConRail, the City of Detroit, and Prudential Insurance. Appointed to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in 1982, Brother Graves served on the bench until retiring in 2002. Among the cases he presided over was the five-year case against John DeLorean, maker of the exotic gull-winged sports car. Judge Graves’ ruling secured a settlement of over $9 million for DeLorean creditors. During his judicial career, Ray served two terms on the Board of Governors of the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges, taught corporate reorganization law as an adjunct professor at the University of Detroit, and was on the faculty of the Federal Judicial Center, Washington, D.C. He is still a frequent speaker at legal seminars throughout the U.S.

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THE DEKE QUARTERLY | WINTER 2022

One speaking engagement Ray recalled was for the 6th Circuit Judicial Conference in Grand Rapids. He noticed Gerald Ford was giving a speech nearby and sought the chance to meet. “I rushed by a tall, elegant secret service woman, only to be tackled by her.” He didn’t succeed in giving the grip to Brother Ford, but he did convince the agent to give the president his business card. Ford returned the card to Ray, with a note and signature conveying his best wishes to a fellow Deke. Ray can share too many stories, as well, about the ugliness of racism he faced in his life. Some turn out better than others, as was the case when he joined DKE. Most of his chapter brothers were very welcoming and accepting. “Except one,” Rays says. “That one brother was a non-violent racist from a southern state who had to be swayed by the brothers to allow an African American into membership.” Tensions lingered, even years later, when Alpha Chi voted Ray in as president. “But we tolerated each other, worked together even when we didn’t see eye to eye, and dropped the barriers. Politically and emotionally, he changed from a polite racist to a DKE gentleman. We both grew in the process. “What I liked about DKE when I joined back then is what I like about DKE now. We don’t broadcast our diversity and inclusion; we just live it. I hope that example continues to catch on.” Ray still lives in Detroit and frequently sees his two children. Daughter Claire is an athletic trainer for the University of Michigan field hockey team. His son, Reynolds, is a recent appointee as the first Chief of Staff for Boston’s Office of Police Accountability and Transparency. As a member of the Board and of DKE’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, the now 77-year-old hopes “to make a long-term contribution to DKE in a short period of time – to prepare it for the future.” Ray believes DKE needs to remain open to new ideas and to continue to evolve. “New chapters and new members will be the blood of the evolution. The constancy is that all Dekes need to think about their conduct, to be decent men, and understand that being a Gentleman means something, that being a Jolly Good Fellow means something.”

John Yerger, Delta Chi ’82

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ohn was born in 1960 in Wales, when his father worked for Alcoa, and where John undoubtedly inherited the genes that aided success in technical pursuits. John reeled in a B.A. and Masters in Engineering and an MBA, all from Cornell University, in quick succession in 1982, ’83, and ’84. He was also quick to put both innate and trained technical abilities to good use. John barely had time to frame all his diplomas before starting work at Data General. He spent eight years with the computer hardware company, then the next four decades in progressively senior roles at high tech companies – Universal Instruments, DEK, VisionTek, Total Electronics, SMS Technologies – all leaders in precision technologies ranging from electronic materials, to imaging, and material deposition. The stops included a return to England, for DEK, before taking the helm as president for Total Electronics and SMS


DIRECTORS

Delta Chi Dekes unite at a 2018 Chicago Bears game in Soldier Field. The brothers, from left, are: John Yerger ’82, Gary Mickiewicz ’82, Jeff Jameson ’83, and Jonathan Eder ’83.

Technologies. Under John’s leadership, Total Electronics’ valuation grew 300 percent before it was sold to Taiwan’s CalComp. He also led the commercialization of Advanced Diamond Technologies, a nano-technology spinoff from Argonne National Labs. John was elected to the DKE Board in June 2021, while serving as CEO and president of yet another tech venture – Eden Park Illumination, a company that makes patented UV disinfection lamps which kill viruses and bacteria safely with people present. “It was a fascinating time in my career and for our company,” John says. “We were most excited about the chance to make a difference against COVID-19. In February 2020, we took a deep look into what we could do in a market that didn’t exist, and with no roadmap on how to get it done.” As an undergrad at Cornell, Brother Yerger pledged the Delta Chi chapter of DKE. There, he held several leadership roles while also serving as co-chairman of the school’s student orientation program. As an alum, John remains heavily involved in volunteer and nonprofit entities. He’s president of Cornell’s Alumni IFC and is committee co-chair in the UNC Parents Council (focused on improving the health and well-being of students). John served for three years on the Cornell DKE board, is a lay leader of his church, and active with the Native Dads and Daughters program. John views himself as a citizen of the world. “I know, as humans, we can accomplish more through taking in a wider range of perspectives. There isn’t just one point of view. That’s what I saw when I joined DKE—it was a benefit to connect with brothers of different ages and backgrounds.” He adds that the Delta Chi chapter was already way more diverse than the Cornell student population. “We didn’t consciously plan to recruit X percent this or that. We simply surrounded ourselves with guys who had similar outlooks and a desire to work together to get somewhere. Those experiences you don’t get from U classes, or even most types of U sponsored

clubs.” He hopes his contributions to the DKE Board will strengthen communication with DKE undergraduates—who he views as tomorrow’s leaders. “The more electronic our lives have become, the less students come into college without solid social skills. I believe fraternities can help them avoid the risk of remaining narrow, and instead, help them develop into broad and deep individuals.” John also hopes to explore ways for DKE to broaden the resources it provides for members. “Many undergrads want alumni relationships and stronger networking assistance. I think that’s one way for fraternities to remain relevant into the future.” Teaching young Dekes how to be better networkers would be a plus, he says. “I built networking into my habits beginning some decades ago,” John says. “Each quarter, I would reconnect with someone I hadn’t talked with in some time. Those calls often turned into deep conversations, more frequent contacts. Now, that habit is automatic.” John and his wife, Leslie, have three grown children – all active in their university’s Greek systems.

Ron Li, Phi Alpha ’10

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on Li was born in Hong Kong in June 1987, when the colony was still under British rule. But his parents saw the writing on the wall and took the opportunity to emigrate to Canada soon after Ron was born. That move was just the start of many around the globe for Ron, who was elected to the DKE Board in June 2020. He has now lived in six countries, in Asia, Europe and North America. Brother Li spent his formative years in Vancouver. At 13 years, teenager Ron made money competing in video games, when professional gaming was in its infancy. His play was good enough to attract sponsors, which helped him pay for college. In high school, Ron stood just 5-foot-4, “so the Napoleon complex took over,” Ron says. “I chose contact sports, playing both rugby and hockey.” In rugby, he played scrum half, “like a quarterback, but without the glamor.” Now in his mid-30s, Ron still plays beer league hockey, Continued

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MEET THE DKE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Continued

and may not like arriving at Stage 3 of the six stages of hockey players: “lots of ability but starting to crack under the strain of life.” Ron earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of British Columbia. He followed with an MBA in Sports Marketing from the University of Oregon, but not before a vital detour. “I thought I was going to be an economist, but job prospects for Econ grads were not great,” Ron says. A visit from Doug Lanpher, DKE’s brand new Executive Director at the time, improved his prospects. While Doug was in Vancouver to present Phi Alpha the Lion Trophy, he recommended Ron consider a brief career diversion—as chapter consultant for DKE. Ron served for two years, guiding chapter operations in Canada, plus the Midwest, South, and western United States. He later served for four years on DKE’s Judicial Committee, just before his current term on the DKE Board began. The past three years, Ron worked as Director of Audience Growth, then in Sponsor Solutions for the eSports division of Electronic Arts. He grew viewership and sponsorship of leagues that ran Madden NFL, Apex Legends (a Fortnight competitor), FIFA, and NBA Live. At the close of 2021, Ron moved on from EA to become Senior VP of Client Strategy for Navigate. There he advises sports-related businesses—including the Houston Rockets, the Kansas City Royals, the SEC, the NBA—on how to grow their brand following. Ron says these jobs were all about external relations– and he arrived at those companies with an ability to connect with a wide variety of people. “The more I look back, the more I see DKE did that for me. I still enjoy all forms of guidance and mentoring aspects,” he says. He still mentors students as a coach for Sports Biz Camps, which assists underrepresented kids pursue their dreams in the sports industry. Prior to EA and Navigate, Ron was with the PGA Tour. On the International Affairs staff, he helped strategize the Tour’s global expansion and was instrumental in opening new offices in London and Tokyo. He got the job with help from a Deke. “Sports biz is huge, but the jobs often go to insiders; who you know is often as important as what you know,” Ron notes. His referral came from Patrick Morris, Psi-Alabama ’12, now a senior director at NASCAR. Patrick had been an intern at PGA Tour, and he knew the right people for Ron to connect with. On the DKE Board, he appreciates the chance to “add some rigor in our processes, to run DKE more like a business, and the chance to guide associate chapter petitions.” Ron also hopes to build more membership value for the undergraduates, including bolstering the career advisory aspects of fraternity. Just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Ron married his wife, Nessa, an Army vet he reports is “substantially tougher and smarter than I am.”

Christian Cummings, Epsilon Rho ’18

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ust before his 28th birthday, Christian Samuel Cummings was elected to the DKE Board, probably the youngest inductee to this venerable panel. The former Brother Beta of DKE’s Epsilon Rho chapter at Duke, he

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earned his B.A. in Economics, but knew all along where he was headed. Back home to Texas, to return to work in a family managed auto dealership. Christian has sold cars for nearly a decade now, earning extra bucks while in high school in Frisco, Texas, assisting in his uncle’s dealership and learning the automotive trade for himself. As a student at Duke, he also worked as a sales advisor for BMW in Chapel Hill. He has served the past two years as a finance manager for Nissan of McKinney, Texas. He was born in Plano, Texas in 1993 and grew up in Frisco, but attended Duke in North Carolina because he wanted to “start seeing the world” outside Texas and study at an Ivy-like institution. His main interest was in acquiring a solid business education. Christian held executive board posts in the Epsilon Rho chapter every year after pledging. He joined the DKE HQ staff after graduating from Duke, working as an expansion consultant. Based at the University of Texas in Austin, he worked to recruit members for the Omega Chi Associate Chapter. He also became one of the original members of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access committee that DKE assembled in 2021 and still serves in that role. Christian takes a public stance on topics that excite or rile him, posting regularly and attracting hundreds of followers to his Twitter page. His posts are dominated by celebratory notes about the Dallas Mavericks or Duke basketball, but range to the occasional discerning commentary on everything from rap music to racial injustice. Brother Cummings did not enter college thinking that fraternity life would be for him, even at Duke, where a third of students become members in Greek organizations. “I rushed with a couple of my friends who were ‘on edge’ about going Greek. In my mind, I fought against the fraternity stigma and bad reputation – and waited until I was a sophomore to pledge. But the small chapter at Epsilon Rho did not embody that stereotype. I could feel the closeness of the brothers and felt I was among a bunch of good friends.” Christian feels his college experience was unique, first as a minority student and being far from the typical Greek man. “Because of that, DKE has made an impact on my life. Joining was one of the most important decisions I ever made. So, on the Board, I look forward to ensuring that the opportunities I had are there for other young men.” Christian has three siblings, a little sister nearing a spring graduation from the University of Texas in Austin, and two stepbrothers, both in high school. His parents live nearby in Texas, his mom near Plano, and his dad in McKinney.


EIGHT BECOMES DKE’S NEW MAGIC NUMBER AS BOARD APPROVES ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS

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oung Dekes learning to recite the chapter roll take note. Your job just got a little tougher. The recent addition of eight new chapters and two associate chapters shows that the spirit of DKE is not only alive, it’s thriving. And proof is the hundreds of bright young men from chapters that have fully joined our ranks. On Nov. 17, 2021, Delta Kappa Epsilon’s board of directors approved charters for Alpha Omicron at Colorado at Boulder, Chi at Mississippi, Delta Alpha at Auburn, Delta Chi at Cornell, Delta Tau at Ohio State, Nu Alpha at Northeastern, Omega Omega at Arizona, and Tau Gamma at Texas Tech. Associate chapters were also established at Washington (Kappa Epsilon) and Georgetown. “Never has the fraternity expanded its chapter roll so dramatically in such a short period of time,” said DKE Executive Director Doug Lanpher. “This is thrilling, adding strength to our fraternity which now includes 55 active chapters and six associate chapters.” Lanpher praised the young brothers at the recently chartered chapters, as well as the DKE alumni who assisted in the founding and, in some cases, the re-founding of the chapters. “This is big news – great news, really – in that we are growing in spite of a pandemic and so much negativity in the media about fraternities and sororities,” Lanpher continued. “I congratulate everyone who has been involved in helping to put DKE on the map at these excellent colleges.” Here is a glimpse, in alphabetical order, at each of the chapters where the roar of DKE’s Lion is echoing throughout the campuses.

ALPHA OMICRON – UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER Founded in 1876, Colorado at Boulder is a public research university with an undergraduate enrollment of about 35,000. During the past three years, Alpha Omicron’s brothers overcame many obstacles. “We made some mistakes,” said Benjamin Kern, the chapter’s Brother Beta, “but we learned from them.” They worked closely with staff from DKE’s headquarters to develop programs and mold leaders to implement the plans. “Primarily, we increased the accountability of not only our executive officers but of every brother in the chapter,” Kern said. The result was a much stronger rush that swelled Alpha Omicron’s membership. “We looked at every program from academics to athletics to social life and figured out ways to improve our approach in every aspect,” Kern said. “The result is that we are more dedicated to the chapter and to each other. We learned that strong communication is the key to success. “Becoming a full-fledged chapter in DKE is just the beginning. We are now on our way to becoming the best fraternity on campus.” CHI – UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI Founded in 1844 – coincidentally the same year of DKE’s birth-Ole Miss is a public research university. About 18,600 students are enrolled at the university, which is located in Oxford, Miss. Chi, founded in 1850, is one of Delta Kappa Epsilon’s oldest

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Ohio State

Cornell

chapters, which made the re-founding at Ole Miss so significant. DKE was also the first fraternity chapter at Ole Miss and in the entire state. “Our goal was to simply follow the motto that says every Deke should be a gentleman, a scholar and a jolly good fellow,” said Chi president Zachary Ware. “When we started in 2017, we believed we could change Greek life on the Ole Miss campus. It came down to simple things, such as helping a fellow student in class, supporting philanthropic causes, or improving our relationship with other Greek organizations.” The Chi brothers started by improving the academic standing of the chapter. “We developed a system in which tutors in our chapter would work with brothers at study sessions several times a week,” Ware said. They used incentives such as brothers with the highest grade-pointaverages could select the best sleeping rooms at the house. “We also reached out to our alumni and to DKE alumni in the region through newsletters and events,” Ware said. “It has rekindled an amazing connection that helped us improve our programs.”

DELTA ALPHA – AUBURN UNIVERSITY Founded in 1856, Auburn is a public land-grant university in Auburn, Ala., with an undergraduate enrollment of about 30,000. DKE has been reestablished at Auburn through the determination of the brothers to improve recruitment practices, build community relations to improve the chapter’s reputation, and to upgrade member participation in all aspects of fraternal life. “We started modestly, expanding our membership of about 25 brothers,” said chapter president Henry Sheils. “But we recognized that to compete with the other fraternities on campus, we needed to grow, which we have.” Delta Alpha recruited consecutive classes of more than 30 members, which enabled the chapter to fully participate in on-campus activities and philanthropic events. “We believe the best way to help our brothers reach their potential is to direct them to help others,” Shiels said. “We take pride in the service we provide in the community, and it’s paid off in other ways, such as improvement in our academic standing.”

Auburn

Ole Miss

Top row (L-R): Jake Selmer, Johnny Cohen, Jake Berlin, Spencer Smith, Josh Rosenberg. Middle row (L-R): Mitchell Silverman, Jame Schwartz, Ryan Olarsch, Michael Piccarella, Patrick Cullen, Andrew Cagner, Ryan Greene, Max Hiller, Ryan Bader, Jordan Bernstein, Chris Macaluso, Max Raphelson. Bottom row (L-R): Adam Budkofsky, Jack Pfeffer, Noah Rosen, Sam Weissman, Max Schops, Nick Arciold, Ryan Seidner, Alex Ratner.

Members present: John Ahrens, Noah Aven, Nicholas Badolato, Paul Benetollo, Liam Bourke, Grant Buell, John Dabov, Shane Farrow, James Ford, Ryan Gaynor, Zachary Gray, Forbes Hamby, Preston Hamilton, Timothy Horan, Luke Hussey, Christian Ingster, Zachary Jones, William Maiden, Griffin Matson, Andrew Matthews, Cooper McClinton, Curry Pajcic, Jimmie Reynolds, Trenton Reynolds, William Ridlehoover, Mitchell Sanders, Lawrence Scheetz, Henry Sheils, Carter Sullivan, Henry Thompson, Jordan Tucker, Harrison Woods, William Wren, Alex Holland, Andrew Johnson, Brunson Bacheler.

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Front row (L-R): Steven Ayala (Advisor), Xavier, Zach G, Caleb, Ryan O. Middle row (L-R): Neal, Oscar, Mike (Boarder), Guy, Jacob, Alex, Brayan, Teddy, Adam, Bipro. Back row (L-R): Richie, Sam, Rath, Layne, Dhilan, Oliver, Quinn, Jack, Andrew, Tim, Kyrylo (Alum), John, Bill, Vinnie, Steve, Zack V, Devon.

Visible are: Ryan Hunt, Hayden Faun, Chris Dusang, Jack Houser, Ben Brashear, Brenan Kronenburg, Ethan Hope, Myles Douglas, Rykley Galinsky, Nicholas Colivn, Austin Johnson, Banks Hover, Eric Shipper, John Elms, Matt Haverty, Graham Dick, Sean O’Brien, Robert Alfonso, Albert Bienvenu, Matthew Coar, Jack Williams, Owen Norris, Eli LaVigne, Patrick Breton, Breck Leflore, Ben Blanken, Zachary Ware, Alex Heller, Ryan Lynch, Grant Wood, George Janvier, Jack DeBaere, Ethan Edmonson, Jonathan Born, Ethan Edmondson, Duncan Saxton, Keaton Silver, Thomas Hamrick, Huascar Rodriquez, Greg Moore, Sean Nunn, Ethan Coleman, Jack Whitaker, Marcus Villella, Cole Nelson Partially Obscured: Stephen Porkorny, Matthew Peterson, Jumal Perez, Jalen Moore, Brennan Minkoff, Daniel Laramie, Aiden White, Taylor Shamblin, Davan Reece, Colt Moore, John Hubbach, Luke Henderson, Micheal Gionfriddo, Issac Capel.


Texas Tech

Back row (L-R): Josh Kraus, Kai Lopez, Ben Barnette, Kyle Bear, Alex Williams, Andrew Lingren, Ethan Rodea, Rory Campbell, Taylor Brock, Paul Neidert. Front row (L-R): Noah Ford, Evan Potvin, Matteo Macri, Jake Granberry, Matthew Eichstadt, Matthew Browitt, Sam Stewart, Jeremy Osborne, Michael Hamad, Jackson Chavez, Jorge.

DELTA CHI – CORNELL UNIVERSITY Founded in 1865, Cornell is a private Ivy League land-grant university in Ithaca, N.Y., with an undergraduate enrollment of about 25,000. In the four years since Delta Chi was reestablished, the chapter has maintained the belief that diversity is its greatest strength. Backed by a large and motivated alumni base, DKE moved back into its beautiful chapter house. “Our re-founding class was dissatisfied with the existing cookie-cutter fraternities on campus and a rush system that seemed flawed,” said Xavier Lu, chapter president. “We’re proud to have built a brotherhood that sports a diversity of majors, interests, backgrounds and ideas. Most importantly, we created a robust system that passes on leadership skills, maintaining valuable connections and ensuring

Northeastern

UC Boulder

Left side (sitting, front to back): Benjamin Kern, Chris Orear, Jack Nelson, Abdul Al Hamer, Jack Roe, Tyler Delacey. Left side (standing): Michael Deguzman, Cameron Johnson, Gerardo Reyes, Jackson Klein. Right side (sitting front to back): Darren Kelly, William Gillian, Shah A. Rahman, Jacob Garza, Cole Cedar, Max Kauffman. Right side (standing): Luke Seifert, Charlie Bush, Gavin Gallagher, Matthew Ramos.

“Never has the fraternity expanded its chapter roll so dramatically in such a short period of time. This is thrilling, adding strength to our fraternity which now includes 55 active chapters and six associate chapters.” – DKE Executive Director Doug Lanpher

Top row, (L-R): Max Brotman, Calvin Norstad, Aidan Webster, Evan Massa, Will von Ahnen, Jacob Horowitz, John Berry, Tyler Kavanaugh, Martin Bulanowski, Chase Francis, Agastya Das, Rob Lee, Alparslan Karabacak, Alex Menikoff, John Duncan. Bottom row (L-R): Alex Prokey, Adil Ikiz, Sepehr Rashighi, Alex Levin, Max LeBlang, Tim Vaquero, Gio Panagiotakias, Matt Hiller, Harry Merzin, Josh Weissert, Matt O’Rourke, Umut Tanriverdi.

that all details relevant to running Delta Chi are easily accessible.” DELTA TAU – OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY Founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1870, Ohio State is a public land-grant university with 47,000 undergraduates. Delta Tau hit the ground running and in less than two years has become a full-fledged DKE chapter. “In the beginning, our numbers ranged between 20 and 30, but to become the kind of chapter we wanted, we knew we had to grow,” said Ari Rosen, Delta Tau president. “We pegged that number at around 60 brothers, and through hard work we reached that goal in about six months.” Rosen said the chapter found it needed to create an accountability system that would bolster the individual responsibility of every brother.

University of Arizona

Front row (L-R): Advisor Creston King, Dalton Stormo, Brody Herrick, Jeffry Mosqueira, Cole Goldman, Matt Huffman, Mitchell Chang, Ryan Nakagawa, Matt Tijerina, Michael Robillard, Hugh Gray. Middle row (L-R): Brandon Wuss, Louis Choi, Conor Toole, Casey Way, Ethan Woodard, Ryan Prather, Sami Muslmani, Will Stubbs, Jake Midyette, Nico Cornejo-Lopez, Martin Gamez, Andrew Choi. Back row (L-R): Tots Deluna, Charlie Fleury, Vincent Young, Harry Loida, Dylan Quinn, Max Schwiegerling, Max Fajardo, Daniel Susa, Quincy Eastlack, Ryan Hibbs, Kyle Sugaski, Russel Sauer.

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“Eventually, we became a group of individuals who find joy in brotherhood while improving the community around us,” Rosen said.

BREAKING NEWS It does not end at eight! On January 12, 2022, just as this issue was going to press, the DKE Board voted to add another active chapter, Lambda Tau at the University of Tennessee.

NU ALPHA – NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Founded in 1898 in Boston, Mass., Northeastern is a private research university with an undergraduate enrollment of about 19,000. Since formally organizing in June of 2019, Nu Alpha has made rapid progress in its march toward full active status in DKE. Working closely with headquarters staff, the brothers significantly improved their recruitment practices, resulting in greater success. They developed a motivated and goal-oriented executive team, improved philanthropic and community engagement, and established a scholastic support system. “Our mission as Dekes became clear,” said Evan Massa, chapter president. “We aim to struggle against all odds, to persist in the face of failure, to share the burden of this struggle through brotherhood, and ultimately know the triumph of high achievement.”

OMEGA OMEGA – ARIZONA Founded in Tucson, Ariz., in 1885, the University of Arizona is a public land-grant research school with an undergraduate enrollment of about 36,000. Steeped in the values of DKE, Omega Omega brothers pledged to create a new kind of fraternity on Arizona’s campus. “The onset of COVID-19 during the summer of 2020 put us behind the

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University of Washington

From L-R: Jorge Vaca Garibay, Max Chastain, Lacks Gupta, Jake Stevens, Treys Neptune, Luke Bisyak, Kevin Vintch, Max van de Kamp, Parker Bumstead, Cohen Bahneman, Nick Ashimine, Samuel Bailey, Kenzo Yoshitomi, Uriel Vazquez, Sean Nguyen, Marko Morrison, Praful Chopra.

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TAU GAMMA – TEXAS TECH Founded in Lubbock, Texas in 1923, Texas Tech is a public research university with an undergraduate enrollment of 33,000. Originally formed by a group that had disaffiliated from a national engineering fraternity, Tau Gamma’s founders researched many fraternities before reaching out to Delta Kappa Epsilon. “The motto, ‘Gentlemen, Scholars and Jolly Good Fellows,’ really spoke to us,” said Tau Gamma President Noah Ford. “A visit to Lubbock by Trey Robb from DKE’s headquarters also opened our eyes. He showed us how a great chapter – a Deke chapter – should operate, and we realized we were running at a fraction of our potential,” Ford continued. “Trey gave us new ideas about how chapter meetings should run, how various boards should work, and how to best interact with each other. His advice, along with the help we received by the rest of the DKE staff, put us on the right track.”

A SS O C I AT E

KAPPA EPSILON – WASHINGTON Founded in Seattle, Wash., in 1861, Washington is a public landgrant research university with an undergraduate enrollment of 31,000. Originally chartered as a DKE chapter in 1910, it flourished at Washington until the 1960s, ultimately closing in 1965. It was revived in 1992, only to close again in 2002. This time, with the passionate backing of Kappa Epsilon alumni and a dedicated group of undergraduates, the outlook for DKE at Washington is much brighter. The brothers are convinced they can make it happen.

eight-ball,” said Omega Omega President Sami Musimani. “But our determination to do things right – the DKE way – gave us the intense desire we needed.” With assistance from DKE headquarters, the brothers created a new rush system and member education program. “Everybody pitched in, which drew us closer as a chapter,” Musimani said. The acquisition of a new Deke house also prompted Omega Omega to develop a series of guidelines so that everyone could get along.

C H A P T E R S

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY (No Greek name yet) Founded in Washington, D.C., in 1789, Georgetown is a private research university with an undergraduate enrollment of 19,000 students. A highly diversified group of students who are extremely active on campus, the young Dekes at Georgetown are already building a successful recruitment program. DKE alumni in the region are highly motivated and there seems to be a determination among the students to create a first-rate DKE chapter.

Georgetown

Top row (L-R): Connor Hudak, Austin Gatesman, Nick Oddo , Alex Oddo, Justin Potisit, Henry Dai, Andrew Park. Bottom row (L-R): Malik Gupta, Joey Yacovone, Nick Rice, Julio Salmeron-Perla, Sanjay Gospodinov, Christian Ackerman, Alex Mazzeo, Gautham Pillai, Paris Ngyuen.


DEKES DOING GREAT THINGS

BOOK ABOUT BETA’S DAVE PHILLIPS DESCRIBES AN AMAZING LIFE By Doug Lanpher, Executive Director, Gamma ‘77

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e boast a lot about “Famous Dekes” in our pledge education materials, in our publications, and at conferences, etc., and with good reason. Throughout our history, DKE has been fortunate to attract a bevy of incredibly successful men - way beyond the proportion of our size - who’ve gone on to worldwide fame for their achievements in every imaginable field of endeavor. But as I’ve discovered through my years as Executive Director, DKE is also home to many extremely successful men who, while they might not be household names throughout the four corners of the world, have had a major impact on their communities, their industry sectors, the causes important to them, and their other life’s pursuits. These men are every bit as deserving of our accolades, as well as our pride in calling them Brothers. One such alumnus is Dave Phillips, a Deke from our Beta Chapter at the University of North Carolina. Dave (S. Davis Phillips, to be exact), graduated from UNC in 1965, and is the subject of a new biography written by North Carolina-based author Mary Bogest. Titled Come on America: The Inspirational Journey of Ambassador Dave Phillips, Mary’s book does a wonderful job telling the story of Dave’s life and achievements (so far). Largely on the basis of a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and his uncanny ability to foresee and shape important business trends, Dave has been a major player in the development of the furniture and textile showroom industries in North Carolina. He’s served as the CEO of various firms he has started, an influential supporter of the Special Olympics, North Carolina’s successful Secretary of Commerce, and the U.S. Ambassador to Estonia, appointed by fellow Deke George W. Bush. As a youth, Dave had to overcome a physical handicap which led to the amputation of one leg below the knee when he was just 14. Facing this obstacle - not just physical but the bullying from junior high school classmates that came with it - could have been demoralizing to some, but young Dave used it as a lesson to always maintain a positive attitude, and to believe in his ability to succeed despite the handicap. In fact,

when asked by the author, “How did you overcome this obstacle?” he said, “It’s about attitude.” Much of his optimism he learned from his mother. Getting admitted into the Choate School was a big turning point for Dave, as he felt accepted by the other boys there. He was not a model student, nor was his behavior always impeccable, but he learned a lot from his teachers and the headmaster, with whom he stayed in touch in later years. One summer he spent at Choate, another he spent touring in the USSR. Dave, who joined the Beta Chapter in his freshman year at Chapel Hill, said he got a lot out of his experience with DKE, including making a lot of close, lifelong friends, and he has supported the Beta Chapter ever since. After college, he went to work in sales for his father’s textile business, and from there, he went on to a successful and exciting career in textiles and furniture. He expanded the business to include a factoring (financial) company as well. He was the lead visionary in the development of the Market Square showroom in High Point, N.C., which eventually grew to 2.25 million square feet, about the same as the Empire State Building. Under Dave’s ownership, Market Square became the

most sought after showroom for textile and furniture companies in the country. The economic impact Dave’s efforts had on the High Point region and North Carolina in general led to his being named as the state’s Secretary of Commerce by the Democratic Governor Jim Hunt, even though Dave is well known in Republican circles. Governor Hunt didn’t care about party labels, and he wanted a secretary who would relentlessly promote the state’s financial interests. Dave was proud to serve his state in this capacity. Along the way, Dave closed dozens of deals with other business partners, and even a competitor or two (“There are no enemies, just opponents.”). Dave is a firm believer in the “win-win” philosophy, that any deal has to be good for both parties. Eventually selling all three businesses within the span of a year (in all three sales, he was approached by the eventual buyers, not the other way around), he made sure his employees, many of them long termers, were well taken care of by the new owners. Dave became interested in the Special Olympics, and eventually was instrumental in getting the 1999 Summer Games held in North Carolina, another big win for the state. We can now call Brother Phillips “Ambassador Phillips,” thanks to his appointment by George W. Bush (Phi ’67) as Ambassador to Estonia in 2007. This too is an interesting story, because Dave took office in the midst of a developing crisis. Estonia is one of Europe’s most digitally advanced countries, and in 2007, dozens of the nation’s key corporate and government websites were crippled by cyber attacks. All signs pointed to Russia, but the Kremlin denied orchestrating the attacks. So right from the get-go, Dave was thrown into the middle of that diplomatic fracas. The stories in the book are well told and interesting, and when you read it you’ll be inspired by Dave’s love of country, of North Carolina, and his love of people. You’ll also be impressed with his business acumen, the companies he built, and the impact he has had on the High Point region. His life story is admirable, and he’s a credit to Delta Kappa Epsilon. Come on America: The Inspirational Journey of Ambassador Dave Phillips. You can buy the book at Amazon. w w w.dke.org

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FRATERNAL BONDS ALWAYS MATTER PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH EMBRACES A YOUNG DEKE

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hen President George W. Bush, Phi Yale ’68, spoke in Erie, Pa., in November, security was so tight it was practically impossible to get next to him. Unless you happened to be a young Deke brother who was determined to shake the former president’s hand. Michael Guido, a senior majoring in political science at Gannon University in Erie and a DKE brother at Gamma Iota, was selected by Dr. Charles Bloodworth, a political science professor, to join a small group of students to meet with Bush just before he took the stage. “I wore a DKE necktie and my pin, hoping that he might notice,” said Guido, 21. “When it was my turn to introduce myself, I wasn’t sure he saw the Deke stuff, so I said, ‘I’m a DKE brother.’ He stopped for a second, his eyes kind of widened, and he said, ‘Hell, yeah, that’s good stuff.’ He pulled me close for a hug and whispered some kind of cryptic Deke message in my ear, but I was so caught up in the moment that I’m not exactly sure what it was.” In the brief round table gathering that followed, Bush called

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President George W. Bush shared a special moment with Gamma Iota senior Michael Guido before his November appearance in Erie, Pa.

on Guido several times when the Pittsburgh native raised his hand with a question. “I asked him about his style of leadership and how it helped him deal with the crises he faced in office,” Guido said. “You rely on your principles when faced with the tough decisions. So, it’s best to always go with your principles,” Bush said. “He also encouraged us to never fall in love with money, sex or power, because you can never get enough of any of them,” Guido said. “He was knowledgeable, charismatic and selfdeprecating, poking fun at himself while charming everyone in the room.” Bush, 75, who at one time served as president of the Texas Rangers baseball team, remains an avid sports fan. “When he saw that I was from Pittsburgh, he asked if I was a Steelers fan,” Guido said. “I’m a huge fan and told him the Steelers rock. Bush looked at me, winked and said, ‘You got that right.’” It proved to be an appropriate warmup for Bush’s talk before a crowd of 2,000 at Erie’s Bayfront Convention Center. He was introduced by Tom Ridge, whom Bush appointed as the first Secretary of Homeland Security. “I was pretty busy serving as


Bush told fascinating stories about meeting with workers at Ground Zero, following the attack on 9/11. He also talked about his love of painting and related a funny anecdote about his dog, Barney, and Vladimir Putin.

Pennsylvania’s governor at the time, but it’s hard to say no to bulletproof vest and all I could think was ‘Don’t bounce your President Bush,” Ridge said. throw to home plate.’” He didn’t. Andrew Card, who served for six years as Bush’s chief of Mixing good humor with good sense, Bush recalled that he staff, was also a featured speaker at the Jefferson Education hated the years that his father, George H.W. Bush, Phi Yale ’48, Society’s Global Summit in Erie, and he arrived two days served as president. “They were miserable for me because I hated before his scheduled address to meet with his old boss. what his critics said about him,” Bush said. But when he became “Andy was the best,” Bush said. “Smart, loyal and always ready president, the son said he didn’t care how history treated him. “At with a well-thought-out contribution, he was a the end of my presidency, my girls still loved me, key man at the White House.” and that’s good enough for me.” “I had no plans to be a During the interesting 100-minute Bush told a funny story about his dog, wartime president, conversation onstage, Bush sat opposite Steve Barney, and Vladimir Putin. “When Putin came to but as soon as that Scully, former C-SPAN anchor, who asked a visit the White House, Barney came bounding up to second plane hit the series of wide-ranging questions. It was not him. But Putin kind of dissed him,” Bush said. “A tower in New York, a political talk, as Bush stayed away from year or so later, when I met with Putin in Russia, he I knew I didn’t criticizing his successors. “I don’t think it’s showed me his dog, adding, ‘See, bigger, faster, and good for the office for me to criticize others stronger than Barney.’ I remember thinking, wow, have a choice.” who serve as president,” he said. “The office this guy has a chip on his shoulder.” is much bigger than the current occupant.” He said he enjoyed a close relationship with Relaxed and candid, Bush reflected on some of his most his mother, Barbara Pierce Bush, and they spoke on the phone memorable times in office. “I had no plans to be a wartime the day she died. “’I’m ready,’ she told me,” Bush said. “And president, but as soon as that second plane hit the tower in then she said I was her favorite son – on the phone.” New York, I knew I didn’t have a choice,” he said. Like Winston Churchill before him, Bush has become an Not long after the attacks, Bush was invited to throw out artist in retirement. “I started by painting watermelons and the first pitch at a New York Yankees World Series game. now I paint everyone but my wife,” he joked. “I’ve learned that “There were snipers on the roof and the stadium was just so painting is just like everything else in life -- you don’t know full of emotion,” Bush remembered. “I was bundled up in a what you can do until you try.”

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FORGOTTEN GREATS OF DKE

LONGTIME EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BILL HENDERSON A GRACIOUS SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN, HE MADE FRIENDS FOR DKE FOR FIVE DECADES

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Grant Burnyeat, Phi Alpha British Columbia ’65, who ractically everyone who met William M. Henderson worked as a DKE chapter consultant from 1968-70, remembers during his nearly five decades at Delta Kappa Henderson as the “right person at the right time.” In some ways, Epsilon’s headquarters would agree that he Burnyeat, who currently serves as the fraternity’s honorary epitomized the quintessential Deke: He was a president, said DKE was like a gentleman’s club and Henderson gentleman, a scholar and a jolly good fellow. “Bill was the ultimate gentleman. “He was terrific with students demonstrated the qualities of diplomacy and the and alumni, and he was a great writer and musician. If there ability to deal equally effectively with student activists and was a piano at any social event, Bill would sit down and play,” tradition-minded trustees,” wrote the late Duncan Andrews in a Burnyeat said. “He always gave willingly of himself.” 1974 tribute to Henderson in the Deke Quarterly. Tony Skorupski, Phi Chi Rutgers ’72, who started with the A gifted musician who helped pay for his tuition at Louisiana DKE staff right out of college, eventually succeeded Henderson State University by giving piano lessons, Henderson later won a as executive director in 1974. “Bill was a great storyteller scholarship to study with New York’s most acclaimed pianists. In who always put everyone at ease,” Skorupski said. “He would 1939, he took a part time job at a Manhattan bookstore to help relate fascinating tales about the Dekes he supplement his scholarship grant, and it’s where knew so well in New Orleans, and you could he met a trustee of DKE who recommended him to DKE was like a tell that he had the skill to put those stories the fraternity’s executive director, W.W. “Dutch” down on paper.” Elder. DKE offered Henderson a slight raise and he gentleman’s club and Skorupski said Henderson, who edited the signed on as Elder’s assistant. Henderson was the Deke Quarterly for more than two decades, used Henderson continued with his music studies ultimate gentleman. to scour the New York Times every morning with the intention of becoming a concert pianist, “He was terrific for information about Dekes, most of whom he but World War II intervened. Drafted into the with students and knew personally. “Bill was an excellent writer Army, Henderson would serve five years in various who would eventually publish two volumes of capacities during the war. He was on his way to alumni, and he was short stories,” Skorupski said. “He also wrote Japan when the fighting mercifully ended in 1945, a great writer and poetry and was quite skilled at it.” but at the age of 34 he believed that his musical musician.” Skorupski recalled that while the young career was over. Elder reached out to him and Dekes were drinking beer, Henderson preferred Henderson rejoined DKE headquarters. a martini or a Manhattan. “But I never saw him For a decade, Henderson served as Elder’s rightdrunk. He had too much class for that,” Skorupski said. “Always hand man before succeeding him as executive director in 1955. the Southern gentleman, Bill enjoyed the finer things New York “Dutch admired Bill for his ability to listen and communicate had to offer. He frequented the theater and concerts, and was a effectively with everyone in the DKE world,” Andrews wrote. great admirer of Cole Porter, the famed Yale Deke who wrote so Henderson made friends for DKE wherever he went. many of the great songs Bill loved to play.” “Always a gentleman, Bill was from the old school,” recalled Charlie Jones, Eta ’56, has fond memories of Henderson, Clave Gill, Zeta Zeta LSU ’69, who worked for Henderson for starting when he was an undergraduate at the University of two years through 1971. “I always felt a special bond with Bill Virginia. “Later, when I served on the DKE Council in the 1960s, because, like me, he was an LSU Deke and we knew some of I came to know Bill a little better,” Jones said. “What a great the same people. Bill had a photographic memory and he could man. He was universally respected and we listened to every word recall the name and background of everyone he met. Unfailingly he said. Bill was a wonderful representative for DKE and was well generous, he would go out of his way to help you.” 22

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Henderson pictured on the cover of his farewell edition of the Deke Quarterly, which he edited for more than two decades

liked by virtually everyone he met.” Born in 1911 in the tiny sawmill town of Alden Bridge, La., William Mercer Henderson was the son of a physician. The family would move to Shreveport where Bill and his older brother, Ed, grew up. Fifteen months apart, Ed would enroll first at LSU. The following year, Ed would stay home to work, while Bill attended college. It continued this way until each brother received his degree. Both served terms as chapter president at Zeta Zeta. During his many years as executive director, Bill Henderson was an excellent representative of DKE and highly regarded

throughout the fraternity world. Upon his retirement in 1974, Henderson received a warm personal letter from a Deke he’d met years earlier -- Gerald Ford. He was President of the United States at the time, but wanted to be remembered by his old friend. At a dinner upon his retirement, Henderson also heard from Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, Secretary of the Treasury Bill Simon, Sen. Stuart Symington, Sen. Russell Long, Sen. Robert Taft and many others. “These weren’t boiler plate messages from people who’d never met Bill,” Andrews wrote. “They were people who’d known him for years and had basked in the warmth of his friendship.” Henderson died in 2005, but his memory in DKE lives on with the annual presentation of a jeweled julep cup named in his honor. The William M. Henderson Award is the highest honor given to a Deke alumnus for outstanding service to the fraternity, something that Bill himself did so well and for so many years. w w w.dke.org

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DEKE FOUNDATION SUPPORTS DKE’S EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS Alumni Donations Provided 18 Scholarships for DKE’s January Chapter Officers’ Academy

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ighteen young Dekes from 14 chapters benefited from alumni donations to the Deke Foundation earlier this year. The Deke Foundation granted $6,000 to deserving undergrads to help them offset the cost of attending the in-person event in mid-January in Washington, D.C. Every undergrad who applied this year received one of the scholarships, either from the Foundation’s general scholarship fund, or from the chapter’s “Endowed Fund,” both of which are created from alumni support. This is one way that alumni donations directly benefit our undergraduate members. We hope to grant the same or even more scholarships so more young Dekes can attend the Deke Convention this summer. One beneficiary of this scholarship, Tyler Hanrahan, Brother Beta, Zeta Chi- Bentley, said “Receiving the scholarship for the Officers Academy this January was a huge honor and was essential to my success as an incoming Brother Beta. Having the opportunity to create connections with Brothers from across North America, along with hearing the perspectives of HQ was an amazing experience. Thank you to all of the alumni brothers who have donated in order to make this possible, it is certainly appreciated!”

Deke Foundation to Provide Grants to Promote Diversity in Chapters

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inancial support to the Deke Foundation is an essential element of the services we provide to our undergraduate Deke Brothers. Donations to ForeverDeke, our annual giving program, are tax deductible (US), and are used to deliver critical programming to our members. The Deke Foundation plans to pilot-test a dues “Access Grant” program in 2022. This program will target certain chapters that want to recruit diverse students who might not otherwise be able to join DKE. Phi Gamma-Syracuse and Beta Gamma-Georgia will be our two pilot test chapters. We’ll work on the program logistics with those two chapters, before rolling it out to other chapters in 2022 or 2023. This

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innovative concept was developed by DKE’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA) Committee. Grants will be issued to qualified students from diverse backgrounds, thereby expanding those students’ access to getting the benefits of joining the Greek system generally, and DKE in particular. It’s a very forward thinking program designed by the Committee, and we are looking forward to working out the logistics and getting the program rolling. Alumni who wish to donate tax-deductible funds for this specific program can visit www.bit.ly/3s8108g

Deke University Returns to In-Person Events; Will Hold Convention in Charlotte, N.C. in June

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fter a successful Chapter Officers’ Acadamy in January (more coverage in our next Deke Quarterly), we look forward to another great event, the 2022 Deke Convention. It will be our first Convention since 2018, as the biennial event had to be canceled in 2020. Deke University is the overall brand for our educational programming and events. The Deke Convention is one element of Deke U. This year’s event will be held at the Charlotte Marriott City Center, June 9-12, and all Dekes are welcome to attend. The Deke Foundation will once again provide partial scholarships for Deke undergraduates to help them attend. Conventions are valuable for DKE because they bring together actives and alumni from chapters all over the U.S. and Canada, for fraternity programming and brotherhood events. It’s one of the highlights of the year for us, and the Foundation plays a major role in the success of this and all events, by helping provide funding for the programming, as well as the scholarship program. The enthusiasm and energy at the Convention is palpable, and our students take what they learn from attending, and apply it back at their local chapters to make them more successful. Other than chapter visits, this is our best opportunity to have a direct impact on the overall strength of DKE, and the Foundation plays a major role in making this happen. To donate directly to the Foundation for supporting Deke University events, please visit www.bit.ly/3ocQxHC


DKE’S BRYAN SCHOLARS FOR 2021

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arly in 2021, Delta Kappa Epsilon established a new annual scholarship program, supported by a generous gift from Robert Bryan, Sigma Rho ’57, and his wife Julie (refer to DEKE Quarterly Spring 2021). In May, fulfilling the wishes of the accomplished architect, ten students were named the first recipients of the Bryan Scholarship awards and granted $2,500 each to support their undergraduate or graduate studies. These 2021 Bryan Scholars are profiled here. As you read them, you’ll likely sense a common thread. Each has developed solid character and values and appear poised to use their talents to accomplish much in their lives ahead. All are top scholars, routinely earning Dean’s List honors and posting GPAs close to 4.0. Beyond academic excellence, the Bryan Scholars were chosen based on leadership and service to DKE, their schools and their communities. They also stand out for having set some inspiring goals for themselves.

countries. Alan, who helped teach his parents English, was also an ESL tutor at his high school in Nanuet, N.Y. He helped rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Sandy and was a regular volunteer removing invasive plants and litter from Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.

Jack Cunningham, Nu Zeta-Pace University ’23

Jack didn’t head directly home to Staten Island and his family for the recent holidays when the Pace semester ended. Volunteerism calling, he detoured to Dobbs Ferry, NY, to Children’s Village to tutor and mentor underprivileged youth. Giving generously of his time is already a well-practiced habit of Jack’s. He is due to graduate in May 2023 with a media and communications degree hopes to parlay his experience Alan Swieca, right, with Christopher Connelly at DKE’s175th to become a sports broadcaster “or Anniversary celebration at the DKE Club of NY. serve elsewhere in the film industry— on or behind the camera.” He’s already quite the promoter. On campus, one job he had was to rally chair and new member educator.” He students to says he honed his leadership skills “when participate in trying to make a difference in the lives of CAC (College Alan Swieca, our 11 new members. That changed me Against while I was working to change them.” Cancer) Phi Mu-Manhattan ’21 At Manhattan College, Alan was events, This son of Polish immigrants graduated assistant to the Director of the Liberal including from Manhattan College in May with a Arts Core, helping analyze student “Protect Poly Sci and International Studies double rosters for policy making and better Your Balls” major. He started graduate school at serve the diverse study body. He also dodgeball. Syracuse in the fall, aiming for a Masters did intern work in the office of New York Proceeds go in International Studies. Alan also State Senator David Carlucci, honing to the Relay just landed a summer 2022 internship professional skills while conducting for Life and to work in the Brussels European research, doing data analysis, and the American Cancer Society. Parliament. communicating with Sen. Carlucci’s Other campus leadership roles include Alan credits two things for helping him constituents. VP of Administration for the IFC, a job “develop into a better man.” One was He hopes his skills “of negotiation, that suits him well. Jack is a zealous serving as a senior delegate in the Model teamwork, and cross-cultural believer in the value of Greek Life – and UN program. The other was serving in management” will land him a job loves putting his outgoing nature to work leadership roles at the Phi Mu chapter. in government, an NGO, or the in recruiting people to Greek Life at Pace. “Model UN turned me into a better international service of a private He’s been a leader in Week of Welcome, public speaker and a diplomat who could company—anywhere he can take part where he orients new students and serves solve abstract problems,” Alan says. “I’m in reducing food shortages in developing as tour guide on campus. a better leader from my time as alumni w w w.dke.org

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Jack is working to graduate earlier, just to save his family some money. He’s taken 18 credit hour class loads to be able to cut at least one semester off the financial burden. “The Bryan Scholarship was an immense help, easing financial burden in our family—where three of us are in college at the same time.” For Nu Zeta chapter, Jack has served as Secretary and as Risk Management Chair.

Samuel Gozelski, Sigma Tau-M.I.T. ’22

Once expecting to graduate this spring, Sam now plans to extend his campus stay thru fall 2022. This will allow the six-footfour defensive lineman to both catch up on credit hours from partial-load ‘virtual’ semesters and log another season on the gridiron for the varsity Engineers. He has captained the team, earned AllConference status, and helped win the conference title two straight years – but the team had to sit out the 2020 season to Covid. Sam holds two executive posts for the chapter—assistant New Member Education chair and Community Service chair. Last year, when Covid protocols kept students from residing on campus, he helped find places for he and other brothers to stay together. Sam and some DKE brothers had road-tripped to Colorado, then moved to Winter Park last spring, when M.I.T. went to virtual classes. They got to do their M.I.T. work while hitting slopes and enjoying the Rockies. Sam’s career aim is to work in robotics,

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following from his major in mechanical engineering (with a concentration in robotics and controls.) Last summer, he worked on motor controls for startup company Flux Marine, which builds electric propulsion systems for boats. He also participated in four MIT research projects. “Being a Deke is a highlight for me at M.I.T.,” Sam says. “It is important to me know, but I can sense it will remain so for the rest of my life, because of the many close relationships I have made that will last my lifetime.”

when Phi Epsilon attracted its largest pledge class ever. He attributes most of their success in recruiting to doubling the recruiting team to four actives and starting outreach early, in summer. Matthew also is chapter’s lead designer, having fashioned the Phi Epsilon sports jersey, Rush shirts, and many social media pages. Matthew’s extra-curricular campus activity includes two sports-related jobs. He is a senior supervisor for intramural sports and he’s on the event staff for the University of Minnesota athletics.

Matthew Leonardo, Phi Epsilon-Minnesota ’23

Benjamin Pikus, Sigma KappaMichigan State ’23

Matthew is a junior Accounting and MIS major on a fast track. He expects to earn enough credit hours by year’s end to sit for his CPA exam. Then, the Rochester, N.Y. native who now lives near Knoxville, Tenn. plans to use his knack for number crunching in the business of sports. In job seeking, Matthew will try to edge out the competition by bundling business education with sports acumen. Matt acquired early experience in sports analytics as an intern at Inside Edge, the pioneering scouting and data analytics organization. “It was an exciting start, and whets my appetite for more,” he says. His first love is baseball, but Matthew realizes being a student in Minnesota, with the region’s abundance of hockey organizations, may lead to his best opportunities. “Hockey is just catching up to other sports in utilizing data; perhaps I can play a role in broadening that horizon in hockey’s use of data.” Matthew also has posted some vital training in accounting. He worked summer internships at PWC, one of the Big Four accounting firms, and at TCF Bank’s corporate headquarters in Plymouth, Minn. During school terms, he also works remotely in data management for North Mill Equipment Finance, Norwalk, CT. Matthew served as his chapter’s New Member Educator at a crucial time—

Being a first generation American, the son of Russian parents who emigrated to the U.S., Ben feels an obligation to make the most of the opportunities his parents provided. For Ben, that means learning multiple languages to open opportunities in many fields of business that others might not get. Speaking English as his primary language as he grew up, Ben moved quickly to Spanish lessons – in kindergarten. He’s stayed with it through elementary and high schools. He did not abandon his parents’ language either. While he has spoken it much of his life, he wanted to improve his fluency in it. So, at Michigan State he added a minor in Russian to his Supply Chain Management major. He has completed internships for LeadSmart Inc., where he oversaw 14 new accounts for the business consulting firm, proposed marketing ideas, and generated leads through search engine optimization and social media. As House Manager for Sigma Kappa, he led a summer project to replace all the flooring throughout the house – tearing out carpet and installing wood floors. Other projects tackled repainting the chapter room, installing security cameras, upgrading door locks, and installing outdoor lights. He donated a 12x20 American flag that flies in front of the Deke house. He feels a strong bond to DKE and


thankful for what it has meant to be a member. “The brotherhood has helped me grow tremendously,” Ben says. “It provided a great foundation to permit me to develop into a refined version of the person I am.”

Vincent Romano, Phi ChiRutgers ’22

Vincent just earned his bachelor’s degree this month (January) in Supply Chain Management, with a concentration in business analytics. He heads off in April to a new job with the U.S. Department of Defense. Ultimately, Brother Romano hopes to head into Strategic Sourcing, seeking to find ways to improve efficiency and lower costs of delivering life-saving pharma drugs. Phi Chi chapter benefitted from Vincent’s leadership. Over three years, he did stints as athletic chair and social chair, and ultimately served as Brother Beta during the full Covid academic year 2020-21. His actions helped inject a little more certainty and stability into chapter operations. Holding weekly virtual chapter meetings, attempting to keep communication going and connections as strong as possible between brothers who were split between on-campus and virtual coursework. With campus residency low, the chapter converted all rooms in the Deke house to singles. “We recruited well despite the challenges; we spun some advantages out of adversity,” Romano says. “We had an extremely large pledge class – 26 newbies – and demonstrated a lot of young men still want to be involved in Greek Life, even at a university that’s not very supportive of it.” Vincent’s extracurricular activities included Venture Capital Club and Future Business Leaders of America. For the latter, he served on the Executive Board.

Samuel Watson, Lambda Tau-Tennessee ’22

Sam grew up in Marietta, Ga., the youngest of four children, and helping his folks with their small leather and vinyl supplies shop. He was excited to head to Tennessee for college, though it meant leaving a place he had called home for 18 years.

Sam was one of just five new members initiated into Lambda Tau as DKE returned to Tennessee after a probation. “We had our work cut out for us if we wanted DKE to survive and grow after the suspension diminished recruitment and member retention.” The group stepped up– “and saved the fraternity I fell in love with during my freshman year.” Knowing they could count on Sam’s enthusiasm and work ethic, his brothers elected Sam as recruitment chair his sophomore year. Sam followed through, guiding recruitment of solid numbers and strong members that fall. “Then Covid struck hard,” Sam said. He led a redoubling of efforts that kept the rejuvenated chapter open and its morale high. Now a senior and wrapping up a term as Brother Beta, Sam is on track to graduate in May with a degree in supply chain management, with a twist. His minor coursework has been in environmental studies and sustainable industrial practices – which he hopes to bring to bear in a supply chain career. He exudes confidence as he faces the future: “Being in DKE transformed me; it prepared me to face difficult challenges and overcome obstacles. The best part was that I grew into a stronger person while I was with my closest buddies, who I know will be friends my entire life.”

Jack Wilson, Phi ChiRutgers ’23

A junior who hails from Flemington, N.J., a little west of Rutgers, Jack aims for medical school after graduating but already projects past med school. He wants to pursue a career in sports medicine or in vaccine / medicine development.

High achievement in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences hit the mark. And he’s interned in the right places, including work with biotech device firm, Agilent Technologies. Previously, he was able “to shadow a neurosurgeon and anesthesiologist to give me exposure to the environment within a hospital.” On the Rutgers campus, he stays plugged into the health world – as a tutor in chemistry, a member of the Design Genes biotechnology club, and the Allied Health Professionals club. “My biggest strength is my biggest weakness; I am my own worst critic. But that has me constantly comparing myself to others and always seeking how I can be better.” He applied that continuous improvement character serving DKE as Rush Chairman this past fall. “I looked for ways to be the best in that role, as well as to improve our Phi Chi processes over what we did in the past.” The payoff: Phi Chi just accomplished recruiting 29 members—its largest new member class in decades. Jack’s community service work gained from his personal goal setting, too. Back home, he volunteers at the Flemington Food Pantry – where his goal is to feed 2,500 families, up from the 2,000 they surpassed last year. He was an active member of the Lion’s Club in town and served as a member of SAFE in Hunterdon which offers support and advocacy of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.

Ethan Woodard, Omega OmegaArizona ’24

He’s a second semester sophomore, but Ethan says he’s “chugging along” on his planned path to a degree in Political Science—and a possible career in politics. “My entire life I have felt a calling to serve my community,” Ethan says. He was the youngest student ever elected to student government at his high school in the Oro Valley north of Tucson, then served two terms as vice president. He also was president of the Youth Advisory Council,

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youth advisors from six area high schools which worked with the Oro Valley mayor and council to improve the community. While a freshman at Arizona, Ethan he served as on the class council and continues to serve as co-historian. He also got sore knuckles knocking on hundreds of doors as a deputy campaign field organizer, canvassing throughout Tucson to get out the vote for the 2020 election. And he was a volunteer leader working phonebanks for the Mission for Arizona, which helped guide Mark Kelly to victory in the special election for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by John McCain. Ethan is most proud of his work as a fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. He had pursued a dream to serve his country in the Armed Forces, but a 2016 diagnosis of Type One diabetes caused him to shift goals to serve his community through public service. A proud member of the young Omega Omega chapter, which earned its DKE charter in November, Ethan was thrilled to be elected Brother Beta the same month, after his predecessor was named IFC president of the year.

Noah Skrok, Sigma Kappa-Michigan State ’21 This young Michigander from Sterling Heights, earned two Bachelor degrees, one in Finance, the other in Political Theory last May. He found himself reflecting on being a brother of Delta Kappa Epsilon. “The organization allowed me to meet some great people and opened many doors for me as I venture off unto the real world.” That real world venture, Noah hopes will include law school, military service, and starting his own nonprofit charity organization. “I’d like to help combat socioeconomic disparity in the Metro Detroit, Michigan area.” In June, Noah began fulfilling the military portion of his dreams, enrolling at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. His reading a few years ago of Duty, Honor, Country, “opened my eyes to the opportunity of living a life guided by dedication to excellency and the high standards of honor, character and commitment.”

While at MSU, Brother Skrok served in the Student Senate all four years, attaining the presidency his senior year. Under his watch, the Senate added a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. He was elected to MSU’s College Capital Committee, serving as the liaison between the deans and 6,200 students of the Eli Broad College of Business. He also served as teaching assistant and peer career coach at MSU’s Russell Palmer Career Management Center for over a year. He interned three summers as financial analyst for JPMorgan Chase, accounts intern for LMP Education in London, and business analyst at Mayco International. The MSU president presented Noah the 2020 Spartan Volunteer Service Award in recognition of logging 100+ hours of community service. He was also recognized by Poets & Quants as one of the ‘Best and Brightest’ people in MSU’s undergraduate business school.

Christian Kappes Claims Blaisdell Award Christian Kappes, Phi Epsilon ’22, has been named the winner of the Charles O. Blaisdell leadership award for 2021. Given in honor of Charlie Blaisdell (Pi ’37), the award is the highest honor bestowed by DKE upon an individual undergraduate member. It is presented annually to the deke undergraduate who exhibits the strongest all-around leadership, scholarship, and contributions to his chapter, his college or university, and his community. Beginning this year, the award has been co-sponsored by the DKE Club of NYC, which provides the winner with a generous scholarship gift of $2,500. Brother Kappes is a chemical 28

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engineering major at the University of Minnesota, whose chemical engineering program is recognized as one of the top three in the nation. Christian served the chapter as treasurer both before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. He helped navigate the chapter through this difficult period when the chapter had significant financial and operational challenges. Christian has also served two semesters as the chapter’s Health Advocate, which placed him as the chapter’s contact for any health issue ranging from first aid to mental health to physical wellness. In the business world, Christian was one of the founding employees at a health

tech startup that now has contracts with the Minnesota, California, and Colorado Departments of health. His multi-page resume already shows a great track record, and yet we know Brother Kappes has many more accomplishments to lay down in the years ahead. Charlie Blaisdell, often called “Mr. Deke,” was among the most consequential members in the fraternity’s history. He held every major office within the fraternity. He was president in the early 1970s—a particularly difficult era for fraternities—as well as president of the DKE Club of New York. He served on that club’s board until his passing in 2018 at age 102. A mainstay at virtually every Deke event, Charlie and his spirit and enthusiasm for DKE are legendary. Brother Kappes received warm congratulations from his Phi Epsilon brothers, who recognized how well Christian’s service and leadership aligned with that of Mr. Deke. “Routinely exceeding expectations across many pursuits,” they said, before concluding their tribute with an appropriate, “Way to Go, Kappes!”


MYSTIC CIRCLE OF ∆KE RICHARD McCRAE HOGARTH TAU ALPHAMcGILL ‘56

Richard Hogarth, a loyal and proud McGill Deke who loved Canada, died April 18, 2021, at the age of 90, following a hardfought battle against Covid. Brother Hogarth was especially fond of the far North. At McGill, he studied engineering and made many close, lifelong friends. Richard began his career in mine exploration but settled in Toronto, where he gained success as a stockbroker and served on 34 corporate boards. At the time of his death, he was chairman of Talmora Diamond Inc. Richard generously shared his financial success with numerous charities and institutions. He was very active but hated golf. He built deep friendships at Georgian Peaks, Queen’s Club, Lake of Bays Tennis Club and York Club. An outdoorsman for seven decades, he visited the Maganassippi Fish and Game Club and never stopped sawing, scraping, painting and repairing his Muskoka property on Lake of Bays. His stories were fed by a lifetime of world travels and adventure, prodigious reading and a sharp wit that stayed with him to the end. In many respects Richard got better with age. Though his sight and mobility faltered, friends and family said he became ever more kind, loving and generous.

ERIC STEVEN WEISS ALPHA CHITRINITY ‘72

Eric Weiss, who died on September 7, 2021, fought a valiant battle against cancer. He had just turned 71 the day before he passed. Eric was a native New Yorker, growing up in Queens and Riverdale where he attended the Fieldston School. He later graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. where he was a proud Deke. After Trinity, Eric and his classmates formed the Outerspace Band, based in both Lenox and Wendell, Mass. Eric served as manager and booked gigs throughout New England, including at CBGB’s in New York City.

Eric later moved to Boston and became a founding partner of Entertainment Concepts Inc., a college entertainment booking agency and manager of acts. It was during this time, he met his future wife, Lois. Eric graduated from New York Law School magna cum laude and had a distinguished career in law, receiving a commendation from the Chief Justice of the New York State Court. He retired from Korngold Weiss & Liebman in 2018. An avid sailor and kayaker, he was finally able to fish off his own pontoon boat and sail in his own sailboat on Lake Norman in Denver, North Carolina where he and Lois spent the last two years avoiding the pandemic.

JOHN WALLACE WINBORNE III BETA-NORTH CAROLINA ‘67

John Winborne III, who was a dedicated Deke at Beta North Carolina, died November 4, 2021. He grew up in Atlanta and Northampton, Mass. and graduated from Georgetown Preparatory School in 1963. A 1967 graduate of the University of North Carolina, he studied History and Classics. Following graduation, John enlisted in Officer Candidate School in the United States Navy, where he served on the USS Sarsfield. He attended law school at the University of Georgia, where he was on the Law Review. He then practiced law at Powell, Goldstein, Frazer, and Murphy. He later became a partner at Neely & Player, where he formed cherished friendships with his colleagues. He continued practicing law with firms and independently until he was in his sixties. John volunteered his legal services to several non-profit organizations, and in 1987 he received the S. Phillip Heiner Award for his volunteer legal work. He loved reading, fishing, and playing golf. He was a lifelong member of the Cathedral of Christ the King.

COL. JOHN F. SNYDER PHI GAMMA- SYRACUSE ‘61

John Franklin Snyder, LTC, US Army, retired, died 12 September 2021, seven days short of his 82nd Birthday. John was born in York, Pa., and married Gladys Haynes in 1980. Together they raised Julie Snyder Newman.

While a proud Deke at Syracuse University, John participated in the ROTC Program and on was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. He served in a variety of assignments, including more than 3 years in Vietnam. He retired from the Army in 1988 and went on to work for 19 years as a Defense Contractor at Fort Monmouth, NJ. He will be interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

RUSSELL VICTOR GLADIEUX ALPHA ALPHAMIDDLEBURY ‘63

Russell Gladieux died on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, at the age of 81. It was at Middlebury College, in Vermont, that Brother Gladieux met his future wife, Zenie. Mrs. Gladieux said their first encounter was at the Deke house, where Russ was working on an amphibious Army vehicle that he and his friends had acquired. “A couple of his fraternity brothers had decided to drive an old surplus, amphibious Army vehicle down the highway … and they were working on it at the DKE house and a friend of mine wanted to go for a bike ride,” Mrs. Gladieux said. “She was dating a DKE, and Russ came over to chat me up, The next thing I knew, he was in my dorm asking me to go out.” After Russ served two years in the military, he enrolled at New York University, where he earned a master’s degree in urban planning. He went on to a career in government, including the reorganization of the state lottery system in the mid-1970s, which had been suspended due to scandal. “After he finished that project, they asked him to stay on as executive deputy director, and he did that for quite a few years,” Mrs. Gladieux said.

JAMES IRVIN ANDERSON, JR. ZETA ZETA-LSU ‘59

Irvin Anderson died on October 14, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. Irvin was born on March 4, 1937 in Natchez, Miss. He graduated from Natchez High in 1955 and Louisiana State University in 1959 where he was a proud Deke. After college, he began his Air Force career and retired as a captain. Upon returning to Natchez with his family, Irvin excelled in many professions,

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MYSTIC CIRCLE OF ∆KE including sales, and was owner of Jordan Insurance Agency. He was active in the community serving as Chairman of Trinity School Board, President of the Trinity Athletic Association and a Deacon at First Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed tending to and cooking for friends in need, and he held a special spot as one of the cooks for the Men’s Presbyterian Prayer Breakfast. Irvin was always a “Boy of Summer” with the biggest heart. He loved animals and refused to give in to retirement.

WILLIAM ANTHONY “BILL” SLATTEN, JR. TAU LAMBDATULANE ‘84

“Bill” Slatten, Jr. died November 7, 2021, after a hardfought battle with cancer. Bill, who was 59, was co-owner and executive vice president of Bisso Towboat Company Inc., founded in 1890 by his great-great-grandfather. Bill attended Isidore Newman School and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration at Tulane University, where he was a member of DKE. A major contributor to Tulane athletics and the construction of Yulman Stadium, Bill was an avid fan of Tulane football. He was also a faithful supporter of Ducks Unlimited, Coastal Conservation Association, Christ Episcopal School, and St. Paul’s School in Covington. Bill was a member of several New Orleans Mardi Gras organizations and loved parading during Carnival season. A lifelong hunting and fishing enthusiast, he belonged to Little Lake Club and The Big Game Fishing Club for many years. Bill especially loved spending time at his cabin at Covey Rise with his wife, children and many friends.

WILLIAM JUNIA HUDSPETH JR, SIGMAAMHERST ‘61

Bill, an enthusiastic Deke at Amherst College in Massachusetts, died November 28, 2021 of heart failure at his home in Austin, Texas. Bill played on Amherst’s golf team and he went on to

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get his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 1966. Upon graduation, he stayed in Austin and went into banking. In 1987 he founded Austin Trust Company, which was the first company to be chartered under a new Texas law. He was still working full time at Austin Trust until just a few weeks before his death. He was a member of many legal and civic organizations, but his proudest membership was being a founding member of the Bluff Creek Ranch in San Saba. He spent many days there keeping the deer population under control and many late nights by the campfire solving the world’s problems with his lifelong friends. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and caretaker of his father’s 1969 hunting Jeep, the Supergoat. Bill’s fiends said he was a loyal and trustworthy supporter and would always have your back or bail you out of jail. He was humble, genuine, and there were no strangers in Bill’s life.

EVAN LYNN SCHWAB KAPPA EPSILONWASHINGTON ‘60

Evan Lynn Schwab, a proud Deke at the University of Washington who went on to become a prominent lawyer, died July 25, 2021. Evan attended Ballard High School and joined the US Marine Corps a day after graduation. Upon completion of his service, Evan enrolled at the University of Washington, earning a business degree in 1960. He went to law school at the University of Washington Law School, graduating in 1963 with high honors and was awarded Order of the Coif. He served as a clerk for Justice William O. Douglas at the US Supreme Court then returned to Seattle for the practice of law. In 1967 Evan returned to the Supreme Court on behalf of the ACLU and won a case that secured the Constitutional right to counsel for felons. In 1971 Evan was appointed Special Deputy prosecutor in King County Grand Jury’s investigation into police corruption. He ended his fifty-year career as a partner at Dorsey & Whitney. Evan was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and served on numerous boards over the years. In addition to his professional achievements, Brother

Schwab served for many years as the lawyer for the local DKE alumni association. He was an avid skier and boater and a longtime member of Seattle Yacht Club.

DR. R. STEPHEN “GOOSE” LUCIE BETA-NORTH CAROLINA ‘71

A founding partner of the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute and the first Jacksonville Jaguars team physician, Steve Lucie died December 10, 2021 at the age of 72. He graduated from the University of North Carolina where he formed unshakeable bonds and memories as a member of DKE’s Beta chapter. His college nickname was “Goose.” Friends said amusement would surely peak when the “Goose was loose.” After college, Steve enrolled in The Medical College of Georgia where he met his future wife. After his residency in Denver, he and his wife settled in Jacksonville. Steve established the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program, a nationally renowned high school athletics program that promotes safe standards and proper training. He also developed and led the Jacksonville Jaguars’ sports medicine program. Until May of this year, he was the president of the Florida Orthopaedic Society, on the Board of Counselors for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and on the Board of Delegates for the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports. He served as president of the Duval County Medical Society, president of the Florida Alliance of Sports Medicine Physicians, and president of the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program as well as both chairman and vice-chairman of the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute. Steve was a nationally ranked king fisherman who competed in numerous tournaments, placing often, and was pursued by sponsors. He completed ten marathons, and after his recent retirement, Steve renewed his pilot license and returned to flying airplanes. He was honored to hold the post of Commodore of the Florida Yacht Club and to serve as a trustee at The Bolles School.


∆KE CHAPTER ROLL • WINTER 2022 CHAPTERS ARE LISTED IN THE ORDER THEY WERE FOUNDED PHI† PSI CHI BETA DELTA ALPHA* KAPPA LAMBDA ETA IOTA OMICRON RHO TAU BETA PHI PHI CHI PSI OMEGA* DELTA CHI DELTA DELTA PHI GAMMA THETA ZETA PHI EPSILON SIGMA TAU ALPHA PHI DELTA KAPPA TAU ALPHA SIGMA RHO DELTA PI KAPPA EPSILON* ALPHA TAU DELTA PHI PHI ALPHA TAU DELTA PSI DELTA SIGMA ALPHA PI BETA EPSILON RHO NU ZETA PHI SIGMA ZETA CHI OMEGA OMEGA BETA DELTA SIGMA KAPPA DELTA TAU TAU CHI BETA TAU SIGMA XI DELTA ALPHA GAMMA IOTA PHI MU CHI BETA ZETA GAMMA PI ALPHA DELTA RHO TAU BETA LAMBDA TAU ALPHA OMICRON KAPPA BETA* NU ALPHA ZETA THETA* TAU GAMMA MU CHI PENDING...*

SCHOOL

Yale University University of Alabama University of Mississippi University of North Carolina University of South Carolina Harvard University Miami University Kenyon College University of Virginia Centre College University of Michigan Lafayette College Hamilton College University of Rochester Rutgers University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Cornell University University of Chicago Syracuse University University of California at Berkeley University of Minnesota Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Toronto University of Pennsylvania McGill University Stanford University University of Illinois University of Washington University of Manitoba University of Alberta University of British Columbia University of the South Wake Forest University Virginia Polytechnic Institute Troy University Duke University Pace University Bryant University Bentley University University of Arizona University of Georgia Michigan State University The Ohio State University Texas A&M University University of Victoria St. Joseph’s College Auburn University Gannon University Manhattan College University of North Carolina Wilmington Hampden-Sydney College University of Missouri North Carolina State University Simon Fraser University University of Tennessee University of Colorado University of Illinois-Springfield Northeastern University Washington State University Texas Tech Maryville College Georgetown University

LOCATION New Haven, CT Tuscaloosa, AL Oxford, MS Chapel Hill, NC Columbia, SC Cambridge, MA Oxford, OH Gambier, OH Charlottesville, VA Danville, KY Ann Arbor, MI Easton, PA Clinton, NY Rochester, NY New Brunswick, NJ Troy, NY Ithaca, NY Chicago, IL Syracuse, NY Berkeley, CA Minneapolis, MN Cambridge, MA Toronto, Ontario Canada Philadelphia, PA Montreal, Quebec Canada Stanford, CA Champaign, IL Seattle, WA Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Edmonton, Alberta Canada Vancouver, British Columbia Canada Sewanee, TN Winston Salem, NC Blacksburg, VA Troy, AL Durham, NC Pleasantville, NY Smithfield, RI Waltham, MA Tucson, AZ Athens, GA East Lansing, MI Columbus, OH College Station, TX Victoria, British Columbia Canada Patchogue, NY Auburn, AL Erie, PA Bronx, NY Wilmington, NC Hampden-Sydney, VA Columbia, MO Raleigh, NC Burnaby, British Columbia Canada Knoxville, TN Boulder, CO Springfield, IL Boston, MA Pullman, WA Lubbock, TX Maryville, TN Washington, D.C.

MEMBERS 25 157 63 76 146 3 28 6 51 35 109 44 7 31 78 8 37 22 60 36 68 37 36 26 26 5 30 19 11 29 46 19 60 39 27 12 9 34 36 38 44 106 75 54 29 7 60 19 27 45 25 66 35 23 25 34 10 31 12 48 5 18

† Mother Chapter

*Associate Chapter (formerly called Colony)

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D E LTA K A P PA E P S I L O N F R AT E R N I T Y 6921 JACKSON RD., SUITE 400 ANN ARBOR, MI 48103

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Zeta Chi – Bentley

Phi Epsilon – Minnesota

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Delta Alpha – Auburn

Chi Beta – UNC Wilmington

Phi Chi – Rutgers

Alpha Omicron – Colorado

Phi Alpha – British Columbia

Alpha Phi – Toronto


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