The Deke Quarterly by Delta Kappa Epsilon Quarterly

DEKE the

Winter 2017

quarterly

Drawing Closer to a Cancer Cure

Jim Allison

CHAI RMAN’S LETTE R

My Fellow Gentlemen, Scholars, and Jolly Good Fellows, It is with both great delight and sadness that I write to you as the newly installed Chairman of Delta Kappa Epsilon’s Board of Directors. The sadness, of course, because I succeed Brother Sam Heffner, Psi Omega ’56, after his passing into the Mystic Circle. Sam became a dear friend during our time together on the board—we joined in the same year—and we all owe him a debt of gratitude for positioning DKE strongly for future growth. In my chapter we have traditionally celebrated the arrival of new members into the Brotherhood with a glass-bottomed silver tankard. On it is engraved the Brother’s name and pledge class. When one of our Brothers passes into the Mystic Circle we have a ceremony where we share remembrances, and often songs, and at the end break the glass bottom. This symbolic measure is meant to honor our Brother and signify that no one can take his place as no one can drink from the tankard. My chapter was refounded not quite 30 years ago so our Mystic Circle ceremonies have fortunately been few but the passing has always been untimely and often traumatic. This is one of the reasons I am very grateful to the staff and my fellow Board members for supporting the introduction of a mental health support program to DKE members. Starting this academic year, all of our actives have access to the Campus Assistance Program, a service providing behavioral health counseling and support services 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Every member can access counselors at any time in whichever way they feel most comfortable: text, email, or phone. Along with a growing list of our Chapters that have elected to institute a drug testing policy, this counseling option both adds value to our members (and their parents) and continues DKE’s strong tradition of leaders and leadership. These leaders include several of our Brothers who are profiled in the following pages, leading by making history in fields that vary from cancer research to sports. I hope you enjoy this edition of The DEKE Quarterly, our flagship publication, and consider supporting the leadership role DKE continues to play by making a tax-deductible donation today on DKE.org.

In the Bonds,

Michael Peters Delta Delta – University of Chicago ’90 Chairman, Delta Kappa Epsilon International

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WINTER 2 0 1 7

table of

Volume 135, No. 4

CONTENTS 16

DEKE foundation

dke events

road to charter illinois

staff update

16 Jim Allison

dke diners

lion trophy

delta award

dke personal awards

rho alumni association special features

dke real estate

ETA’s 165th Birthday

meet the dke board

Chapter Consultants with areas of responsibility: Tommy Desch, Delta ’17; Pennsylvania & Mid-South Craig Dick, Phi Alpha ’16; Canada & Midwest Nyles Pollonais, Beta Gamma ’17; Southeast Brandon Rosales, Theta Chi ’17; New York & Northeast Turner Spears; Lambda Tau ’16; Southwest Clayton Trette, Iota ’16; Upstate New York DEKE QUARTERLY STAFF Publisher: Doug Lanpher, Gamma ’77 Co-editor: Robert Alvis, Gamma ’74 Co-editor: Kevin Cuneo, Gamma ’77 Design: Scott-Goodman Design

departments

The DEKE QUARTERLY is an educational journal published by Delta Kappa Epsilon in Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer.

Judson Horras

chairman’s letter

HQ Report

deke news

DEKES UNDER 30

forgotten greats

29 Cover Photograph by Craig Hartley

DKE HQ STAFF Executive Director: Doug Lanpher, Gamma ’77 Director of Marketing & Technology: Eric Holland, Kappa ’13

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gamma phi’s 150th anniversary

DKE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael Peters, Delta Delta ’90, Chairman Peter Tripp, Phi Gamma ’93, Vice Chairman Grant Burnyeat, Phi Alpha ’65, Treasurer Neilson Brown, Beta ’67, Mid American Regional Director Cory Crenshaw, Tau Lambda ’01, Southern Regional Director Bob Green, Eta ’69, Member At Large Dan Johnson, Sigma Alpha ’77, Member At Large Stan McMillan, Gamma ’89, Mid Atlantic Regional Director John McNeil, Psi ’79, Member At Large Matt McQueen, Beta Gamma ’03, Member At Large Mason Morjikian, Lambda ’88, Midwest Regional Director Kevin O’Bryon, Tau Lambda ’77, Southeast Regional Director Luther Soules IV, Tau Chi ’18, Undergraduate Member Terry Stewart, Phi Chi ’69, Member At Large Ross Wigle, Alpha Phi ’79, Member At Large Billy Treadway, Zeta Zeta ’74, Honorary President

CONTRIBUTORS Kevin Cuneo, Gamma ’77, Bob Green, Eta ’69, Gabriel Gonzales, Delta Pi ’17, Beau Pieper, Delta Pi ’18

Guest interview

PUBLISHED BY Delta Kappa Epsilon International 3001 Plymouth Road, Suite 205 Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (734) 302-4210 dke.org

MYSTIC CIRCLE

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: DEKE Quarterly, 3001 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Correspondence: Send to DEKE Quarterly 3001 Plymouth Rd., Suite 205, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Manuscripts, literature, and letters should be addressed to the Editor. Submissions will not be returned. Please mark CONFIDENTIAL if material should not be published. Copyright ©2017 Delta Kappa Epsilon For change of address please contact DKE HQ and provide Full Name, Chapter, both old and new address. w w w.d ke.o rg

HQ REPORT W

We meet some outstanding undergraduate members as well, including Ryan Muzzio, Lambda ’18 of Washington, D.C., president of our Kenyon Chapter in Gambier, Ohio. It wasn’t long ago that the relationship between Lambda-Kenyon and the administration was strained because of several issues. But with Ryan at the helm (with support from alum Walter Butler and others), the relationship between DKE and Kenyon has taken a 180 degree turn for the better. Ryan has a calm, mature, approach to life, and his demeanor has served us well in creating a more positive atmosphere between Lambda and the host institution. The relationship is now on a much better footing, with a lot of the trust restored.

e’re pleased to present another Quarterly to you and hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoy collecting the material and writing it.

Anyone who follows politics reads about candidates - winners and losers alike - in their post-election reflections. They say how much they enjoyed the campaign because it gave them the opportunity to meet their constituents, and how it gave them an even greater respect and love for the people they represent. (Might be the only thing they agree on!)

I feel the same way about my travels in DKE, meeting and working with some amazing alumni and undergraduates, and observing and experiencing Doug Lanpher, Another promising young leader of DKE is Evan their commitment to DKE. It’s gratifying to get to Executive Director Vanyo, Phi Rho ’20, president of our chapter at spend time with Deke Brothers from all around Penn State. Evan was thrust into his position North America, who are not only loyal to DKE but unexpectedly as a sophomore, and has had to steer the chapter are also willing to sacrifice time and energy to help DKE in various through an extremely difficult period, not because of events within ways. They do this not for laurels or awards but for their desire to the chapter but due to the stressful atmosphere at Penn State after extend the Deke experience throughout their lives. the death of a new member from another fraternity last February. Evan had virtually no time to transition to his new role, but needed to DKE is fortunate indeed to have so many dedicated alumni and step in immediately and earn the respect and trust of his classmates undergraduate members who commit many hours in order to make and especially the “older” guys (juniors and seniors). Alumni associatheir chapters or their alumni associations more successful. Ryan tion president Eric Weilminster, Phi Rho ’92 (and one of the chapter’s Ackers, Alpha Phi ’03, is one such alumnus. Ryan moved out to founders), helps out in a big way, but it’s Evan who is in the driver’s Calgary a few years ago for career reasons. Upon doing so, he singleseat, helping manage DKE through all the transition that is taking handedly established a core group of Calgary alumni Dekes who place for fraternities at Penn State. He is doing his best to ensure meet from time to time. Their most recent outing was the 4th Annual that DKE retains its status as a strong chapter in a very challenging DKE Steakhouse Christmas Dinner, attended by over a dozen local environment. Dekes. It’s an event that at this point is nearing legendary status. Another alum I’d like to mention is Bob Platt, Delta Chi ’74. Bob has been the driving force behind the reactivation of our Cornell chapter over the past year or so, and has made it possible for the success that has taken place there this semester. Bob didn’t do it alone, as he’ll be the first to say. But without him piloting the way, bringing back our Cornell chapter would have been a much more difficult task.

It’s a great pleasure to work with these men, and of course many others as well. Different geographies, different ages, different perspectives - all working separately - but unified in their love of DKE and their desire to see DKE continue to thrive.

In the Bonds, Finally, one more guy going above and beyond for DKE is Scott Karsten, an attorney in Connecticut. Scott has been deeply involved in the lawsuit brought by our Gamma Phi (Wesleyan) alumni chapter against the college, not as a paid attorney, but in a voluntary capacity. More about that elsewhere in this issue, but Scott, who was Gamma Phi ’73, coordinated the legal strategy with DKE’s legal team on behalf of the alumni. Scott gave generously of his time and legal advice throughout the process. 4 The Deke Quarterly | WINTER 2017

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

DEKE NEWS RHO LAMBDA DEKES TOAST BROTHER BUDDY MCMILLAN

DEKE FOUNDATION UPDATE

he past year has been one of much advancement and change for the Deke Foundation. The Foundation is classified as a 501c3 charity, with about $1 million in unrestricted cash assets. The goal of the Foundation is to provide funding for the DKE Fraternity’s educational programming, in the form of (1) grants; (2) direct funding of specific DKE educational programs; or (3) scholarships. The Deke Foundation aims to grow to the point where it can fund 25-35% of the fraternity’s overall budget, which is on par with other major international fraternities. In order to achieve the 25% level, the Foundation’s assets must reach about $7.5 million. This would allow it to grant 5% of its corpus, or $375,000 annually to DKE (25% of DKE’s annual budget), without reducing the principal. In order to put the Deke Foundation into a position where it can start assisting the fraternity in this way, the Foundation has exited several real estate positions which it previously held. The Foundation has only one final real estate holding, which it hopes to sell in 2018. Another major change undertaken by the Deke Foundation in 2017 was to establish endowed funds for each active chapter of DKE. Alumni who donate to the Deke Foundation can now allocate up to 50% of their tax deductible gift to the active U.S. chapter of their choice. These funds will be used to the direct benefit of the undergraduate members of that chapter. This is a ground-breaking step for DKE, which has been very positively received by our alumni, and will also attract more alumni support of DKE and our chapters. (Note - anyone wishing to see the Endowed Fund Agreement may request one by emailing doug@dke.org) As DKE approaches its 175th Anniversary, the fraternity and the Deke Foundation will be seeking larger donations from alumni in order to reach our goals. This will directly help the fraternity’s continuing evolution as an organization dedicated to enhancing the fraternal experience and development of young men so that they may be better prepared for their lives after college. Note: The legal name of the Deke Foundation is the Rampant Lion Foundation. Any bequests or deferred donations to Rampant Lion Foundation are not affected by the fact that it is now doing business as the Deke Foundation.

hen the Rho LambdaOklahoma brothers gather every fall for what they call a “Rho Lambda Roundup,” Buddy McMillan is always the center of attention. Buddy, a founder of the chapter who is now in his nineties, recalls traveling with the Rho Lambda charter to the 1954 DKE Convention in Toronto. “That’s when the brothers voted and made us a chapter, and Buddy was there,” said George Otey, Rho Lambda ’74. “In fact, Buddy’s been there every step of the way for Rho Lambda and Omega Mu.” When some Rho Lambda Dekes pitched in to help start the Omega Mu Chapter at Oklahoma State several years ago, Otey recalled how impressed the undergraduates were when Buddy entered the room, standing tall and proudly wearing his DKE pin. “Buddy must have been 89 then, but he traveled to Stillwater because he knew the importance of that event,” Otey said. Every October, Rho Lambda brothers gather on the lawn in front of the University of Oklahoma’s Henry Zarrow School of Social Work. “It was built atop the land where our house once stood,” Otey said. “We put up tents and have a great tailgate party. The brothers from Stillwater do the cooking at this event, which is so important for all of us.” The night before this year’s reunion, Rho Lambda brothers gathered at a restaurant where Buddy was honored. “He’s so supportive of DKE and we just treasure this man,” Otey said. “We’re already looking forward to next year’s reunion, as I’m sure Buddy is.”

Alumni Adviser Programming at Convention

KE is inviting any alumnus who advises a chapter to participate in a one-day session at next summer’s convention. They will share best practices, and learn from each other and from DKE staff and other experts, what is expected of alumni advisors. The date is Friday, June 1. This is an important new program for DKE, as we understand the critical role alumni advisors play in the success of chapters. We will be dedicating more resources to identifying alumni volunteers to help advise a chapter, and also to helping educate them on the do’s and don’ts of advising a modern fraternity chapter. If you advise a chapter - or even if you wish to - we hope you will attend this event next year. w w w.d ke.o rg

DEKE NEWS

DELTA CHI RETURNS TO CORNELL CAMPUS

t takes a lot of work by many people to re-start a DKE chapter, which is why the brothers of Delta Chi Cornell are in a celebratory mood. Eleven new brothers were initiated into the fraternity in late October, as Delta Chi resumes its place on campus after an absence of three years. With spring rush ahead, when the chapter can begin recruiting freshmen, Delta Chi should be in good shape for the fall of 2018 as the chapter moves back into its beautiful home on South Avenue on the campus in Ithaca, N.Y. “It took a team effort to get off to a successful beginning,” said DKE Chapter Consultant Clayton Trette, who has been living in Ithaca since August, working with Delta Chi alumni and university officials to re-start the chapter. “The DKE alumni at this school are among the most passionate to be found anywhere,” Clayton said. “They want what’s best for the chapter and they really put in the time.” The Delta Chi alumni association, led by president Bob Platt, Delta Chi,’74, which is also conducting a fundraising

Lin Davidson Delta Chi, ’71, refounding new members (back row) Dan Vlad, Rong Tan, Jacob Eisner, Matthew Fooksman, Kirill Chernyshov, Ethan Kremer, William Pascocello, (front row) Haoron Jiang, Danny Zhang, Joshua Askins, Russell Feinman, Bob Platt Delta Chi ‘73, Mike Clifford Delta Chi ‘91, Ryan Zimmerman, Delta Chi ’97 campaign to make improvements at the historic Cornell DKE House, welcomed the new class with a dinner and ceremony at Gene Pierce’s stately Glenora Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake. Pierce, Delta Chi ’67, has been a dedicated supporter of the chapter for decades. “We searched Cornell’s campus for men who would fit our criteria of gentlemen, scholars, and jolly good fellows, and we believe we struck gold,” Trette said. “If we could do this well with one person leading the charge, think of how successful we will be in the spring with a dozen Delta Chi Dekes, plus the alumni, working together. I feel confident that those 32 beds at the house will be filled with Dekes by next August.”

DKE to Pay Growth Bonus to Chapters That Increase Membership by

KE introduced an innovative new incentive program to our chapters this year, which will award cash bonuses to any chapter which grows its roster by at least 10%. The bonuses will be paid on an escalating scale, on the basis of how many new members the chapter adds from one year to the next. For instance, U.S. chapters who add 10 new members will receive a bonus of $50/new member, or $500. If they add 20 new members, the bonus check will be $100/new member, or $2,000. (Bonus amounts differ for Canadian chapters.)

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10% or More

In addition, the chapters that finish 1-2-3 in percentage growth, or absolute growth, will receive additional cash bonuses ($2,000 to the top chapter in each category). The goal is to reward chapters who wish to grow their membership, and who do so successfully. This program, called Performance Based Recruitment Incentives, or PBRI for short, has been well received by our chapters. Not all chapters wish to grow, and that is OK, but for those that do, they should be rewarded for their efforts. DKE also provides other training and education for effective recruitment practices.

DKE LUNCHEON CLUB ENJOYS MEETING AT GALATOIRE’S

ED ADLER COMPLETES 42ND YEAR AS LION TROPHY JUDGE

udging applicants for Delta Kappa Epsilon’s Lion Trophy and the fraternity’s other major awards has never been easy. But experience helps as you weigh the merits of each submission, work closely with your colleagues on the judging panel, and make your decision. The master at this is Edward Adler, Alpha Chi ’69. Ed recently completed his 42nd year as chief judge of the Lion Trophy and other DKE awards. He admits he’s no longer the youthful Trinity College Deke who joined the fraternity’s board of directors in 1975. “I was a kid back then, fresh out of law school, but Charlie Blaisdell spotted something in me as we tried to save our chapter,” Ed said. “He asked me to join the DKE board, and I’ve been involved with the fraternity in one capacity or another ever since.” In addition to managing his family’s commercial real estate business in New York City, Ed is serving his third term as mayor of the Village of Sands Point on Long Island. “I’ve been dividing my time between Manhattan and Sands Point since 1976,” Ed said. He and his wife, Karen, were originally drawn to the village by its beauty and location, and they’ve lived there ever since, raising their two children. Ed has served on so many boards in Sands Point, contributing to the success of the village, which is bordered by water on three sides. Like his service for DKE, he avails himself to his friends and neighbors whenever they need him. He’s clearly a popular mayor who was recently re-elected by an overwhelming margin. Ed enjoys reading the submissions from DKE Chapters. “I can tell that the values that were important to us 50 years ago are still held dear by today’s undergraduate Dekes,” he said. “No matter how much campuses have changed over the years, certain core DKE values remain strong. Our fraternity is still doing great things for young men at a critical time of their lives.” Ed said helping to judge the performance of DKE chapters over the years has changed him in many positive ways. “To be a part of the process and see the good that’s happening convinces me that the future for DKE is bright,” he concluded.

he DKE Luncheon Club of New Orleans had an interesting and fun meeting at the famous Galatoire’s Restaurant on Bourbon Street on October 20. The meetings, held three times a year for local and visiting Dekes, usually feature heavy participation from brothers from Zeta Zeta (LSU) and Tau Lambda (Tulane), with representation from other chapters such as Psi (Alabama), Chi (Ole Miss) and Eta (Virginia). The events customarily feature a speaker with a DKE connection, or one who discusses sports or another interesting topic. John Humphreys III, Zeta Zeta ’80 promotes the luncheons with an impressively comprehensive email list of local Dekes. Galatoire’s hospitality is enjoyed through the influence of principal owner John Georges Tau Lambda ’83 and executives Bill Kearney, Tau Lambda ’82 and David Gooch, Zeta Zeta ’67. Previous speakers include NBA Hall of Fame member Bob Pettit, Zeta Zeta ’54 and former speaker-elect of the US House of Representatives Bob Livingston, Tau Lambda ‘66. This time, there was a two-fer: former LSU, all-SEC and NFL running back Brad Davis, plus an appearance by DKE International Executive Director Doug Lanpher. Doug brought the crowd of almost 50 up to date on current DKE activities and successes, and offered comments on developments affecting all greek organizations in the university environment. Lanpher was followed by Davis, who began by retelling a tale of how he intervened to save the life of Jack Jurgens, Zeta Zeta ’75 in a barroom altercation. All present agreed that the story seemed authentic, except for Jurgens, who implausibly maintained that he spent most of his college years in the library. Davis followed with stories of his other college exploits on the gridiron, notably including a still-controversial, last-second touchdown reception from Bert Jones to defeat Ole Miss. Many of the attendees then retired to the bar to polish their jollygood-fellow skills.

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DKE EVENTS

DKE’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DRAWS CLOSER E

xcitement is building for Delta Kappa Epsilon’s 175th anniversary, the culmination of which will be a gala black-tie dinner at New York’s Yale Club on June 22, 2019. The actual founding of the fraternity, of course, took place on that day in 1844 at Yale’s Old South Hall. It’s hoped that Dekes of all ages will gather for this important anniversary, which will celebrate every Brother who over the years has made DKE what it is today. In anticipation of the big event in New York, celebrations will take place in the spring of 2019 at regional dinners in several U.S. and Canadian cities. Not only will those banquets attract Dekes who might not be able to make it to the Deke Club in June, the events will build anticipation for this special Founder’s Day. Cities that will host regional dinners include Chicago, Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, Toronto, and Raleigh. Such a major undertaking requires many volunteers, and DKE is always looking for more Brothers who would like to take part in organizing the events. If you’d like to participate, please send an email to Turner Spears at Turner@dke.org and he will be in touch. “Brothers will be receiving more information about the 175th over the next several months,” said Bob Green, Eta Virginia ’69, who is heading up the event. “I am always amazed by the spirit of DKE when Brothers gather to toast our fraternity on significant anniversaries. They don’t get much bigger than our 175th. We’re always looking for good Dekes from all over North America to lend a hand, so don’t be shy. This promises to be something special that Dekes will talk about for years.”

DEKES WILL CONVENE IN PITTSBURGH NEXT SUMMER

ekes from all over the US and Canada will meet for our bi-annual convention next year in Pittsburgh, PA from May 30-June 2. Host hotel will be the Sheraton at Station Square. We invite alumni to attend for all or part of this affair, as conventions are both educational and fun. Most attendees at previous conventions have said what they got most out of it was the ability to build friendships with Deke Brothers from other chapters. It is always a memorable event and the 2018 DKE Convention in Pittsburgh is sure to be a great time.

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CHAPTER PRESIDENTS TO MEET IN WASHINGTON D.C. IN JANUARY

erving as a chapter president is a complicated undertaking in today’s world, and DKE is committed to providing these young men with education and training to help them be more effective. With this in mind, we will convene our second annual Brother Beta Academy in January in Washington, D.C. The Conference includes a blend of general leadership skills training, and practical advice on managing a chapter. In addition, the Brothers will get a lot of opportunity to talk amongst themselves and in panels about shared challenges and what they are doing to address them. This is a high-value event and DKE is placing a lot of emphasis on extensive training of our undergraduate leaders. In fact, starting in 2019 we will expand the Academy to include other key officers as well, providing separate tracks for different roles. Look for a report from this year’s event in the spring Quarterly.

SPECIAL feature

DKE enters real estate business to aid chapters

tional housing corporation – Deke Property Group, or DPG. “Through t many college campuses, especially at large universiour contacts in the fraternity industry, we became familiar with a ties, having a house is essential for Delta Kappa Epsilon couple of private investment groups that like to invest in fraternity to compete with other fraternities. While this is hard houses,” he said. “The vision is for the Property Group to eventually to argue in many instances, a house by itself does not take the place of outside guarantee a sucinvestors, though that cessful chapter. “We may be ten or more years emphasize to our down the road.” undergraduates that Investors are interthey are not joining a ested in campus-area house, they’re joining property, which is really a brotherhood,” said booming at this time and DKE Executive Direcis in short supply. “They tor Doug Lanpher. can make a business by Some exceloffering the up-front fundlent DKE chapters, ing, then they lease the Lanpher points out, house to DKE Internado not have a house. tional or to a chapter’s But in recent years, housing corporation – as DKE has expanded either way -- for a certain to large schools period,” Lanpher said. such as Texas A&M, “The chapter pays rent Missouri, Illinois, and Tau Chi’s new spread, with ample parking and a to the investor, and, after South Carolina, havseparate, covered venue for parties and basketball a pre-determined lease ing a house takes on period, the investors have greater importance. made their profit, and the property is sold for “Realistically speaking, those chapters must $1 to the DPG or house corporation.” have adequate housing in order to remain At the Tau Chi chapter at Texas A&M, which competitive on campus. There are also a few became a DKE chapter in 2010, the fraterwell-established chapters that have never had nity’s international headquarters facilitated a permanent home, and those chapters would the connection between the investor and the be candidates for private investment assischapter and its young alumni brothers. “We tance as well. Zeta Chi-Bentley, in Waltham, guaranteed the lease, which helped make the Massachusetts, comes to mind.” deal work,” Lanpher said. “Now Tau Chi has a “Many of our young brothers will tell you permanent home, and the brothers are doing that a house is important as a place to live, a great job putting away money every year. In gather for meetings, social events, and rituseven or eight years they might be able to buy als. It’s a good place to bond as brothers,” this house outright.” Lanpher said. “It’s not feasible, however, for This type of financial arrangement has new chapters to come up with a large down been going on for years at many large fraterpayment for a house, which made us realize nities, and numerous national sororities are that DKE International Headquarters might actively moving all of their houses into their be able to step in to fill the void to help own national housing corporations. them get started toward acquiring a house,” “We could not have done this five or six years ago,” Lanpher said. Lanpher said. “But we’ve reached a point where such an arrangement is possible and About three years ago, as DKE expansion took off at large schools, makes sense. DKE wants to grow, but in order to sustain that growth, Lanpher said DKE International, because of the fraternity’s growth we need to help provide housing. This is an excellent way to do it.” and firmer financial footing, began working toward establishing a na-

“Many of our young

brothers will tell you that a house is important as a place to live, gather for meetings, social events, and rituals. It’s a good place to bond as brothers”

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OAD TO CHARTER: By Beau Pieper, Delta Pi ’18 and Gabriel Gonzalez, Delta Pi ’17

Left: Re-founding members and Delta Pi alumni at Chicago Union League Club in 2014 Below: DKE Derby 2015 benefiting USO

Actives at “Quad” day for start of rush

THE U OF I AND DELTA PI The University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign (UIUC) is a public research university and the flagship of the University of Illinois system. It is a founding member of the Big Ten and is often ranked as one of the top five engineering schools in the world. Home to nearly 33,000 undergraduates, approximately 25% participate in the ninety-one Greek organizations on campus. The Delta Pi chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon was formally installed in Champaign, Illinois, on December 17, 1904 after a long battle for recognition by the National Council of DKE. This effort and additional history of Delta Pi is available by going to the following url: bit.ly/UIUCHistory. Delta Pi of DKE was reactivated at the University of Illinois on May 17, 1969, when eight pledges were initiated in the first installation for the chapter since 1964. The chapter had become inactive in 1964 when it could no longer support the house it had occupied. After going inactive again in 1986 Delta Pi remained off the chapter roll for the next 28 years.

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COLONIZATION The recolonization of Delta Pi was born in a dorm room on the campus of UIUC one night in spring of 2014. Twelve young men had sampled Greek life in Champaign and found it wanting. With no fraternity measuring up to expectation and a burgeoning sense of brotherhood already blossoming in their hearts, these brothers-to-be undertook the challenge which would grow to define their college careers: the forging of a new fraternal organization on campus. Operating on the premise that restarting an inactive fraternity would have the greatest chance of success, Alberto Davila, Delta Pi ’17, researched such organizations to find the one that best fit the ideals of the group. From many options, DKE alone was chosen for revival due to its strong history of crafting talented leaders and its motto, “Friends from the heart, forever.

COLONY TO CHAPTER From such humble beginnings, progress must be made but first you must learn to walk before you can run. Recruiting and operating out of the dorms during the

2014-2015 school year made competing a challenge, especially against other fraternities’ “mansions” and full social calendars, with decades of legitimacy behind them. This was no small task, but one the Delta Pi actives addressed head on. In the beginning, it was necessary to find private space to hold events. An early lesson was seeing the success of getting out around the student body, meeting and greeting men on a personal level. The group decided their best asset was the unique values of a “start up.” They sold the opportunity to mold their own organization and leave their own legacy to prospective new members. In the fall of 2015, communal housing was found and Dekes had a home they could call their own. Growth was slow, yet steady until 2016, when the Delta Pi Dekes were able to move into a true chapter house. Each year has been another step forward, legitimizing and

DELTA PI RE-FOUNDING

Above: Dave Helverson presents charter during Homecoming weekend. Left:Delta Pi chapter crest solidifying our position on campus: securing housing, increasing our service and philanthropic efforts, and constructively mixing with other Greek organizations.

ESTABLISHMENT Delta Pi Dekes believe service and philanthropy to be the noblest causes a young man can serve. They give back to their community through participation in the Community & Campus Day of Service in Champaign, packaging food for Feed My Starving Children, and partnering with the local Fire Department to raise awareness about fire safety. They also participate in many of the philanthropy events held on campus through both the university and other Greek organizations. Delta Pi shows up at full strength for the annual Relay for Life and hosts at least one philanthropic event of their own each year. Past events have included Deke Derby, a volleyball tournament benefiting USO; and Dunk a Deke, where students could donate a dollar to the Illini Service Dogs non-profit organization for a chance to soak a Deke. Having learned the value of face to face

Alumni & actives gather at current Deke House after chartering banquet. contact and solid event planning from the early days of recruiting, Delta Pi actives have become more efficient and successful in these efforts. Chapter size after Fall 2017 initiation is forty-three gentlemen, scholars, and jolly good fellows. Delta Pi received her charter on June 23, 2017. The news was delivered by telephone from the Board of Directors to the actives during the fraternity’s annual planning retreat, Dekend. The chartering ceremony was held over Homecoming weekend, the following October. Present were all the actives as well as several alumni in town to help celebrate the event.

SPECIAL PEOPLE The Dekes of Delta Pi owe our eternal gratitude to Dave Helverson, Delta Pi ’81, for his unending guidance, wisdom, and support. Dave has been integral to the success of Delta Pi from the beginning and is the go-to for advice on current matters or stories from the “good old days” of DKE. He has assisted with internships and networking. It is a debt that will never be truly repaid. Dave is also head of Delta Pi’s Steering Committee, which is tasked with the (re)creation of the alumni association.

Delta Pi would also like to thank Tom K. Hostedtler, Delta Pi ’50, for his extraordinarily generous $10,000 donation to our young organization. This sum has been immensely useful in affording essential items for the chapter, including the very letters which hang proudly outside the Delta Pi Deke house. The faith both men have placed in the newest incarnation of Delta Pi has been a great source of inspiration as the chapter strives to live up to their expectations.

FUTURE The future looks bright for the young men of DKE. Delta Pi has seen continuous growth since its inception and is poised to continue this trend. Currently situated just off-campus in a residential area of Urbana, Delta Pi is transitioning to a former fraternity’s house on campus in Champaign, which is expected to be the Deke House for several years. Such a move will be a boon to recruitment and campus reputation, as a house in the Greek area of campus is seen by many to be a sign of legitimacy and relevance on a campus with fifty-five fraternities. Delta Pi has big plans as we continue to build solid citizens who embody the gentleman, the scholar, and the jolly good fellow principles of DKE.

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DEKES U NDE R 30

sean kim tau alpha, ’14 MCGILL ENTREPRENEUR BUILDS SUCCESSFUL COMPANY THAT SPECIALIZES IN TEACHING AND COACHING

eep the name Sean Kim in mind because this 25-year-old Deke seems headed for major success. He’s already the CEO of Rype, a company that specializes in personalized coaching, and he’s also a prolific blogger whose advice columns on entrepreneurship, education, and business have been featured in international publications and news organizations. These include ABC News, Inc. Magazine, Fox News, the Huffington Post, and the Financial Post. Business is booming at Rype, which in two years has become a major provider of foreign language education. Hundreds of people have enrolled in Rype’s language programs, which offer personalized online instruction. “Ninety percent of the people who go to a language school are making a big commitment, sometimes too big,” said Kim, a Tau Alpha-McGill Deke. “I began talking to busy entrepreneurs who wanted to learn a foreign language, but didn’t have the resources or couldn’t find the time.” The quest to learn a language became personal for Sean when he was living and working in Colombia. “I wanted to learn the language and I tried a number of the apps that are available, but none were effective for me,” he said. Sean began designing one-on-one lessons that take 30 minutes a day. He hired teachers and Rype now has students throughout North America, China, and the Middle East. A promotional film for Rype includes a testimonial from a satisfied customer who said he went from zero knowledge of Spanish to full fluency in six months. Kim said other students are reaching their goal in three to four months. He is looking to expand the services of his company to include health coaching, mental therapy, and music lessons. More than 100,000 people have created accounts 12 The Deke Quarterly | WINTER 2017

“I served as pledge trainer, helped the social chairman, and then was elected president of Theta Zeta,” he said. “The skills I learned have already helped me and I expect will continue to do so for the rest of my life.”

with Rype, 10,000 of which are taking lessons. “Version 2 of our product is up and running and we expect 2018 to be huge for the company,” Sean said. Born in South Korea, Sean grew up in Vancouver, B.C., before heading off to Montreal for college. “In my third year at McGill, I had it in mind that I wanted to leave some type of legacy at school,” he said. “I was thinking about joining the Zeta Psi fraternity when I met the president of Delta Kappa Epsilon, who told me about the drive to re-start the Tau Alpha chapter. The president was very encouraging and he introduced me to some amazing guys. We worked together to get the chapter up and running, which proved to be one of the most gratifying experiences of my life.” Not only has Sean remained close to his Tau Alpha brothers, he said he’s met Dekes all over the world. “They’re always welcoming and you can feel that special bond we share,” he said. At McGill, Sean started taking premed courses with the idea of becoming a physician. “But I decided pretty quickly that medicine is not for me, and I switched my major to economics and finance.” In his senior year, after winning a major prize awarded to Canada’s top young entrepreneur, he hasn’t looked back. Kim said his next big challenge is to find the resources to build his company into a powerhouse. “I must constantly push myself to be better, so that I can better provide for the people around me,” he said. His podcasts, many of which include celebrity interviews, are growing in popularity. “But I want to get more and bigger guests so that we can reach out and expand our services.” Currently based in Vancouver, Sean, who is single, said he expects to move to Los Angeles early in 2018. His drive, creativity, and enthusiasm are so palpable that it’s easy to expect great things from this remarkable young Deke.

staff update

DIVERSE GROUP OF DEKES JOIN STAFF AS CHAPTER CONSULTANTS

nce again, Delta Kappa Epsilon’s international headquarters welcomed three talented young Dekes to its professional staff for the 2017-18 school year. The new chapter consultants include Tom Desch, Delta ’17; Brandon Rosales, Theta Chi ’17; and Nyles Pollonais, Beta Gamma ’18.

TOM DESCH, DELTA ’17 Tom, a native of Cornelius, NC, served his chapter in several leadership roles, including master of ceremonies, where he helped bolster the number of Delta brothers by educating them in the finer points of DKE. He already has a seven-week tour of DKE chapters under his belt and reports that he’s really enjoying meeting and advising his undergraduate brothers. Eventually, Tom is considering a career in law or business, but what he’s learning in his travels for DKE is giving him valuable Nyles Pollonais, Beta Gamma ’17, Brandon Rosales, Theta Chi ‘17, and Tom Desch, Delta ‘17 experience that will help him all his life. Tom is an avid fan of South Carolina NYLES POLLONAIS, BETA GAMMA ’17 on positions of leadership in the chapter, sports, although he admits that the GameAs a first-generation American, Nyles is proud including supervision of new member cocks have broken his heart too many times. of his Latin American heritage. He was born in education for two semesters. “DKE played He also follows the Philadelphia Eagles Brooklyn, NY, but at the age of 11 moved with such an important role in my life that I am in the NFL, and likes visiting the City of his family to Georgia. After working for DKE determined to give back to the brothers in Brotherly Love, where many of his extended from May through August, he is completing every possible way,” he said. family members live. his degree at New York University, where he’s Brandon smiles as he recalls the night Tom’s favorite DKE memory is the day majoring in political science. He will re-start of a big party at Theta Chi. “We actually he and his Delta brothers received South his chapter consultant duties in January. wanted to encourage our non-Deke guests Carolina’s DKE charter at the 2016 convenDuring his undergraduate years, Nyles served to leave, so we could have a ‘brothers only’ tion in Tuscaloosa. “It was a highlight of my as president, vice-president, and sergeant-atgathering,” he said. They did that by blastlife,” he said. arms at Beta Gamma. He’s looking forward with ing “Son of a Deke” through the speaker

BRANDON ROSALES, THETA CHI ’17 Brandon is also loving his travels to various DKE chapters. He’s an enthusiastic Deke who joined Theta Chi as a junior. “I came on late, but the brothers welcomed me with open arms,” he said. Brandon soon took

system. “Soon, everyone but the Dekes departed, and we sang ‘Son of a Deke’ for real. I still get a special feeling when I remember that night.” A former student ambassador, actor and singer on campus, Brandon meets people easily and is certain to be a popular consultant at every chapter he visits.

enthusiasm to sharing his love for DKE and his experience in chapter operations with his brothers. An avid runner who’s fond of Reggae music and the New York Giants, Nyles said he can’t wait to begin his professional career in earnest. “Eventually, I might like to go to law school and possibly enter politics, but starting in January, all my energy will be focused on DKE,” he said. w w w.d ke.o rg

Meet the DKE BOARD Second in the series profiling the 16 members of the DKE Board of Directors

bob green

JOHN McNEIL

eTA ’69

PSI ’79

ob Green learned early on at the University of Virginia how special it is to be a DKE Brother. “Our family doctor back in my hometown of Lexington, KY, was an Eta Deke and he kept pushing me to join the fraternity. Fortunately, I received a bid from DKE, which changed my life,” he said. “What I found there was a diverse group that was active in so many organizations across the campus. The Dekes told us that new members had to join at least two organizations and become involved. I followed that advice and it enhanced my life.” It also led to deep friendships that thrive to this day. Bob still meets regularly at reunions of members of his pledge class and other DKE Brothers, and it’s why when he was called to serve on the DKE Board six years ago, he jumped at the chance. Bob is also an active Eta alumnus who chaired the chapter’s 150th anniversary in 2002. He comes from a chapter that’s known for its successful anniversary celebrations, and he has organized numerous major reunions for the university for years. It’s fitting, therefore, that Bob is one of three leaders who will form teams to help organize Delta Kappa Epsilon’s 175th Anniversary Celebration, which will take place in New York City in 2019. Delta Kappa Epsilon means friendship to Bob and he talks enthusiastically about the DKE chapter he joined. “We had Yankees, Southerners, a few intellectuals, athletes, and different guys with different personalities,” Bob said. “It opened my eyes to so many possibilities.” During his career as a farmer – he once farmed a 10,000acre spread in Georgia – and in recent years as a successful real estate broker in Charlottesville, VA, Bob has been devoted to his wife of 46 years and his four children. As for his work on the DKE board, Bob said he tries to encourage and support chapters to excel in every way. “I want the young Dekes to have the same positive experience I’ve enjoyed at our Virginia chapter,” he said.

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ohn McNeil is living proof that if you want to get something done, ask a busy person. He serves on boards throughout the south and at his beloved University of Alabama, where he chairs three different committees. John has been a member of DKE’s Board of Directors for more than a decade, and he’s greatly cheered by what he considers to be the fraternity’s remarkable progress in recent years. “Fraternities are not the same today as they were when I went through in the 1970s,” John said. “Hazing is out, but we don’t want DKE to be a country club where you’re handed a bid and a pin. Our rituals and traditions bind our brothers together. Brotherhood means friendship and it’s our responsibility as board members to provide the leadership required to keep DKE active, vital, and relevant.” Alabama’s president recently asked John to head a new board that will oversee Alabama’s massive Greek system in which more than 12,000 students are involved with fraternities or sororities. “The goal is to search for excellence, just as we do in DKE,” he said. John, who is senior partner in McNeil, Ahrens & Lambert Financial Group of Mobile, AL, has served DKE in a number of capacities, including as the leader of the committee that oversees applications for new colonies and chapters. “We’re tough,” he said. “We ask hard questions of the groups that want to join DKE because we’re looking down the road many years. We don’t want that initial burst of energy to wear off.” John’s commitment to the Psi chapter is well known and much appreciated by Alabama Dekes of every age. He’s proud that his two sons became Dekes, and points out that his daughter pledged Kappa – “just like her mom.” John and his wife have been married for 37 years, and he remains close to the groomsmen at his wedding, nine of which are Dekes. “DKE is a wonderful fraternity and I’m honored to be a brother and to serve in any way I can,” he said.

OF DIRECTORS DAN JOHNSON

ROSS WIGLE

sigma alpha ’77

ALPHA PHI ’79

an Johnson, a mining engineer by profession, knows how to build things. It’s what led him back to his chapter at Virginia Tech University a little over a decade ago when the Dekes hit hard times. The Sigma Alpha house, built in 1910, has been home to a fraternity for the past 49 years. “It got to the point that the house began falling apart and the city condemned it,” Dan said. He and some Sigma Alpha volunteers started to make major renovations. “We opened the house back up and started collecting rents from the brothers,” he said. It marked a new beginning for the chapter, which has been pleasing to him. In addition to running his chapter’s alumni association, Dan, who lives outside of Richmond, VA, also joined the team of judges that examined applications for the Lion Trophy and other awards. He joined DKE’s Board of Directors four years ago and has served the fraternity on the finance committee and as chairman of the legal advisory committee. “We’re a non-profit board that’s made up of guys from all over North America.” Dan said. “We all come from different chapters, with knowledge based on our own experience. Everyone brings something unique to the board. But we’re all Dekes and we’re committed to doing what’s right for the fraternity.” Dan thinks of DKE as 60-plus franchises run by 20 year olds. “Every year you change management, which in a typical organization is not a good recipe for sustaining business. If a DKE chapter gets one year of poor management, it can set you back several years. So, we have to be there to help, when needed.” Married for 38 years, he’s the father of three, including his youngest son, Wesley, a Sigma Alpha Deke. “I have so many friends who are Dekes and the fraternity experience has been a blessing in my life,” he said.

hen Ross Wigle entered the bonds of DKE, the first person he locked eyes with was his father, Seymour Wigle. The first person he called to share the good news with was his grandfather, Dr. Douglas St. John Wigle. Each man had pledged DKE at the University of Toronto. They are Canada’s first three-generation Dekes. You couldn’t ask for a stronger bond. After such an upbringing, it’s not surprising Ross has served his fraternity so well for so long in so many capacities. First, he spent a decade as the head of the Alpha Phi Alumni Association, which owns the handsome DKE House in downtown Toronto. For the last 10 years, he’s served on the board of DKE International. “I like to remind people that ours is an international fraternity,” Ross said. Serving on the DKE board has brought Wigle, an Investment Advisor and Vice President at National Bank Financial, great pleasure. “I serve wherever I’m needed – on the financial committee and anywhere else,” he said. Because his family roots in DKE run so deep, Ross has a special appreciation for DKE’s traditions. “My chapter, founded in 1898, is the Canada’s first DKE chapter. I still remember walking over to the Deke House to introduce myself and let the brothers know that I wanted to join them.” For Ross, it’s always been about DKE taking good men and helping them become better men. “Those are the core roots of DKE, guiding young men in honing their skills to become leaders.” Ross, who has been married to his wife Gloria for 27 years, often reflects on his undergraduate DKE experiences, such as the time his rugby team visited New Orleans during Mardi Gras when he slept on the floor at the Tau Lambda house. Ross believes Delta Kappa Epsilon’s best days lie ahead. “I’m convinced that we can continue to grow in a positive direction,” he said. “Our fraternity is better now than ever, but we can never forget our core values. We must strive to help young men reach their potential.”

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Cover Story

Jim Allison A SPECIAL DEKE DRAWS CLOSER TO CURING CANCER By Kevin Cuneo, Gamma ’77

elta Kappa Epsilon Brother Jim Allison has already fulfilled a scientist’s dream: he’s harnessed the human body’s immune system to fight cancer, essentially beating the deadly disease at its own game. It’s the reason why the 69-year-old Omega Chi Deke has received every major research award short of the Nobel Prize. A Time magazine profile of Allison points out that cancer has not been kind to him. It claimed his mother, brother and two uncles, and he himself has been diagnosed with both prostate cancer and melanoma. “So, it’s not entirely surprising that growing up in a football-crazy town in South Texas, young Allison kept a science lab in his family’s garage instead of helmets and pads,” the Time profile begins. The magazine also includes him on its list of the 100 world’s most important people. “The MD Anderson immunologist did not set out to cure cancer, but his curiosity about it could result in just that,” Time reports. Cancer is a tricky kind of disease – one that escapes the body’s natural defenses against foreign agents. For decades, scientists tried to find ways to train the immune system to attack tumors the way it does bacteria or viruses. But because cancerous cells are born from normal cells, that seemed an impossible task. “It was Allison who figured out how to switch immune cells on to target malignant tumors,” according to Time. “The drug he created is now spawning a new generation of immunotherapy treatments that experts hope will be less toxic and more aggressive than what is now available. His discoveries have already saved thousands of lives – and they’re also forever changing what it means to have cancer.” The testimonies from those who have been saved by Allison’s treatments are inspiring. National Public Radio medical editor Joseph Palca, who worked for Allison early in both men’s careers, interviewed Sharon Blevin in 2016, recounting her battle with melanoma that came close to ending her life. Blevin’s nightmare with cancer began in 2004, when she was just 22. She had been an avid runner who said she suddenly found she couldn’t climb stairs without “a lot of difficulty breathing.” Palca said that after months of fruitless treatments for lung ailments, 16 The Deke Quarterly | WINTER 2017

Blevin was diagnosed with melanoma – a deadly skin cancer. It had already spread to her lungs, and the prognosis was grim. Doctors had given Blevin about a 50-50 chance of surviving the next six months. What Blevin didn’t know at the time was that a revolutionary treatment for melanoma had begun testing in clinical trials. “Jim Allison had figured out that if the immune system was tweaked just right, it could do a better job of killing the cancer than the usual treatments,” Palca said. By the fall of 2004, Blevin had run through all the treatment options available to her. Nothing had worked to control the melanoma, which continued to spread dangerously throughout her body, including to her brain. Her doctor at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City suggested one last treatment. He encouraged her to participate in a clinical trial, and Blevin signed up without hesitation. After just four injections of Ippy, the nickname given to Allison’s treatment, over the next three months, her cancer was nearly gone. At a follow-up appointment a year later, her doctor delivered the news that Blevin found too good to be true: “Sharon, you no longer have cancer.” She remains cancer free to this day. Told that “the guy who invented this is upstairs,” Blevin was asked if she wanted to meet Jim Allison. “Yes, of course I want to meet him!” she said excitedly. When Allison stepped through the door of the clinic, he was nearly tackled by Blevin. “It was hard to control myself,” she told Palca. “I owe this man my life.” “It really meant a lot (to meet Sharon),” Allison said. “It reminded me what it’s all about at the end of the day.” Jim Allison grew up in the small oil town of Alice, Texas, the youngest of three brothers. His father was a country doctor, his mother a homemaker. Kenneth Miller, writing in Discover Magazine, said Jim’s mother was seriously ill for several years, but nobody ever mentioned that she had lymphoma until shortly before her death. As she passed away, Jim, then 11, held her hand. “I saw the burns on her neck from radiation, but I didn’t know what they were,” Allison told Miller. “Back then, people didn’t talk about cancer. Over the next few years, Allison watched one uncle die of melanoma, and another of lung cancer. “Meanwhile,

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Photograph by Craig Hartley

as the T cell’s ignition switch. In 1992, he showed that a molecule he began showing an obsessive interest in science – as well as a called CD28 functions as the T cell’s gas pedal. Then, in 1995, rebellious streak,” Miller wrote. “He got into trouble in school for when no one else was even thinking there would be such a thing, talking out of turn and for playing hooky. When he learned that he identified the T cell’s brakes, in the process opening up a whole his high school biology teacher refused to teach evolution for new vista in cancer treatment.) religious reasons, he boycotted the class.” Despite skepticism about his discovery among cancer reA counselor suggested he take a correspondence course from searchers and the pharmaceutical industry, Allison’s discovery the University of Texas instead. “Studying solo in a room near made long-term survivors out of some patients whose metastatic the gym, Allison stoically bore the taunts of jocks and coaches,” cancers were considered death sentences. Eventually, a scientist Miller wrote. He graduated early, at 16, and enrolled at the Uniattending one of Allison’s research talks was intrigued enough versity of Texas at Austin as a pre-med student. Jim pledged the to contact a friend at the biotech firm Medarex. “The company Omega Chi chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon, and to this day his had recently developed technology that could make a human Deke Brothers take enormous pride in all his accomplishments. version of Allison’s treatment, and was willing to give it a try,” “We were pledge brothers together in a class of about 20,” said Palca said. It took a decade, but eventually Allison’s big idea was Bob Dillard. “From the beginning, you could see that Jim was ready for testing in people. The drug was highly intelligent -- a sharp guy in every named ipilimumab, or Ippy for short. Ippy respect. He was a faithful friend and a good Deke.” llison’s discovery made is now sold under the brand name Yervoy by Bristol-Myers Squibb, which bought It didn’t take long at college, however, long-term survivors out Medarex in 2009. for Jim to realize that he didn’t want to Though he has spent the greater part follow in his father’s footsteps. “I thought of some patients whose of his life in the laboratory, Brother Jim how scary it was to be a physician and metastatic cancers has been known to emerge every so often have someone’s life in your hands,” he told to play the harmonica. Not surprisingly, were considered Miller. “In medicine, you have to be right he does it very well. He plays in a blues all the time. In science, you learn by being death sentences. band of immunologists and oncologists wrong.” He wound up with a bachelor’s decalled the Checkpoints, and is also part of gree in microbiology and went on to earn a a band known as the Checkmates. Forty Ph.D. in biological science. years ago, he shared a stage with Willie Nelson at a San Diego Allison did not set out to be a cancer researcher; he dreamed club. He admits it was mostly fortuitous, involving a local bar’s of solving some of the basic mysteries of biochemistry. “But talent night, but Alison dreamed he would get another chance in graduate school, when he was assigned to tinker with the to play with the famous outlaw country star. It happened in the formulation of a common chemotherapy for leukemia, his famspring of 2016 when Nelson invited him onstage to join him on ily history prompted him to try an experiment of his own, one “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die.” Allison traded solos that, it turned out, would deeply influence his career direction,” with Mickey Raphael, Nelson’s longtime harmonica player, and Miller wrote. Allison wondered what would happen if he injected as the two played their hearts out, Nelson looked on approvmice with tumors after they were cured. “To his astonishment, ingly, according to the Houston Chronicle. Nelson had issued the animals did not get leukemia again. Somehow, he surmised, Allison an open invitation to accompany his band after reading their immune systems had learned to kill the tumors.” a newspaper article about Brother Jim’s cancer research. Those leukemia-resistant mice spurred Allison to explore Allison believes the future of immunotherapy is unlimited. In the immune system’s uncharted territory. He did a postdoctoral a story for the Cancer Research Institute’s magazine, he said the fellowship in molecular immunology at the Scripps Clinic and concept of his treatment has mostly been used in melanoma, but Research Foundation in La Jolla, California. Then, in 1977, he has also been shown to be effective in prostate cancer, ovarian headed back to Texas, as an assistant biochemist at MD Andercancer, renal cancer, and a few other types. “The way the field son’s new Cancer Center Science Park in Smithville. of immunotherapy is going now is toward combinatorial theraAllison told Palca that he tried to persuade drug makers to pies, where we can combine these different immune checkpoint create a human version of the treatment that had worked in blockers, and we can also combine these with drugs that actually mice, and thought that they would jump at the chance to try a kill tumor cells,” Allison said. “We’ve seen long-term survivals in new approach. “But the biotech companies he met with didn’t about a quarter of melanoma patients, but, with the tools we have bite,” Palca said. In those days, most firms were focused on drugs now, I think it’s within our easy reach of doubling that or better that would target tumors directly, and Allison was asking them just in the next few years. And since we’re coming up with new to try something quite different. “This was targeting the immune tools all the time, I think it’s a really exciting period. The preclinisystem, not the cancer,” Allison said. “We weren’t trying to kill the cal and clinical studies are just exploding with new ideas.” cancer cells. We were letting the T cells kill the cancer cells.” (For As he’s being hailed as one of North America’s greatest scienthe past 30 years, Allison has studied T cells inside and out. In the tists, Jim Allison’s fraternity brothers have come to regard him early 1980s, he was one of the first scientists to identify the T cell as the Deke who’s going to cure cancer. receptor – the part of a T cell that binds to antigen and functions

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feature STORY

DEKES RECALL FOOD THAT TASTED SO GOOD IN EARLY-MORNING HOURS

or decades, it’s been tradition for Dekes at practically every chapter to head out, after a long night of studying or celebrating, for a bite to eat. Sometimes the choices of cuisine in the wee hours run to the more adventurous or even to the slightly raunchy, but that’s half the fun. Here is the second installment in a series of Deke Quarterly stories about DKE Diners, beloved places frequented by Brothers, and why these spots still conjure good memories – even if they occasionally caused a bit of indigestion. We’d like to hear from Brothers of all ages who want to share recollections of late-night places frequented over the years by members of their chapters. You can write to us at quarterly@DKE.org. Dave Helverson, a 57-year-old DKE Brother from Delta Pi, says two classic places still invade his thoughts as he reflects on his glory days at the University of Illinois. “I always think of Garcia’s Pizza and another establishment in Champaign called the DeLuxe,” Helverson said. Garcia’s was founded and owned by two men whose name was not Garcia. “The restaurant had several locations around campus, but the main one was on Wright Street, just south of Green Street – right in the heart of Campustown,” Helverson said. The pizza was cheap and Garcia’s sold it by the slice, which was a bit of a novelty back then. Known for its thin crust and tasty tomato sauce, Garcia’s had a hot-air balloon in the shape of a tomato that the owners would inflate just east of Memorial Stadium during home football games. “It would suddenly, perhaps ominously, rise over the stands and drift away during halftime shows,” Helverson said. “Another odd note is that the last house Delta Pi occupied before the chapter closed in 1987 had previously been owned by the Garcia ‘brothers,’” Helverson said. The DeLuxe, a diner/bar/pool hall on Green Street, had a bare-bones, slightly gritty or seedy décor, with fluorescent lighting, back-lit Hamm’s and Schlitz beer signs, Formica tabletops, and an asphalt tile floor. “But the DeLuxe was known for its awesome fish sandwiches,” Helverson said. “There was an atmosphere of authenticity to the place – it was unpretentious and they largely did one thing, but they did it well.” Helverson remembers the sandwich stacked high on a hamburger bun with breaded, deep-fried fish. “It was great, but, sadly, the DeLuxe is no more. A sports bar called Legends, which occupies the former spot of the DeLuxe, advertises ‘original’ DeLuxe fish sandwiches on its menu, but it’s not quite the same.”

Above: Hot Truck Bob Petrillose Left: Ralph & Joe of Garcia’s Pizza fame Bottom: Ithaca’s Rogan’s Corner even has its own logo Delta Chi Brothers at Cornell University remember “Hot Truck Bob” Petrillose, founder of the food truck that served thousands of students on campus, beginning in 1960. Petrillose is reputed to have invented French bread pizza, and Cornellians claim he sold the recipe to Stouffer’s. Over four decades, Hot Truck Bob was said to have missed only four days of work. He died in 2008 at age 77. “Located on West Campus, Hot Truck served what Bob called ‘poor man’s pizza,’ and he also served wet garlic bread with cheese. Those were two of the favorites,” said Lin Davidson, Delta Chi ’70. Another popular place among Dekes, according to Ryan Zimmerman, Delta Chi ’97, is Rogan’s Corner, located just behind Ithaca College on Danby Road. “Guys loved it because they delivered – great hoagies, wings, pizza, cheesesteak, and a sub they called the Bomber,” Zimmerman said. In the early 1980s, not too many restaurants made home delivery, which is how the Dekes came to love Rogan’s. The restaurant did a great business for more than a decade until it was sold in the mid-1990s. In 2006, Rogan’s Corner reopened and remains a favorite of students at Cornell and Ithaca College. w w w.d ke.o rg

2017 DKE Chapter awards

LION TROPHY RHO-LAFAYETTE CAPTURES SECOND STRAIGHT Left: Mike Rupolo, Rho ’12, Alumni Association president and Andrew Uzenoff, Rho ’12, Alumni Association treasurer, celebrate Lion Trophy win with Rho actives at annual Alumni Association meeting Below: Rho members celebrate by passing around Lion Trophy

t Delta Kappa Epsilon’s Rho chapter at Lafayette College, they’re talking three-peat. That’s because Rho Brothers are still celebrating their second consecutive Lion Trophy victory. It was a hard-fought competition in 2017, with Rho finishing barely ahead of runner-up Phi Alpha- University of British Columbia. The two chapters, long considered among DKE’s best, tied for first place in chapter operations, and they finished 1-2 in community service & philanthropy, with Phi Alpha taking first, just ahead of Rho. But the Lafayette Dekes excelled in leadership, which set them apart. Rho takes pride in the chapter’s ability to attract leaders in many capacities, and the brothers constantly push each other to get better every day. Rho has also served as a model in Lafayette’s Greek system and student organizations by fostering a more connected college community. The Rho House contributes to personal wellness by focusing on the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health of its members. “We recognize how fortunate we are to have our beautiful house, and we make it a point to open our doors to any chapters and organizations in times of need,” the chapter’s application read. They 20 The Deke Quarterly | WINTER 2017

prepared and served meals at a neighboring fraternity where the brothers were mourning the death of a member, and they also generously supported campus organization by donating hundreds of volunteer hours. Lafayette Dekes are also known for their generous hospitality. In February, they hosted six members of Tau Alpha-McGill’s chapter, giving them a tour of Rho’s house and swapping ideas and stories about their experiences in DKE. Tau Alpha later returned the favor by hosting a group of Lafayette Dekes. Rho brothers hold leadership positions on campus in everything from student government to athletics to clubs and service organizations. At the start of each semester, Rho brothers engage with their alumni brothers in a leadership conference. It proved to be a great way to reflect on what worked during the previous semester, while laying the groundwork for success in the coming year. “We outlined a new mission statement that is current and relevant to our core values,” Rho’s application stated. At Phi Alpha in British Columbia, the Dekes are highly regarded for their philanthropy and service, and the chapter took first in that category in judging for the Lion Trophy. Phi Alpha raised just under $50,000

for the charities they support. Their Scott Trapp Stick-it to Cancer Memorial Ball Hockey Tournament required a minimum of eight volunteer hours from every brother – and many contributed much more. The Dekes also joined with other fraternities and sororities to raise funds for good causes by playing basketball, making short films, and participating in many other creative ways to have fun while helping those around them. Phi Alpha raised more money in 2017 for charity than all of the other fraternities on the UBC campus combined. In the scholarship category for the Lion Trophy, Iota-Centre placed first, followed by Phi Alpha and Theta Zeta-California, which tied for second. Iota also finished in second place to Rho in the leadership category. Iota Dekes take pride in their reputation as scholars – second only to gentlemen and jolly good fellows – and many ranked with the brightest students on campus. At Centre College, DKE’s Iota chapter won the coveted Yerkes Cup Scholarship Award

DELTA AWARD SIGMA KAPPA WINS FOR CHAPTER IMPROVEMENT for outstanding academic achievement. The chapter encourages good work in the classroom through a mentoring program that pairs successful students with brothers who might be struggling a bit. Study hours are also used to help students to develop good academic habits. Overall, Rho Lafayette impressed judges for the chapter’s serious approach to all aspects of fraternity life. At parties, the chapter’s president and vice-president act as sober monitors, as one works the door while the other tours the house, making certain that everyone is safe. Rho also continues to connect positively with its alumni brothers, and hosted a successful 160th anniversary/homecoming celebration, a parents’ weekend reception, and the chapter’s annual faculty reception. Longtime Lion Trophy judge Ed Adler said he was gratified with the quality of submissions from applicants for DKE’s highest awards. “I’ve been doing this for many years,” Adler said, “and I am always cheered by the good work of our undergraduate brothers. You can’t help but feel that the future of our fraternity is very bright.”

LION TROPHY RESULTS Winner: Rho Runner up: Phi Alpha Lion Trophy competition category results: Scholarship: 1st- Iota 2nd (tie)- Phi Alpha & Theta Zeta Community Service: 1st- Phi Alpha 2nd- Rho Operations: 1st (tie)- Rho & Phi Alpha Leadership: 1st- Rho 2nd-Iota

Sigma Kappa Dekes receive Delta Award

igma Kappa-Michigan State completed one of DKE’s best comeback stories during the 2016-17 school year. On the brink of being forced to deactivate in 2015, Sigma Kappa, thanks to strong leadership and a committed team of brothers, rallied to win the Delta Award for Chapter Improvement. With its numbers dwindling to 17 as recently as two years ago, Sigma Kappa’s brothers went to work. In the past year they initiated 21 new members – the highest percentage on campus. “Not only did we boost our numbers, we attracted quality people who should add luster to Delta Kappa Epsilon for years to come,” the chapter wrote in its application. Recognizing that their new membership education program “was a mess,” Sigma Kappa totally revamped its procedures. A dedicated senior, Miguel Villalba, Sigma Kappa ’17, took over the position of new member educator and developed programs to help the newest recruits. Eschewing the image of Michigan State fraternity members as “wealthy white boys,” Sigma Kappa sought and signed a diverse group of individuals who pledged to work together for the good of DKE. Suddenly, the Michigan State Deke House was alive with activities and high spirits. The chapter restructured its execu-

tive board, streamlined operations and set standards in everything from academics to philanthropy. By year’s end, Michigan State Dekes were the talk of the campus. Another chapter that took a step toward becoming a part of DKE’s elite in 2017 is Gamma Iota–Gannon University in Erie, Pa. In its fourth year as a chapter in Delta Kappa Epsilon, Gamma Iota increased its membership to 37 and took over numerous leadership positions on campus. The Gannon Dekes contributed more than 700 hours to 15 local groups and charities, ranging from supporting the Friends of the Public Library System to assisting at events sponsored by a large institution that services individuals with autism. Gamma Iota members compiled an aggregate grade point average of 3.23 and helped mentor struggling high school students. Judges for the Delta Award called the success of Dekes at Michigan State and Gannon University “inspirational.”

DELTA AWARD RESULTS Winner: Sigma Kappa Runner up: Gamma Iota

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2017 DKE PersoNal awards

TARANTINO, WILLIAMS WIN DKE’S HIGHEST PERSONAL AWARDS

wo outstanding young Dekes were honored earlier this year with the fraternity’s most coveted individual awards. Devin Tarantino, Pi Alpha ’18, won the Charles O. Blaisdell Award for Leadership, while Jordan Williams, Chi Beta ’18, claimed the Nick Napolitano Award for Best Chapter President. “Both men represent the best that our fraternity has to offer,” said DKE Executive Director Doug Lanpher. “They made lasting contributions to their chapters and to the fraternity at large.” Devin, a senior from Boulder, Colorado, was part of a group of freshmen at Missouri who had the drive and courage to start a DKE chapter. Their founding vision for the chapter can still be felt at Pi Alpha, which continues to grow and prosper. Not only did Devin serve as president of Pi Alpha, he was also elected president of the university’s Inter Fraternity Council – at a school where thousands of students are involved in Greek Life. “Devin is a bright guy with a great personality, and he’s really focused on his goals,” Lanpher said. “When he speaks about his ideas and future plans for DKE, you can’t help but be impressed by his intelligence and leadership ability.” Devin has been described by his DKE Brothers as a consensus builder who leads from the bottom up. He exemplifies the skills that made Blaisdell such a dynamic leader of DKE – at all levels -- for decades. When Jordan Williams became president of Chi Beta, the chapter, which was still fairly young, was having a bit of trouble breaking through the glass ceiling. But when Jordan attended the 2016 DKE Convention in Tuscaloosa, he was inspired to lead his chapter to new heights. Jordan understood that it was his job and the responsibility of his fellow chapter leaders to grow Chi Beta. Their efforts paid off in record new member numbers in the fall and spring, but Jordan proved to be about more than just recruitment. He managed to improve the

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Above: Devin Tarantino, Pi Alpha ’18 with Dr. Alexander Cartwright, University of Missouri Chancellor

Left: Jordan Williams, Delta ’18, receives Blaisdell Award from DKE Chapter Consultant, Tommy Desch, Delta ’17 chapter’s financial outlook, paying down debts to DKE International, and helped Chi Beta to maintain high standards in risk management. “Nick Napolitano was a great, courageous Deke, who gave his life to save his fraternity brother, and Jordan is cut from that same mold,” Lanpher said. “When you speak of strong leaders at the chapter level for our fraternity, you don’t find many who are in Jordan Williams’ league.”

ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS

RHO’S SUCCESS RELIES ON COLLABORATION BETWEEN ALUMNI AND ACTIVES

any of DKE’s finest chapters and their alumni associations turned milestone anniversaries in recent years into highly successful celebrations. As Delta Kappa Epsilon looks forward in 2019 to the 175th anniversary of its founding, it’s worth a close look at the alumni associations throughout the fraternity that best serve undergraduates as well as alumni Deke Brothers. One of the top alumni associations supports DKE’s Rho Chapter at Lafayette College in Easton, PA. In anticipation of its 160th anniversary in 2015, Rho worked closely with college officials to completely renovate the chapter house at 719 Sullivan Trail, which now ranks with the finest fraternity houses in North America. “The college owns our house, but we were in the driver’s seat for architectural design and other physical considerations,” said Mike De Lisi ’03, longtime president of the Rho Alumni Association who now serves as its chairman. “The college funded the renovations with a bond, and our alumni promised that we would pay our fair share – about a third of the cost.” But having a great house is only half the story of success for the Rho Dekes. “Our alumni provide continuity for the undergraduates,” said current Alumni Association President Mike Rupolo ’12. The two groups work together on programs such as Deke Leadership Conference, which Rho alumni return to campus to help facilitate at the start of every semester. Indeed, the alumni and undergraduates work together on leadership presentations and various networking events. “At the Leadership Conference, the active Dekes learn about strategic planning and we set out a vision for Rho for the next three to five years,” De Lisi said. “We set specific initiatives to help the undergrads meet those goals.” They follow up on various top-

Rho Fall leadership conference ics with alumni brothers who have expertise in certain fields. “It’s a good way to get local alumni to come back to campus for a day to share their experience with the brothers,” De Lisi continued. Rho’s Alumni Association is successful, not because a large percentage of the brothers live near Lafayette, but because they make themselves available from wherever they reside. “I’m based in Raleigh, N.C., while Mike De Lisi lives in Boston,” Rupolo said. “But we’re on campus at least once or twice a semester, and we’re always just a phone call away.” De Lisi recalls helping to counsel a Rho president about six years ago after the chapter hit a rough spot. “The president I worked with was Mike Rupolo, and we talked regularly to figure out the right path to get back on track,” De Lisi said. “We also had regular conversations with the other officers, and soon the chapter was running smoothly again. That’s what it takes – regular, positive communication and a willingness on both sides to work together.” A love for DKE is also required. De Lisi said his involvement with the fraternity as an undergraduate and alumnus has been a highlight of his life, and Rupolo said he will be eternally thankful for the opportunities

DKE has afforded him. It’s easy to see how the guidance from the alumni has had such a positive effect on the Rho Dekes. The actives enjoy a strong relationship with Lafayette faculty, who regularly visit the chapter house for dinner and conversation. “The undergrads own the program and they run it very well,” Rupolo said. Rho Dekes have also been blessed over the years to have brothers such as the late Henry “Mike” Michaels, who served as DKE’s honorary president and was a regular for years at conventions. Michaels inspired everyone around him. The late Duncan Andrews, who served DKE in a number of capacities, including as president of the fraternity’s board of directors and as executive director, was also a proud Rho brother. “On his 90th birthday, the chapter gave Mike Michaels a DKE flag signed by all the actives,” De Lisi said. “After he passed away, the flag came back to Rho, and the brothers proudly fly it at special events.” Rho Dekes of all ages take pride in the chapter’s recent success, which includes back-to-back Lion Trophy awards. “Our goal is to make it three in a row, and I think we can do it if we all keep working together,” Rupolo said.

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VIRGINIA DEKES CONCLUDE A BIG BIRTHDAY WITH BLACK TIE EVENT By Bob Green, Eta ’69

elta Kappa Epsilon’s Eta chapter celebrated its 165th birthday on a beautiful fall weekend in late September. Eta was founded in Charlottesville by seven students of the University of Virginia on November 26, 1852. Eta was the first fraternity chapter at the University, and in fact the first in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Eta closed briefly during the “War between the States” but through the years Eta has produced many fine students and alumni of our University, including over 100 Captains of Varsity Sports Teams, 18 Chairmen/Vice Chairmen of our treasured Honor System, 3 Rhodes Scholars, a Pulitzer Prize winner, 3 Governors, and a President of UNC Chapel Hill. Eta’s 165th began with an informal reception Friday evening at the house, on the patio and deck in the front yard. The active brotherhood, which now numbers in the 80’s, welcomed back many of the Alums who had also spent years in this DKE house. Originally built in 1913, the building was expanded with the generous financial assistance of our Alums when a successful $1.5 million fundraiser was organized after the 150th anniversary in 2002. On Saturday afternoon many Brothers and their guests enjoyed a picnic on the beautiful farm of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hobby in the western end of the county with fabulous views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. That evening wrapped up the birthday celebration with a Black Tie dinner dance at UVA’s Alumni Hall, located just several hundred yards from the DKE House. Large tents were pitched in the front yard, and the weather was perfect. Several hundred Brothers, including almost all of Eta’s actives, enjoyed a fine meal and, with their guests, appreciated an excellent after dinner program. The dinner speaker was Professor Ed Ayers, previously an esteemed professor of Southern History at UVA, and then the Dean of our College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Ed then served as the ninth President of the University of Richmond. He delivered an energetic and 24 The Deke Quarterly | WINTER 2017

Above: Eta Alumni from far and wide celebrate the 165th birthday, Middle: Thomas Johnson, Eta ’14, Will Valentine, Eta ’15, James Sloan, Eta ’14, Whitt Clement, Eta ’14, Zander Geronimos, Eta ’14, Dan Lantz, Eta ’13 go all Black Tie, Right: Unique “sign in sheet” for Eta’s birthday

enlightening talk on the state of Academia in America! After Professor Ayers, Brothers James Aldige, Eta ’03 and Crawford Hawkins, Eta ’05. formally presented a $1 million Scholarship to the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, in honor of their deceased pledge brother and great friend David Magoon, Eta ’03. Brother Magoon tragically died in an accident while attending the Harvard Medical School. David was a fantastic guy, student and friend, who was a Jefferson Scholar himself. He was a leader at Virginia in many ways and made friends wherever he went. The last part of the program was an appreciation of Brother Berkley Cone, recently retired after being Eta’s alumni advisor for 15 years, and the driving force behind our chapter’s donation of the $1 million scholarship. It was a great weekend! Everyone is already looking forward to celebrating Eta’s 170th in 2022!

WESLEYAN DEKES RETURN TO CELEBRATE GAMMA PHI’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

he spirit of Delta Kappa Epsilon among Gamma Phi Brothers at Wesleyan University is thriving, and the chapter’s recent 150th anniversary banquet in Cromwell, CT, reunited Dekes of all ages. About 150 Dekes and their wives, including a dozen undergraduate Brothers, attended the anniversary celebration, which took place October 7th. Many Wesleyan alumni Brothers, inspired by the chapter’s legal fight to keep its cherished home at 276 High Street in Middletown, came from great distances for the special event. Earlier this year, a jury sided with DKE’s claim against Wesleyan University over the closure of the Gamma Phi House in 2015. The jury found that Wesleyan violated the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, made negligent misrepresentations, and interfered with the fraternity’s business relationships. Gary Breitbord, Gamma Phi ’79 did a stellar job organizing the banquet, and Dave Thomas, Gamma Phi ’77 was in top form as the evening’s master of ceremonies. Gary gave an update on the chapter and Gamma Phi Alumni Association, and he also offered a moving tribute to his DKE Brother, Scott Karsten, who managed the successful legal strategy in Gamma Phi’s court battle against Wesleyan administrators. Not only did Scott, a widely respected attorney, direct the legal team, he was the alumni foundation’s lead witness at the trial, which ended in a verdict in favor of the Dekes. Gamma Phi alumni presented Scott with a certificate and a plaque, showing their appreciation for such an important job done well. When Scott approached the microphone to accept the awards, the crowd responded with a heartfelt standing ovation. It was such a moving moment, as Scott became emotional as he addressed the crowd. It’s sad to see so many great DKE Brothers who are disappointed in their alma mater, but it must be remembered that they didn’t pick this fight; Wesleyan’s administration did. Nobody wanted to sue Wesleyan, but the Dekes were left with no choice. At the banquet, Mike Whalen, Gamma Phi ’83, who serves as Wesleyan’s athletic director, gave an upbeat report on the university’s teams and

Pledge Brothers Peter Campbell & George DuPaul, both Gamma Phi ’79

Left: Current chapter president, PJ Ryan, Gamma Phi ’19 Below: Pledge brothers Pete Pezzelli II, Lou Scimecca, Tim O’Brien, and Jim Baker, all Gamma Phi ’81 Below left: Main speaker, Wesleyan Athletic Director, Mike Whalen, Gamma Phi ’83 Below right: 150th Anniversary banquet organizer, Gary Breitbord, Gamma Phi ’79

programs. He also related a few good stories about his friend, Wesleyan alumnus Bill Belichick, longtime coach of the New England Patriots. Another highlight of the evening was an excellent speech by PJ Ryan, Gamma Phi ’19, current president of the Gamma Phi chapter, which has endured on campus despite not having a house. PJ outlined how the active Brothers maintained their enthusiasm for DKE under trying circumstances. Indeed, the chapter has done a great job staying alive and relevant while its house sits vacant. DKE Executive Director Doug Lanpher, who attended the dinner with Chapter Consultant Brandon Rosales, praised the undergraduate Dekes for persevering under difficult circumstances. The atmosphere at Gamma Phi’s 150th anniversary banquet was highly celebratory, not only for the chapter’s recent victory in court, but for so many years of excellence as a top chapter in DKE. w w w.d ke.o rg

Forgotten Greats of DKE

College basketball superstar

Hank Luisetti

He revolutionized the game with his running one-handed shot

By Kevin Cuneo, Gamma ’77

he passage of time might have obscured the memories of some of our greatest Dekes, but for many, what they accomplished set the standard for today’s highest achievers. In the case of Hank Luisetti, Stanford’s great All-American of the 1930s, he remade basketball, turning it from a plodding, one-dimensional sport into the exciting, fast-paced game it is today. For the past year, California sportswriters have been celebrating the 80th anniversary of when Luisetti, using one hand, pushed basketball to new heights. They have been comparing the Sigma Rho Deke to Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry, which is amazing considering that Luisetti played in an era when the sport featured a jump ball at center court after every basket and the winning score seldom topped 40 points. “Everybody shot two-handed set shots,” wrote San Francisco Chronicle sportswriter Tom FitzGerald. “That is, everybody but Hank Luisetti, the greatest player of his day.” FitzGerald said Luisetti turned Stanford into a national power and thrilled crowds up and down the West Coast during the Depression. When the team traveled to play in the Northeast, he created a sensation there, too. Luisetti revolutionized the sport by popularizing a running one-handed shot, which he came up with as a kid on a playground near his family’s San Fran26 The Deke Quarterly | WINTER 2017

cisco home. “He didn’t invent the jump shot, but his shot – which started with the ball just above his eyes – was the precursor to the jumper,” FitzGerald said. Few athletes caused as profound a change in their sport as did Luisetti, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound forward who was born Angelo Enrico Luisetti in 1916, the son of Italian immigrants. As he refined his shot, he led Galileo High School to two city championships. “I was lucky that my coaches in high school and college did not insist that I change my shot,” Luisetti told Philip Pallette, his biographer. “Of course, most of the time it went in.” “Luisetti’s legacy was built upon far more substance than his popularizing of the one-hander,” Pallette wrote. “His use of an array of offensive and defensive skills combined to make a floor game that opened eyes and helped to advance basketball to a new level of excitement and popularity. In doing so, he laid the groundwork for making a professional league possible.” When Luisetti made All-America in 1937, Stanford’s games sold out every night, regularly attracting fans such as Hollywood celebrities Bing Crosby and Gary Cooper. In his three seasons at Stanford – freshmen were not eligible to play varsity ball back then – Luisetti averaged 14.3, 17.3 and 19.3 points per game, leading the Indians, as they were known then, to a record of 67-13. There was no NCAA Tournament in those days, but Luisetti became nationally known when Stanford

traveled to New York City on Dec. 30, 1936, to play undefeated Long Island University at Madison Square Garden. LIU, riding a 43-game winning streak, was a heavy favorite over upstart Stanford, but with Luisetti executing his “strange maneuver,” as The New York Times called it, the Indians posted an impressive 45-31 victory. “Lifting the ball away from his ear, he would navigate past his defenders, reach the foul line and launch the ball. It reliably fell through the nets,” the newspaper reported. The packed house at the Garden was captivated by Luisetti, and he drew sellout crowds at every arena where Stanford played in the East.

Many coaches were appalled by Luisetti’s style, and Nat Holman, famed coach of New York’s City College, complained: “That’s not basketball. Why, if any of my boys ever shot one-handed, I’d quit coaching.” But as the years went by, regard for Luisetti’s skills grew. “Hank was an amazing marksman,” Holman said later. “He was also a spectacular dribbler and an astonishingly deft passer. He was one of the finest and most complete players I ever saw.” In 1950, when an all-star team of the greatest players of the first half of the 20th century was named by Sport Magazine, Luisetti and George Mikan headed the list. At college, some of Luisetti’s friends convinced him to pledge Zeta Psi fraternity, but

Pallette wrote that the fact that Hank’s last name ended in a vowel ruined any chance of that. “It was just as well,” Luisetti said years later. “The Dekes welcomed me with open arms, and it was where I really wanted to go in the first place. The friendships I made there lasted me a lifetime.” After Stanford, Luisetti played for the Phillips 66ers, an outstanding amateur team. It was his DKE Brothers, ironically, according to Pallette, who convinced him not to play in the fledgling professional leagues. “They thought it was far below his standards, and they were probably right,” Pallette wrote. Eventually, as the quality of play improved in the young NBA, Luisetti decided to join the league. But while on duty

with the U.S. Navy in 1944 during World War II, he contracted spinal meningitis, and the drugs he was given weakened his heart to the point that his playing days were over. Luisetti returned home after the war and went into the travel business. He was a regional president of a San Francisco area travel company until his retirement in 1985. Upon Luisetti’s death in 2002 at the age of 86, Sam Goldaper wrote: “Over the years, his simple one-handed push shot led to the graceful deception of Earl Monroe, the showmanship of Julius Erving, the longrange consistency of Larry Bird and the acrobatics of Michael Jordan.” It was a fitting tribute to one of Delta Kappa Epsilon’s greatest athletes.

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Guest interview

NATIONAL FRATERNITY LEADER JUD HORRAS CHARTS COURSE FOR FUTURE OF GREEK ORGANIZATIONS

s president and CEO of the North-American Interfraternity Conference, Judson Horras has endured one of the most challenging years of his life. Major media outlets have targeted him over and over as the face of college fraternities, as they investigate, report on and in some ways sensationalize the death in February of a new Beta Theta Pi member at Penn State University. Through it all, Horras, known as Jud, has represented his organization well. In 2016, Horras, then 41, took on the leadership of the NIC, which represents 69 college fraternities among its members. Before that, he spent 18 years with Beta Theta Pi, including the last eight as CEO. He takes the tragedy at Penn State’s Beta house personally, but rather than giving the offending Beta brothers a pass, Horras calls the incident “an unacceptable reflection on humanity.”

He said, “We encourage criminal charges. We think the state laws on hazing need to be fully enforced to combat hazing.” Yet, at the same time, Horras acknowledges that holding students accountable will not be enough to fix the problem. He said the challenge is that 1,800 students on college campuses in 2016 died from alcohol poisoning. “This is bigger than just fraternities.” In June, Horras delivered a frank message when he met with and addressed Delta Kappa Epsilon board members in Nashville at their annual retreat, echoing many of the same points he’s been making in speeches across North America. “You have the drinking laws and then you have the reality of the students, and we are caught in a challenging position to ensure safety, enforce policies, and have honest dialogue,” he said in May on CBS’ This Morning. “When it comes down to it, what

works best and where we find success is when administrations and national organizations work with the student culture, which is at the grassroots level.” An important issue to address, Horras said, is how to find a balance between holding students accountable and making them feel safe enough to call for help when they need it. In a recent story in Atlantic Monthly on the Penn State tragedy, which many fraternity leaders consider to be biased in its presentation of the facts, Horras is quoted at length. He grew up in Ames, Iowa, where he spent summers working on a farm. A child of divorce, he said he made mistakes in high school and was a lost young man when he arrived at Iowa State University in 1989. He said he was arrogant and insecure, but that Beta Theta Pi helped him to turn his life around. Horras learned how to exert self-control, and mentors such as U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar, a fellow Beta who took him to Washington as an intern the summer before his senior year, had a great influence on him. The Atlantic story points out that Horras’ gratitude to these mentors is immense, saying “Jud loves his fraternity the way some men love their church or their country.” Today, the happily married Horras talks with pride about his two children, Andrew and Anna, who he hopes will someday enjoy meaningful fraternity/sorority experiences. “It’s up to us, the people who are committed to charting a positive, healthy, and gratifying future for our fraternity members, to provide the leadership that’s required,” he concluded.

Jud Horras discusses responses to recent incidents on CBS This morning

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MYSTIC CIRCLE RICHARD THOMAS BARKSDALE GAMMA ’61 1939 - 2017 Richard Thomas (“Tommy”) Barksdale, 78, a compliance director at Wiley BrosAintree Capital, died July 31st at Vanderbilt Hospital due to complications resulting from a stroke. Brother Barksdale was a native Nashvillian and a proud descendant of families that have called Middle Tennessee home for almost two centuries. He graduated from his beloved Montgomery Bell Academy where he was a member of a state champion golf team. Tommy attended Tulane University and received a B.A. in Business Administration from Vanderbilt University where he joined DKE’s Gamma Chapter. He also served his country as a medic in the Air National Guard. He began his career in New York City at Blyth and Company, where his southern accent and charm made him a favorite among the firm’s genteel clientele. It was while he was in New York that he met the love of his life, Nanci Morris, of North Carolina. Tommy made friends easily and was widely known for his great sense of humor. Most of us have a trait or characteristic that defines us, and our friends quickly recognize it. In Tommy’s case, this coincided with an important Deke idea; he was a Jolly Good Fellow of the highest order. No one who knew him would dispute that or his ability to bring a smile to anyone’s face. He was also a self-described “sports nut,” following the Titans, Predators and MBA football. His real passion, however, was reserved for the Vanderbilt Commodores, the baseball team in particular. He was a season ticket holder from the inception of Hawkins Field and was extremely proud of the success enjoyed by the Vandy Boys both on and off the field. He was elated when they won Vanderbilt’s first national championship in men’s sports in 2014.Tommy was delighted when anyone asked him about the team’s chances, responding in his typical, optimistic and jovial manner, “Boy, we sure are loaded with talent this year.”

Tommy, along with his brother, Weaver, Gamma ’70, was an ardent supporter and advisor to Gamma for many years.

KEVIN NARKO DELTA PI ’86 1964 - 2017 Kevin Joseph Narko, 52, was the beloved husband of Kathleen Dillon Narko and loving father of sons Jackson and Brendan. Kevin grew up in Oak Forest, Illinois, and was a graduate of Marist High School in Chicago, where he played football all four years. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1986, where he was a James Scholar and a member of DKE’s Delta Pi chapter. Kevin followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming an attorney after graduating from Northwestern University School of Law in 1989. He began his legal career at Seyfarth Shaw, where he met Kathleen. He later was a partner at Winston & Strawn and then opened his own Chicago practice. Married for nearly 23 years, Kevin worked tirelessly as a solo practitioner to support his family. Kevin was Kathleen’s lifeline, and he was an amazing father to Jackson and Brendan. Kevin loved attending Brendan’s lacrosse and football games. Kevin also loved running. One of his favorite things was running with Jackson in his son’s successful quest as a state qualifier for the Special Olympics. Wherever Kevin traveled, he took his running gear. He ran through a hurricane while working trial in Miami, through snow and ice storms in Chicago, and often in the pouring rain. He liked extreme conditions because it kept the fair-weather runners away.

CHRISTIAN JOHN CAMENISCH II IOTA ’66 1942-2017 Christian “Chris” Camenisch II, 74, passed away August 12th after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Stanford, Kentucky, he grew up on his family’s dairy farm. As a Boy Scout he earned his Eagle Scout and God and Country

Awards. Chris served in the Marine Corps and graduated from Centre College where he was a proud member of DKE’s Iota chapter. After graduating from the University of Louisville Law School, Chris set out to gain a wider education in world cultures. He attended Heidelberg University in Germany, Strasbourg University in Alsace, France, Czechoslovakia University in Prague and the University of Salamanca in Castile, Spain, interspersed by periods of work as a criminal public defender in Washington, D.C. Among Chris’ closest friends were citizens of Switzerland, Germany, Romania, and India. Chris is survived by the love of his life, Brenda Watson Penn.

RAY WINTON BROWN ETA ’48 1926-2017 Ray Winton Brown, Sr., age 91, passed away on August 24that his home in New Orleans. Ray attended the University of Virginia where he earned the nickname “All-TheWay-Ray,” due to his prowess as a running back for the Cavaliers football team. He excelled in various sports, served as president of Delta Kappa Epsilon, was inducted into several honorary organizations, including the Z Society, and received a BA in History. After graduating, he had a brief coaching career at Davidson College. He later moved with his family to New Orleans in 1956 where he began a more than fifty-year career in the insurance industry. Throughout his life, Ray remained an avid supporter of his beloved UVA, working with the Alumni Association in recruiting dozens of students. He was a lifelong athlete, a member of the New Orleans Lawn Tennis Club and the New Orleans Country Club where he enjoyed decades of playing bad golf with good buddies, affectionately known as “The Blue Bloods.” He was a devoted Saints fan and Tulane basketball booster. A stranger to no one, always quick to shake a hand, listen to a story and share a joke, he will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Continued

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MYSTIC CIRCLE Continued

KENNETH COOGAN ADAMS THETA ZETA ’50 1928-2017 Kenneth Coogan Adams, a man with many passions and talents, died on September 12th at his home in Pacific Palisades. He was 88. After graduating from Piedmont High School in 1946, Ken attended UC Berkeley, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business and a minor in philosophy, psychology and literature. He was an Eagle Scout, president of his high school class, and also president of DKE’s Theta Zeta Chapter. Ken joined the Air Force during the Korean War, flew missions as a navigator, held the rank of first lieutenant and received the Distinguished Flying Cross. After his military service, Ken entered Columbia Law School, graduating in 1958. He worked as an attorney of counsel for Great Western Bank, and later became vice president of counsel at U.S. Life Savings and Loan. In 1979, he moved on to private practice in Santa Monica. Retiring in 1994, Ken remained active by engaging in his passions of running, biking, travel, music (especially opera) and pro basketball. Ken was a beacon of warmth, kindness, generosity, intelligence, reverence and humor. His gentle yet courageous spirit was never more evident to his family and loved ones than during the final years of his life, when he battled numerous health issues with a steadfast strength and singleness of purpose.

LOUIS VICTOR DE LA VERGNE TAU LAMBDA ’60 1938 - 2017 Louis Victor de la Vergne, a prominent New Orleans attorney, died September 15th, following a brief illness. Brother de la Vergne graduated from New Orleans Academy before receiving his undergraduate degree from Tulane University, where he was a proud member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. In 1965, he received a

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law degree from Tulane, and subsequently became a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, where he was honored as a fifty-year member in 2015. A lifelong world traveler, Louis enjoyed visiting countries where he maintained friendships around the globe. Louis was keenly interested in the contributions of his ancestors to the legal heritage of Louisiana. In 2005, Brother de la Vergne co-authored the Catalogue of Gustavus Adolphus Schmidt’s Library 1877, which was published by the University of Texas at Austin. Louis and his family were particularly known for the “de la Vergne Volume,” an invaluable Louisiana legal text. Louis was a member of many New Orleans clubs and patriotic organizations, enjoying the company of old friends at Carnival each year.

JACK RICE TURNER OMEGA CHI ’53 1929-2017 Jack Rice Turner, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, talented Texas architect, patriot, friend and DKE Brother, passed on October 1st. He was 88. Jack overcame his modest upbringing to follow his dreams of graduating from the University of Texas Architectural School. He thrived in his successful architectural career and fulfilled his passion for the military and its responsibilities and opportunities. At Texas, Jack excelled in various intramural sports and was president of DKE’s Omega Chi Chapter. While at the University, he won the Southwest Conference Wrestling Championship. After graduating, Turner saw active duty in the Korean conflict, the Formosa Patrol and in China and Indochina. When his active duty ended, he transferred his service to the Reserves at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, serving there until 1987, retiring as a Lt. Commander. After receiving his license in 1958, he was an architect for over 60 years. Jack’s firm designed such diverse projects as 49 medical buildings, eight hospitals, and the international bridge in Laredo.

His record of community service is as impressive as are his professional and military contributions. He always believed that for an architect to restrict himself to architecture was an unfortunate mistake. Despite all of his naval and architecture successes and recognition, Brother Jack’s devotion to and love for his immediate and extended family and friends always played a central role in his life.

JOHN GARDNER NELSON ZETA ZETA ’55 1930-2017 John G., “Jack”, Nelson passed away on October 5th following a lengthy illness. Brother Nelson was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, ever ready with a smile, a joke, and a twinkle in his eyes. He always used his clever wit to turn any situation into a lighter one, with grace and humor. With an air of comfort and a depth of ease, he readily made others feel at home. Jack attended Phillips Andover Academy in Andover, MA, prior to entering college at LSU, where he pledged DKE and obtained a degree in petroleum engineering. After working for Magnolia Oil, he enlisted as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Intelligence Division, and served in Korea and Japan. He received the National Defense Service Medal for his service. Afterwards, he returned to LSU Law School and graduated in 1959. He was a member of the American Bar Association, St. Mark’s Cathedral, The Shreveport Club, The Barksdale Officer’s Club, the Boston Club, The Cotillion Club, and Shreve-Syndicate. He served several terms on the Board of the American Red Cross, the downtown YMCA, and St. Mark’s Community Ministries Outreach Committee. He reigned as King of the 2002 Cotillion. From an early age, Jack loved hunting, fishing, and anything involving birds and airplanes. He was an all-weather LSU football fan and enjoyed traveling with his wife, Louise. In his later years, he called himself “Smiling Jack,” always emanating positivity and gratitude for his life, family and friends.

CHAPTER ROLL 2017-2018 SCHOOL Phi Psi Beta Alpha Kappa Delta Lambda Eta Iota Omicron Rho Tau Beta Phi Theta Chi Zeta Zeta Phi Chi Gamma Phi Psi Omega Delta Chi Delta Delta Phi Gamma Theta Zeta Phi Epsilon Sigma Tau Alpha Phi Delta Kappa Tau Alpha Sigma Rho Delta Pi Omega Chi Alpha Tau Delta Phi Phi Alpha Tau Delta Psi Delta Sigma Alpha Phi Delta Pi Beta Epsilon Rho Nu Zeta Theta Upsilon Phi Sigma Phi Rho Zeta Chi Beta Gamma Sigma Kappa Delta Psi Mu Chi Rho Beta Alpha Gamma Tau Chi Beta Tau Sigma Xi Omega Mu Phi Mu Chi Beta Gamma Iota Zeta Gamma Pi Alpha Kappa Chi Tau Beta Lambda Tau Iota Chi Alpha Omicron Delta Rho

Yale University University of Alabama University of North Carolina Harvard University Miami University University of South Carolina Kenyon College University of Virginia Center College University of Michigan Lafayette College Hamilton College University of Rochester Union College Louisiana State University Rutgers University Wesleyan 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 Texas at Austin University of Manitoba University of Alberta University of British Columbia University of the South Wake Forest University Virginia Tech Western University Troy University Duke University Pace University Arizona State University Bryant University Pennsylvania State University Bentley University New York University Michigan State University Indiana University Maryville College University of Richmond United States Military Academy Texas A&M University University of Victoria St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College Oklahoma State University Manhatttan College University of North Carolina Wilmington Gannon University Hampden-Sydney College University of Missouri University of Delaware Simon Fraser University University of Tennessee Ithaca College University of Colorado North Carolina State University

DKE ADDRESS 73 Lake Place, New Haven, CT 06511 946 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 132 S. Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Colony status, Cambridge, MA 325 E. Sycamore, Oxford, OH 45056 Uses university facilities, Columbia, SC Old Kenyon dormitory, Gambier, OH 173 Culbreath Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903 600 W. Walnut Street, Danville, KY 40422 1004 Olivia Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 719 Sullivan Trail, Easton, PA 18042 Uses college facilities, Clinton, NY 597 Fraternity Road, Rochester, NY 14627 North wing, Fox dormitory, Schenectady, NY 13 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 78 College Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901 276 High Street, Middletown, CT 06459 901 Peoples Ave., Troy, NY 12180 Colony status, uses university facilities, Ithaca, NY 6239 Kimbark Ave., Chicago, IL 60637 703 Walnut Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210 2302 Piedmont Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704 1711 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 403 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139 157 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5R2M2 307 S. 39th Street, Philadelphia, PA 39104 526 Rue Milton, Montreal, QC, Canada H2X1W4 Uses university facilities, Stanford, CA 713 W. Ohio Street, Urbana, IL 61801 Colony status, 715 Graham Place, Austin, TX 78705 638 Jubilee Ave., Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3L1P6 11003 87th Ave., Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G0X5 #8 2880 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T253 735 University Ave., Sewanee, TN 37383 1101 Polo Road, Winston Salem, NC 27106 302 Roanoke Road, Blacksburg, VA 24060 Colony status, uses private facilities, London, ON, Canada 414 Fraternity Circle, Troy, AL 36081 1708 Pace Street, Durham, NC 27705 Uses private facilities, Pleasantville, NY Uses private facilities, Tempe, AZ Uses university facilities, Smithfield, RI 328 E. Foster Ave., State College, PA 16801 Uses private facilities, Waltham, MA Uses university facilities, New York, NY 505 Albert Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823 424 S. Fess Ave., Bloomington, IN 47401 Uses private facilities, Maryville, TN Uses university facilities, Richmond, VA Uses private facilities, West Point, NY 3200 Callie Circle College Station, TX 77845 950 Empress Ave., Victoria, BC, Canada, V8T1N96 Uses college facilities, Patchogue, NY 1225 W. Third Ave., Stillwater, OK 74074 4513 Manhattan College Parkway, Bronx, NY 10471 Uses private facilities, Wilmington, NC 109 University Square, Erie, PA 16541 Uses college facilities, Farmville, VA 912 S. Providence, Columbia, MO 65203 Colony status, uses private facilities, Newark, DE Colony status, uses university facilities, Burnaby, BC, Canada Colony status, 1828 Fraternity Park Dr., Knoxville, TN 37916 Colony status, uses private facilities, Ithaca, NY Colony status, 881 19th Street, Boulder CO Colony status, 18 Maiden Lane, Raleigh, NC

New member figure represents initiates during the recent semester. Add Active and New Member numbers to establish total chapter/colony size FO or SO means recruiting is in Fall or Spring only. F or S means recruiting is year round with letter indicating the primary period.

ACTIVES 37 126 68 6 38 68 22 67 38 64 43 13 16 33 33 33 30 20 0 18 29 36 33 37 26 41 35 23 29 3 22 33 68 25 59 39 20 21 11 14 35 29 69 40 17 23 20 14 23 0 54 38 18 27 30 42 30 17 78 51 14 26 22 23 25

NEW MEMBERS NA-SO 53-FO 19-FO 6-S 22-S 16-F NA-SO NA-SO NA-SO 29-F 15-FO 11-S 6-S 8-F 16-FO 14-F NA-SO 7-F 11-S 2-S 4-S 12-F 11-F 10-S NA-SO NA-SO 12-F 3 14-F 0-F 9-F 13-FO 28-FO NA-SO 1-S 18-F TBD TBD NA-SO 0-S 11-F 4-S 8-S 7-S 0-F 36-F 5-F NA-SO NA-SO 7-S 30-F 17-FO 8-S 3-F 2-S 10-F 7-S 4-S 18-F 10-F 9-F 10-F 3-F 15-F 10-F

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Non-Profit US Postage PAID Lake Forest, IL Permit No. 79

FALL 2017 NEW MEMBER CLASSES

Phi Alpha-University of British Columbia Tau Chi-Texas A&M

West Point colony

Sigma Tau-MIT ty

Universi Phi Chi-Rutgers

Delta-University of South Carolina Tau Alpha-McGill University

Sigma Alpha-Virginia Tech

DEKE the

Winter 2017

quarterly

GAMMA PHI CELEBRATES 150 YEARS