Delta Tau Delta - The Ohio State University

Beta Phi Crier beta phi Chapter of Delta Tau Delta the ohio state university n Summer 2020 A s many of you are already aware, it became necessary to close the Beta Phi Shelter on March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it was a disheartening decision, it became easier and necessary to make once e Ohio State University decided to close all residence halls and dining facilities. Ironically, the University's decision ultimately was announced while members of our House Association board and members of the University staff were meeting via conference call to discuss our plans for the near future. We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to everyone who contributed their time and efforts immediately following the decision to close the Shelter. is includes, but is not limited to, all the current members of the House Association and of the University's Office of Student Life. However, there are a few people who deserve special recognition. House Director Emily Perry, who communicated with and tirelessly organized the undergraduates in facilitating their safe move-out process once everyone returned from spring break. Association House and Grounds Chairman Evan Webb '15 was also a vital part of this process. We also need to recognize Association Treasurer Kyle Huff '07 for the important task of coordinating refunds with the University for our undergraduate members. In addition, we are extremely thankful for the thoughtful guidance of Chapter Advisor Howard Harcha III '79. All Beta Phi alumni should be proud how all our members stood up to this very unusual challenge. Delta Tau Delta is recognized as the fraternity leader on campus, due in no small part to the efforts of those who I have mentioned. We plan to begin immediately preparing the Shelter to reopen for the fall semester. anks to our amazing success at recruiting new members, the Shelter should be at or near capacity. e House Association will continue to meet regularly in the interim. Should you have any questions, or even donations to help us cover the revenue returned, please don't hesitate to contact me. Fraternally, Paul M. Falkenbach '80 President, Beta Phi House Association of Delta Tau Delta pfalkenbach@natsignsys.com Breaking Down Delt's Decisions Regarding COVID-19 Beta Phi House Association Plans to Reopen Shelter for Fall Semester A LAsting LegAcy e Harcha Men Share Formative Fraternity Experience D uring orientation, Howard Harcha IV '12 remembers his parents driving him and his triplet brothers, John Harcha '12 and Matt Harcha, down 15th Avenue and pointing out the Delt Shelter. It was the first indication that his parents hoped they might find a fraternity at e Ohio State University, like their dad, Howard "Hank" Harcha III '79, and their grandad, Howard Harcha Jr. '48, had before them. Howard IV was the first to follow their footsteps to Beta Phi with John joining the quarter aer him. Although Matt decided to join Beta eta Pi instead, their shared fraternity experiences over the years have strengthened their bonds as family. "It was cool to share the same ritual with Dad and Grandpa," Howard IV shared. "We all have a different experience, but there's definitely a connection. It's neat that the same organization can link us from the '40s to the '70s and the early '00s. It stands the test of time." Howard Jr. is especially proud of his son and grandsons following his footsteps to Beta Phi. His fraternity experience was incredibly important From le, John Harcha '12, Hank Harcha '79, Howard Harcha IV '12, Howard Harcha Jr. '48, and Matt Harcha. (Continued on page 2) to him, and he's grateful for how ∆T∆ shaped them all into men of great character and prepared them for successful and rewarding lives. "e creed and the initiation of becoming a Delt taught me and ingrained in me self-confidence, honesty, and integrity. e Delts added a lot to my son's and my grandsons' self-discipline and growth as young men as well,"

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