Delta Tau Delta - University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Delta Tau Delta Fraternity at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln I Winter 2020 T he House Corporation has been conducting meetings via Zoo, which has become the new way of life for a lot of us. It allows us to be much closer than a simple teleconference. We discussed all the challenges that we have faced recently and, most importantly, chapter plans for the future. ese include critical improvements at the Shelter, including the modernization of our kitchen and dining room. Despite the difficulties of this past semester and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to continue operation of the Shelter. We worked with the undergraduate brothers to ensure that we could maintain a safe home for those who chose to remain in Lincoln aer the University of Nebraska shut down and moved all classes online. is spring indeed brought a difficult and unprecedented challenge the entire campus community. As in times past, the brothers and alumni stood together and successfully navigated our way forward. rough the difficulties, we didn't know how we would succeed in the fall term, but we remained optimistic and prepared the Shelter for a return to campus in August. Once again, there was strong support from Delta Tau Delta CEO Jack Kreman, eta Kappa '04 and International President Steven Paquette, Gamma Omicron '77, along with the National Office. We received additional support from our many loyal alumni who spoke out in support of Beta Tau to the university. rough all the uncertainties, we've achieved remarkable accomplishments this year, including the celebration of 125 years of Beta Tau Chapter. e celebration included an incredible banquet and a reunion of scores of alumni from classes over the past 40 years. We also saw the return of the University of Nebraska Kearney Delta Tau Delta Chapter, welcomed a strong pledge class, had new alumni joining the House Corporation, and completed the rigorous training program, PLAID. e opportunity we each have today will echo a successful record of achievement by Delta Tau Delta and its alumni while ensuring a future that is equally as successful in the accomplishments and contributions of our undergraduate members today as they go forward into their lives aer graduation. Undergraduate Chapter President Ben Samway '18 and his new executive team provide strong leadership to the committed group of Delts now in the Beta Tau Shelter. Summer recruitment brought new members and a resurgence of Delta Tau Delta prominence at the University of Nebraska. ere are sunny days ahead! Fraternally, James Loach, Epsilon Omega '67 President, House Corporation james_loach@nps.gov Optimistic, Persistent, Resilient Connect with Beta Tau - Chapter Website www.nebraskadelts.com f Facebook Delta Tau Delta – Beta Tau l Twitter @nebraska_delts i Instagram @nebraska_delts i LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/ groups/3323938 E-mail nebraskadelts@gmail.com T his year continues to be challenging for the chapter and the House Corporation financially. Our fixed costs are $65,000 a year, and last year we expended $37,246 for maintenance and repair of the entire HVAC system, plus additional repairs and chapter expenses totaling $32,596. As president of the House Corporation, I have seen the struggle this year. Like you, I have been concerned about a semester ending with COVID-19 and beginning with COVID-19. I also worry about the struggle to stay healthy and adjust to a new normal that limits social activity and demands the highest efforts to stay clean and sanitize the Shelter. Beta Tau and the entirety of campus must minimize contacts to ensure all our efforts at mitigation are successful to avoid being shut down. We appreciate your support and this year ask that you continue with your financial donations of any amount to help us continue in our 126th year. Our goal is to raise $200,000, which matches our fixed costs and provides for average expenses of service and repairs at Beta Tau for the next year while providing a minimum reserve. T he last two years of Beta Tau's history have been marked by turmoil, perseverance, and growth. In the fall of 2018, our chapter was suspended by both the University of Nebraska and the Arch Chapter of Delta Tau Delta for a hazing incident that occurred on the night of August 18, 2018. We received a one-year suspension and a three-year probationary period from these governing bodies. rough the work of chapter leadership and enormous assistance from our amazing alumni, Beta Tau is now on the path to return to our historic greatness. In recognition of our hard work and immense growth to this point, we were named the Most Improved Chapter at the Western Plains Division Conference this spring. I can confidently say that growth is visible in every aspect of the fraternity. is year we reinstituted our partnership with Clinton Elementary. ere, a group of undergraduates work as mentors for the Young Men's Club, an organization consisting of underprivileged students in the third through sixth grades. Our members have enjoyed countless basketball games, tours of campus, and other events with this young group. Another area of growth can be seen in our revamped New Member Process. It is the responsibility of every organization to ensure the safety of its members, and Beta Tau recognizes this ideal. Chapter leadership has worked to create a new education system that will be facilitated by both the undergraduates and alumni volunteers. is is a tremendous opportunity for both our new members and our chapter as our graduated members provide a deep source of experience, wisdom, and values that all undergraduates should emulate. I would like to personally acknowledge and thank two particular alumni who have been instrumental in Beta Tau's return to greatness. Jim Murphy '79 and Eric Marsh '88 have worked diligently to ensure the continuance of our chapter. Last fall, aer the handing down of sanctions, they personally watched over the new member class, even going as far as to hold weekly freshman-only chapter meetings, since Beta Tau, itself, was unable to. I was one of those new members, as were eight other executive leaders of our chapter. It is my belief that, without these two men, Beta Tau itself may have been in danger. Mr. Murphy and Mr. Marsh, I speak not only for my class, but for all members of our chapter, and thank you so much for all that you did for us. We are forever grateful. ese have been trying times, but we have persevered. e undergraduate brothers of Beta Tau look to the future with excitement. We have many goals for our chapter in the coming year, and with the continued assistance of our great alumni, we will achieve them. ere are, undoubtedly, great things ahead for the Beta Tau Chapter of Delta Tau Delta. Fraternally, Ben Samway '18, Chapter President samwayben@gmail.com • (316) 779-5964 Support Beta Tau Chapter Today Weathering the Storm Reflecting on Beta Tau Chapter's Recent History

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