Phi Delta Theta - DePauw University

I N D I A N A Z E T A C H A P T E R O F P H I D E L T A T H E T A SPRING 2021 DePauw Phi The S ince the inception of attempts to manage COVID-19, cries have rung out for us to return "to normal." So much has been disrupted in our lives and sometimes it is hard to remember what "normal" is and was. Supply chain and labor market disruptions, fear, illness, vaccines, separation from vulnerable loved ones, learning or working from home, as well as travel, entertainment, sporting event, and dining out limits, have impacted all our lives. Yet in the face of this abnormality, it is comforting to know that your undergraduate brothers fought through many obstacles and have kept your Chapter moving and excelling to a point where they have been anything but normal. I'm very excited for the two dozen Indiana Zeta Phis who have moved on to the next phase of their lives after successfully graduating from DePauw May 23. One of the hallmarks of Greek life at Old Gold is the huge difference between retention and graduation rates for Greek men and women. This year is no exception. DePauw Phis routinely graduate 90-100% of pledge classes within four years, which is significantly above the 75% university average. With all that has been thrown at these young men in their DePauw stay, it's even more remarkable, yet normal. Our men consistently defy "normal" in so many great ways—grades (above the men's and fraternity averages), chapter size (number one), athletics (45% of our members are varsity athletes), and leadership across campus and IFC. No doubt the year has been difficult. DePauw has struggled with misaligned curriculum, marketing, and campus culture, yet your Phi brothers garnered the largest Phikeia class this year. You know—a normal occurrence. Many house corporations are struggling mightily with finances from reduced capacities, but your alumni volunteers have kept the ship stable in rough seas. Again, normal. We all want normal to return and, when it does, the strength and commitment of undergraduates and alumni who support them will keep the chapter in an enviable position. Yours in the Bond, Chris "CJ" Johnston '83 House Corporation Trustee cl.johnston83@gmail.com DePauw Phis Defy Normal in Many Great Ways Indiana Zeta Stays Successful Amid Pandemic Challenges George A Long III, Indiana Alpha 1413 G eorge A Lon g, In dian a Be ta 1 0 /19/120 8 #332 Gr anvill e Moody Jr. Illinois Et a , 3/7/19 14 #2 32 George A Long Jr., Ill in ois Et a, 6/6 /1939 #5 86 Edward C. Loy, India na Theta, 4/5/1934 #504 Her bert Strawbr id ge, In d iana The ta, 4 /19 /1 9 3 6 #5 31 R ob ert Strawb ridg e, In diana Theta, 3/18/1937 #53 9 Russell Strawbridge, Indian a Theta, 4/27/1947 #749 Dallas Ryan Long, F lo rid a Gamma, 4/22/2 00 7 #1663 D arrell Johnson '85 didn't know anyone when he came to DePauw, so like many others he went through recruitment to meet new people. "Rush was before classes started back then, so it was just what everyone did," he said. Darrell soon found that he felt most comfortable with the Phi Delts—plus he already knew the general council president at the time. "Indiana Zeta provided a sense of belonging and immediate friendships that helped ease the transition into college. Many of those friendships still exist today." Indiana Zeta officers had semester-long terms in those years, and Darrell held a different position each semester, ranging from social chairman to president. Those roles taught him how to manage others and work with different personalities, which was great preparation for his service as an alumnus. He has been on the House Corporation board for 30 years and president for nearly 25. Darrell is proud of all the House Corporation has done to serve the active brothers. He notes that the past 10 years OUR DUTY AS ALUMNI Darrell Johnson '85 Reflects on Years of Service (Continued on page 4)

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