Delta Tau Delta - Ball State University

Ball State University Epsilon Mu Chapter Spring 2021 THE IRIS Developing Lives of Excellence • 2 Philanthropy Comes First • 2 Looking Ahead • 3 Alumni Golf Outing • 4 FACING ADVERSITY Delta Tau Delta Ready to Embrace a Normal Fall Semester D espite restrictions due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Epsilon Mu Chapter has persevered and is looking forward to a bright future. Ball State University placed most campus organizations under severe restrictions beginning mid-March 2020. Philanthropic activities, social gatherings, and even chapter meetings came to a screeching halt. The Shelter became little more than a rooming house as classes were shifted to online learning, residence halls were closed, and a large percentage of membership returned home for the duration of the semester. Restrictions continued in the fall, prohibiting social activities of any sort and forcing the cancellation of the largest philanthropy event on campus, Watermelon Bust. Roadblocks during recruitment were the most difficult to overcome and caused numbers to fall throughout the Greek community. Students returned to campus for the spring 2021 semester later than anticipated without the prospect of spring break and most COVID-19 restrictions remaining in place. Despite all of the adversity, the chapter is on strong footing for a successful future. We have a new group of officers who are focused on re-establishing those foundational aspects of fraternal life that make Epsilon Mu the special place we all remember. Ball State is planning to embrace the fall semester with a normal opening, and Delta Tau Delta is at the ready. Planning is underway for the next Watermelon Bust, although many of our members have never experienced one. Our philanthropic committee is seeking to re-establish relationships with off-campus organizations we've not been able to serve for over a year. The membership is also looking forward to social functions with other Greek organizations. Normal is something we've not seen in a long time and, like all of you, Epsilon Mu is longing to see it. If you are ever in the neighborhood, please stop by the Shelter to say hello and see the recent improvements. The weight room has been refitted, the Iris has been rebuilt, and the residential hallways have been repainted and relit. Undergraduates are always interested in engaging alumni and learning their perspectives, sharing stories of brotherhood, and hearing memories of life in the Shelter. Fraternally, John Knox '78 House Corporation Secretary jrknox@bsu.edu

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