Sigma Phi Epsilon - Drake University

Fall • 2021 drake.sigep.org Paradise Found Business Owner Eric Bertch '04 Brings Orlando to Iowa Updates from Iowa Delta on the Chapter Front Eric Bertch '04 has fond memories of growing up and going on extravagant vacations with family to attractions like Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It was a dream to make these opportunities accessible to locals around Iowa; thus, in 2001, Lost Island Waterpark was born. As an undergraduate, Eric recalls sledding down the hill by Carpenter Hall on dining trails, unreasonably competitive foosball games in the Chapter House, and countless other memories "that are best left out of print," he noted. Eric worked his way up the theme park industry from a lifeguard all the way to a proud owner of his own theme park. Like being a member of Iowa Delta Chapter, there's something new in the theme park industry each day, and that's what Eric finds exciting. Eric explained, "ere's new problems to solve, new attractions to consider adding, and new people to meet." at was until one day when Eric went into work and felt the crushing force of COVID-19 on his business. Working in an industry that relies on communal gathering and hands-on entertainment, Eric and his staff had to relearn the business's structure of policies and guidelines. He shared, "Many parks were forced to choose their own restrictions and safety measures to keep guests safe. Inevitably, creating new policies on the fly led to frustration and confusion from visitors. Fortunately, 2021 is providing more normalcy. We hope 2020 remains a distant memory." In 2022, the theme park is undergoing an optimistic change from waterpark to theme park. Eric anticipates working through the details, considering the thematic elements, and capturing a storyline to encourage visitors to return. Although free time while working through COVID-19 setbacks as well as coordinating construction and hiring of the new theme park is minimal, Eric still enjoys traveling, playing racquetball, woodworking, and hosting costume parties. Eric paid a special thank-you to his wife, Molly, for being an integral part of the design and development of the theme park: "Most of the good ideas are hers," he added. ey have two furry children, Daphne and Atlas. When COVID-19 isn't in full force, the two go to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival for a small getaway and a glass of mead. You can connect with Eric at eric.bertch@gmail.com. While Greek life at Drake, and across the country, has not fared well in recruiting during the pandemic, Iowa Delta is emerging strong. We just had an amazing fall recruitment and welcomed 20 new brothers. is places SigEp first among fraternities at Drake for recruitment this fall, and first in manpower with 75 brothers. Iowa Delta also brought home its fourth consecutive Buchanan Cup for overall excellence. e Chapter received special recognition for our diversity, equity, and inclusion work, our personalized Balanced Man program, and for our 35 members who are Violence Prevention Mentors. Our GPA remains strong at 3.48, ranking consistently among the top of all Greek organizations at Drake University. Response to COVID-19 Starting in spring 2020, the Chapter has worked closely within the guidelines from the Iowa Department of Health and Drake University to make sure the Chapter House is safe, secure, and following best practices. Brothers wear masks during Chapter meetings, and 95% of brothers living in are fully vaccinated; unvaccinated brothers stay masked in public spaces. "We had great weather and lots of mead! e Minnesota Renaissance Festival is the best—we go every year. Huzzah!" Front row: Nathan Carter, omas Karandjeff, Baxter Flynn, Luke Gregoire, Will Wanty, and Ajal RC (in front). Middle row: Matt Zevnik, JD Snover, Drake Bauer, Jack Upton, Tommy Huelhorst, and Mark Pepper. Back row: Jacob Hulteen, Max Harfst (with the glasses second from the left), Shandan Sureshbabu, Drake Ashmore, and Dagan Martin (with the backward hat). We would like to thank our alumni for your continued devotion to Iowa Delta, and we look forward to seeing you on campus again! Fraternally, Louis Luong '22 Vice President of Communications

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