Delta Tau Delta - Ball State University

Ball State University Epsilon Mu Chapter Fall 2021 THE IRIS W e recently restored and mounted several composites dating back to the founding of Epsilon Mu. As I walk down the hallways and stand in the Klinge Lounge and look at those many faces, I reflect upon the boys who entered the Shelter and left as men. Because of our relative youth, we are fortunate to have some of our founding members still with us, and I, for one, am fortunate to have been enriched by having many of them as part of my life. Their influence and guidance have benefited me personally and professionally. I am most honored, however, to have been able to apply their wisdom and loyalty within the Shelter walls and have tried to share the same with our membership over the years. But, as I reflect upon the growing number of men who have stepped through our doors and gaze upon the many characters appearing in those composites, I am saddened to observe the growing number of members who we have lost. Certainly, some have graduated to the Chapter Eternal, and their memories will always live with us; however, many have drifted away instead. I take great solace knowing that many of the lessons they learned through their involvement with both our ritual and their service has made them better men. I occasionally hear from some of those long- separated brethren and am warmed by their personal successes—it warms my Delt soul. Perhaps I'm getting a bit melancholy as I traverse the purple haze of manhood, but A ndy Yakubik '90 saw an opportunity to give back to Epsilon Mu Chapter when his son, Alec Yakubik '22, also pledged Delt at Ball State. Andy could see the chapter was struggling and was motivated to jump in and help by becoming the chapter advisor. Andy is excited to help shape the future for Epsilon Mu. He looks forward to highlighting the benefits he experienced as an active member, like bonding with his brothers in service and sharing experiences. Plus, the chapter's history of success and ability to offer a well-rounded college experience is what sets Epsilon Mu apart from other fraternities. "With technology making people feel more socially isolated, you could argue the fraternity has an even more important role in today's college environment," Andy said. "The pandemic only made things more challenging." Giving back was an easy decision for Andy. Throughout his time as an active member, Andy credits every brother he interacted with as having helped shaped him in one way or another. "It exposed me to differing backgrounds and ways of thinking," Andy said. "It also ignited a strong call to service. I have a lot of fun memories, especially our 'work hard, play hard' mentality." Andy remains grateful for those before him who created a strong foundation and those after him who will continue working hard and keeping the chapter strong. Andy encourages all alumni to lend a hand to Epsilon Mu. "As an alum … honestly, I enjoy little moments around the Shelter when I'm there, like time with the undergraduates or helping to maintain things," Andy said. "We could use more alumni involvement, especially from recent grads that the undergraduates can more relate to. If you're willing to help, please reach out." Aside from being a chapter advisor, Andy works in IT. He played soccer until an ACL injury forced retirement and coached high school soccer for 15 years until recently stepping down. Now he plays, collects, and moderates forums for vintage bass guitar as well as other volunteering to help improve his local community. "I am still called to service, most recently leading successful local school district referendums last year," Andy said. Andy and his college sweetheart, Anne, have two sons. Alec now lives in the same room at the Shelter as Andy once did: old house Room 4. Andy's older son, Drew Yakubik '20, became a Delt at Purdue in 2016 and graduated this past year. Even with a full plate, Andy manages to take time to unwind, even it's an occasional beer and cigar on his deck to help him unwind. You can contact Andy at andy@yakubik.com. Giving Back for Brothers and Sons Chapter Advisor Andy Yakubik '90 Shares His Hopes for Epsilon Mu Enriching the Lives of Delts Help Us Reconnect with Brothers Who Have Drifted Away (Continued on page 2) Andy Yakubik '90 with sons Drew '20 (left) and Alec '22 (right).

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