Delta Chi - Kansas State University

2 THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS S everal months ago, Travis Goff '02 returned to his Jayhawk roots with his new role as KU's athletic director. He brings not only a history of skill and success from his similar roles at Tulane and Northwestern, but also valuable experience from his years in Delta Chi. When Travis joined the fraternity, he gained a balance of midwestern values with other diverse perspectives. He also learned to step into leadership opportunities as they presented themselves—even if they weren't formal in nature. "Leadership can be nurtured in a subtle manner, and undergraduate leadership opportunities are an important aspect of positioning yourself professionally," Travis said. One of his favorite undergraduate memories is coaching the chapter's basketball team all the way to the Hill Championship in Allen Fieldhouse. ("I wonder if it's appropriate to hang that banner in the Fieldhouse…") As the new athletic director, Travis' primary goal is to give all 500 Jayhawk student-athletes the best experience possible, both during and after their time at KU. This includes personal and professional development, medical and mental health support, career planning, and support from having the best coaches and staff in the country continually surrounding them. Another key goal is to build and sustain a football program that the Jayhawk community can be proud of. "That will take a concerted commitment we have never before demonstrated, and I'm excited we have taken a critical step by hiring Lance Leipold, the right leader for the program," he said. Travis chose Coach Leipold based on his integrity, passion toward creating young leaders, and track record of building sustained, successful programs—as well as his excitement for the job. "Since he has arrived, he has proven to me that he's an even better fit [than I initially thought] and the right person to lead our football program to new heights." In addition to strong Delta Chi values, Travis brings another great part of Delta Chi to the department: fellow alumnus Jason Booker '99, who serves as the deputy AD for external affairs and revenue generation. "Jason is an exceptional Jayhawk who loves this university, and his experience and talents will transform our external initiatives." Because Jason is also the pledge brother of Travis' own brother, Jarod Goff '99, Travis can attest to his "exceptional character and burning desire to make a difference for [our] alma mater." "It is hard to put into words how excited, grateful, and humbled I am to have the opportunity to serve the place that has done so much for me," Travis said. "KU provided me my best friends, a tremendous education, and the launch pad of my career. I feel a huge sense of responsibility to do what's best for the university community, our alumni, and our student-athletes." J udge William Sessions '56 entered Chapter Eternal on June 12, 2020. He was a former Delta Chi Man of the Year in 1987 and 1988. With the escalation of the Korean War in 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. In October 1952, he married Alice June Lewis. William continued active duty until October 1955, achieving the rank of captain. In his career, he flew more than 1,000 hours in B-25 bombers. In 1956, he received a degree in economics from Baylor University, and in 1958, he received his LL.B. degree from Baylor Law School. After a successful law practice, he returned to service of his country. In December 1974, President Gerald R. Ford nominated William as a United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas. He presided over one of the heaviest criminal and civil dockets in the nation during his tenure on the bench. In the fall of 1987, Judge Sessions was selected by President Ronald Reagan to become the director of the FBI. As FBI Director, he led the FBI's development of DNA as a forensic tool and creation of digital fingerprint identification technologies. He energetically advanced the importance of diversity and opportunities for women and minorities within the FBI. After his departure from the FBI in July of 1993, he served on numerous boards, including American Bar Association committees, the dramatic arts at Washington D.C.'s Arena Stage, the Constitution Project, and service to the State of Texas in the areas of security and cyberterrorism. He re-entered the practice of law as a mediator and National Patent Board arbitrator until his retirement on January 1, 2017. William was dedicated to family, education, and the rule of law, and he admired those who dare to do their very best with a belief in personal responsibility and respect for all. He was preceded in death by son Jonathan Avent Sessions in 1964 and wife Alice in 2019. He is survived by sons Lewis Sessions (Renee), U. S. Congressman Pete Sessions (Karen), and Mark Sessions (Lorian); daughter Sara Sessions Naughton (James); nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Lessons in Leadership Remembering Judge William Sessions '56 Travis Goff '02 Discusses New Role as KU Athletic Director Proud of Our Kansas Chapter Brothers and outside of the fraternity, regardless of title, was also an awesome message for the brothers to hear. My sincere appreciation to Travis and Jason for making the time on a busy game day morning to stop by and share these great messages with the guys in the house—thank you, both! My two cents on the capital campaign from recent years: if you have a remaining pledge commitment toward the Chapter IV Renovation Project, we'd sincerely appreciate collecting on as much of this as possible before the end of the year. Please keep this in mind over the coming days and weeks as 2021 begins to wind down. If you have any questions about the status of your pledge, please contact our campaign coordinator at (785) 843-1661. I hope everyone can be with their families and loved ones during the upcoming holiday season. Enjoy the time getting away from the busy workday and grind…and RCJH! ITB, Mark Dreitzler '98 President, Kimball Education Foundation mark.dreitzler@cerner.com (Continued from page 1) Portrait of Judge William Sessions '56 by Jon Friedman. This portrait hangs in the FBI headquarters in D.C. The border shows DNA strands and fingerprints.

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