Delta Chi - Kansas State University

DELTA CHI page 2 A s we graduate college and start careers and families, it can be challenging to stay in touch with old friends and organizations. That's even been the case for some of our founding fathers, like Mark Alley '95 —but when he comes back to visit the chapter, it is completely worth it. "The bar has been raised for sure," Mark said of Delta Chi at K-State. He returned to find the same kind of diverse, quality young men he bonded with in college—men who truly care about supporting the fraternity and their fellow brothers. "Plus, grades are better than they have ever been! I think we're not only finding quality men, but also helping improve the men who join." Reigniting a Brotherhood In college, Mark wanted to find a place to get involved, where he could grow professionally and socially. He learned about the effort to recolonize The Delta Chi Fraternity at K-State, and before long, he joined the more-than-60 students in building a colony from the ground up. Wanting to volunteer, he accepted the only position left: recruitment chairman. "Scott Leigh from IHQ told me that it was the most important position next to the 'A.' No pressure!" Mark enjoyed the challenge of that role and went on to serve as "C," historian, and brotherhood chairman. He made many great memories with his brothers in the college years—especially during The Delta Chi Fraternity's charter banquet. He also enjoyed Canoe trips with the brothers and social events with sororities … after all, that's how he met his wife, Dawn, during their senior year! Reconnecting with the chapter brought back all those wonderful memories, and Mark was heartened to see younger brothers enjoying those same Delta Chi experiences. "It's important for active members to see alumni and know there are others who came before them and who had many of the same challenges and successes," he said. "It's also an opportunity create new networks and mentorships, and to reconnect with alumni I might not have seen in a while. Plus, getting to be back in Manhattan is always fun." Investing in Our Future Speaking of younger brothers, Mark is excited for the chapter's new apartment and was proud to volunteer on the campaign board and donate to the campaign. "I feel it is part of my responsibility to help the next generations, particularly through the Educational Foundation," he said. "Plus, it makes me wish I were still at K-State." "Although it shouldn't matter whether we have a physical property, it will ultimately help solidify and establish Delta Chi's presence within the Greek community." He is also glad that members will have a shared space to gather and grow together—as students, brothers, and friends. Mark and his family live in Kansas City, where Mark works in industrial technical sales. His twin daughters are KSU graduates who now work in the KC area, and his younger daughter is a high school senior who plans to attend KSU this fall. Mark attends as many Delta Chi events as possible and enjoys staying in contact with guys including Mike Dichiser '95, Shad Thompson '95, Jeff Harlow '95, Trice Alford '96, and even some of the younger alumni that he has met in recent years. If you'd like to connect with Mark, shoot him an email at only1alley@gmail.com. "It's important for active members to see alumni and know there are others who came before them and who had many of the same challenges and successes." Building a Brotherhood of a Lifetime Founding Father Mark Alley '95 Reconnects with Delta Chi Mark Alley '95 and his family at a K-State football game. Mark Alley '95 and his wife, Dawn, as students at K-State. Mark Alley '95 and his fraternity brothers at the Delta Chi White Carnation Ball in 1993.

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