Delta Tau Delta - Ball State University

Ball State University Epsilon Mu Chapter Summer 2022 THE IRIS THE START OF IT ALL In the fall of 1966, 17 men made history as the first Delta Tau Delta pledge class of the newly chartered Delta Tau Delta Fraternity at Ball State University. Amongst those founding members was Greg Walsko '70. "During recruitment, my visits with the Delts showed a special brotherhood," Greg recalled. "Not only did they talk about their brotherhood, but they also exhibited a special social relationship with one another. The Delts truly knew each other personally and enjoyed their time together." During his sophomore year, they purchased the Shelter, and Greg was one of the first brothers to move in. "What a thrill it was to be with all of my brothers under one roof rather than scattered all over," he said. UNWAVERING SUPPORT Following graduation, Greg was drafted and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. During Christmas, he returned home on compassionate leave and was in a state of depression. To his rescue came his little brother in the fraternity, Randy Robinson '71, and Randy's wife, Becky. A LINEAGE OF EXCEPTIONAL MEN Epsilon Mu Gears Up for Another Great Year The Beginning of the Legacy H O W D E LT B R O T H E R S S AV E D G R E G WA L S K O ' 7 0 (Continued on page 3) A s we close another school year, we're reminded that the past three years have been especially challenging for the fraternity. The pandemic changed the undergraduate experience in ways both obvious and subtle. While this year saw eased restrictions, our brothers are still in an environment vastly different from ours. This year's graduating seniors are the last to have lived through a normal college year. While it's easy to be disheartened, we must remain optimistic. The benefits of brotherhood combat isolation. The undergraduates continue to relearn how the chapter operates and how to navigate academics. Their hard work this year raised their GPA above the all-men's average for the first time in many years. Shelter Updates We are continuing our Shelter enhancements, including more parking, security fencing on the east side, additional security cameras, and lights. We've improved the weight room and built a dedicated study room across the hall. We've added new TVs in the "keg" room, formal room, brotherhood room, and new study room. When idle, the TVs stream picture slideshows from recent events to share with brothers and guests. We older brothers remember a single coin-operated washer and dryer in the old basement, but now we have four free washer/dryer units available to serve our residents. On the outside, we lost some trees this past winter and hope to replace those. Outdoor improvements include resetting the original brick paths and recasting the concrete badge for the flagpole base, which has been completed. We've scheduled two summer work sessions to prepare for Epsilon Mu's return this fall. Recruitment We are already focusing on fall recruitment, which is a 24/7 year-round effort. If you know any young men attending Ball State, please send us their name, contact info, and any helpful information. A large, strong pledge class is needed to replace our departing seniors. Connect Online If you don't already, please follow us on Facebook at BSU Delts Alumni and on Instagram at @BSUDelts to stay up on the latest with the chapter. Connect In Person As always, we invite any alumni passing through Muncie at any time to stop by the Shelter and meet the brothers. They always like to hear your stories of Epsilon Mu and are proud of what the chapter is doing. Plus, check out upcoming in-person alumni events on page 4 of this newsletter. Fraternally, Andy Yakubik '90 andy@yakubik.com (219) 308-5160

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