Sigma Phi Epsilon - Drake University

A s an involved alumnus, Gary Ordway '64 is beyond proud of the growth Iowa Delta has seen since its rechartering in 2002. e new and improved Chapter, which alumni called "Iowa Delta 2.0," thrived thanks in part to stronger alumni engagement and the quality Chapter House they purchased in 2005. Gary looks forward to revitalizing that home for a deserving brotherhood through the Securing Our Tradition of Excellence campaign. A UNIQUE PATH Gary, an only child from Des Moines, had no family who went to college; he initially pursued a welding apprenticeship after college. Witnessing a severe industrial accident motivated Gary to find another path, so he followed in a high school friend's footsteps and enrolled at Drake. He met SigEp brothers through summer rush (now recruitment), and Larry Smith '61 invited him to join Iowa Delta's band, e Townsmen; Gary sang and played guitar with the group. "ose personal relationships inspired me to join," he said. "ese young men seeking a college education offered me a transformative new experience." Iowa Alpha surrounded Gary with quality men from many backgrounds. Some served in the Korean War and attended Drake through the GI Bill; some, like Gary, worked part time to support themselves and their education. Gary's roles as pledge class president and Chapter liaison gave him a crash course in leadership, and scholarly friends like John Bauer '63 and Ron Olson '63 helped influence his decision to attend law school. He's now retired from a wonderful legal career of 55 years. A Fraternity brother and Delta Gamma sister also introduced Gary to Linda, his wife of 58 years and mother of their three children. "SigEp had a profound influence on my life!" A NEW BEGINNING rough the years, Gary often worked with beloved alumnus Rod Rhodes '58 by lending his legal skills to the Chapter during a crisis. Alumni leaders decide to voluntarily close Iowa Delta in 1995 (while still in good standing with the university), selling the Chapter House and analyzing their mistakes for a more positive return. "Iowa Delta 2.0" came back as a dry Chapter (years before SigEp made it a nationwide policy) with strong alumni support and supervision, and Gary was a proud supporter of the campaign to purchase and remodel their new house. "at house now has some age and needs some upgrades; that's the reason for the new campaign." Gary is honored to serve as an honorary campaign co-chairman alongside Steve Nellis '64. e two met at a welding job before college, and Steve has been a generous SigEp alumnus whom Gary is proud to call a friend and brother. HOW CAN WE HELP? Gary accepted this campaign role (and made his own pledge) to ensure that brothers continue to live in a safe, comfortable home as they get an education. e campaign will help not only by updating the Chapter House but also by endowing new and existing scholarships and paying down the Chapter's debt. "Our $1 million goal will help with all of that," Gary explained. "It's worth your investment, and you will help change the trajectory of young men's lives—just as the Fraternity changed yours." Gary lives in Des Moines and has many SigEp friends across the country. At 81, one of his greatest joys in life is keeping in touch and getting together with these brothers. "Life is great, and I'm blessed to have been a member of Iowa Delta at Drake University." You can chat with Gary about the campaign at garyordway1@gmail.com. The Dirk The Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of Iowa Delta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon at Drake University spring 2023 A lthough the last few years brought obstacles for many, SigEp is looking forward to what the next six months of 2023 have in store for Iowa Delta Chapter at Drake. Earlier this year, we announced our capital campaign to help with renovations to our chapter house, to endow scholarships, and to retire debt. In just a few months, we have reached a little over half of our $1 million goal! We are beyond thankful to the 71 loyal donors who have committed a total of $644,207. is is truly outstanding and proves that our brotherhood is still important to many of you. As momentum builds and more brothers decide to pledge SigEp again, I'm confident we will meet our $1 million goal, which will help our active brothers thrive in the best environment and allow future members to come home to a renovated facility that meets their needs. Let's ensure that our house is reflective of the outstanding men who inhabit it. To continue our position as a premier chapter at Drake, all Iowa Delta men must come together to support the Securing Our Tradition of Excellence campaign. Rally your brothers for a class gift, honor a loved one through a five-year pledge, or join your family to place your name on the distinguished list of donors. If you have already made a gift, please consider extending your commitment for an additional one to two years or making an additional one-time donation. If you have yet to donate to our campaign efforts, we encourage you to think back to your time at Drake and remember what gifts SigEp has given you. Each donation—no matter the size—will make a difference. e countdown is on—now is your opportunity to be a part of this once-in- a-lifetime project. Honor your commitment today through a gift to Sigma Phi Epsilon. Fraternally, Honorary Co-Chairman Gary Ordway '64 on SigEp's Importance C A M PA I G N GA I N S M O M E N T U M ! Early Commitments off to a Great Start—Now Is YOUR Chance to Make a Difference Campaign Co-Chairmen James Collingwood '05 Gavin Daly '05 Honorary Co-Chairmen Stephen Nellis '64 Gary Ordway '64 Campaign Committee Dr. Larry Martindale '63 William Jackson '67 Christopher Trunkey '88 Tony Lorino '03 Bob Bekkerus '05 Tyler Boggess '10 S treng thening Io w a De lt a 2 . 0 " We had great men in my years, but we never received the Buchanan Cup—the highest honor SigEp bestows on a Chapter," Gary said. "Iowa Delta has been honored with nine of them since our return."

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