Phi Kappa Psi - The Ohio State University

Phi Kappa Psi Commitment to Community Drives Dave Tatman '78 I t was his future big brother in the chapter, Craig Stone '76, who introduced Dave Tatman '78 to Phi Psi as a sophomore and there was no looking back. "I'm not sure what specifically motivated me to look into the fraternities at Ohio State, but I know that it was the one-on-one contact that got me to join," said Dave of his introduction to Ohio Delta. "The minute I walked into Phi Psi, I felt comfortable and started the process of making lifelong friends. There's something very unique about living with a bunch of guys. The curtain drops away and you really get to know one another in a way you wouldn't otherwise have a chance to. They were a group that was focused on scholarship and took their responsibility as students seriously, but had a heart for the community." Fast forward 30 years and you'll still find that seriousness for excellence and compassion for community at the front of Dave's mind. As plant manager at the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Dave is responsible for manufacturing an iconic American sports car. And as excited as he is for the 2014 Stingray, his enthusiasm is just as evident for the investment that Corvette makes in the local community. "We are one of the largest employers in the 10-county area and, as a result of that position, we have the ability to impact the community in a fairly significant way. I feel very strongly about being a good corporate citizen and with Corvette I get to play that role in a very active way by investing in the United Way, social service agencies, and events throughout the community." Working with Corvette has been an adventure for Dave and his family, taking him, his wife, Barbie (a Theta from Ohio State), and their children: John, Philip, and Parke, all over the country. Since starting with General Motors, Dave has worked in 13 GM locations in three countries on two continents, but he says that his current position with Corvette is the best job on the planet. "While I came to Corvette liking the car, I very quickly fell in love. I drive a Corvette 365 days a year. It's an incredible car with an enduring quality that draws people in. It has endured across generations and a huge number still exist. There is something really special about an American sports car. I think there's great value in producing a product that people want to buy. I love the pace of manufacturing, the activity, the challenges, and the rewards of being in a manufacturing enterprise. It's a very measurable environment." Dave returns to Ohio State each year for football games and as a recruiter for GM, giving him the opportunity to reflect on the steps that have made up his career and family journey. "I think that everyone should regard their life as a series of building blocks that shape and mold who they become. That's still true for me today in the things that I experience, learn, and enjoy. There are fundamental experiences that truly create who you are. My time as a member of Ohio Delta and a lifetime Phi Psi has been one of those significant experiences." Dave can be reached at tatman.dave@gmail.com. Alumni Update Chapter Eternal Dr. Richard F. Slager '47 entered Chapter Eternal on July 8, 2013. As an undergraduate he quarterbacked the OSU football team and played varsity tennis. He attended medical school and after graduation became a well‑respected and prominent orthopedic surgeon, serving patients in Columbus for over 30 years. Throughout his career and life, Dick was dedicated to serving the needs of others through his church and community service. He spent much of his life actively involved in Rotary, eventually receiving the honor of being elected international vice president, leading its campaign to eliminate polio around the world. Additionally, Dick traveled the world on a number of medical and humanitarian missions in and outside of Rotary, resulting in numerous honors and awards, including Rotary's Service Above Self Award. Dick is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elaine, and their children: Susan, Rick, Robin, and Debbie. William E. Lewis '49 entered Chapter Eternal on May 19, 2013. He was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during World War II. At The Ohio State University he was on the student board at the opening of the original Ohio Union, was a member of the Sphinx Men's Honorary, and was president of FKY. William was a realtor and part owner of King Thompson Real Estate Company. He is survived by his children, William and Jessica. Frederick G. Taylor '50 entered Chapter Eternal on July 21, 2013. He worked 34 years with Ohio State Federal Savings and Loan Association, volunteering for the Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. He was also a member of Rocky Fork Hunt and Country Club. He is survived by his wife, Joan, and children: Andrew, Katy, and Laura. Alumni News Dick Grieser '39 played at the Olympic National Tennis Doubles in the 90-and-over group in Cleveland this summer. Tracy D. Higginbotham '87 is the proprietor of Buckeye Lake Winery. He lives in Galena, Ohio, with his wife, Laura, and their three children: Clayton, Collin, and Addison. E‑mail: thiggin@ insight.rr.com Visit www.ohiodelta.blogspot.com to stay current with the Chapter. n 5

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