Delta Chi - Educational Foundation

The Delta Chi Educational Foundation Page 3 Alumnus Gives Back for Future Generations and to Stay Connected W hen Don Turk, Florida '68, first came to the University of Florida he didn't fully understand the lasting impact joining Delta Chi would have on him. "My dad was a fraternity man but didn't have any contact with his fraternity after college. Delta Chi was a small chapter with only 16 brothers, living in a rented house. Although we were small, we had a strong bond that has remained over the years. I was part of 'A Brotherhood of a Lifetime' even before Delta Chi began using the phrase." He also started the four-year-old Delta Chi Scholarship Golf Classic in 2010 that has contributed $16,000 for the Delta Chi Educational Foundation (DCEF) and individual chapter scholarships to provide undergraduates academic scholarships and leadership development opportunities such as the "A"s' Academy. "The DCEF is a great vehicle for providing support to the fraternity, and we've only scratched the surface as to what we can do." Remaining connected was easy for Don as the chapter built a new house and strove to gain more recognition on campus. "That effort forged a strong bond. We have a group from those years, called the Big Chill, that has met yearly for a long weekend for 18 years." He encourages alumni to get involved and support the DCEF. "One individual's support, when bundled with support of other alumni members, enables the Fraternity to do a great deal more for the chapters, which goes directly to the undergraduate brothers. Most alumni don't live near their chapter of initiation, so they can't be directly involved with that chapter. Their support of the DCEF can provide a method of supporting both the chapter and fraternity." Don served the fraternity as an "A," "C," "E," "F," pledge class president, pledge counselor, and was recognized as Chapter Luminary his senior year. He was also awarded an "E" Key from Delta Chi. He earned a bachelor of science in advertising in 1968 and public relations in 1972. For more than 24 years, he worked in public affairs for ExxonMobil, handling assignments such as news media, community, government relations, and emergency response for the downstream business clients. He also served in the Navy Reserve, earning the rank of captain after 35 years of service. He often tells associate member classes that there have been four primary influencers that shaped his life: faith, family, the U.S. Navy, and Delta Chi. "Delta Chi provided an opportunity to develop responsibility and leadership skills in an environment where we accepted and looked out for each other." Don has continued to serve Delta Chi as the president of the University of Florida chapter's house corporation. He has been involved with alumni from several chapters in the planning of the All-Florida Founders' Day dinner. A few of the things that made an impact on operations for his chapter were implementing Robert's Rules of Order, giving members responsibility in completing projects, learning tips and tricks to delegation, utilizing presentation delivery tips, refocusing and rebranding a chapter, and incorporating decision making wisdom. "Being around other young leaders and mentors taught me the type of person that is successful in a leadership role." Rick has served the chapter as an "A," "D," Associate Member Counselor, and was the social chairman for three terms. He was also the IFC president, vice president of programs, vice president of risk management, and a delegate. He will graduate from California State University, Fullerton, with a bachelor's degree in finance this fall. He plans to stay involved after graduating by working with the international headquarters or the alumni board of trustees. Don's experience with Delta Chi as an undergraduate and an alumnus is what drives him to support the DCEF. "I believe in giving back to those individuals and organizations that have given to me; those that have helped me along the way. Maybe it's the giving forward and giving back concepts tied together. I'm hopeful that my small donations will help continue and build the organization that provided me with a positive and enriching college experience and relationships that have lasted a lifetime." Don and his wife, Debbie, have two children and six grandchildren. In his retirement, he enjoys playing golf once a week and working in the yard. "Debbie says Delta Chi is one of my biggest hobbies." • Average number of attendees: 120 (yearly attendance ranges from 110 to 135) • Amount of attendees in 2014 budget: 135 • Estimated total cost of Academy: $150,124 (educational portion-92% of total budget in 2014 = $138,174) • Cost per Academy attendee based on 2014 budgets for an estimated 135 attendees: - Based on educational portion of total budget: $1,024 - Based on total budget: $1,112 • Annually since the Academy's first year, DCEF has awarded grants to DC that averaged $72,000. Budgets have varied, but based on an average cost of approximately $1,000 per participant (120 attendees per year for the last few Academies) DCEF has covered: - Based on educational portion: 64% - Based on total budget: 58.5% • Because of DCEF's "A"s' Academy Challenge (approximately $110,000 in total), where additional funds were raised, it is estimated that DCEF will be able to cover a larger portion of the Academy's educational portion's expenses for 2014. That grant request is pending, so there are no firm figures to share, but we could be looking at the following percentages – based on 135 attendees: - Based on educational portion: 80% - Based on total budget: 73.5% www.dcef.com

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