Delta Tau Delta - University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Delta Tau Delta Page 3 nebraskadelts@gmail.com I n the fall of 1953, I came to Beta Tau from a small Nebraska town once called Plum Creek with a lot of rough edges. There were three good classes ahead of us and the actives were serious about study hall and attending classes. Without this support, I would have been back working in the family lumber yard within weeks. I had the chance to be the recruitment chairman and learned a number of life lessons that would benefit me throughout my career. My pledge father, John Skalla '53, told me that everyone in the house could sell but only a few could close. He also said that you want to surround yourself with people who like people. I remembered these lessons throughout my business life. I graduated in three-and-a-half years and went to USAF pilot training. I kept in touch with the members and alumni on a frequent basis. I was able to fly into bases like Pensacola Naval Air Base and have mini reunions. Law school in Lincoln led to practicing law in the Wilson, Barlow and Neff firm. Then Governor Tiemann appointed me the director of insurance for the state of Nebraska. Don Erway '54 joined me at the department and the two of us began working on Beta Tau matters in our spare time. Because most of the alumni were still in the service, I ended up serving as both the chapter advisor and the House Corporation president. The Shelter was too small to be competitive and the university wanted all fraternities that needed to move to be in the Greek dorms. With the help of Ed Schwartzkopf '46, who was a regent, Phil Sidles '24, who was on our board, and Roger Sack '54, whose insurance company liked our mortgage, we were able to arrange parking with the university and financing for a significant expansion of the Shelter. Al Sheriff at National was a daily call for support and advice. A job in Los Angeles was next, and while out there, Al Sheriff talked me into serving as chapter advisor of Delta Phi at the University of Southern California. They had been shut down for activities unbecoming of a fraternity. I agreed but only if National would let Ron Danek '53 assist with the adventure. We passed on a few Beta Tau values and Delta Phi was again a productive member of the USC Greek system. Next followed 10 years living in McLean, Virginia, with an office in Washington, D.C., where many of the alumni would stop by and visit. During my career, I was fortunate to have served as president of a number of insurance companies, on the board of directors of companies like Farmers Insurance Group in Los Angeles, and to run my own company which liquidated, rehabilitated, and sold insurance companies for organizations like the FDIC, FSLIC, and state insurance departments. Along the way we purchased a farm in Perkins County and one in Dawson County, both of which Chuck Tomsen '53 manages. David Rowe '87 farms our Dawson County farm and he keeps me up to date on the younger Delts. We retired in 1994 and Marsha and I returned to Lincoln where we still have a home across the street from Sam Olson '55, but our main home is in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, near our grandkids. Very few days go by that I don't talk to or e-mail or get e-mails from Beta Tau alumni. Delta Tau Delta has been a lifelong positive experience and Marsha and I are privileged to be able to give back. Fraternally, Ben Neff '54 ogallala@me.com T he Beta Tau Chapter hosted its annual Alumni Weekend on November 2, 2013, with a tailgate prior to the Nebraska vs. Northwestern game that was open to all Delt alumni and their families. Housemother Patty Wade organized a fantastic buffet and the undergraduates hosted an open bar to show their appreciation for the alumni in attendance. The event had a great turnout, with well over 100 alumni and family members stopping by during the day. Most of the undergraduate members were around as well, mingling with and listening to alumni members recount their time in the house. Prior to game time, former Chapter President Drew Barnhart '11 provided an update regarding the chapter and presented the Alumnus of the Year award to Eric Marsh '88 in recognition of the mentorship and assistance he provided to the undergraduates during the year, especially with recruitment. We would like to provide a special thanks to Patty Wade and the undergraduates for their fine work in hosting the event, and to thank all of our alumni who stopped by. We hope to see even more of you at our 2014 alumni events. Please mark your calendars now for the golf outing on June 8 and the fall Alumni Reunion during the weekend of September 27, 2014. Alumni Weekend a Great Success Thank You to Our Fantastic Hosts A Lifelong Positive Experience

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