Phi Delta Theta - Butler University

Page 8 A ll men have different reasons for joining a fraternity. For Mark Duffin '79, it was following in the footsteps of his brother, John Duffin '75, who joined Phi Delta Theta four years before him and had immense respect for the organization. Joining the Chapter turned out to be one of the best decisions he ever made. "Living at The Castle introduced me to a wide range of personalities. Many of my Brothers I wouldn't have befriended, or even met, otherwise. Living, working, studying, and socializing with them got me past the limitations of relying on first impressions," he said. "These lifelong relationships born of my Phi Delta Theta days formed a social and business network that continues today, almost 40 years later." Mark has exceled professionally since graduating and attributes much of his success to the network formed with Phi Delta Theta Brothers. He serves as director of administration for 5MetaCom, a marketing communications firm specializing in technical and scientific products. Mark manages HR, IT, operational systems, finance, accounting and facilities. He joined 5MetaCom 12 years after graduating from Butler when Chris Wirthwein '79 offered him a position with the company. Twenty-three years later, he's still happy. "The importance of the Indiana Gamma Phi Delta Theta network didn't strike me until a while after graduation," Mark said. "When there's a need, business or otherwise, there's probably a Phi who can help, one with whom you already have a common background and a degree of trust. This network was totally unexpected and turned out to be one of the great surprises of my life." Mark remains active with the chapter. He served on the House Corporation in the '80s and 2000s and always visits the house at Homecoming. "Every now and again I'll team up with a few Brothers to make physical improvement to the house," he said. "It has changed many times over the decades; sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. The last five or so years the Chapter has been as strong physically and socially as I've ever seen. The Chapter House itself is better than in my days there, and that's a tall order. There are many people to thank for bringing the house to its current superior condition, including Stan Cuppy '78, Tony Bultinck '96, and Philip "Skip" Kappes '45." Mark lives in Carmel, Indiana, with his wife, Jannet, who remains very supportive of Indiana Gamma. The couple has two sons, Steven (26) and Ben (28), both of whom attended Purdue University. "Ben joined the Phi Delta Theta Chapter at Purdue. Perhaps it was destiny, as his birthday, March 7, 1986, was the 10th anniversary of my initiation into Indiana Gamma," Mark said. In his free time, Mark enjoys writing/coding software and collecting cars. His favorite is a mint-condition 1972 Mercury Montego MX Brougham, which is the same make, model, year, and trim as the car he drove while living in The Castle. "To sum it up, my experience at Butler is defined by my experience as a Phi Delt. It is not possible that a better experience could be had anywhere else. Proud to be a Phi." Proud to Be a Phi Mark Duffin '79 StayS ConneCteD with inDiana GaMMa Chapter C ary Buxton '73 entered Chapter Grand October 18 after a year-long courageous battle with cancer. A soccer jersey was dedicated in Cary's memory at Homecoming 2014, in honor of his work in founding Butler's first club soccer team. The club was established in 1971 and the framed jersey will be displayed in the Chapter House. "Cary and I were Butler soccer mates and loyal friends for over 40 years," Jay Ruklic '73 said. "When I visited Cary and his wife, Marcia, in Bedford some years back, I was thrilled when we went to breakfast in Peterborough, getting to see the old stomping grounds. He was referred to as 'Ol' Fighta' by his Phi Delt Brothers, and, in the end, he was." Soccer team co-founder Charlie Brown '74 said, "We never would have gotten the team going without him. Butler is now a national powerhouse, and you can trace its success back to Cary. He was tough but fair to the Phi Delt pledges as house manager, and no one doubted his commitment to excellence. He always led by example." Cary began his career as a chapter consultant for Phi Delta Theta headquarters, moving up to director of chapter services, where he managed 145 chapters. Cary's Indiana Gamma Brothers describe him as "positive and upbeat," "a man of integrity" and "a role model in so many ways." After leaving Phi Delta Theta, Cary worked in sales management for Procter & Gamble and 12 years at Conway Office Solutions of Nashua. Cary was very active in his community of Bedford, N.H., and a devoted husband to Marcia and father to his son, Brice. The soccer jersey of Cary Buxton '73 was dedicated by Brothers Jim Nau '74, Bob Scott '73, Jay Ruklic '73, Dave Monesmith '74, and Trip, the Butler Bulldogs mascot. Phi Delts; 1973... L to R: Buxton, Clark, Ruklic, and Brown lead the way! Cary Buxton '73 (far right) with Gary Kendrick '73, John Cleaves '73, Jay Ruklic '73, and Jim Keller '73 after initiation in 1970. On September 27, approximately 200 alumni and students gathered at the Indiana Gamma Chapter House for Homecoming weekend. During the activities, a framed game jersey of the Butler Soccer Club was presented. The jersey belonged to club co-founder Cary Buxton '73. The club was established in 1971 and the framed jersey will be displayed in the Chapter House. Trip, the Butler mascot, also dropped by to participate and offer Brother Buxton best wishes. Jersey DeDicateD in MeMory of cary Buxton '73 Butler University Soccer; The Early Days!

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