Delta Tau Delta - University of Kansas

University of Kansas page 3 T wo years ago, Jim Barnett '67 and Jim huntington '67 started talking about a Gamma Tau reunion of the graduating classes of '66 and '67, a 50-year reunion of Brothers, many of whom had not seen each other since graduation. The plan came together Labor Day weekend when 14 Brothers gathered at the Eldridge in Lawrence. In the mid- to late '60s, Gamma Tau was number one nationally among a total of 91 Delta Tau Delta chapters. They had the highest national Delt GPA, 25 percent higher than the KU all-men's average. The Brothers in these classes were very close and seeing many of their friends they haven't seen since walking the Hill at graduation over 50 years was very special. The reunion kicked off on September 2 with everyone gathering at Lawrence's iconic Eldridge hotel. Brothers traveled near and far to make it back to their old stomping grounds. The weekend was filled with a private party Friday night at the Eldridge, tours of the KU campus and Lawrence Saturday, a tailgate at the house followed by the game, and finally a Sunday brunch at Lawrence Country Club. For some, it was the first time they had set foot on the Hill since graduating. Brothers were greeted by active members and the newly renovated Shelter. "Everyone was pleasantly surprised with the condition of the house," Jim Huntington said. "We liked the young men we met, and Bambi, the house director, really encouraged everyone to come on out to the tailgate." Jim feels the chapter has great guidance and enjoyed meeting the active members living in the house. Along with a great tailgate at 1111 W. 11th Street, those who came back also had the chance to witness a KU win against Rhode Island Saturday evening at Memorial Stadium. Jim huntington '67 encourages alumni who have lost touch with the chapter to get involved again, to support the active members living in the house. "These young men deserve support," Jim said. In contacting people for this reunion he recognized that many Brothers didn't find Gamma Tau to be an important part of their lives anymore. Jim knows this may be the case for some, but for most, "if it was an important part of your life and you still have good feelings about Delta Tau Delta, then get involved," Jim said. Thinking back on his own time as an undergraduate at KU gave Jim insight into advice he'd like to pass along to undergraduate members now. "Get involved, make a commitment, a difference in your chapter, the university, or the community," Jim said. "By doing this now, it will set the tone for the rest of your lives, your career, your family, and your community. You always get back more than you give." Graduating Classes of '66 and '67 Reunite After 50 Years In the first row: george Fletcher '66 traveled from Greenville, S.C., where he serves on the city council. George was IFC President and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at Karnea this year. rick harrington '67 received the Veta B. Lear Award for earning straight A's throughout his freshman year. Rick is on the general counsel for both DuPont and Conoco Phillips. Jim Barnett '67 served in the Vietnam War and was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service. george pro '66 traveled from Kirkland, Wash., for the reunion and is the CEO of a home theater installing company, Pro Sound and Vision. gary schwartz '66 was a Big Eight Conference champion in the discus his junior year and became the head track coach at a few universities after graduating. Gary was the head track and field coach at KU, Tennessee, and Arkansas. tom hall '66 is an architect from Chesterfield, Mo. In the second row: Jim huntington '67 was a pledge trainer, recruitment chairman, and Al Oerter Delt Man of the Year in 1967. mike hurt '67 was pledge class president, chapter president, and served in the Air Force. Leo Dreyer '66 is from nearby in Kansas City. Don senti '66 is an Army veteran and was a teacher, principal, and now school district superintendent for Clayton, Mo., outside of St. Louis. sid smith '67 also won the Veta B. Lear Award for straight A's as a freshman, is a Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG), and a teacher. ed sommerlath '67 lives in Stilwell, Kan. esam el-shafey '66 was an all-American fencer and lives in Virginia. Jack Brookhart '66 lives in Ohio. 1 diabetes. Gamma Tau has been a leader in the community by hosting several Natural Ties events, where we invite members of the special needs community in Lawrence, along with other KU students, to attend an ice cream social. soCiaL invoLvement Gamma Tau has maintained its busy schedule with other groups on campus. This Homecoming season we partnered with our friends at Chi Omega. We are also excited to announce that we will be partnering with Sigma Kappa to audition for one of the largest student-run philanthropies in the nation hosted at the University of Kansas, Rock Chalk Revue. WeLComing neW Brothers Our new member class consists of 26 outstanding young men that we are excited to welcome into our Brotherhood. This summer, the house corporation continued renovations to the Shelter, which proved to be a vital recruitment tool and helped us out-perform last fall's new member class of 22. We are extremely thankful to have alumni that care about Gamma Tau. In conclusion, the start of the school year has been an exciting one and we cannot wait to see what the semester has in store for us. I want to personally thank our alumni, because without your continued involvement our chapter would not be the same. I invite all of you to come visit the house to see how far our Shelter has come in these last few years. I truly believe Gamma Tau is a positive place for young college men to grow and become Fraternity gentlemen. This is all possible because of the remarkable support we receive from our unwavering alumni. rock Chalk Jayhawk! Fraternally, austin abbott '18 Chapter President president@kansasdelts.org (785) 840-4379

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