Delta Tau Delta - The Ohio State University

Delta Tau Delta page 4 2017 Alumni Weekend O ne of the enduring sources of joy in my life has come from returning to places where I've spent meaningful time as a child, student, naval flight officer, parent, husband, and as one of Delaware's elected leaders for some 40 years. Earlier this fall, that joy came across me almost in waves as I had the good fortune to return again to Columbus and Ohio State, where I majored in economics as a Navy ROTC midshipman during the middle of the Vietnam War. In the years preceding this most recent return visit, I've been blessed with many opportunities to learn about leadership, first as a Boy Scout and, later, as a Civil Air Patrol cadet growing up in Virginia. I learned even more as a midshipman at OSU and, then, during more than 20 years of active and reserve duty as a naval flight officer and Navy P-3 aircraft mission commander. Some of the most enduring leadership training that I received at Ohio State, though, was at 67 E. 15th Avenue, at the Shelter that Beta Phi Delts have called home for decades. There, year in and year out, one chapter president after another provided leadership by example for pledges and active members alike. I admire many of those leaders to this day. In early September, one of those former chapter presidents, Tom Calhoon '70, and Buck Byrne '66, my big brother, invited me to stand on the front steps of our beautifully renovated Shelter to welcome everyone and to share some thoughts about leadership and our fraternity's role in fostering it. The audience included alumni from all parts of America, as well as pledges and active members who now eat their meals where we once ate, sleep where we once slept, study where we once studied, and kindle friendships that can last a lifetime. The best leaders that I've known, both at Ohio State and at many other places since then, were humble, not haughty. They possessed the heart of a servant and understood that a leader's job is to serve, not be served. Exemplary leaders lead by their example. For them, it's not do as I say, but do as I do. True leaders have the courage to stay out of step when everyone else is marching to the wrong tune. They surround themselves with the best people they can find. When their team does well, the leader gives credit to the team. And, when the team falls short, the leader takes the blame. Leaders build bridges, not walls. They unite people, not divide them. Leaders are aspirational. The appeal to people's better instincts. Perhaps Camus put it best when he said that leaders are purveyors of hope. In the end, the best leaders always try to do what is right, not what is easy or expedient. They treat others the way they want to be treated. They focus on excellence in everything they do. There credo is, "If it isn't perfect, make it better." And, finally, when true leaders are convinced that they're right, they never give up. More than ever, America needs those kinds of leaders today. We need them in every state, in our businesses, in our military, in our schools, in our hospitals, in our places of worship, and at all levels of government. Where will they come from? For generations, Delta Tau Delta has helped to prepare young men to lead. Out work is not done. In fact, if America's best days are truly ahead of us, our work has just begun. A Note from tom CArper '68 Delaware Senator Delivers Speech at Grand Opening Ceremony Above left: Keith Steiner, Alpha '73, helps Bill McCloy '82 try on his new Delt green jacket for his generosity to the Fraternity. Above Right: Tom Calhoon '70 addresses the crowd during Beta Phi's successful Grand Opening Ceremony. Below: Buck Byrne '66 receives a gift for his dedication to the newly remodeled Shelter. Paul Falkenbach '80 does the honors while Mike Callender '18, Beta Phi President, and Sarah Perry, Beta Phi House Director hold the gift.

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