Delta Chi - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Early on, Jim Hunter '75 wasn't sure about pledging Delta Chi, but after a few meetings and social events, he was surprised to see so much enthusiasm and decided to give it a shot. "The education I received from ERAU, the competitiveness of our beloved Jets football team, the determination of our Greek games and events, and the bond of brotherhood at our Sunday afternoon meetings all helped send me off in a good direction," Jim said. He is also grateful to have had Ed Fusco '73 as his big brother in the original Alpha class. "It's amazing how much Ed has done for Delta Chi over the last 45 years." Ed is also one of the few brothers to be admitted to the Order of the White Carnation. Jim met many brothers in Delta Chi who left a lasting positive impression on the chapter. To name just a few: Bob Argila '72, Dennis Gerle '73, Bob Cramer '73, Bob Levins '74, Tom Thompson '74, John Mazur '76 and Jim Zock '71; many of these brothers went on to be successful professional aviators. One more brother Jim has fond memories with was Billy Nixon '73, a great pilot with a tremendous amount of talent. "Billy was a brother, classmate, and true friend, who gave his all to Delta Chi," he said. "He flew everything from war birds to hot air balloons, but sadly his life was cut way too short after a tragic small plane crash. He is still sorely missed." Jim and his wife, Mari, are fortunate to visit the chapter at least once a year, usually on Founder's Day. "Every year we see such growth, along with the many great things the new brothers are doing." As a generous donor to the First to Build campaign, Jim was thrilled to see the new chapter house, and to attend the dedication and banquet with Mari. They were impressed with the number of prominent people who were present, including the new Embry-Riddle University president. As a donor to the house campaign, Jim wanted to credit the brothers whose unwavering support and efforts made this success possible. Ed Fusco, John Mazur, Spence Price '71, Mike Harvey '72, Kenny McCoig '02, Bill Tallman '95 and Dave Cloutier '92 became the driving force that made the dream of the first Delta Chi fraternity house on the new ERAU Greek Row come true. Jim was also pleased to rekindle old relationships during the visit, as well as start new ones. "I only wish more of the original Alpha class members were still in touch," Jim said. "I'm sure they would be proud to see how far the Embry-Riddle Chapter has come." Today, Jim is still active in his construction business on the eastern end of Long Island. In the early '90s, he started an aerial photography business that helped propel the construction company out on the Hamptons. "While we now have drones," he says, "I still prefer to fly my Piper Archer for special shots." "I often think of my time at Delta Chi with so many fond memories," Jim said. "Those friendships really do last a lifetime! I'm delighted to be able to give back and still be part of such a great fraternity." To reconnect with Jim, you can e-mail him at jp@jphuntercoinc.com. From Humble Beginnings Jim Hunter '75 Reflects on the Early Years and Brothers of Delta Chi Jim Hunter '75 with his Piper Archer. The 1972 Delta Chi Jets football team. Jim Dykes '78 joined Delta Chi's Embry- Riddle Chapter for the social aspect, but to this day he looks back fondly on the deeper bonds of brotherhood formed during his time as an active brother. "Embry-Riddle Chapter began as this scrappy up-start compared to older, more established chapters back then," Jim recalls. His pride in the chapter has only grown, seeing it evolve into a well-respected chapter on the national level. Jim graduated from Embry-Riddle with a bachelor's degree in aviation management, as well as a master's in aviation administration later on. He currently works as the Boston Airport Service Manager for Emirates, following successful careers at Delta and United. Jim believes his time with the brotherhood, as well as being involved in the chapter leadership, played a role in his professional success. "It was what I learned from the interactions, direction, and the constant change that prepared me for where I have ventured," he said. Upon starting both his career and a family, Jim was not always as directly involved with Growing Stronger Together Jim Dykes '78 Reconnects with Embry-Riddle Chapter (Continued on page 4) w w w.deltachierau.com

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