Delta Tau Delta - University of Oklahoma

Delta Alpha Chapter I Delta Tau Delta Fraternity I University of Oklahoma I Fall 2018 Sooner Delt The F all marks the beginning of another excit- ing year for the Delts at OU. Delta Alpha is thriving, and it is well-positioned to be a leader of the OU Greek community. The chapter is already welcoming the new pledge class of 61 excellent young men. This is one of the largest pledge classes on campus, and is clear evidence that the chapter is growing, and doing it the right way. Under the guidance of Alumni Supervisory Committee member Ross Stuart '08 and the leadership of the chapter recruitment chairman, Cole Stalcup '20, the entire summer recruitment team recruited an outstanding group. The large class includes Merit Scholars, members of the President's Leadership Class, and several Delt legacies. It took a lot of hard work and dedica- tion, and it would not have been possible without the generous donations of several Delt alumni. I know the House Corporation and all Delt alumni are very grateful to everyone who contributed to this great pledge class. Just as Delts have done for over 96 years, these freshmen will build rela- tionships and share memories that truly will last a lifetime. Continuing a new, exciting Delt tradition, the House Corporation sponsored our annual tail- gate party at the Shelter before the OU v. UCLA game on September 8. It was great to see the young members, pledges, and parents interacting with alumni and learning that we all are Delts for life. This event is one we want to continue to grow and improve. If you missed it, please join us next year. I know you will enjoy it. We will be hosting more events this year, including another Alumni Golf Tournament, so please keep an eye on your email inbox for further announcements. As we discussed in previous newsletters, the House Corporation and other alumni leaders cre- ated an Alumni Supervisory Committee (ASC) in 2017 to provide more direct alumni supervi- sion of the chapter. The ASC, headed by Matt Akins '13, (more from Matt in this newsletter) was organized into several subcommittees in the areas of administration, ritual, recruitment, finance, risk management, and philanthropy, with objectives designed to oversee members' contribution in each of these core areas. This view has provided the necessary foundation and resources to allow our undergraduates to prop- erly self-govern themselves in the very near fu- ture. As many of you have heard, the ASC did a fantastic job! They did so well that the mem- bers of the ASC will be transitioning into the more customary chapter advisor roles. The ASC believes that the undergraduate executive com- mittee is now capable of resuming normal op- erations over the next several months, with the ongoing assistance and guidance of a team of alumni advisors. This is a very important step in the growth of the chapter and its leaders. Let us all congratulate Matt and all of the ASC mem- bers for a job well done! Although the chapter will be led this year by an outstanding group of bright and talented officers, they would greatly benefit from ongoing assis- tance of a team of alumni advisors. There truly is no substitute for the guidance of an experienced alumni mentor, and we believe that the best way to provide this is through the formation of a team of alumni advisors. This organizational model has been used successfully in many award-win- ning chapters across the country. It allows more Visit Us Online Website - soonerdelt.com Facebook - Search: Oklahoma Delta Tau Delta The Formation of a More Prosperous Delta Alpha Where Can You Serve? members to be involved, and it avoids the "burn- out" often experienced when too many burdens are placed on the shoulders of a single advisor. Some of the members of the ASC will be tran- sitioning into these advisory roles, but we need more volunteers immediately. Please contact me by email at mjohnston@gobaker.com as soon as possible so I can find a place for you to serve on the team. On a more personal note, I want my Delt broth- ers to know that I have found my time on the House Corporation board to be very rewarding, and a great way to give back to Delta Tau Delta. I know many of you would enjoy it too, so please contact me and we will find a great way for you to serve. Remember, More Delt, Less Self. Fraternally, Mike Johnston '88 House Corporation President mjohnston@gobaker.com The new members of Delta Alpha during the OU vs. UCLA tailgate at the Shelter. From left to right: Adam Maestas '22, Braden Pruett '22, Braedan Hudson '22, and Andrew Schovanec '22.

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