Phi Delta Theta - Butler University

S everal days before Wally Cox '58 started his fresh- man year at Butler, a couple of Indiana Gamma under- graduate members, Thurman Noel '60 and Ken Seamon '58 from Broad Ripple, invited Wally over to the Phi Delt House to check it out. Before he knew it, he moved in and never looked back. "Living in The Castle all four years gave me the oppor- tunity to grow as an individual and hone my leadership skills living amongst 50-plus outstanding members," Wally says. "It was a great atmosphere and experience in which a diverse group of guys were molded into 'Brothers in the Bond.'" Wally went to Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis and was a basketball and baseball standout. He received a Butler University Basketball and Baseball Scholarship from none other than Coach Tony Hinkle. Wally started varsity as a freshman for the Butler basketball team and held the freshman varsity basketball scoring record of 254 points at that time. Wally was inducted into the Butler Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. "The Chapter House was always known as one of the bet- ter facilities on campus; a significant and architecturally cool building, centrally located on campus with nice fa- cilities and rooms. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live there," says Wally. By the time Wally graduated, he had the privilege of bunking in every room on second deck with different members, creating an opportunity for a diverse set of lifelong friends. Those relationships helped him get elected chorister all four years and Chapter president his senior year. Page 7 Φ Δ Θ Wally Cox '58, Bond #1012 on His Collegiate Phi Delt Years Alumnus Says Indiana Gamma was a Top Fraternity on Campus First from the left: Wally Cox '58, IFC president 1957-58. First from the right: Herb Schwomeyer, Dean of Men. Wally was also a member of the campus singing quartet known as the "Fi Dells," the Butler B-Men's Associa- tion, and proudly served as president of the Interfraternity Council (IFC) his senior year. Looking back, Wally really enjoyed playing the piano at the Chapter House and had a blast as president and cho- rister, leading in serenading the sororities on a regular ba- sis. He also enjoyed making surprise visits to Hilton U. Brown's home on special occasions, belting out Phi Delt songs where Hilton would gladly join in as well. According to Wally, his most memorable Butler collegian experiences could be summed up as equal measures of Phi Delta Theta and varsity basketball. "Being president of the Chapter and playing under Tony Hinkle were always good accomplishments to put on the resume." Wally received his undergraduate degree in physical ed- ucation and health sciences (and a minor in biology) in 1958, followed by a master's degree in education in 1978; both degrees courtesy of Butler. He spent over 30 years as a middle school teacher and coach in the Southport Indi- ana area school system, retiring in 1999. As for today's generation of Indiana Gamma undergradu- ate members, Wally said, "I'm really impressed with the guys at the Chapter House in recent years. When I drop by for Homecoming they greet me at the door, are well dressed, and look forward to starting a conversation about my experience as an undergraduate member at The Castle. I'm impressed that they consistently get top GPA ratings on campus, too." Wally has been married for over 57 years to his lovely wife, Margie. They have two grown children: Steve, who played varsity basketball guard at Wabash College, and Lisa, who is a Tri Delt and played varsity basketball guard at Franklin College. Following retirement, Wally played Senior AAU Basketball until age 75, winning two national championships. Never to slow down, he also played on the Senior AAU Softball traveling team until age 77, winning five na- tional championships and a world title along the way. Still going strong now at age 82, Wally enjoys his fishing trips to Minne- sota and continues his passion for being a singing member of a barber shop chorus out of Franklin, Indiana. Wally lives in Pittsboro, Ind., and always enjoys hearing from other Indi- ana Gamma Phi Delta Theta alumni. He can be reached at (317) 407-8740 or wcox6@indy.rr.com. Wally and Chapter join in song with Hilton U. Brown, age 99, circa 1958.

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