Theta Chi - Drake University

Gamma Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity at Drake University ~ Fall 2019 T he best news is that we have a fantastic new member class of 15 young men, and we seem to be climbing back into that top spot of fraternities on campus. I have a great feeling these new men will lead us to further success. I highly encourage all alumni to reach out and get to know these brothers. They all genuinely want to connect with alumni to build their legacy at Theta Chi. Congratulations to Chapter President Brennen Ohlemann '20, Pledge Marshall Tom Wrigley '21, and the rest of the brotherhood for doing a fantastic job with recruitment. Mold Repairs On a less positive note, we have suffered mold damage due to some ongoing problems with airflow through the fraternity house. Our insurance company has paid $25,000 towards the cost, but at the time of this newsletter, we are going to be $30,000 short from this incident. Most importantly, none of our undergraduate brothers have been affected by the mold. We have hired a mold abatement company, and our insurance company has hired a forensic engineer to evaluate the building problems. We will be contacting our contractor, Story Construction, about paying for the out-of-pocket cost of the repairs, but we may need to consult an attorney. We are hoping to have all the repairs fully completed by the end of the year. House Director Search Continues On the house director search, we have still not found a replacement for Sandi Moran. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for a house director. Sandi was married in October, and several brothers and alumni are filling in for her. We would also consider an alumnus brother over the age of 25. New and Departing Board Members In addition, we have had some board changes. Adam Sickley '16 relocated to Chicago, so Mitch Torborg '18 stepped in to fill the vice president role on ΘX Building Corporation. Mitch has done a terrific job of keeping things running smoothly, but we always need brothers in Des Moines to help, so if you are still in the area please reach out. The Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) is also going through a shakeup. Todd Elverson '78 and Jim Dornfeld '75 have both stepped off the board, but still serve as officers. Unfortunately, Todd is experiencing some health issues and needs to step away from HHF for a more extended period. With that said, I hope all brothers remember Todd in their thoughts and prayers. No one has been a better Theta Chi brother, mentor, friend, dedicated servant, and tireless advocate for our chapter than Todd. Todd was the first person that I reached out to in 2006 when I became president of the ΘX Building Corporation. He was the president of the corporation when I was an undergraduate in 1982-86, and he managed almost everything that was taking place at the house. Since I have been president, he has overseen no fewer than 10 investigations for incidents that required tact and discretion. He has been the critical link with the Drake University administration on many occasions and made sure that Gamma Tau was treated fairly. In 37 years, I have never seen Todd fail to lend an assisting hand. He is truly Mr. Gamma Tau! I love him dearly and wish him a speedy and full recovery. Love and Respect, Chris Swan '86 President, ΘX Building Corporation chris.swan@transearchusa.com GAMMA TAU GROWS ITS BROTHERHOOD And More Fall Updates Welcome, 2019 new member class. FIND US ONLINE

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