Theta Chi - Iowa State University

THE TOMAHAWK Alpha Mu Chapter 2 D ue to a dorm room shortage at Iowa State, David Svingen '79 had to rent a room at his professor's house at the beginning of his freshman year. The professor offered him the room with the understanding that he would move as soon as he found another housing option. Luckily for Dave, he met several Theta Chi brothers during his first quarter and was invited to become a new member. "I initially joined Theta Chi simply because I needed a place to live," David said. "However, I stayed all four years due to the close friendships I developed with my brothers in the chapter house." David enjoyed spending his time at Alpha Mu Chapter with his brothers playing cards and cribbage, having late-night conversations, and attending as many social events as he could. His favorite memory came when he met his future wife, Julianne, at a fraternity and sorority activity. They happened to hit it off, now have three adult children, and will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary soon. After graduating from Iowa State with a bachelor of science in geology, David went on to pursue a graduate degree in civil engineering from the University of Kansas. Theta Chi was in the process of recolonizing at Kansas during Dave's time there, so he decided to lend a helping hand by serving as a graduate advisor. "Reestablishing Delta Psi Chapter at Kansas was successful because of the strong support we received from the national fraternity, several dedicated local alumni, and most importantly, a core group of motivated undergraduates," David said. It was Theta Chi's guiding principle of "a helping hand" that motivated Dave to give back to Alpha Mu through contributing to the Brotherhood Society's annual campaign. "Much of my success in life is due to people helping me along the way," David said, "and now it is my time to help others." Additionally, he will always be thankful to Theta Chi National for the financial stipend he received as a graduate advisor. David has increased his efforts to reconnect with his fraternity brothers in recent years through trips to Ames, weekend visits, phone calls, and social media. "It has been fun to reminisce about our days in the house and learn about my brothers' lives, families, and careers," David said. He has also been more involved with Iowa State through the ISU Foundation, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences. Through these organizations, he serves on an advisory council, speaks at alumni and student events, and attends many other activities and functions. David and Julianne live in Omaha, Nebraska, where David spent the majority of his career working for Terracon Consultants Inc. He is currently working part-time to get ready for retirement. If you would like to reconnect with Dave, he can be reached at dmsvingen@gmail.com. A Helping Hand David Svingen '79 on His Time with Theta Chi and Why He Gives Back "M uch of my success in life is due to people helping me along the way, and now it is my time to help others." Recommend a Man If you know any new member candidates who would be a great fit for Alpha Mu Chapter, please provide their name and contact information to our summer recruitment chairmen: Ronan Duffy rjduffy@iastate.edu (612) 803-6399 Grant Martin gjmartin@iastate.edu (515) 441-5493

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