Delta Upsilon - University of Missouri

The A Publication of Delta Upsilon at the University of Missouri • Spring 2020 Duck call T his was going to be one of the most positive, upbeat articles I have had the opportunity to write in quite some time. Then in March, something called coronavirus turned everyone's world upside down. So this will indeed be a bittersweet message, keeping in mind that the most important thing is the health and safety of our members and their families, our volunteers, and you. We also know that many are facing unimagined financial stress and worry. Our thoughts and prayers are indeed with each of you. With that being said, let's start with the good news. As we reported previously, our members moved back into the chapter house this fall after three years of challenges and hard work. Recruitment finished strong and we hit a total membership level of 90. These were quality young men, with GPA and ACT scores in excess of the university averages of 3.5 and 26, respectively. Shortly after our last newsletter was distributed, our members were initiated and the chapter was officially reinstalled at a ceremony held at Stotler Lounge (Memorial Union) on November 2. More than 100 guests attended the event, including alumni, parents, friends, and university officials. Notably in attendance were University of Missouri Chancellor Alex Cartwright, Vice Provost of Student Affairs Bill Stackman, Coordinator of Fraternity & Sorority Life Brittany Butler, and Dean of Journalism David Kurpius, Indiana '86. Several members of the Delta Upsilon International Fraternity (DUIF) and headquarters staff were also on hand. The Ritual team was headed by DUIF Chairman Robert Lannin, Nebraska '81, and included a number of local and alumni board volunteers. If you have not already had a chance to read it, you should check out the article that appeared in the latest DU Quarterly, Volume 138; Number 1. They did a terrific job of documenting our journey. Since that time, the chapter has been on a tear. Instead of me attempting to describe everything that has occurred, just read the letter and look at the pictures submitted from undergraduate President Jack Bell '22. Jack not only describes what the chapter has achieved, but he also conveys his sincere commitment to the values of the fraternity and the passion exhibited by the members. If that doesn't make you proud, nothing will. As you can imagine, the last several weeks have been trying. Like most other Greek organizations and university residence halls, our members have returned home and the facility is locked. Only our house director remains. We are currently finalizing financial refunds/credits for our members and working with our bank and other contractors to arrive at a cash flow plan to help us see our way through this crisis. CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE As I mentioned last time, we have received all but $300,000 of the $3 million pledged during our capital campaign. Picking up this additional amount would provide a significant and needed financial boost. So while we are not actively soliciting at this time, we are asking that you fulfill the commitments you previously made by December 31. At that time, we will officially close the campaign and use the total dollars received from each donor to prepare the permanent plaque and room naming rights. We will then schedule an event at the chapter house to celebrate the contributions from all of our generous donors. We are hopeful that the progress you have witnessed over the past several years will inspire you to complete your pledge if you have not already done so. Fraternally, E. Bruce McKinney '74 President, Missouri Alumni of Delta Upsilon ebmckin@gmail.com | (816) 260-5735 Chapter Comes Roaring Back; Now Faces New Challenge Intramural champions!

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