Delta Kappa Epsilon - Wesleyan University

The Deke Newsletter GAMMA PHI CHAPTER AT WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY | SUMMER 2020 I n this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope that you and your loved ones are well and staying safe. We have sad news to share for those not aware. Our mentor, Norm Shapiro, passed away in April at the age of 89. To say he was devoted, dedicated, and beloved is a vast understatement. Much of this newsletter is devoted to his memory. When we can, we will have a fitting tribute to Norm at the DKE house. Until then, may his memory be a blessing. Kerothen Philoi Aei. Friends from the Heart Forever. As of May 1st, it has been a year since we presented our case in front of the Connecticut Supreme Court. Still no decision and no guidance on when there will be progress. In terms of the house renovation plan, we have completed all pertinent design, engineering, and construction documents. Given the degree of uncertainty, we will not go any further until the entire situation with the administration and COVID-19 is understood. We explored with the City of Middletown, including a tour with a number of city officials, the possibility of using the DKE house as a temporary residence for COVID- 19 relief workers. Unfortunately, they were unable to make it work given the condition of the house. More collateral damage from Roth's personal vendetta against DKE. We continue to reach out to the administration to resolve the situation. As always, we are rudely and categorically rebuffed. RACISM HAS NO PLACE AT GAMMA PHI CHAPTER We also wanted to share Gamma Phi's position on another pressing issue that has been ignored by many for far too long: racial injustice. As an organization founded on integrity, courage, and justice, racism has no place at Gamma Phi. Statements alone are not sufficient. This quote crystallized it for me: "It's not enough to not be racist. You have to be anti-racist." The undergraduate brothers are leading the way. Danny Banks '22 is the new Brother Beta. The undergraduate update and his personal story are highlighted in this newsletter. Additionally, the Young Lions have organized a number of fundraisers, are planning a Middletown community day (conditions permitting), and have begun the hard discussions on how to make Gamma Phi a more diverse brotherhood. The KLC board is helping in any way we can. They have just launched the Black Lives Matter t-shirt fundraiser via their Instagram page. We will send out the link in the electronic version of this newsletter to the email address we have on file for you. You will have all of the information you should need to support their efforts. On a personal note, Joe Britton '79 passed away in May. He was my third floor sophomore year roommate, one of my best friends in the world, my brother in every sense of the word, a member of this board, and a staunch defender of DKE. He was the best of us. You can learn more about Joe in the Mystic Circle section of this newsletter. In the Bonds, Gary D. Breitbord '79 President, Kent Literary Club (508) 740-9310 gbreitbo@aol.com Persevering through Adversity DKE Moves Forward through COVID-19 Pandemic T he lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? Hiding in the bushes, I dialed 911. I did not know what else to do. The man on the bicycle who had stopped to ask me directions had followed me into a stranger's backyard and I panicked. I am Danny Banks, son of Diana and James. I live at 17 Howe Street in Montclair, New Jersey. I have always been a law-abiding citizen who loves his mother, attends church on Sunday, and does not miss school. I play both football and baseball and am respectful of my teachers and my coaches. Some people would even tell you that I am every mom's favorite friend. So Standing with the Black Lives Matter Movement Danny Banks Recounts an Unfortunate Run-in Which Changed His Perspective (Continued on page 2)

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