Delta Tau Delta - Oklahoma State University

DELTA CHI NEWS PAGE 2 W hen he decided to go through recruitment, Thomas Fleming '19 had a preconceived notion of fraternities being full of rich white guys. "I knew as an Asian American that I did not fit the stereotype of some fraternities." With Delta Tau Delta, he found something different in the character of the men he met and the makeup of the chapter. "They embraced both my identity and personality as a fairly shy person." Delta Chi had about 40 members at the time, and Thomas was part of a pledge class nearly as large. Looking back, he feels that he grew alongside the chapter, turning from a shy freshman into a confident chapter president leading more than 100 members. "Once you have an understanding of the chapter, you are drawn to important roles," Thomas said of his experience. "It meant a lot that my brothers trusted me to take on that role and lead so many people. I think our team handled that well." In Thomas's term, the active chapter helped raise funds for the Pledge Delt Again capital campaign, excelled in academics, and won multiple awards as well as recognition for their Homecoming efforts. "To have accomplished all that while tripling our size on my way out was a tremendous accomplishment—one of the biggest of my life." Delt provided Thomas with invaluable lessons that made him a better worker and teammate, and he hopes that they will someday make him a great husband and father as well. Thomas moved to Utica, New York, after college to work as an evening news anchor; he is still one of the youngest evening anchors in the nation. He is thankful to have kept in touch with Delt brothers as he builds his career. He has already been in one brother's wedding and knows there will be plenty more weddings and reunions as those relationships continue. "It's true that brotherhood lasts a lifetime." THE DELT BROTHERHOOD IS FOR LIFE Thomas Fleming '19 Supports Delta Chi as a Young Alumnus Having helped fund the new Shelter with the active chapter, Thomas is proud to continue his support of the campaign as an alumnus. "Competing with chapters on campus is very important—much more so than with other chapters in the national fraternity." He knows that building the new Shelter is vital to that competition and growth. "Even if you can't support financially, it's important for brothers to stay connected and be supportive alumni, to make sure the chapter is on the right path." As Thomas grows in his career, he hopes to become a stronger financial contributor. When Thomas isn't working, he enjoys exploring the great outdoors of central New York as well as hiking or skiing. He doesn't know what the future holds but may return to the Midwest later on. Connect with Thomas at thomguy123@gmail.com. ALUMNI UPDATE Alumni News Tom Gibson '72 and his wife, Kandy, built their retirement home on 11 acres in Stilwell, Kan.; they took residence in June 2019. In Octo- ber 2019, Tom retired from Black & Veatch Engineers after 41 years as a professional mechanical engineer. Tom and Kandy also celebrat- ed their 20th anniversary last October. Email: gibsonta@outlook.com Chapter Eternal Bryan D. Harper '97 of Edmond, Okla., entered Chapter Eternal on October 1, 2019. He attended Putnam City Original High School where he played baseball, basketball, and his most loved sport, football. While at OSU, he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting. Bryan later earned his CPA while working for Grant Thornton LLP. He married the love of his life, Rachel, on July 11, 1998. In 2000, he went to work with his father at Classic Printing as vice president. Bryan was the absolute best son, husband, father, and friend. He is missed by all who knew him. Bryan is survived by his parents, Ronald Harper and Sharon Harper, of Oklahoma City; brother, Ronald Harper, of Vancouver, Wash.; and his wife and lifelong partner, Rachel. He is also survived by what he always said "are his greatest accomplishments": son Mason Drew Harper and daughter Kacie Mae Harper.

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