Theta Chi - Drake University

Saying Farewell to One of Gamma Tau's Greatest REMEMBERING TODD ELVERSON '78 T odd Elverson '78, beloved husband, father, friend, and Theta Chi brother, entered Chapter Eternal on June 15, surrounded by his family. Gamma Tau proudly presented Todd with the George T. Kilavos Alumni Award—four months prior—for his many acts of service toward our humble chapter. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in the spring of 2019 and given a strong prognosis of 10 years, but this was tragically cut short. Todd was born March 16, 1956, in Bloomington, Minnesota. He attended Drake University where he earned his bachelor's and law degrees, also serving as Gamma Tau Chapter president in his undergraduate years. He met his wife of 37 years, Denise, in law school. As you read in our spring newsletter, the gifts and actions Todd made to benefit our chapter were innumerable. Tom Rossley '82 was an undergraduate brother when he met Todd. The year was 1978, and the recent graduate was already a devoted Theta Chi alumnus, consistently going above and beyond for Gamma Tau. "Todd was always involved and always available to help," Tom remembers. "If the pipes burst, Todd was there; if (when!) a car drove into the house, Todd was there." He effectively became Gamma Tau's resident attorney and assisted the house with any and all legal matters. He also served as ΘX Building Corporation President as a young alumnus, and he cofounded the Helping Hand Foundation, serving as its first president. He was a chapter advisor, liaison to the university, and played a crucial role in the chapter house's construction—managing the budget, meeting with contractors, and coordinating the many decisions and improvements throughout the process. Through the capital campaign, Tom and other brothers got to know Denise just as well as Todd. "She didn't know what to expect of the Theta Chi guys at first," Tom said, "but she became very close with the campaign leadership. We think we won her over when we hosted a reception for donors. We actually had good wine and glassware—not boxed wine and solo cups!" Todd made Des Moines his home and became an active leader here as well. He strove to better his community through the Contributors Breakfast Club. His clients and partners knew him as possibly the hardest working attorney in the world—and also quick to a joke. He formed circles of friendship lasting decades, from his Saturday morning running buddies, to his friends in Card Club, to those he bonded with in the St. Augustin Parish. "He was a good friend to so many people, who looked to him for guidance and insight," Tom said. "The man was a Theta Chi institution we were very lucky to have—few and far between." Todd is survived by Denise, their three children, Molly (Gonçalo Quintino), Charlie (Jessie Ingvalson), and Peter; his siblings Keith, Ann (Nancy Mcpherson), and Craig (Martha Elverson); and his niece and nephew, Amelia and Alex. He will be remembered as an honored brother, a beloved husband, a great dad, and a good man. Last Relays at the old house. First Relays at the new house. New house commemoration event with Pennington & Company fundraising consultant, Amy Kanning. Todd and Al Kopec at the new house commemoration event. Todd preserving the painted coat of arms in the old Chapter Room. Todd and Denise with Tom Rossley and Joe and Leslie Aiello. PAGE 2 Theta Chi

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