Theta Chi - Drake University

PAGE 3 Endeavors W hen I was a pledge, I remember hearing the phrase "Theta Chi for life"—a phrase that at first sounded cliché but has since developed a deeper meaning to me. As an undergraduate, the term Theta Chi for life was only the construct of one's own imagination. Life past graduation doesn't come into view until you have your last overpriced beer from the Peggy's tent during relays. Having passed this milestone, I've had more time to look at what Gamma Tau has taught me and the traditions that have stuck with me to this day. During my undergraduate years, Chandler Martin '18 was tasked with the responsibility of running the Belize Dance Marathon. This philanthropy event supports the James Albert Foundation, which Gamma Tau started with the help of Trevor Funk '12 in 2010. I wanted to surpass the chapter's 2018 fundraising total of $11,000, so I decided to run the Chicago Marathon and use that platform to promote the chapter's 2019 goal of $15,000. The chapter supported the goals I had set and pushed each other to do something special that year; and we did. In 2019, Gamma Tau Raised $16,000 and sent 64 kids to high school. The chapter taught us to push boundaries that year, and we set daunting goals while enjoying every minute. When I graduated, I found myself amazed by what I had just experienced. I had just spent four years surrounded by a group of men who pushed me so incredibly hard, and even after graduating they are still a support network for me, encouraging me to expand my goals. So I decided in 2020 that I would attempt a 100K (62-mile) Ultramarathon to raise money for the James Albert Foundation. I originally planned to run the Habanero 100 in Cat Springs, Texas, but thanks to COVID-19 restrictions the event was canceled. I was half tempted to throw in the towel and try again next year, but then I started thinking about the scholarship recipients in Belize that Gamma Tau has supported for a decade. When those students face adversity, they don't quit; and after reflecting on that, neither would I. I created my own THE THETA CHI JOURNEY CONTINUES How the Brotherhood Shaped John Felsenthal '19 race called the Ultra For Education, and on August 22, I ran 62 miles over the course of 14 hours. Countless brothers showed up to support me in person, and those who couldn't be there in person called, texted, and FaceTimed in to show their support. After all, you are a Theta Chi for life, and those principles and support systems don't go away when you graduate. It is amazing what happens when likeminded, ambitious men support one another. In this case, it pushed me farther than I ever have gone and helped 44 kids go to school who otherwise wouldn't have. Something that sticks with me is the alumni network that has supported the chapter for decades. I was amazed that when I showed up to Drake as a freshman, there was this magnificent house with traditions and principles to guide young men through college. Alumni have created a place for new students to call home for four years. I want to assure all of those that have donated in the past, the chapter house and the fraternity is not taken for granted. Love and Respect, John Felsenthal III '19 • johnfelsenthal3@gmail.com Fall Recruitment: A "Virtual" Success T he Gamma Tau Chapter truly impressed me this year with their recruitment efforts. The difficulties caused by COVID-19 could have easily discouraged our brothers from a productive recruitment, yet we ended with a high-quality pledge class. Formal recruitment was unique, to say the least. Four days of virtual events is not ideal, but our guys powered through and ended up representing the fraternity well. The Resolute Man was still evident through our enthusiasm and fervor for the process. In terms of informal recruitment, we put together a stellar performance. Originally, around 40 guys went through fall recruitment, and 32 accepted bids amongst all the houses. We had eight gentlemen—25% of the Potential New Members—accept bids for Theta Chi. But that wasn't sufficient for our men. They pushed hard through informal recruitment, and we got another five recruits. I'm very proud of my brothers' commitment. Fraternally, Alex Reznicek '22, Vice President of Recruitment alex.reznicek@drake.edu Pledge Marshal Report T hanks to the hard work of all our brothers at Gamma Tau, recruitment was an overwhelming success. We have a strong pledge class of stellar young men who are eager to join our ranks. Despite COVID-19, we are still (safely) hosting events for our members, and our brotherhood remains as strong as ever during these turbulent times. The key to a successful recruitment is flexibility and creativity to teach new members about being resolute men in a safe and enjoyable environment. We are all looking forward to initiating this new class! Fraternally, Nick Shaffer '22, Pledge Marshal nick.shaffer@drake.edu

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