Alpha Tau Omega - University of North Dakota

About the Board of Trustees Protecting Alumni Investment A lpha Tau Omega established Boards of Trustees (BOT) across all chapters in 1994, in part to promote further involvement from alumni, parents, and faculty. As opposed to the singular chapter advisor seen in some fraternities, a BOT spreads various responsibilities among a group. ese boards are empowered and officially appointed by the National Fraternity, but otherwise they are self-perpetuating entities; it is the board's responsibility to find additional or replacement members as necessary. A well-functioning Board of Trustees makes a big difference in chapter health and strength. e BOT's main goal is to serve as a sounding board for the chapter, to assist and advise the group and individual members—in other words, not to control, but to guide the chapter in its decisions. e board reviews proposed changes such as chapter budget and bylaws, recruitment strategies, etc., but does not have the authority to approve or sign off for the chapter. e board does have judicial authority, as outlined by the National Fraternity Governing Documents, including the ability to investigate or sanction the chapter and/or individual members—even to expel members in extreme cases. is authority is used very rarely, however, as the chapter has its own judicial authority and is encouraged to handle such matters on its own. e BOT will only step in if the chapter is not up to the task or does not go far enough in correcting a problem. Some specific ways the BOT assists the chapter include reviewing the chapter's recruitment goals and helping it meet them; helping the chapter identify and develop a Signature Event; and working with individual chapter officers to meet their goals. For example, in Delta Nu's case, the board president mainly advises the chapter president, and the members-at-large assist other officers and members as needed. e BOT meets quarterly, and a diverse board is encouraged—meaning non-ATWs such as school officials, parents, and even spouses are eligible. Please contact BOTP resident Seth Sherlock '14 at seth.allen.sherlock@hotmail.com or (701) 840-5203 with any questions. KEEPING THE NEW HOME IN SHAPE Aaron Kreps '17 Discusses His Role as Resident Manager W hen asked about his favorite memory from his active Delta Nu years, Aaron Kreps '17 said it was the day of the chapter's spring 2019 brotherhood retreat, when they confirmed construction of the new chapter house and learned that the groundbreaking was mere months away. "at night, we celebrated, and the entire chapter was ecstatic." Fast-forward to 2021, just a few months aer graduating, and Delta Nu offered Aaron a position as resident manager in the newly built house. Aaron was hesitant at first, but aer discussing the role with Dick Anderson '62 and thinking it over, he accepted. Since then, Aaron has enjoyed staying connected with Alpha Tau Omega by watching over the house and advising the active brothers. Aaron joined ATW largely thanks to remarkable brothers like Marshal Swenson '13, Andrew Owen '16, Benjamin Sinkhorn '15, and Jason Medved '15. His leadership roles in the chapter and on campus helped him land multiple internships in college, which in turn have helped with his career path and finding his current job. "Delta Nu also allowed me to connect with Jerry Van Eeckhout '59, who inspired me to go the startup route instead of the corporate route with my career." Still early in his resident manager position, Aaron describes his role as a watchdog ensuring the house is taken care of. He is also around to advise brothers and assist the house manager if needed. So far, by Aaron's account, the new chapter house has already benefitted Delta Nu in terms of recruitment. "is fall we had our largest pledge class in years despite not having a traditional recruitment [due to the pandemic]," he said. "Having a house also creates bonds by providing a common place for everyone." Aaron thinks the active chapter is doing great and looks forward to seeing what they accomplish in the coming years. When he's not spending his free time with Delta Nu, he enjoys traveling, cooking, and playing video games. If you'd like to connect with Aaron or ask him about the chapter house, he can be reached at aaronmkreps@hotmail.com. K udos to Sandy and Doug Norby '69. Doug is a Delta Nu alumnus from the early '70s. He and his wife, Sandy, live in Grand Forks and own and run Norby's Work Perks. So, here's what they did on their own to bring a touch of home to the chapter. Because COVID-19 has so drastically affected travel, many chapter members were unable to travel for anksgiving, meaning no homecooked turkey and trimmings for the boys. Not to worry: Team Norby offered to provide and serve a full anksgiving fare for the young men of 3000 University. Early this winter, Doug and Sandy hosted a fireside chat in the new chapter house with Norby treats of so drinks, popcorn, and assorted goodies. A handful of alumni also attended, and a good time was had by all. And then on Easter weekend, Doug and Sandy presented the chapter with ATW blue Adirondack chairs for their patio facing University Avenue, asking only in return that the guys consider attending an Easter Sunday church service at the Alerus Center. ank you, Team Norby! Our Grand Forks alumni are terrific. VOLUNTEERS EXTRAORDINAIRE THE DELTA NUS 5

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