Delta Tau Delta - Cornell University

3 DTD THE CORDELT R alph Brozzo '85 remembers how intimidating it felt walking into a fraternity house as a freshman during recruitment. However, when he visited with the brothers of Beta Omicron, they were very welcoming. "I was a chemical engineering major and Delta Tau Delta had loads of engineers at that point," Ralph said. "Joining Beta Omicron just felt right." During his time as an active member, Ralph built lifelong friendships that have only grown stronger and sweeter through the years. Simply hanging out with his brothers was his favorite thing to do as a collegian. He loved happy hours at the Connection, Rongo runs, Delt formals, case parties, hot tub parties, intramural sports, watching Cornell hockey, Jumpin' Jack Flash, and playing lacrosse in the backyard of the Shelter. His list of memories is endless. Learning to live in close quarters with many different personalities was something that Ralph adapted to quickly. "There was always lots of teamwork necessary to pull off a formal, Homecoming, or any other event at the Shelter," Ralph said. He noted that his upperclassmen brothers such as John Tacca '82, Andrew Wang '83, Bobby Tsai '83, Tom Collins '84, John Pirie '83, Duncan Perry '84, Jerry Kehoe '83, Kevin Kranen '81, Kevin Land '83, Mike Laccetti '82, Chuck Rossi '83, Sean Riley '83, Tim Ray '83, and Richard Schrade '82 provided leadership and showed what the Delt brotherhood is all about. "Jason Saltsberg '94 has been a guiding light for the Shelter for so many years," Ralph said. "Joe Wilson '76 has always been a strong presence since I was a Delt. Finally, I have to give a special mention to our chapter consultant from my undergraduate days, Steve Baginski '80. He put up with our shenanigans such as Big Time Wrestling and steadied us youngsters." As an alumnus, Ralph is proud to support Beta Omicron through his pledge to the Our Home. Our Legacy. capital campaign. He hopes to repay the chapter for the impact it has had on both his collegiate and post- college life. "The decision to make a gift was easy for me," Ralph said. "In my opinion, the Shelter must be able to compete with other living arrangements on the Hill. The brotherhood speaks for itself, but you have to get them in the door with an open mind." The goal of the campaign is to have a physical space that enhances the brotherhood, not one that detracts from young men's desire to join before they understand all that Delt can do for them. "My experience with the brotherhood was great," Ralph said. "I have a desire to help future young men experience the bonds that will last a lifetime." Ralph has worked as a financial advisor for 25 years. He enjoys helping people meet their goals and the challenges of navigating the financial markets. "The past few years have been particularly rewarding as clients I have had for 20-plus years are retiring with financial security and loving this new stage of their lives," Ralph said. He is also a founding member of Legacy Wealth Management of Benjamin F. Edwards. He and his partners established the BFE branch in Midland over seven years ago. Outside of work, Ralph pursues flying, which he took up five years ago. He flew back to Cornell for Homecoming a few years ago and plans to do so again soon. "I currently fly three different planes, which helps keep me sharp," Ralph said. "I also ride a motorcycle." He and his wife, Kristina, love going to the beach, boating, downhill skiing, and spending time at their cottage on beautiful Elk Lake in Northern Michigan. Ralph and Kristina live in Midland, Michigan, and can be reached at rabrozz@ gmail.com. Brotherhood Lasts a Lifetime Ralph Brozzo '85 Reflects on His Time with Beta Omicron and His Support of the Capital Campaign John Pirie (friend of Jeff Katz), Jeff Katz '86, Mark McCarthy '86, Michael Katz (Jeff's brother), John Van Soest '86, Ralph Brozzo '85, and Duncan Perry '84 on one of many great golf outings. Ralph Brozzo '85 and his golf buddies at dinner. From left: Ralph, John Pirie '83, Tim Ray '83, Duncan Perry '84, Nate Taylor '85, Jeff Katz '86, and Sean Riley '83. work at the Lawrence Livermore Labs after he received his doctorate in physics at UC Berkeley and has been in Livermore ever since. He is a frequent sailor on San Francisco Bay. Email: dick_baxter@comcast.net Steve Gordon '65 lives in Mystic, Conn., with his college sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Patty. He is retired from his 35-year engineering career in nuclear submarines with Electric Boat in Groton, Conn. John Haedrich '65 lives in Chadds Ford, Pa., with his wife, Barbara. They have been running a bed-and-breakfast called the Longwood Inn for the past 25 years; although business has been at a standstill because of COVID-19. Email: longwoodinn@gmail.com Scott Harris '65 moved his family to Overgaard, Ariz., after his last Colorado business failed in 2012. Scotty is still doing specialty metal fabrication projects for local consumption as a single-hander, when he isn't out four-wheeling in the desert. He got out of the beehive business long ago.

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