Theta Chi - Iowa State University

D enise Denton recently retired from a 45-year career in human services—40 of which she spent as a prevention specialist. "In other words, I'm supposed to stop bad things from happening," she explained. To Jon Fleming '75, this made her a strong choice for Alpha Mu's health and safety advisor. When Jon pitched the role to Denise (whom he knew through a mutual friend), she happily agreed to educate these young men within their own home. She had taught and worked with students for years and was working with another campus group at the time, so she saw a good opportunity for the two groups to join forces for campus safety events. "That looked like a win-win to me. Besides, they said I could come over for dinner!" LIVING UP TO OUR VALUES Denise's specialties proved a great fit for Theta Chi and our Sacred Purpose. For nine years, she has helped educate Alpha Mu brothers on all five topics within the fraternity's health and safety education program with a strong emphasis on two: substance abuse and mental health. Theta Chi is the first college group she's worked with to have such a strong, specific initiative. The chapter has hosted well-attended events on campus, such as yoga groups and candlelight vigils for survivors of sexual assault. For in-house education, Denise has invited a variety of experts (doctors, police officers, Planned Parenthood members, and more) to discuss topics such as men's health, sex and consent, fire safety, and healthy eating. During Denise's tenure, Alpha Mu has applied for Theta Chi's national health and safety education award four times and won it twice. LEARNING TO PIVOT As the pandemic continues, Denise's primary goal is the same as before: to keep the brothers alive and healthy. That includes enforcing rules, keeping them updated on new info and restrictions, and helping them pivot (as she likes to say) as conditions change. Thankfully, Alpha Mu had an extra apartment space for sick members to quarantine, and Denise helped furnish the space when the pandemic began. Denise has held ongoing conversations about how brothers can best protect themselves and minimize the spread of the virus. "My goal is to be that voice over their shoulder, helping remind them what they need to do—and I have the Sacred Purpose to back me up, which is nice!" Her advice to current Alpha Mu parents? Keep talking with your children about safety and help reinforce these goals. "That advice needs to come from lots of people, not just me," she said. "You don't make health decisions based on one thing. We're influenced by many groups, from family, school, and peers to the community at large. We need consistent messages about best practices." Denise also reminds members about these circles when stressing COVID safety and the potential impact on their friends and loved ones if something were to happen to any of them. TRUE FRIENDSHIP AND LOYALTY Even through tough times or tough love, Denise is happy to report the brothers have been stellar over the years. "These guys are respectful and responsive; they're polite; they don't always do as I ask, but they're good sports when I bark at them." She spent last summer helping with patio and landscaping updates at the chapter house, and she loved choosing flowers, working on projects, and getting to know brothers even better while chatting. Denise has nothing but praise for the Alumni Corporation Board as well. "They come together with an amazing range of talents and are all sincere about their love of Theta Chi." She always enjoys the board meetings and misses seeing them in person more often—plus the chocolate croissants they shared for pre-COVID meetings. When asked about her proudest achievement, Denise immediately pointed to her friend Chris. They met over 20 years ago when she saw a 12-year-old boy with special needs getting picked on; she intervened and has been a mentor to Chris ever since. He remains a close friend now at age 35 and, through Denise, has bonded with lots of Alpha Mus over time; she and the brothers even helped him move several years ago. "They've been a great influence on Chris, and I think it was a good experience for them to meet him as well." Theta Chi has introduced Denise to amazing young men—many of whom she has kept up with into their adult lives and careers. "They make me think harder and give me new perspectives, and that's always a good thing." She loves meeting their families as well, which happens in times both good and bad but is always worthwhile. "Whether bringing the members a nice plate of freshly baked brownies, assisting with the essentials in the COVID apartment, taking phone calls at 'O-Dark Thirty,' or spending endless hours with members in the emergency room, Denise has gone above and beyond her duties as health and safety advisor," Jon said. "In her time as our advisor, quite simply, Denise has quickly become a true Alpha Mu legend." To Denise, life's purpose is to ensure not only the survival of future generations, but that they thrive as well. "Doing that with Theta Chi has been a good investment in the future—and it's never boring!" If you'd like to connect with Denise, she can be reached at denisecdenton@hotmail.com. THE TOMAHAWK 5 Theta Chi at ISU EMBODYING THE SACRED PURPOSE EMBODYING THE SACRED PURPOSE ADVISOR DENISE DENTON DISCUSSES HEALTH AND SAFETY AT ALPHA MU "My goal is to be that voice over their shoulder, helping remind them what they need to do."

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