Theta Chi - Drake University

Gamma Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity at Drake University ~ Spring 2023 A s we grow, we start to become more nostalgic for the past—not that the future isn't the only thing we have control over, but the past is what makes us smile and helps us stay focused on making the future better. This brings me to a dinner I had a few weeks ago with longtime supporter Ken Krucks '75. We talked about many things as we discussed improving Gamma Tau, but the passing of brother Donald "Tiny" Freer '75 (1948-2022), from Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, was met with sadness. "He and his brother, Van, were only in their 70s when they passed—very young." Tiny was a unique leader who showed up at Drake in 1966 but left after a year to enlist in the Air Force. Like many young men, he was not sure what path his life should take, so he headed off to Vietnam for some perspective. Several years later, he returned to Drake wiser and became more committed to rescuing a floundering Gamma Tau Chapter. The Vietnam era was a very difficult time for fraternities in general and Gamma Tau specifically. In 1983 when I joined, we would look at those old composites from the early 1970s and wonder how we ever survived. Tiny's vision, commitment, and passion for Theta Chi helped him recruit new members, encourage commitments, and organize activities that saved our fraternity. Life is short. None of us get a second chance. The best we can do is leave our small corner of the world a better place, and it is up to us to decide how best to do that. We should celebrate men like Tiny for what they contributed and how they lived their lives, particularly when they join the Chapter Eternal ahead of us. With that said, I hope you all will read this newsletter from front to back and learn about all the fantastic things we are doing. If you are not receiving our emails, please contact Adam Graves '16 at agraves2012@gmail.com so we can update our records. It is vastly cheaper and quicker to contact brothers by email. Apparently, we have 90% of brothers' physical addresses and only 60% of their emails. Second, Relays is just around the corner (April 26-30). Festivities start for alumni on Friday, April 28, and many of us will be there to celebrate Gamma Tau's 74th year of existence. Theta Chi was founded at Drake in 1949, and we are planning spectacular Relays for our 75th anniversary in 2024. We already have brothers working hard on plans for 2024, which will include a ballroom and representatives from National. If you really want to have fun, we invite you to attend both years! While we were hoping to be completed by now, we still have a couple of final pieces to add to our HVAC system that will go in this spring. Total repairs will come in over $200,000, but we're hoping our long nightmare will be over. We continue to make progress on the mortgage and are just under $870,000. We have had several brothers step up recently for the annual giving campaign, so thank you! Fraternally, Chris Swan '86 President, OX Building Corporation Updates from the Building Corporation We Encourage You to Read Through the Entire Spring Ne wsletter D o you know of a Drake student who is a quality man? Text or email your recruitment recommendations to VP of Recruitment Isaac Hager '24 at (630) 888-6072 or isaac.hager@drake.edu and President Ethan Roemmich '24 at (630) 635-8135 or ethan.roemmich@drake.edu. Please include the referral's name and any known legacy connections as well as any other information known about him such as interests/ hobbies, hometown, career aspirations, or social media usernames. The more information we have about a potential new member will help us tailor the way we approach and connect with them when we reach out and meet them in person. Thank you for helping us grow our brotherhood! Send us Your Recruitment Recommendations Osvaldo Rodriguez '24 Ian Altekruse '26 Eli Benson '26 Clayton Gustafson '26 Ben Jackels '26 LaDerrious Jones '26 Magnus Keswani '26 Emmett McMenamy '26 Nathan Nelson-Kumar '26 Alec Nole '26 Tyler O'Brochta '26 Zakariyya Osman '26 Parker Pederson '26 Robert Schleicher '26 Mitchell Skoczylas '26 Connor Spencer '26 Nicholas Thaut '26 Eirik Waernes '26 Cole Williams '26 WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS! Calling All ALUMNI! Calling All ALUMNI!

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