Theta Chi - Drake University

PAGE 3 Endeavors "Mainly because of the atmosphere during recruitment. Everyone was very open to talk and get to know you, which helped with my transition into college and helped me meet a lot of people I might not have met if not for the fraternity." –Ian Altekruse '26 "Because I saw that their purpose was something deeper and bigger than just having fun. Someone said to me that Theta Chi isn't the last place you go to be a boy, but the first place you go to be a man. That resonated with me and gave me reassurance that joining Theta Chi was the correct decision." –Emmett McMenamy '26 "The great environment it held during recruitment and everyone being so welcoming. The guys held genuine conversations in the limited amount of time we had to speak to them and reached out very consistently before and after recruitment, which made me feel very welcomed and that they truly cared." –Zak Osman '26 Why We Joined Theta Chi G amma Tau's 2022 and 2023 Executive Councils spent most of Saturday, December 3, with the Chapter Advisory Board in our first full EC Transition Retreat. Thirteen undergraduate leaders and six alumni worked through a three-part agenda focused on launching the new EC toward a fast start for 2023. Our program included: • Formally transitioning each EC role with the departing brother passing along their written "playbook" and accumulated experiences to the incoming leader. • Brainstorming key opportunities for enhanced undergraduate engagement in the activities of the chapter, OX outreach to the broader Drake campus, and ways the CAB and alumni can constructively participate in the brotherhood. • Ethan Roemmich '24 led the new EC to set goals and related metrics for the new year. A huge thank-you to the active brothers for their enthusiastic participation in the retreat, the Drake Bulldog men's basketball game, and the post- game analysis at West End and Peggy's! I would also like to give a shoutout to CAB members Paul Scranton '93, Sam Passer '95, Matt Levine '06, Jeff Remis '06, and Jack Bell '85 for coming to Des Moines and leading the retreat. We are looking forward to hosting this event again in December 2023 and will be sharing a few ideas for how alumni can be involved in the future. Fraternally, Tom Olive '85 Chapter Advisory Board President tolive818587@gmail.com Passing the Baton to the next Leaders Passing the Baton to the next Leaders Executive Council and CAB Participate in EC Transition Retreat F raternal bonds begin in college, but we all know they can last a lifetime. It's up to devoted alumni, however, to keep Gamma Tau connections strong after brothers graduate and go their separate ways. That's why David Jungquist '85 made the commitment to hosting reunion events, bringing brothers from his era together through shared interests and lifelong unity. TAKING THAT FIRST STEP "We had a really great group of guys during my era," Dave said. "It had been 25 to 30 years [in 2012] since I'd seen most of my brothers. I thought someone needed to take initiative and plan an event. So that's what I did, and that was at Lake Delavan, Wisconsin." Thanks to the help of Matt Sloan '83, the owner of the only bar on the lake, Dave's reunion had a central meeting point when they weren't at their resort. Meanwhile, Tom Rossley '82 helped with the communications by providing a database for Dave to invite alumni brothers. "I sent an email to guys I hadn't talked to in 25 years, so that was a bit of a leap of faith." With about 35 brothers coming together for the first reunion, Dave knew the event was a hit. Chris Faber '86 even hosted a mai tai party the final night at his home on Lake Geneva. KEEPING A GOOD THING GOING Over the years, Dave has worked with brothers like Doug Hagerman '83 to plan events like a ski trip in Utah, fishing in Canada, and biking/hiking/ rafting in Glacier National Park. "When you go with a specific activity theme, you're going to get fewer people because the activity is so specific and does not appeal to everyone," Dave explained, emphasizing the added cost of particular trips are also a factor. "Start with a centrally located gathering that's accessible and affordable." While it's great to make new memories, like watching Joe Kelly '84 take a tumble out of his river raft, Dave does recognize the importance of bringing brothers together from a specific era. "If you invite guys who graduated five or more years apart, they won't know enough other guys. Brothers are going to want to be with brothers they know if they're spending the time and money to get together." To connect with Dave and learn more about planning a successful reunion event, you can contact him at djungquist@octagonwealth.net. David Jungquist '85 Shares His Reunion Hosting Expertise Bringing Brothers Together Executive Council members spend their day brainstorming ideas and setting goals for the year ahead. "It's a testament that we had a good group of guys who wanted to reconnect. All it took was someone to stir the pot a bit." From left: Dave Jungquist '85, Chris Swan '86, Jonathan Smart '87, and John Naylor '85 on a reunion trip.

• Cover