Theta Chi - Drake University

PAGE 2 Theta Chi This year, Gamma Taus of all ages (undergraduates and alumni alike) have been hard at work on our 75th anniversary event next April—a celebration they hope will be unforgettable. For this issue of Endeavors, we spoke to two of them, Michael Cummings '24 and Jack Bell '85, about their motivation and excitement to help. M ichael joined Gamma Tau during the chapter's first Zoom recruitment, and despite the pandemic's challenges, he clicked with new brothers quickly. A fraternity focused on philanthropy and service was precisely what Michael hoped to find, and he's enjoyed growing his leadership skills as a brother of Theta Chi. "It's been cool to learn about event planning, which isn't in my major at all." As an alumni chairman, Michael worked with Adam Graves '16, who introduced him to Jack, an alumnus who recently moved back to Des Moines and wanted to get involved while rekindling Theta Chi friendships. Together, they have worked for months on next year's 75th anniversary celebration. Jack's 40 years away included 20 living in Budapest, which made it difficult to keep in touch during the pre-internet years. When he became local again, he wanted to do what he could to help. "You have heroes like sports stars in high school, but Theta Chi taught me what mentorship really was," Jack said. "I wanted to be a part of that for today's brothers." High Hopes for High Turnout With event attendance gradually bouncing back since the pandemic, the brothers hope to see about 200 alumni attendees for the two-night event, which aims to be accessible for long- distance visitors with everything in walking distance and discounted hotel rooms available. Michael is especially excited for the main dinner event at Mainframe Studios on April 27. "I look forward to chatting with even more alumni and hearing their stories, learning about what Gamma Tau has accomplished over the past 75 years." Jack, too, looks forward to seeing bothers from across the decades on both nights. "We've put a lot of planning and effort in to make this well worth the trip—whether you come back for every year or just major anniversaries." "We probably won't have this big of an event again until our 100th anniversary," Michael added. "This is your best chance to see all your friends, meet the newer brothers, and hear how Theta Chi has evolved at Drake." For more information about our 75th anniversary, turn to page 4 and keep visiting drakethetachi.org/75th-anniversary for all the details and a list of attendees. You can also connect with Michael at michael.cummings@drake.edu and Jack at jackfbell@yahoo.com. Vice President Zach Rosenberger '24 Vice President of Health and Safety Alex Petterson '24 Secretary Griffin Kohl '25 Treasurer Eric Jerdee '25 Vice President of Recruitment Isaac Hager '24 isaac.hager@drake.edu (630) 888-6072 Marshal Caden Collins '25 A CHAPTER WORTH CELEBRATING Brothers Discuss 75th Anniversary Event Planning CHAPTER OFFICERS President Ethan Roemmich '24 ethan.roemmich@drake.edu (630) 635-8135 Michael Want to Become a Helping Hand? A s a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) is committed to supporting Gamma Tau and proud to have provided grants to the ΘX Building Corporation and undergraduates totaling over $37,000. I would also like to take a moment to thank Al Kepler '85 and Joe Eilers '85 for their six years of service on the board. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in the success of the foundation, and we are grateful for their contributions. As we move forward, we are actively seeking new board members to succeed Al and Joe— preferably at least one who resides in Iowa. If you are interested in serving or know someone who would be a good fit, please reach out to us. We welcome your support and involvement. Thank you for your continued support of the HHF. We look forward to working with you to ensure the continued success of the fraternity and its members. Fraternally, Davis Heck '19 davisheck@gmail.com

• Cover