Delta Upsilon - University of Kansas

The Sunflower Page 2 A t Delta Upsilon's Leadership Institute and Convention last August, Kenzy Rolley '25 was recognized as the Fraternity's Most Outstanding Chapter President of the Year. While this award was truly deserved, it pales in consideration to the recognition he deserves for resurrecting the Kansas Chapter of Delta Upsilon. Nothing would have happened without a dream pursued by Kenzy, who graduated from Northland Preparatory Academy in Flagstaff, Arizona, and felt his father's (Blake Rolley '84) pain when the DU house was closed. "I wanted to be a DU at KU since the day I was born," Kenzy shared. Kenzy arrived in Lawrence in the fall of 2020 while fraternities were still limited by COVID precautions. When he didn't find another organization that matched his aspirations, he reported to his Dad that he wanted to bring Delta Upsilon back to campus. Blake admired his son's goal but thought it would be very difficult and time consuming. Nevertheless, Blake connected with Grant Kaufman '92, who then directed the youth to Rod Barleen '97. "I was apprehensive, to say the least. Who is this kid calling out of the blue saying he wants to start the DU chapter? We still had more than a year left of our suspension to serve and two years of our lease with AKL. But when I met Kenzy for the first time, I knew immediately that he was going to be the next person to sign our Initiation Roll Book." – Rod While the chapter was serving its final year of suspension, Kenzy began talking to friends and cultivating his vision for DU's rebirth at KU. When Delta Upsilon was finally granted approval from the University to return to campus, representatives from the International Fraternity were met by Kenzy and 17 other students who he had already convinced to join the Chapter. Needless to say, Blake is "damn proud" of his son. At the awards presentation, Barleen marveled at Kenzy's "inexhaustible spirit" and inspired vision as to what he wanted to build and create within the Kansas Chapter. Kenzy, we are so appreciative and proud of all that you have accomplished, but know you are just beginning your DU journey. Congratulations! Kenzy Rolley Wins the President's Award at DU International Convention Kenzy Rolley '25 is honored as most outstanding Chapter president at the DU International Convention. R obert Neil Sanner '80 recently passed after living with cancer for three years. Fellow alumni have fond memories of the young man who matriculated to KU in 1976 after graduating from Topeka West High School. "BoSan," as he was popularly known as by DUs, passed away July 21, 2024. Bob followed his older brother, J. Michael '75, to KU and DU. BoSan was striking in appearance with his Magnum P.I.-type moustache. His humility, good humor, and desire to help others made him a magnet for new friendships at KU. His friends were legion. Bob's DU Bonds Younger DUs remember the iconic "BoSan" going out of his way to help them. One DU recalls BoSan letting several pledges stay at his apartment on the night of the fire at the DU house in 1978. Seven-foot-tall KU hoops star Paul Mokeski '79 was enjoying a drink at the DU house when he met Bob, who was a bit frazzled from taking a statistics exam that night. "We hit it off instantly," said Mokeski, who played in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks. The pair were known as "BoSan" and "Big Mo." A local beer joint known as "The Brewery" was so popular with DUs that some called it "The DUery." On October 1, 1977, Bob met his future wife, freshman Jennifer Jackson, at the bar. They dated throughout college and married in 1982. Life Beyond College After graduating from the business school in 1980, Bob and Mokeski renovated the former Quantrill's Bar at 715 Mass. Street and opened Bottoms Up, "a fine drinking establishment." Many DU brothers assisted with the business, including Mark Wells '80, Ron Innes '81, and Steve Southern. Bob was crazy for sports—playing and teaching them to youngsters. A regular at the Lawrence Community Building's noon basketball league, Robert first worked as an advertising representative for golf publications. He then went to work for the Lawrence Convention and Tourism Bureau, bringing sporting events to expand the city's economic development. The USA Track and Field Junior Olympics, Cycling, and Track and Field events brought thousands of athletes to Lawrence. Bob was most proud of the "Tour of Lawrence," a three-day professional cycling tournament. He was also proud of the Downtown Lawrence Men's Shot Put event featuring Olympians and world champions. Bob is survived by his wife of 42 years and his three children, Rachel, Robert, and Clair. Jennifer serves as executive vice president of communications for the KU Alumni Association. MeMories of BoB sanner

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