Alpha Delta Phi - University of Michigan

PENINSULAR CHAPTER OF ALPHA DELTA PHI FRATERNITY • FALL 2025 The Peninsular KEN SHIN '89 AND THE SHIN-DIG N ext summer, a group of Alpha Delts from the '80s and '90s will get together for the 30th annual Shin-Dig, our annual golf tournament and reunion. Given that momentous milestone, we thought it would be a good time to spotlight its origin story as well as its namesake, Ken Shin '89. SHIN-DIG ORIGIN STORY (from the official Shin-Dig almanac) In summer 1997, eight friends (and fraternity brothers) from the University of Michigan embarked on what has become an annual pilgrimage in search of golf and camaraderie. Ken Shin organized this initial outing and lodged the eight participants at his family-owned condo in Charlevoix, Michigan. The "original eight" in attendance on that weekend were: Kenneth "Kendo" Shin, Jeffrey "Oaf" Lauinger '89, Michael "Cookie" Cook '91, George "Ralph" Stahl '90, Christopher "Smitty" Smith '91, John "Midget" Artz '89, Bret "Ferris" Scheider '90, and Brian "Commissioner" Harreld '90. The initial outing consisted of multiple rounds of golf over the course of a weekend. Because the group could not just play golf for fun, Kendo set up wagering in the form of individual skins and team play. While golf dominated the agenda, the original eight managed to squeeze in a little fun and tomfoolery in downtown Charlevoix. Ken also began the tradition of prizes for winning various contests, including best individual net score, long drives, and closest to pins. It was clear to all in attendance that this should not be a one-time event, and the Shin-Dig moniker was adopted during that weekend. SHIN-DIG, THE MAN—KEN SHIN Ken, Bret Scheider, and Jeff Lauinger met at Markely Hall in the fall of 1985, became friends, and joined ADPhi. In brotherly terms, Ken Shin represents the "everyman" brother. He was not chasing officer titles at the chapter. He wasn't interested in organization or administrative glory. He was interested in fishing, hanging out, and golfing/skiing with friends. Additionally, he was one of the brightest (and kindest) of the engineering bunch, tutoring many brothers and ensuring ADPhi engineers progressed to degrees. Ken, who remained single throughout his life, was the brother you could count on when you needed to get away for a day or a weekend. Ken's car was always equipped with two things: a fishing pole and golf clubs. And Ken was committed to making friendship work, organizing daily and weekend outings! While he didn't get a lot of fishing invitations, he became a golf journeyman, traveling with brothers across Michigan for golf games, which ultimately led to the Shin-Dig. For many of us, Ken was the glue that bound and grew our friendships in the '90s. Ken passed away in 2017, just short of his 50th birthday—peacefully in his sleep because of complications from diabetes. Ken spent the entirety of his career, nearly 30 years, as a design engineer at Chrysler and pursuing his passions: Michigan football, skiing, and golf. THE BROTHERHOOD RECIPE Ken, as friend and brother, understood that the Shin-Dig recipe—friends and a common passion (in this case, golf)—drove the connections that result in the lasting brotherhood that all Shin-Diggers enjoy today. Next summer, as we celebrate the 30th installment of the Shin-Dig, we'll be sure to stop and celebrate our friend Kendo for a moment. From left: Sean O'Leary '91, Brian Harreld '89, Ken Shin '89 and Bret Schneider '90 at Shin-Dig 2017 in Spring Lake, Michigan. Ken is donning the Houndstooth Jacket, presented to the winner of the individual net stroke competition. Shin-Dig 2023 in Aradia Bluffs, Michigan. Brothers celebrate Chris Smith '91 (center), who proudly wears the Houndstooth Jacket.

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