Theta Chi - Drake University

PAGE 3 Alumnus Invests in the Future of Theta Chi J ohn Riley '84 pledged Theta Chi at Drake University because he was impressed by the members he met during recruitment and was particularly honored when President Don Purcell '81 made a point to speak to him. He has stayed involved with the chapter because he is thankful for all the lessons he learned and the memories he created. John Riley '84 Gives Back to Gamma Tau When John heard about the A Testament to Our Past, A Legacy for Our Future campaign he knew it was something he wanted to get involved with. "What goes around comes around," he said. "Someone in the 1950s took it upon themselves to start the chapter. It's time to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities, experiences, and memories that someone before us made possible." John has had the opportunity to visit the chapter house because his son, Kevin Riley '14, is an active member. "Nothing has changed. The house still looks, smells, and feels like it did in the early '80s," he said. "Basically, it's a wreck and we need to invest in the future." John is thankful for everything that Theta Chi taught him. He learned to recognize that people have different opinions and perspectives and that by Endeavors surrounding yourself with intelligent and important people, you can learn from them. He enjoys staying connected with Gamma Tau brothers and recently attended a trip to Lake Delavan, Wisconsin, with around 45 Theta Chi brothers; he hopes to repeat the trip in the future. He encourages brothers who have not yet gotten involved in the campaign to consider what Theta Chi means to them. "Contact your best friend from your days at Theta Chi and have a conversation. Ask yourself what that person means to you. Then, you will know what to do for Theta Chi." John's advice for the active members is to be as involved in the fraternity as possible. He explains that he has learned from his hiring experience that individuals who were leaders in the Greek system are candid, have social skills, and are driven—"and those are the kind of people I want to hire." John lives in Denver, Colorado, with his wife, Pam, and children, Kevin and Lauren. He works as a lawyer and managing partner for Montgomery, Little & Soran, representing architects and engineers. In his free time, John enjoys skiing and biking. You can contact him by e-mail at jriley@montgomerylittle.com. Gamma Tau Chapter Increases Academic Standards T Twenty-Four New Members Recruited This Fall he fall of 2013 has been flying by for Gamma Tau Chapter. With a short, 15-week semester of fraternity events, philanthropic activities, jobs/internships, and, of course, a full-time academic load, this semester has been quite a whirlwind. The chapter has been busy preparing for a new annual philanthropy, educating a large 24-man pledge class, and exercising our full social calendar. This semester is going fast, but I believe it will be looked back on as the start of a new age for the Gamma Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity. ACADEMICS ON THE RISE Last semester the chapter received an overall GPA of 3.19—the highest GPA achieved in a very long time. To improve upon last year's success, the chapter requires study hours for new members and brothers who have had trouble in the past. Also, on Tuesdays we hold study tables and invite other members of Drake Greek life. It is a good opportunity for people in similar classes to get together and help each other out. We are also utilizing Gamma Tau 2013-14 undergraduate members. Facebook groups to connect brothers and new members with similar majors, so that older guys can help out the younger members with choosing and succeeding in their classes. "This year there has been a big push from all of the brothers to do better academically. What I've seen is a movement away from the mindset that class is just something to push through to get a degree and a job, but actually valuing your education. We're all paying a lot of money to be at Drake to learn, and that's what we should be doing. Reading textbooks and doing homework may not always be fun, but schoolwork is an important part of bettering yourself, which is part of what being a Theta Chi is all about," Scholarship Chairman Josh Timm '16 said. PHILANTHROPIC SUCCESS As always, Theta Chi has been very active in participating in other Greek organizations' philanthropic events. My dad and I were able to pair up with Kyle Tobin '15 and his father to win the Kappa Klassic golf tournament. (Continued on page 4) Active members with Theta Chi National Executive Director Mike Mayer and Theta Chi National Director of Standards Jason Handberg '09, accepting the Randall Award for Recruitment Excellence and Chapter Achievement Award at the Initiative Academy at Purdue University.

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