Gamma Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity, Drake University
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/395113
Paul LeFort '91 Craig D. Johnson '92 Dave A. Oppegaard '92 In memory of Matthew Gaumer '93 Tony Iacubino '93 In memory of Matt Gaumer '93 Mark Albritton '94 Ronna and Dr. David Keim '94 Mike Cusinato '95 Matthew L. Dorn '95 Tom P. Heilman '95 In memory of Matthew Gaumer '93 Johan C. Hesser '95 Scott F. Sciortino '95 Alex D. Stern '95 Doug M. Todes '95 Reid C. Johnson '96 Jonathan A. LaVoy '96 Thomas Phillips '96 Winter J. Sanders '96 Natalie and Craig Schaefer '96 Brandon J. Yez '96 Todd W. Arbiture '97 Keith D. Patterson '97 Jeff B. Michalczyk '98 Morgan A. Lyons '00 Jason Thiss '02 In memory of Scott Branson '02 Brotherhood Society ($500 to $999) Anonymous John C. Butterfield '61 Charles O. Frank '61 Laurence E. Hyman '75 John M. Stanoch '80 David J. Galvan '82 Mark Westcott '83 Edward M. Shimon '85 Todd Shaw '86 Joan and Mark Bettle '88 Mitch L. Martens '90 Erik G. Johnson '91 Craig Roeder '91 Scott W. Lewis '95 Sam Lind '95 Kevin D. Terry '95 Derek S. Lounsberry '86 Steve E. Pauli '96 Mark Peterson '96 Justin R. Kuitu '97 Matt R. Leuch '97 Marcus P. O'Brien '97 Justin J. Range '97 Chase Rankin '97 Christopher A. Rutledge '97 David Bartlett '98 Christopher L. Goode '98 Joseph L. Aiello Jr. '05 Jeff Daniel '07 Joe T. Uhlemann '09 John W. Klebba '10 Trevor J. Funk '12 Other Donors (Up to $999) Susan Adduci Jeannie Gallagher DiLuia Pamela Gaffigan Caitlin Hawkins Briget Biernat Jans Peggy Peterson Michael Rudnicki Betsy Taylor James W. Stockham '50 Robert M. Casper '61 Ted P. Keneklis, Ph.D. '66 Jim Dornfeld '75 George F. Kubin '81 Rosann Nadle Maher Scott G. Mundt '85 Rob E. Listecki '86 Gregg A. Shaffer '87 Jeff Hatfield '88 Greg A. Lapasso '88 Dave Sherman '88 William P. Schwarting '90 Thomas S. Helm '91 Joe H. Basta '92 Matthew Kelley '93 In memory of Matt Gaumer '93 Jon A. Eyberg '94 In memory of Matt Gaumer '93 Dustin Hansen '94 Kevin Nicolette '94 Brian Palmquist '94 Joel P. Bennett '95 Brent A. Handy '95 In memory of Matt Gaumer '93 Eric A. Jones '96 Jeffrey L. Morris '95 Robert W. Hyslop '96 Brett A. Zolla '96 John A. Bantner '97 Deems N. Hargleroad '97 David E. Kelley '97 Kris H. Murphy '97 Ian D. Miller '98 Darnell L. Henderson '00 Daniel R. Bateman '02 Colin A. Perkins '03 Dustin F. Baker '09 Jordan P. Gunther '10 Blake Weihs '10 Cole Reeder '13 Nicholas B. Witte '13 PAGE 4 Theta Chi F or 30 years I have been involved with Theta Chi Fraternity, and for most of that time I have had a dispassionate opinion of Theta Chi National. To me, the local fraternity has held all the passion and interest and the national fraternity provided the colors, the handshake and the ritual. After all, my friends are from Drake. Even after eight years as president of OX Building Corporation, I didn't think National had much to offer me in my life today. I will concede that I always appreciated the concept of the helping hand and I still get choked up reciting the creed, "Resolute men…promoter of knowledge...inspiring true friendship" and all. So when Norwich Housing Corporation (NHC) suggested that Gamma Tau alumni be present at the bi-annual convention in Minneapolis this summer, I reacted like any schoolboy asked to eat his spinach. I scrunched up my nose and said, "Do I have too?" In the end, Tom Rossley '82 and I both attended the convention. It was the first time in more than 20 years that I had been in any formal ritual with Theta Chi. I took our alumni seat and cast our alumni vote. The convention is our chapter's opportunity to participate in the life of the national fraternity and elect the Grand Chapter and its officers. It is also an opportunity to share useful information about running our chapter with others from around the country and a place for fellowship and fun. Theta Chis from around the country are some outstanding people and leaders in their communities and industries. Here is a bit more about the event itself. If you have not heard about the Sacred Purpose campaign that focuses on our commitment to each other, visit http://sacredpurpose. thetachi.org and watch our own Shawn Bennett '92 talk about it. They also unveiled our new philanthropic effort, GI Theta Chi, which is Theta Chi's partnership with the USO. Particularly at this time of tremendous need with many thousands of young men and women returning from wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, we need to support our troops in a meaningful way. Theta Chi has always had a proud connection to the military, so please keep an eye out for events in your local area promoting GI Theta Chi. Visit http://bit.ly/ thetachiuso for more information. NHC was very supportive and agreed to support our new house project by providing as much as $800,000 in subordinate financing. This was great comfort to everyone involved as we left Minneapolis. In two years this event will take place in Atlanta, so mark your calendars for July 2016. I would love to see a strong contingent of Gamma Taus (undergraduate and alumni) in attendance. It will be a terrific opportunity to connect with brothers. There was one other incredibly impressive individual at the conference: Adam Graves '16. Adam is starting his junior year and will be president of the student activities board at Drake. If you haven't gotten to know our Gamma Tau undergraduates, I hope you get a chance to meet them at Relays. It is also with great satisfaction that as I write this article, we are within days of closing on a $1.5 million constrcution loan with Vendian Credit Union. Thanks to Brother Erik Togerson '92 for bringing this lending source to our attention. The loan does not require NHC security, saving Gamma Tau many thousands of dollars. We are working to meet our Relays deadline, but as it stands right now, it will be close. More to come on the grand opening ceremonies. Fraternally, Chris Swan '86 President OX Building Corporation Gamma Tau Reconnects with National Theta Chi Loyal Donors (Continued from page 3) Adam Graves '16 and Chris Swan '86 with the oldest living Theta Chis from Norwich University. Chris Swan '86 and Tom Rossley '82