Gamma Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity, Drake University
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/395113
D ave Schulte '83 is thankful for Theta Chi's impact on his life and happy to pay it forward in hopes of future Theta Chis having the same impactful experiences he had. As an undergraduate, Dave was looking for friendships and mentors for college and found both at Gamma Tau. During recruitment, he met people he felt connected to and whom he knew he could form bonds and learn from. Just as they are today, Theta Chis were leaders on campus then, and Dave became involved at Drake through his Theta Chi relationships. The bonds and friendships Dave made while an undergraduate have stayed strong over the years. "I have lifelong friendships from Gamma Tau, and I keep in touch with many of my brothers regularly." While living in Kansas City prevents him from staying as involved with the chapter as he would like, he does come back to Drake when he gets the opportunity. "I was there in April for Relays and had a great time at the groundbreaking ceremony. The house is in need of so many repairs. It will be great to get this new house built." Dave's love of Theta Chi and his excitement for the new chapter house proves that he is dedicated to giving back to Gamma Tau. "I was shaped by my experiences at Theta Chi. I became a leader, learned to be a friend, and grew up in that house. I want other college kids to have the same experiences I had." Dave, along with brothers Ken Krucks '75 and Tom Olive '85, generously offered a dollar-for-dollar match up to $150,000. Dave encourages all brothers to donate and help Gamma Tau reach their goal, which is closer than ever. "Give whatever you can, large or small. It is not just about the money, it is also about connecting with your past." Dave and wife, Mary, a KKG at Drake, live in Mission Hills, Kansas, with their five children: Matt, Nick, Emma, Ellen, and Joe. Dave is a managing director of Corridor Infratrust Management, a property asset manager that specializes in U.S. energy infrastructure real estate. In his free time, he enjoys fly fishing, playing golf, and reading. Reconnect with Dave by reaching out to him at dave.schulte@corridortrust.com. W e all have different ways of giving back to Theta Chi and the brotherhood that has influenced our lives. Tom Olive '85 has chosen to give back to Gamma Tau during A Testament to Our Past, A Legacy for Our Future campaign as a sign of his thankfulness for all Theta Chi has provided him over the years. "Having come from a small town in southern Iowa, the experience of Drake and the brotherhood of Gamma Tau was a huge growth opportunity, both in terms of the brothers and their impacts on me personally and the various leadership roles offered. When I met the men of Theta Chi in the fall of '81, they were inspiring people. That initial impression has proved to be true one hundred fold, and the efforts to build a new Gamma Tau chapter house are living proof of those qualities that inspired me all those years ago." Tom attended the Drake Relays this past spring and greatly enjoyed catching up with brothers he hadn't seen in a while and learning more about the chapter. "I was very impressed with the younger alumni I met during the Relays. There continues to be an enduring, positive quality about the men of Theta Chi and the experiences shared with Gamma Tau. Seeing the house made me realize how truly uninhabitable that structure is!" Visiting the chapter only reinvigorated Tom's motivation to support the capital campaign. "The house is a physical manifestation of the brotherhood—a gathering place for the undergraduates and alumni alike. While this is a critical edifice, it is not the brotherhood, but it helps to facilitate and perpetuate the principles of Theta Chi within its four walls. For that brotherhood to be maintained, we must provide the foundation." The recent campaign challenge was a way for Tom to give back to Theta Chi. "We are so close! This final push was one small way I can lend a helping hand. We are now the benefactors rather than the beneficiaries; our role is to perpetuate the brotherhood of Theta Chi with our time, talents, and treasure. I truly hope everyone will include Gamma Tau in their contribution plans." Tom and his wife, Kelly, Drake '85, live in Ada, Michigan, where Tom is CEO of True Textiles Inc. They have four children: Ian, Valparaiso class of '17, Zach, Jacob, and Mary Clare. Contact Tom via e-mail at tolive818587@gmail.com. PAGE 5 Endeavors Dave Schulte '83 Gives Back to Theta Chi To Create Future Leaders SpotlightS on two of our Campaign ChallengerS "I truly hope everyone will include Gamma Tau in their contribution plans." Tom Olive '85 Providing Foundation for Future Theta Chis Through Gift to Capital Campaign