Phi Delta Theta - DePauw University

p. 3 Phi DelTa TheTa T he 2014 Gardner Alumnus of the Year award was awarded to Bruce Bickner '65 for his outstanding leadership and tireless efforts on behalf of Phi Delta Theta and his important endeavors in higher education and his community. Bruce forged a successful career in law and business while serving with distinction in higher education governance at several institutions, notably the University of Michigan Law School, and as a community volunteer. After a federal clerkship, Bruce began his legal career as an associate with Sidley Austin LLP, where he became a partner specializing in antitrust and securities/commodities matters. At DeKalb Energy Corporation, he served in various management positions, leading to his role as chairman and chief executive officer. Bruce served in the chairmanship and chief executive role with DeKalb Genetics Corporation after holding several management positions with the company. From there, he served as executive vice president for competitor strategy with Monsanto Corporation, where he was a co-president of the company's Global Seed Group. He is now an independent business consultant and director. Bruce's experience with institutions of higher education includes service as chairman of the Board of Trustees of North Park University, member of the Board of Visitors of DePauw University, and past interim president of North Park University. He is a lifetime member of the Washington C. DePauw society in recognition of his repeated and generous gifts to his alma mater. Bruce is a member of the U of M President's Advisory Group and was a member of Dean Evan Caminker's Advisory Council. He chaired the law school's Development and Alumni Relations Committee and the steering committee for the law school's Michigan Difference Campaign. His leadership of fundraising volunteers led to being recognized by the highest award—David B. Hermelin Award for Fundraising Volunteer Leadership. In his community, Bruce served on the State of Illinois governor's biotechnology advisory council and chairmanships of the Kishwaukee Community Hospital, the Illinois-Missouri area YMCA swim committee and Hillcrest Covenant Church. He is a member of the bar associations of Illinois and Wisconsin. For his Indiana Zeta Chapter, Brother Bickner was the 1964-65 Chapter president and attended DePauw on a Rector Scholarship—the University's most prestigious scholarship. As an alumnus, he led the charge for its Securing Our Legacy capital campaign. With his lead gift and inspiration, the Chapter House at DePauw has undergone $1 million in safety, security, and comfort upgrades. Executive Vice President of Phi Delta Theta Robert Biggs, Georgia Epsilon '91, presented the award to Bruce while visiting him and his wife, Joan, at their Chicago home in mid-November 2014. The Fraternity recognizes this alumnus' great efforts to impact those around him. As Phi Delta Theta founder Robert Morrison put it, "To do what ought to be done, but would not have been done unless I did it, I thought to be my duty." Brad Adams Louisville, Ky. Dominick Amalraj St. Charles, Ill. Drew Anderson Atlanta, Ga. Aidan Cain Elkridge, Md. Ben Davis Columbus, Ind. Mitchell Davis St. Joseph, Mich. Peter Demke Park Ridge, Ill. Andy Fournier Houston, Texas Riley Futterknecht Elkhart, Ind. Joe Gallagher Cincinnati, Ohio Ryan Grippo Ontario, Canada Tommy Hinkebein Carmel, Ind. Ryan Hurston St. Louis, Mo. Nick Horvath Carmel, Ind. Tom Huettner Wooster, Ohio Michael Kolbus Peoria, Ill. Tom Kryspin Fairfield, Conn. Charley Meyer St. Louis, Mo. Jack Norton Minnetonka, Minn. Eric Petersen St. Louis, Mo. Ryan Raupach Naperville, Ill. Connor Reed Petoskey, Mich. Daniel Rodefeld Carmel, Ind. Carlos Rodriguez Indianapolis, Ind. Jack Rotman Minnetonka, Minn. Cy Stoltz Ballwin, Mo. Sam Showalter Fort Wayne, Ind. Taras Tataryn Plymouth, Minn. Sean Truax Carmel, Ind. Jordan Watt St. Louis, Mo. Bruce Bickner '65 Presented with Gardner Alumnus of the Year Award The Gardner Alumnus of the Year Award was presented to Bruce Bickner '65 by Executive Vice President Robert Biggs, Georgia Epsilon '91. Thank you, Bruce Bickner '65, for all you do for Phi Delta Theta. Welcome, New Members

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