Delta Tau Delta - Indiana University

The Shield • Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Tau Delta Page 2 Lee Midkiff '97 Gives Back to support Beta aLpha's future L ee Midkiff '97 had an immediate connection with Delta Tau Delta during recruitment. The process is overwhelming to a certain extent, especially at a large university, and when you can easily get pulled in many directions, the real decision boils down to the people. The men of Beta Alpha were welcoming and hospitable, which ultimately led to Lee joining the ranks. After earning his degree in political science, he purchased his first business, built it up, and sold it to a large publically traded company. That process repeated multiple times to his most recent venture with a company rooted in the technology sector. A self-described serial entrepreneur, Lee credits Delta Tau Delta for giving him a sense of confidence in terms of dealing with people and being pushed, and pushing himself, in ways he may not have otherwise. "Beta Alpha allowed me to interact with people who may not have always shared the same viewpoints as I did, but in learning how to deal with those situations, I came out stronger with a more open mind. One year out of college, I was raising money for my first venture, which gave me a level of confidence I probably wouldn't have gained had I not been in a fraternity. "Beta Alpha taught me lessons throughout my years as an undergraduate. I learned my share of decisions—some good, some dumb—and how to relate to people with differing opinions. Delt also played a big part in helping determine my post-college career. At the end of it all, the defining element is the people you surround yourself with and the support you give and gain from them. I'm grateful that I received a platform to flesh out details which gave me a head start out of college." The Preserving Our Present. Building for the Future campaign is advancing nicely, and Lee's contribution is a reflection of everything he earned from his experience. "I've supported charitable organizations over time that I've had a personal connection to. I'd been looking for a way to give back to IU in a way that resonated with me because of how I defined my college experience and how much it attributed to my career and success. Luckily that was around the time the campaign came to fruition. I believe my support, and the support of other alumni, will better the chapter and pay it forward for future generations to experience the same things we did. It's a no-brainer, in my opinion. A well-rounded education is necessary to excel after college, and something like fraternity involvement has a lasting impact." For alumni who aren't involved with the campaign yet, Lee encourages you to look back on your time with Beta Alpha and determine what impact it had on your life. "Supporting the campaign will allow the next generation of Delts to thrive. I understand that not everyone is in the same economic situation, but it's important to remember that it's not just about money. Do what you can, and if that means donating time instead of funds, by all means do it. Drumming up support from your pledge brothers is still supporting the cause. Step up and do what's within your means." Lee and his wife, Adrienne, live in Springboro, Ohio, and have two children, Chloe and Holden. Family is very important to Lee. They split their time between Ohio and Florida and take part in the kids' interests, which include sports and spending time at the beach. You can contact Lee at lmidkiff@istable.com. W hen Scott Brennan '78 decided to attend Indiana University, a friend of his father, Beta Alpha alumnus Gene Busche '50 reached out to two undergraduate members to show him around. Dave Montgomery '77 and Dave Gayer '72 took Scott on a tour of the Shelter that summer, and in July they recruited him to be a member. "Four years later, I knew I learned more from my Delt Brothers than I did from my professors." Living in the Shelter for four years, Scott learned many things, including how to plan, lead, grow, and to have fun doing all three. The leadership skills he learned at Beta Alpha have stayed with him through the years. Scott began selling life insurance part time as a senior and never stopped. After graduating with a degree in political science, he now owns and operates a small office that works primarily with family companies in the areas of deferred compensation and estate planning. He has written hundreds of millions of dollars of life insurance in the last 35+ years. Scott has received many accolades throughout his career, some business-related, some community- related, all outstanding. He served as president of the Million Dollar Roundtable. He was named the South Bend Life Underwriter of the Year in 1994, the Hoosier Life Underwriter of the Year in 1998, and the Indiana Mass Mutual Agent of the Year in 2002 and 2003. He was president of The Forum 400, a member of the Association of Advanced Life Underwriting, and a board member of Life Happens. In 2011 The Forum 400 presented him with their first Humanitarian Award. He has also served his community in numerous ways. Scott was president of the Downtown South Bend Rotary Club, the Scholarship Foundation of St. Joseph County, Indiana University Alumni Club of St. Joseph County, Morris Park Country Club, and St. Anthony Parish Council, where he chaired the St. their capital campaign and, three years later, chaired the St. Anthony School capital campaign as well. Scott and his wife, Robin, have been married for 31 years. They are both IU alumni and are lucky enough to have football and basketball season Scott Brennan '78 Says Yes to Preserving Our Present. Building for the DTD

• Cover