Delta Upsilon - University of Kansas

Spring 2015 Newsletter

Kansas Chapter of Delta Upsilon at the University of Kansas

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Spring 2015 The Sunflower A publicAtion of the KAnSAS chApter of DeltA upSilon DELTA UPSILON CELEBRATES 95TH ANNIVERSARY O ver 100 alumni, undergraduates, and guests gathered on Saturday, April 18 at the Adams Alumni Center on campus to celebrate the Chapter's 95th anniversary. Throughout the evening brothers sang songs, reminisced, and heard comments about key accomplishments from undergraduate President Kyle Winston '17 and DU Educational Foundation President Grant Kaufman '92. We also heard remarks about important moments in our Chapter's history. John Esau '78 shared memories of the Chapter House fire of 1978 and Ken Higdon '48 honored those brothers who gave their lives in the military in support of our country. Jerry Kenefake '92 was the evening's emcee. The Chapter also honored John Holt '81 as the 2015 distinguished alumnus for his numerous philanthropic contributions in the Kansas City area and his strong support of Delta Upsilon since his undergraduate days. Matt Keenan '81 introduced John and shared several humorous anecdotes about their friendship, which began in Great Bend, Kansas. John was also joined by family members. We are beginning to plan not only our 96th anniversary next spring, but also initial plans to celebrate our centennial in 2020. If you're interested in helping, please contact Phil Frerker at phil.frerker@ hallmark.com. I t has been quite the journey for John Holt '81 since his days at KU and DU. He's traded in his lime green leisure suit for something a little more neutral and his graveyard DJ shift with KLZR-FM for the co-anchor position on the Fox 4-Kansas City evening newscasts. Along the road, Delta Upsilon played an important role according to John. "In so many ways DU helped shape my college experience in positive ways, from learning how to study to social opportunities. I came from Great Bend, Kansas, but learned to work with guys from all over the country. We found out how to make the community work even when we didn't all agree on aspects of fraternity life." "Having a support system of upperclassmen who mentored me was invaluable. Guys such as my pledge dad, Jake Thompson '79, Bryan LaGree '80, Dr. Boo Hodges '79, and the late Dr. Mark Wilson '80 taught me how to stay organized and focused on academics while still enjoying fraternity life." "As I got into the work world, DUs in business and in journalism inspired me. In particular, KU DU Brian Bracco '73 at KMBC-TV, now general manager for KSHB-TV, served as a mentor, always willing to offer advice or critique my work. I've always remembered and have been grateful for that, and try to do the same for other young journalists." JOHN HOLT '81 NAMED 2015 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT Alumni Gather to Remember 95 Years of Kansas DU John Holt '81 receives the Kansas DU Distinguished Alumni Award. (Continued on page 2) Master of ceremonies, Jerry Kenefake '92, speaks at the alumni reunion dinner. K a n s a s C h a pt e r o f D e l t a U p s il o n 95 Y e ar s a t t h e U n i v e r s i ty o f k a n s as 1920 2015

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