Theta Chi - Drake University

Gamma Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity at Drake University ~ Spring 2016 I t is 2016, and the Gamma Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity is as strong as it has ever been. We've had a fantastic five years. Looking back, we started the process of fundraising for a new house with a feasibility study that said we could only raise between $750,000 to $1 million. The feedback was that our membership just didn't care that much, but the leadership team knew better. • Thank you to our undergraduates; you are the lifeblood of our fraternity. • Thank you, alumni! It is your undying love and concern for our fraternity that has allowed us to succeed. A result unimaginable just a decade ago. • Thank you to the families of our brothers! Without you, we could not be the men we are today. While it is wonderful to celebrate and look back at all that has been done, my message today is about the future and the movement YOU have started. Helping Hand Awards Scholarships In the last few months, the alumni who manage the Helping Hand Foundation were busily evaluating applications for the first series of financial merit scholarships for six of our undergraduates. The Helping Hand Foundation is our vehicle to support learning at Theta Chi and Drake University. Your Support Is Still Needed Although the capital campaign has ended, we will continue to fundraise on an annual basis. Your dollars will support the mission of the Foundation. While nearly 80% of the dollars pledged to support the QC capital campaign have been received, your future gifts are critical. QC Building Corporation pays the mortgage and provides direct support to the physical structure and the undergraduate chapter. We are carrying a mortgage expense of approximately $100,000 a year. Your continued support will help us reduce this cost. Until we reach a mortgage level of 60% of our current value, I will not feel comfortable that we are out of the woods. If you have not made plans to visit the new house, Relays is the time to make the trip. If you cannot make it Relays weekend, I encourage you to stop by the house any time. There are many great weeks and weekends to visit, and as a brother who cares about our fraternity, you are always welcome. House Improvements Continue Our undergraduates have moved into the Merit-Based scholarship awarded to six MeMBers D ecember 2015 marked the inaugural awarding of the Theta Chi at Drake Helping Hand Foundation's merit-based scholarship—the Helping Hand Award. Led by HHF President Todd Elverson '78, with assistance from scholarship committee members Jeff Church '86 and Rick Uhlemann '92, the committee designed and launched this scholarship to be awarded to brothers who are living in the house, show strong leadership qualities, and have excelled in academics. The team received six qualified applications and awarded a $300 scholarship to each to be used to defray tuition or other education-related expenses. The Foundation expects to offer this scholarship annually in addition to the Truth, Temperance, and Tolerance Scholarship, which is provided to an incoming freshman who represents Theta Chi ideals. The Foundation is also working on developing a needs-based scholarship to be awarded to brothers who require financial assistance. GAMMA TAU STRONGER THAN EVER Continued Efforts Will Focus on Academic Needs (Continued on page 4) Photo above: Initiation last fall was held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. We are glad to have the opportunity to support these new brothers through our Helping Hand Award scholarships.

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