Delta Tau Delta - University of Oklahoma

Delta Alpha Chapter I Delta Tau Delta Fraternity I University of Oklahoma I Spring 2016 Sooner Delt The W hy did you decide to join Delta Tau Delta can be a difficult question, but for Christian Pearson '13, the answer comes easily. "I was sold on Delta Alpha from the moment I connected with members in the chapter," he says. "These men exemplified everything I hoped to become and more. They gave me some of my most cherished memories and friendships in the fraternity, and I couldn't be more proud to call them my brothers." The profound experiences Christian had in Delta Alpha inspired him to stay connected to the fraternity by serving as the chapter advisor. "As chapter advisor, I've come to realize how big of a deal it is to maintain my involvement with Delta Alpha and give back to the place that gave me so much," he says. "Former chapter advisors, such as Fred Gist '73 and Justin Manning, Delta Omicron '04, set the example for true brotherhood and leadership through their dedication to the future of Delta Alpha, and this encouraged me to follow in their footsteps." Christian has high hopes for the chapter and is eager to put plans in motion for Delta Alpha's long-term success at OU. "It is my goal to help prepare undergraduate House Corporation and Alumni Leadership Bring New Life to Delta Alpha How Will You Get Involved? (Continued on page 2) Leading by Example Chapter Advisor Christian Pearson '13 Encourages Alumni to Reconnect D elta Alpha Chapter of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity turned 94 years young on February 22! To have a continuous, significant presence on the OU campus for that period of time is a remarkable achievement, and one that we all should celebrate. Our chapter has more than 200 undergraduate members and over 1,500 active alumni. Thanks to the energy of our outstanding undergraduates and the dedicated service of several loyal alumni, Delta Tau Delta remains one of the top fraternities at OU. I am pleased to report that the new alumni relations program we launched last fall has been very successful. We received numerous positive responses and we now have a much better list of contact information for our many alumni. Many thanks to the brothers who returned the biographical information sheet—we all enjoy finding out what our brothers have been doing since they moved out of the Shelter. Please send me an e-mail if you have any news that you would like to share with your friends and pledge brothers. We will do our best to continue making this newsletter something you look forward to reading. The other reports in this issue show that our active brothers at OU are doing very well indeed. They continue to recruit new talent, including eight new pledges this spring. This is an unusually high number and is evidence that our traditions and values continue to attract outstanding young men to Delta Alpha. Our chapter is active in intramurals, philanthropic events, numerous campus activities, and individual Delts hold several leadership positions on campus. The spirit of Delta Tau Delta that had such a positive impact on all of us is alive and well in our Delta Shelter. As we all know, the undergraduate chapter needs the support of the house corporation and our dedicated alumni in order to remain successful. Fortunately, two members have agreed to volunteer their time and join the board of directors of our house corporation. Justin Manning, Delta Omicron '04, a graduate of Westminster College, is the new treasurer of the house corporation after devoting seven years of service to Delta Alpha as chapter advisor. Justin has an accounting degree and works in the oil and gas industry with his family company, Te-Ray Resources, LLC. He also serves as the division vice president for the Western Plains Division of Delta Tau Delta, and has devoted countless hours to the success of Delta Alpha and several other Delta Tau Delta chapters. We are also excited to have Mike Johnston '88 volunteer for the board. Mike lives in Oklahoma City and is a vice president with The Baker Group, one of the nation's largest independently owned securities firms that specializes in investment portfolio management for community financial institutions. Mike held several leadership positions in Delta Alpha and he is looking forward to working with the men in the chapter. Justin and Mike are great additions to our board. We are extremely pleased to announce that Christian Pearson '13 is the new chapter advisor for Delta Alpha. We are confident that Christian's energy and enthusiasm will make him an outstanding leader and advisor for our undergraduate brothers. Christian, Mike, Justin, and all the members of our advisory team and house corporation understand the true meaning of "More Delt, Less Self," and share a common goal: to give back to Delta Tau Delta by serving as mentors and role models for the young men of Delta Alpha Chapter. Many of the members have told me on numerous occasions that they would love to meet alumni and learn about the career choices and personal successes of the men who came before them and built Delta Alpha. I urge you to get involved. Please contact me or any of our advisory team members if you are interested in serving as a mentor. Fraternally, Fred Gist '73 House Corporation President fgist@hallestill.com

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