Phi Sigma Kappa - Purdue University

3 Phi Sigma Kappa NOW OR NEVER Dan '56 and Dave '80 Franzman Help Enable the Success of Delta Triton T he facility that sits at 302 Waldron is more than just a house; it is a home filled with the memories of more than 1,000 Phi Sigma Kappa brothers. It is a gathering place for meals, reunions, studying, brotherhood, and friendships. "When 35-plus brothers would sit down simultaneously to eat, you could almost guarantee an event," Dave Franzman '80 says. "It didn't take long for the house cook to figure out that the foil-wrapped baked potatoes were not a good idea. The foil quickly became foil balls and a wicked free-for-all fight would always break out." These memories are cherished forever by the brothers who have lived in the chapter house. But, looking at the conditions of the facility today, it is easy to see it is not an acceptable environment to promote brotherhood, stimulate scholarship, or develop character. "It does not pass the mom test," Dan Franzman '56 says. "Our old house is definitely beyond repair. Recruiting is almost impossible." Dan and Dave saw the problems with the current conditions at 302 Waldron and decided to take action. After Dan retired to the Indianapolis area, he joined fellow Delta Tritons for dinners. These brothers were active in the alumni association, and Dan was appointed to the new chapter house committee, serving under Don Kuhn '60. Dave is now on the steering committee for the Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future campaign. "It is now or never," Dan says. "We have the best location on campus, so a new house will bring more than enough recruits to maintain Phi Sigma Kappa at Purdue. In my opinion, this new chapter house and staying in the current location are the best options for continuing." Maintaining the Delta Triton legacy won't be an easy feat, but Dave knows that with alumni involvement, it can be done. "This campaign will go a long way to guarantee the future success for many years to come," he says. "This will put Delta Triton near the top of desirable organizations on campus and keep us there for many generations. The glass is half full! The momentum has already begun; this will be a very successful capital campaign. It's tough financially nowadays to give, but remember all contributions are meaningful and so very important." Each generation has their own reason for joining Phi Sigma Kappa, Dave says. It is an organization that just doesn't give to undergraduate members, but alumni as well. Each generation will enjoy the success of the new chapter house, much like the time during their undergraduate years. While each story might be different, every brother learned something about himself at the chapter house, and Delta Tritons need an environment to make those discoveries. "We were talking about a new chapter house when I was there in 1952- 56," Dan says. "I learned how to make lasting friendships, get along with many different types of personalities, acquired social skills, including dinner etiquette, and I built confidence in group activities." Through Dan's legacy to Phi Sig, Dave was able to have a place where he could grow as an undergraduate. Now, as an alumnus, he wants to help provide the same opportunity for others. "Volunteering to assist with projects at 302 Waldron has always been a passion of my father's, and it seems to have been rubbing off on me," Dave says. "Having my father precede me at Phi Sig has given me multiple advantages, but one of the most rewarding is the personal relationships I have gotten to have with his and other generations of Purdue Phi Sigs. I often get to sit down and have dinner with Gordon Schmidt '56, Bruce Blackwell '64, Bill Hummel '70, Clark Ahrens '66, Dave Eichenauer '62, and Jerry Hill '59. The stories these guys tell!" Dan and his wife, Catherine, live in Carmel, Indiana. He enjoys being retired, golfing, gardening, cheering on Purdue sports, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Dan gets together with several Delta Tritons monthly and maintains contact with his old roommate, Karl Zimmermann '56, as well as Bob Fox '58 and Carl Hylton '55. Dan can be reached at danca4pu@aol.com. Dave lives in Zionsville with his wife, Kim. They have three children: Ryan (33), Aric (26), and Jack (16). He is the owner of Design & Electrical Contractors and Security Force. The family enjoys traveling and tailgating during football season. Dave sees multiple brothers throughout the year and on annual vacations in Florida for the March MLB spring training games. He looks forward to the new connections yet to come. Dave can be contacted at david@franzman.net. Dave Franzman '80 and Dan Franzman '56. Juan Fraiz '79, Dave Franzman '80, and Mitch Frost '80 cheer on their teams during the MLB spring training games in Florida. suBmit your Questions to tHe alumni Board Through this special newsletter and the Phi Sig Express, the active chapter and alumni leadership hope for every brother to renew his connection with our fraternity. Send your comments, questions, suggestions, etc. to gls3452@gmail.com. Your e-mail will be turned over to the appropriate individual(s) who will directly respond to you, and perhaps include the Q&A in future issues.

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