Theta Chi - Drake University

Gamma Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity at Drake University ~ Fall 2016 House Projects comPleted effectively T he Theta Chi house fared very well over the summer. We had 14 live-in brothers and between our young men and our house director, Sandi, the structure looked excellent going into the 2016-17 school year. Our big project over the summer was lowering the bunks on the second floor a few inches. Because of Des Moines city inspectors, the height of the house was modified from the original plans and the bunks were slightly too close to the ceiling. The lowering project was handled by Chapter President mitch torborg '17, todd elverson '78, and several other brothers. It was a very satisfactory and cost effective fix to this minor issue. 160tH AnniversAry convention It was a wonderful time to be in Atlanta this summer, as long as you stayed inside. The Grand Chapter of Theta Chi held the 160th Anniversary Convention July 22-26. We had three undergraduate brothers attend: mitch torborg '17, matt Harding '18, and davis oberle '18. The undergraduates brought home a Chapter Excellence Award, and you should be very proud of our young men. I brought along my wife, Helen, and my daughter, Josephine, and we turned it into a short vacation. This was my second convention, and once again I departed re- energized and excited to be a Theta Chi. Please consider attending the next one in 2018—Las Vegas! new nAtionAl leAdersHiP Several important things happened at the convention. The term of International President Dick Elder came to an end. He was replaced by Alabama alumnus Joseph Couch. Since you probably don't know these gentlemen, let me give you a couple of descriptions. Dick Elder is a very tough-minded, outgoing, and gregarious leader who challenged Theta Chi to be the best fraternity it could be. Joseph is low-key, thoughtful, and a good friend; someone who is not going to judge or make a quick decision. He is deliberative and careful with how he treats others. Dick and Joseph are great examples of what it is to be a Theta Chi. The fraternity is in good hands with Joseph Couch. If you were thinking of trying to get involved with Theta Chi, remember it is the people who show up that count. I would be thrilled to get you connected with the national fraternity. tHe resolute mAn Another important element to the convention this year was the rollout of The Resolute Man program. Resolute Man is a program for helping our men to better understand what it is to live as a Theta Chi. This program takes over where Our High and Sacred Purpose concept, developed by Gamma Tau's own shawn Bennett '92, left off. These two programs together are a cornerstone of what it means to be a Theta Chi. All Theta Chis, even alumni, can work toward The Resolute Man certification. Gamma Tau ChapTer esTablishes an assisTinG hand soCieTy To susTain eduCaTional FoundaTion I n an effort to offer more scholarship and leadership opportunities to our undergraduate members, the Gamma Tau Chapter has created a new alumni giving program deemed An Assisting Hand Society. All tax-deductible funds donated to the society will sustain our Helping Hand Foundation, which: • Provides over $10,000 a year in undergraduate scholarships. • Covers fees and expenses associated with leadership events such as convention. • Updates/maintains educational spaces of our chapter house (study room, computers, etc.). • Underwrites the cost of educational programs at the chapter level. Entry into this important society requires that alumni contribute an annual membership gift of $240 (or $20 a month for 12 months). Making donations to Gamma Tau has never been easier as monthly debits and online payments are available on our website at www.drakethetachi.org. Every ΘX Building Corporation member has already pledged his support and the undergraduate members are extremely grateful. Those who choose to donate will receive two complimentary passes (that's free) to our Relays event and recognition in the Endeavors newsletter. Most importantly, these gifts will better the lives and futures of our active members. Our responsibility to Gamma Tau doesn't end when we leave the university; we carry it with us for the rest of our lives. As alumni, it's important we demonstrate our dedication to Theta Chi and the active chapter through programs such as An Assisting Hand Society. Our aim is for high participation in this program to supplant our reliance on large capital campaigns of the past. Please look for more information on this unique giving opportunity in the weeks to come. UndergradUates win chapter excellence award (Continued on page 2) Joe Aiello ʼ80 speaks to Relays attendees before the Graduating Seniors ceremony.

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