Delta Kappa Epsilon - University of Alabama

4 Delta Kappa Epsilon ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS Bryan D. Strickland '62 reports, "After I graduated from the University in 1962, I entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant, attending pilot training in Class 63H at Laredo AFB, Texas. After getting my wings, I was an instructor in pilot training in the T-33 and T-37 aircraft at Craig AFB in Selma, Ala. In 1967, I went through training to be an aircraft commander in the F-4D aircraft and was assigned to Ubon Royal Thai Air Base in Ubon, Thailand, from 1966 to 1967. I flew 141 combat missions in the F-4D, 100 of which were over North Vietnam. We called those missions over North Vietnam 'counters' because they counted toward the 100 missions that qualified us for completion of our combat tours. I completed 30 years in the Air Force, attaining the grade of colonel and retiring in 1992." Bryan and his wife, Charlotte, live in Montgomery, Ala. E-mail: strcklands@ aol.com Dr. Justin A. Parden '04 shares that his wife, Alison, graduated from medical training and is located in Tupelo, Miss., to practice. Justin is a vascular surgeon, and Ali is practicing urogynecology and female pelvic floor reconstruction. E-mail: japarden@gmail.com Rewarding DKE Experience Inspires Ken Brock '66 to Pay It Forward W hen Ken Brock '66 reflects on his undergraduate career at the University of Alabama, he remembers it as a unique, one-in-a-million college experience thanks to Delta Kappa Epsilon. Like many college students, Ken wanted to experience what it was like to be in a fraternity and forge lifelong bonds with brothers—this is exactly what he found at the Psi Chapter of DKE. "The unmatched camaraderie among brothers enhanced my overall experience with both the fraternity and the university," Ken says. Social events, fraternity activities, UA football games, and interacting with sorority women provided Ken with some of his most cherished memories in Delta Kappa Epsilon. In addition to making memories with his fraternity brothers, Ken also played a pivotal role in Psi Chapter's recruitment process as both assistant recruitment chairman and recruitment chairman. Ken says, "My involvement in the Chapter truly helped me learn how to get along with others, conflict management, life lessons, and many more valuable lessons that still apply to my life today. Psi Chapter inspired me to be successful in both my personal and professional life, and to set the standard for others." There are many individuals who made a significant impact on Ken's undergraduate experience in Delta Kappa Epsilon. One person Ken fondly remembers from his days at 946 University Boulevard was the Chapter's housemother. "She was a good person to go to when members had problems. It was like having a mother nearby. She really enhanced the overall atmosphere in the Chapter and helped brothers become better men." Ken knows a fraternity is only as strong as its membership, and with a brotherhood as strong as Psi Chapter's, it is imperative to maintain the facility these men live in. Delta Kappa Epsilon has given Ken more than he could ever repay; however, he has chosen to generously give back any way he can to ensure future brothers can continue to live in a competitive, polished facility for years to come. "I want brothers of all generations to have a better facility, one they can all take pride in," Ken says. "Think about the good experiences you had in DKE and help support the future of our Chapter whichever way is suitable for you, whether it is through financial contributions, volunteering for the House Corporation, or simply visiting the house and talking with the active members." Ken owned an industrial chemical company for 25 years, working primarily in Alabama and also Florida. He eventually sold the company and pursued a career with a recreational vehicle business for several years before retiring. "The satisfaction in growing a business from infancy to something I take pride in was one of my favorite highlights from my professional career," Ken says. "I enjoy seeing my predecessors grow the businesses even more." In the right season, you will find Ken at the lake, fishing, or traveling. He and his partner of 15 years, Maria, are engaged and live in Wetumpka, Alabama. You can send Ken an e-mail at kenshib@aol.com. "I want brothers of all generations to have a better facility, one they can all take pride in."

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