fall 2015 carnation

Delta Sigma Phi | Fall 2015

Volume 108, Issue 2

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Delta Sigma Phi launches exciting initiatives

2014-15 Foundation Annual Report

2015ConventionConvention

A Celebration of Brotherhood in New Orleans

2 THE CARNAT ION | DELTAS IG .ORG

Brothers, This past school year was a big year for Delta Sigma

Phi. It marked the midway point in the Fraternitys strategic plan, Vision 2025, as we celebrated 10 years of plans put into action and the ushering in of new initiatives for the next 10 years.

Our ultimate goal is to become Americas Leading Fraternity, and we will do this by building strong leaders, building stronger chapters and being the strongest frater-nity. Broken into 5-year segments, the plan is audacious, yet attainable. At Convention 2015, Executive Director & CEO Patrick Jessee and I had the honor of detailing our progress to this point and laying out our metrics for 2015-2020. Here are some highlights of our talk:

What weve achieved so far: 18,000 men trained at our brick and mortar leadership programs since 2000.

3,000 men receiving training through the national Fraternity annually.

The creation of programs specifically for Presidents, Recruitment Chairmen and New Member Educators.

An average chapter GPA of 3.02. Hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars donated to the American Red Cross each year.

A 60% increase in average chapter size per chapterfrom 34-56 mensince 2005.

The goals we will accomplish by 2020 are just as aggressive: 150 undergraduate chapters with an average chapter size of 60 members.

5,000 undergraduate and alumni members engaged in our Mentoring Program.

75% of undergraduates engaged on The LAMP. 100% of volunteers having received education and certification.

100% of members receiving ethical and values- based education.

50% of chapters with GPAs in the top 20% of fraternities on their campus.

125,000 annual hours of community service by our undergraduate brothers.

100% of chapters with a fully functional Alumni Corporation Board or Collegiate Chapter Advisory Board.

All undergraduates receiving education on alcohol consumption, hazing and sexual assault.

The implementation of Certified Risk Management Advisors. In this issue of The Carnation, you will read stories

about several new initiatives that will usher us into the future. Our online learning platform, The LAMP, now offers educational opportunities for all members to take into their lives and careers. The Transition Experience will provide valuable resources for recent graduates and alumni to build skills for a lifetime. The online Mentoring Program will leverage the power of our brotherhood network to Build Better Men, and the new Pyramid Program chapter assessment will give us a better glimpse at a chapters strengths and areas for improvement.

It is an exciting time to be a Delta Sig. Our ingenuity is at a high and the plans, programs and initiatives we have in place are some of the best in our storied history. Thank you for being a part of it. We are proving the power of fraternity as we continue on our quest to be Americas Leading Fraternity.

YITBOS,Tom Cycyota, University of Illinois 77Grand Council President

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

3FALL 2015

Contributing WritersAshley MartinAmber Shaverdi HustonLogan Hunter, Indiana University 14Nik Koulogeorge, Stetson University 08Quinn McNierney, University of Northern Colorado 11

Art DirectorShelle Design Incorporated

Address publication materials and correspondence with national office to:Delta Sigma Phi2960 N. Meridian StreetP.O. Box 88507Indianapolis, IN 46208317.634.1899FAX: 317.634.1410E-mail: [email protected]: www.deltasig.org

THE CARNATION OF DELTA SIGMA PHI (USPS 091-020), official publication of Delta Sigma Phi, 2960 N. Meridian Street, P.O. Box 88507, Indianapolis, IN 46208, is published semiannually. Publication postage paid at Indianapolis, IN and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to THE CARNATION OF DELTA SIGMA PHI, 2960 N. Meridian Street, P.O. Box 88507, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Subscription price to non-membersis $8 per year. Single copies $3.

Copyright 2015 by the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity; 2960 N. Meridian Street, P.O. Box 88507, Indianapolis, IN 46208. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording or other-wise, without prior written permission of the copyright owner.

THE CARNATION and Delta Sigma Phi are registered trademarks of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc.

CARNATIONTHE

Pyramid Program Chapter Assessment

Convention Recap

45Foundation Annual Report

Contents

DEPARTMENTS

2 Letter from the President5 Pause for Applause6 Delta Sigs in the Military8 Charterings14 Fraternity Growth

16 Chapter Report Card20 Undergraduate Profile37 Alumni Profile40 McKee Scholarships54 Bond Eternal

Mission: The Carnation is a lifestyle magazine meant to entertain, educate and inspire the members of Delta Sigma Phi to become better men and lead better lives, while also educating and entertaining other readers who may not be members.

/DeltaSigmaPhiHQ

@DeltaSigmaPhiHQ

@DeltaSigmaPhi

Volume 108, Issue 2

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techtalkSocial media is a great way to stay in touch with Delta Sigma Phi. Follow us on Twitter at @DeltaSigmaPhiHQ and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/DeltaSigmaPhiHQ) to keep up-to-date with the triumphs and happenings of Delta Sig, as well as to interact with the National Fraternity and one another.

Brothers of all ages had great takeaways from Convention 2015. From guest speakers to awards and more, attending a Delta Sig Convention is a cant miss event.

Join the Conversation! Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/DeltaSigmaPhiHQ, follow us on Instagram @DeltaSigmaPhi and and follow us on Twitter @DeltaSigmaPhiHQ for your chance to have your name appear in this section.

MIKE TOMASELLO, PURDUE UNIVERSITY 95

Loved speaking in New Orleans Delta Sigma Phi National Convention.

Police escort & marching band closed streets!

Tech Talk

DAVID EVANS, UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT MONROE 12 Want to give a huge thank you to Delta Sigma Phi for allowing the Zeta Pi and Beta Kappa chapters the

opportunity to co-host this past Biannual Convention

that just finished. While I had an amazing time

and learned a ton of crucial facts about the

fraternity while enjoying the brotherhood

in NOLA, nothing beats being

home in your own bed.

ALEXANDER RILEY, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE 12 To me, this photo really captivates the mixing of the two biggest influences of my life. Im always

proud to wear the green and white when the bell

rings. The melding of these two worlds helps

improve my leadership and communication

skills on a constant basis.

BLAKE PEDERSON,

PURDUE 10 [Patrick Jessees Convention

speech was] one of the most powerful and rooting speeches

Ive heard from one of our own. And that was even after hearing a handful

of brilliant deliveries from Scott Wiley in my recent undergraduate days. Took me completely out of

the work I was buried in at the office.

5FALL 2015

Do you have an item to submit for Pause for Applause or the Delta Sig Library? Please email us at [email protected].

ALUMNI Robert Bacik, Grand Valley State University 99, was ordained as a priest

by the Catholic Church. Ralph Cindrich, University of Pittsburgh 68, published his memoir,

NFL Brawler: A Player-Turned-Agents Forty Years in the Bloody Trenches of the National Football League, in August 2015.

David Hahn, The University of California, Davis 99, was named President and Chief Product Officer at GoFundMe.

Mike Hoffman, Arizona State University 85, was announced as the chairman of the National Order of the Arrow Committee for the Boy Scouts starting in June 2016.

Larry Mace Mason, Morningside College 70, is the mens and womens tennis coach at Morningside and recently had tennis courts on campus named for him: Mason Family Tennis Complex.

Aaron Payment, Lake Superior State University 86, received a prestigious 2015 National TRIO Achievers Award, which honoring individuals of distinction who, as students, made the most of their TRIO participation.

Michael Rother, University of Missouri 71, was named Business Devel-opment and Sales Manager of Scheck Industries (www.goscheck.com), a national, full-service industrial piping, mechanical, boiler and process controls construction contractor.

Randall Watson, Kansas State University 78, was named the Kansas Commissioner of Education.

UNDERGRADUATES Hunter Post, Kansas State University 13, was selected as a K-State

Alumni Association Student Ambassador.

CHAPTERS Beta Mu at Transylvania University, took 37 children from Big

Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass with them to a Taylor Swift concert in Lexington, Kentucky, on Oct. 22. Swift had given the chapter tickets for each brother and a guest following its viral lip-dub video of her song, Shake it Off.

Eta Omicron at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, garnered media attention for helping alumnus Luke Henning, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 97, after he lost his house in a fire. Henning did not personally know any of the undergraduates, but after hearing of the fire, the chapter decided to help.

DELTA SIGMA PHI LIBRARY

Pause for Applause

AUTHOR Bryan Oliver, California State

University, Fullerton 90

TITLE Habits: Create What You Need To Succeed In Life

WHERE TO BUY Amazon

ABOUT THE BOOK Habits: Create What You Need to Success In Life is the first in a series of books by Bryan Oliver. Originally, the book was to be called FLIGHT, an acronym that stands for Focus, Leadership, Intentional, Goals, Habits and Thoughts. However, once into the writing process, Oliver decided it was best to create a series of short reads on each of the topics. Because good habits are at the core of creating success, he lead with H, the fifth letter in the acronym. These books are very short, quick reads. Its not going to be an in-depth study, but will give [readers] practical points they can take with them without getting into a information-heavy text book, Oliver said. Olivers Flight4Success movement also builds a community at www.flight4success.com, where users can find blog posts and other resources on each piece of the FLIGHT acronym.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bryan Oliver is an alumnus of Zeta Epsilon Chapter at California State University, Fullerton. After finishing his degree from University of Phoenix, he began his career in the technical arena before moving into project management roles. He is now a strategic lead for a Dallas-based consulting firm where he trains other managers and consultants on how to become better leaders. In his personal time, he started Flight4Success and is self-publishing each of the books in the series.


Delta Sigs in the Military

J FIRST LEUITENANT (PROMOTABLE)* JOSHUA ST. JOHN SELLERS, UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY 08FIRES DIRECTION SECTION OFFICER, FORT BLISS, TEXAS, U.S. ARMY

Tell us about your military responsibilities as a Fires Direction Section Officer.I am an Air Defense Officer assigned to the Patriot Missile System. I am the lead tactical expert for over 550 soldiers. I am the Tactical Director in charge of several Patriot Radar systems and dozens of launching stations and interceptors. I coordinate Tactical Ballistic Missile defense of multiple military and civilian assets against threats like Iran and North Korea. I create defense plans and training plans, and coordinate efforts with the Navy and Air Force. I recently returned back from

a deployment to the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) in the Persian Gulf.

Why did you enlist? I joined the armed services after a church mission to continue serving and protecting not only the United States, but also those who cannot protect themselves.

Why do you continue to serve?I enjoy what I do. We provide a vital defense in many locations, and its rewarding to know I am a part of that.

What has been the biggest lesson youve learned because of your service?The biggest lesson I have learned is no matter how smart or proficient you are at your job, you are always better with a team. While you can do things yourself, you and your teammates will grow and develop as leaders if you delegate and work together.

How does your membership in Delta Sig affect your role in the armed forces or how do they relate?The lessons I learned as a Chapter President and the leadership experiences I had set me up for success. Many of my peers did not have the opportunity and needed to develop and practice the leadership policies learned in a classroom. In contrast, I knew what worked and didnt and immediately went to work, opening opportunities for special assignments. I have met many Delta Sigs and other fraternity men, and it has provided me with opportunities as they know what values I stand for. The armed services and Delta Sigma Phi have many commonalities in vison to prepare and be better men.

At the time of interview, First Lieutenant St. John Sellers was promotable, which means he had been selected to become a Captain with a pin-on date in January 2016.

For years, this publication tracked our brothers who either volunteered or were drafted into military service. As a National Fraternity, we take tremendous pride in the work our brothers do for the world and would like to extend a special thanks

to those who fought for their country. In each issue we will continue to highlight brothers who have served. Tell us your story or provide the name of a brother or brothers who have served by emailing us at [email protected].

Sellers with his wife, Bryte, when he returned home from duty in fall 2015.

7FALL 2015

J LIEUTENANT COLONEL ERIC P. GALLUN, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND 90MILITARY JUDGE

Tell us about your role as a judge. Military judges perform duties similar to those of a U.S. Federal District Court Judge. I preside over courts-martial and conduct evidentiary hearings and, in trials without members (juries), I determine the guilt or innocence of the accused and adjudicate a sentence. As a Reserve Judge assigned to the 2d Judicial Circuit of the Army, I travel from my home in Maryland to preside over courts-martial in the southeastern U.S. Most of my cases take place in Georgia and North Carolina.

What is the process for becoming a judge with the military?Military judges are selected by The Judge Advocate General of the Army (the Armys top lawyer) with recommendations from the Chief Trial Judge of the Army and the Commander of the Reserve Military Judges unit. Officers recommended for military judge assignments generally have extensive experience in military justice. What made you decide on this career path?Since graduation from law school, Ive worked almost exclusively in the field of criminal law. I began my career as a Public Defender in Baltimore, then worked as a local prosecutor in Washington D.C., and then as a federal prosecutor in D.C. During my career, Ive tended to embrace a judicial perspective, meaning that Ive always tried to analyze legal issues and case facts from the viewpoint of the trial judge. I joined the Army Reserve in 1998 and have served in many different roles during my military career, including trial counsel (prosecutor), defense counsel and legal assistance attorney. Ive appeared before many great and some not-so-great judges, and Im honored and humbled to be able to carry on the traditions of the great ones. Plus, I think I look really good in a robe.

What do you like most about your job?There is almost nothing I dont like about serving as a trial judge. I enjoy wrestling with novel and complex legal issues, as well as the more routine questions. I enjoy interacting with civilian and military counsel. I love being back in the courtroom and observing exceptional advocacy on both sides. I most enjoy serving as a guardian of a process that strives to be fair to everyone involved.

What has been the biggest lesson youve learned because of your service?Always pack an extra belt.

How does your membership in Delta Sig affect your role in the armed forces or how do they relate?Delta Sigma Phi set me on a path to a successful career in the law. Ive been attracted to organizations that identify and develop young talent. Being a part of Delta Sigma Phi at Maryland provided me with real leadership opportunities. Ive been impressed with Delta Sigma Phis recent efforts at teaching brothers how to be better men and strong leaders. Similarly, the Army JAG Corps provides opportunities for immediate responsibility for its newest lawyers. The JAG Corps is an excellent place for young lawyers to gain experience and to cultivate the essential qualities of a dynamic leader. To that end, I see myself as a teaching judge, and I take the time to mentor counsel in the art of trial advocacy. Both Delta Sigma Phi and the Army JAG Corps symbolize core values: selfless service, honor and integrity.

For years, this publication tracked our brothers who either volunteered or were drafted into military service. As a National Fraternity, we take tremendous pride in the work our brothers do for the world and would like to extend a special thanks

to those who fought for their country. In each issue we will continue to highlight brothers who have served. Tell us your story or provide the name of a brother or brothers who have served by emailing us at [email protected].

Gallun (right) with his father MSG (Ret.) Gerald Gallun.


Charterings

BY LOGAN HUNTER, INDIANA UNIVERSITY 14

M embers of the Delta Sigma Phi Iota Psi Chapter at Indiana University joined one another to establish a chapter that would rev- olutionize the way fraternity/sorority life at the university operates and is accepted under public opinion. In the chapters short history, it has begun to accomplish just that. In fall 2013, Delta Sigs new chapter development efforts began as Headquarters staff members David Kuczmanski, Indiana University South Bend 10, and Kenny Traber, Georgia College 09, led member recruitment efforts and other staff secured alumni advisors for the new chapter. By the end of that academic year, the chapter had more than 50 members. Indiana University, known for its deep culture and diverse student pop-ulation, enabled the new chapter to envelop the culture and build a multi-lateral approach to building its member

base. In its first year, the new chapter was led by Chapter President, Brady Bair, 13. He and the rest of the first executive board laid the groundwork for the future success of the chapter, standardizing operations and planning events that made a positive impression on the campus community. The first executive board consisted of Bair, Evan Chang (Vice President), Matt Reisdorf (Secretary), John Mathias (Vice President of Recruitment), Dillon Salge (Sergeant at Arms), Zach Huston (New Member Educator), Stuart Jackson (second semester Secretary), Jake Roberts (Vice President Member Development), and Zach Bowman (second semester VPMD). Admittedly for the chapter, initial chapter-led recruitment efforts were rough, but through perseverance and determination, it was able to maintain a high standard of membership while also improving recruitment efforts. Once recruitment was completed, the new chapter met in the business school for regular meetings.

As with any new chapter, the men at IU did experience setbacks, but they were swiftly combatted with a strong push from the executive board and members to obtain transparency and collaboration. The executive board began to host office hours once a week where members could discuss issues and work through friction points. Not all problems could be fixed, but with time and determination, compromise was found. Then, on Jan. 31, 2015, Iota Psi Chapter was granted its charter, making it one of the fastest chapters to be chartered in recent Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity history. The chartering banquet for the chapter of more than 60 men was held at IUs Memorial Union. Family, friends and university administratorsincluding Steve Veldkamp, IU Assistant Dean of Students and Directorwere in attendance for the event. Delta Sigma Phi Grand Councilmen Jim Knoll and John Knowles, Chapter Advisor Josh Edge, and Risk and Education Advisor Luke Baker were

Iota Psi CHAPTER

9FALL 2015

also on hand to celebrate the occasion. During his address at the banquet, then Chapter President Matt Sparling, 13, had this to say of the chapter and his experience. I always knew I wanted to join a fraternity. Coming from a football background, I was looking for that communal sense of brotherhood as I transitioned to IU. However, I wanted it to be the right experience, something that challenged me to be a gentleman and to push myself to grow so that I could better serve the community around me. This is one of the main reasons that Delta Sig stuck out to me. They not only preached a Better Men. Better Lives. lifestyle, they seemed to live it. They provided a balanced take on the traditional fraternity lifestyle, giving you ample time to excel in both the classroom and in leadership positions within the organization. In addition, the opportunity to be a Founding Father provided the unique chance to leave my mark on the Indiana University campus while

also helping to create an organization from the ground up that challenged the ideal Greek lifestyle and worked to make the Greek community a better place. Ultimately, what has kept me in Delta Sig besides the values and the mission, has been the brothers. It would be an understatement to say that we have a wide range of brothers with diverse backgrounds and diverse perspectives on the world. They are young men who push themselves day in and day out to grow individually and give back to the community around them. I have so much admiration for the way that they represent what it truly means to be a Delta Sig, and how they go above and beyond to help out their fellow brothers when needed. In my opinion, they not only fit the mold to a tee of what a Delta Sig is, they redefine what it means to have character as a young adult on a college campus. Their passion, their commitment and their willingness to be challenged are what inspires me everyday to better serve them and the community around me. The infancy of the chapter has not deterred the men of Iota Psi from aspiring to fulfill its fraternal values and become one of the Fraternitys strongest chapters. In the short time of the chapter, it has accomplished

the following, setting a standard of excellence on the IU campus.

Second highest GPA (3.39 in spring 2015) out of 34 IFC fraternities Delta Sig Snowball Philanthropy More than $4,000 raised for the Red Cross Conversations on Race with Alpha Omicron Pi and Alpha Phi Alpha Sexual assault prevention discussion with Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Theta Nu Xi 100 percent of chapter becoming certified in Bystander Intervention Best Values Integrated Chapter (2015 Greek Awards) Best Cross Council Collaboration (2015 Greek Awards) Member serving on the Greek IFC board as Vice President Member Development Yearly brotherhood Olympics and Brotherhood Retreat Yearly professional development clinic with advisor Dave Harrison

Through its accomplishments, it is clear Iota Psi Chapter encompasses the ideas of Courage, Action and Excellence in everything it does and serves as an example of what hard work and alignment of values can do for the betterment of brothers and those they impact every day.


Charterings

The redevelopment of Zeta Pi Chapter at the University of Louisiana at Monroe is a shining example of passion. From the early 2000s to 2010, Zeta Pi Chapter had been struggling with membership, academic performance was declining, and the member experience was suffering. At this time, a group of Zeta Pi alumni who wanted to see the chapter flourish once more, collaborated with the National Fraternity to make the difficult decision to redevelop Zeta Pi Chapter. While never an easy decision to make, this redevelopment decision also meant that the chapter would be dormant for a short time until plans were put into place. Then, in 2011, Headquarters staff members Kevin Parks, Georgia College 07, Vincent Woods, East Carolina University 06, and Amber Shaverdi Huston began working with the alumni to identify potential new

members, recruit and train the Founding Fathers. Admittedly for staff, Zeta Pis redevelopment was a challenging recruitment experience at the start. During the recruitment process, staff will meet with numerous other student organizations to cultivate a list of potential members. However, at ULM, this strategy didnt yield a high number of referrals. The campus IFC, while not hostile, was also not overly welcoming of Parks and Woods efforts, and previous perceptions of Delta Sigma Phi created fewer open-ings than staff had typically found during other recent developments. Staff recruited an initial group of 21 men, with that number decreasing to 14 leading up to initiation. Because of these setbacks, it would have been natural for the Zeta Pi alumni to feel defeated or for the new members of the chapter to become discouraged; however the

exact opposite occurred. The new members were excited and eager to learn about their chapters history, engage with the alumni, and truly create an atypical Fraternity experi-ence at ULM. In my four and half years as a staff member, I have yet to experience another group of men demonstrate the same level of energy and zeal in their attempts to recruit high quality men, said Huston, now the Fraternitys Chief Operations Officer. Working with the Zeta Pi Founding Fathers taught me a great deal about the character of young men; members who truly aspire to be different, unique and proud. Zeta Pis success was largely due to the passion and drive from chapter alumni. A group of men, lead by Mark Neal, 90, and Dan Thibodeaux, 83, assisted with recruitment by helping the Founding Fathers plan for IFC formal recruitment, training the members in proper conversation

Zeta Pi CHAPTER

11FALL 2015

skills, and even meeting with potential members one-on-one. The alumni were present in every aspect of the rebuilding process. They attended informational sessions led by staff to help reinforce the message of lifelong membership; and as each new mem-ber class has joined the new chapter, alumni were present to welcome the new members, provide guidance, and ultimately give the members a place to live. They served as an invaluable resource to Headquarters staff member Albert Kotchish, James Madison University 10, who supp- orted the chapter following its initial recruitment. Dan and Mark worked relentlessly to ensure that the new chapter was filled with men of high character, Huston said. In addition to the significant support and guidance being given as advisors, the alumni were also fundraising in the background to build a new chapter house.

Since its redevelopment, each semester, the men of Zeta Pi have worked to steadily increase chapter membership, academic performance and campus honors. The men truly used each academic term as a stepping-stone. Today, Zeta Pi Chapter is incredibly competitive on campus and continually yields the highest Fraternity GPA on campus. It has aligned itself with civic-based campus organizations to make a lasting impact at ULM. 2014 and 2015 served as a highlight for this Louisiana chapter. During the course of the year, Zeta Pi celebrated the 30th anniversary of its initial founding date, the dedi- cation of a new chapter house, and the chapters re-installation, which was held at the newly constructed Zeta Pi pyramid on April 25, 2015. Alumni representing five decades of membership joined the chapter for the reinstallation Ritual and celebra-

tion. In addition to the Zeta Pi alumni, ULM President Nick Bruno was on hand to acknowledge the chapters tremendous success and quality of membership. He also accepted the formal invitation to join Delta Sigma Phi as an alumni initiate. Following the Ritual reinstallation, the chapter hosted the Carnation Ball and Chartering Dinner at the Monroe City Civic Center. Grand Council Director John Knowles and Executive Director Patrick Jessee represented the national Fraternity along with Woods and Kotchish. I feel confident in saying we all learned a great deal from the redevelopment of Zeta Pi, Huston said. We learned that a small group of men can truly make a difference; that the power and passion of alumni are the keys to Delta Sigma Phis success; and through a shared vision, an atypical Fraternity can thrive.


Charterings

BY QUINN MCNIERNEY, UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO 11

Everyone knows things are always bigger in Texas. Many Texans would argue that everything is better in Texas, too. That includes Delta Sigma Phi pride. The Theta Upsilon chapter at Texas A&M University was originally chartered in 2001 with great success until declining membership numbers left that charter suspended for the fall 2013 semester. However, in the true Texan spirit, there was no quit to be found in the Aggies. Just a semester later, Delta Sigma Phi was back on campus, ready to succeed with a renewed spirit. In 2013, Delta Sigma Phi Headquarters staff members Ross Klein, Georgia College 09, and Kenny Traber, Georgia College 09, were dispatched to College Station, Texas, to bring back Theta Upsilon Chapter. During this process Klein and Traber reached out to established sororities on campus to figure out what the ladies of Texas A&M thought were

the most important qualities for a gentleman to have. After asking the ladies for any references, Klein and Traber set out in search of the highest caliber of men to fill the ranks. The purpose of bringing Delta Sigma Phi back to the Texas A&M campus was, as current Chapter President Micah Robles, 13, put it, Was to build a fraternity of men who wished to abolish the idea of a stereotypical frat. By early April, Klein and Traber had taken the Founding Fathers of Theta Upsilon through Delta Sigs beloved and sacred Initiation Service in Rudder Tower on campus. Theta Upsilon quickly made itself at home while simultaneously standing out at Texas A&M. The first Chapter President, Brett Worrell, 13, guided the chapters efforts toward community service and philanthropy, a direction that would be continued by the subsequent president, Mitch Powell, 13, With both feet, the chapter jumped into fundraisers and philanthropies including Chi Omegas Songfest, benefitting The American

Red Cross, as well as teaming up with Alpha Zeta Chi (a social service sisterhood) to start their own program called Paws for the Cause. Paws for the Cause brings adoptable pets to the Texas A&M campus to raise money and awareness for the Aggieland Humane Society. Theta Upsilon has maintained a focus on community service and philanthropy since its redevelopment. The chapters re-chartering banquet was held May 2, 2015 at the La Salle Hotel in downtown Bryan, Texas, about 12 miles from the heart of campus. Representing the National Fraternity were special guests Grand Council President Tom Cycyota, Director of Chapter Advancement Amber Shaverdi Huston, Klein and Traber. Also in attendance was Cameron Morrison, Chapter Advancement Specialist for Greek Life at Texas A&M, as well as Evan Harmon, the campus IFC president. Mr. Cycyota gave an empowering speech to the members and their guests before presenting the charter National Headquarters also presented

Theta Upsilon CHAPTER

13FALL 2015

the chapter with an official gavel and ritual equipment, Robles recounts. The path of a newly chartered or re-chartered chapter is full of obstacles and challenges, and Theta Upsilon is no exception. According to Robles, one of the chapters biggest challenges has been integrating its recruitment goals with the universitys recruitment policy. Using his Army ROTC experience, Robles also helped to revamp the chapters communication structure and enhance operations across the board. While there are never any assurances relating to the survival of a chapter, the true measure of its success is determined by how the men meet the challenges with which they are presented. Since its redevelopment, the founders and current members of Theta Upsilon Chapter have and will continue to uphold Delta Sigma Phis values and beliefs through their commitment to community service, involvement and, in true Texas fashion, steadfast belief that they are members of the greatest fraternity in America.


Fraternity Growth

Recently Chartered ( )Iota Lambda, Appalachian State University, August 22, 2015*Beta Iota, Wittenberg University, September 26, 2015*

*Full chartering article to appear in the Spring 2016 issue of The Carnation

Current Fraternity Growth Projects ( )Those with a Greek-letter designation signify a recolonization.

Established Spring 2013 The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Established Fall 2013 Alpha Nu Oglethorpe University

Established Spring 2014 Beta Alpha Iowa State University Bradley University

Established Fall 2014 Omega University of Pittsburgh Alpha Theta University of Michigan Eta Chi New Mexico State University

University of South Carolina Aiken

Established Spring 2015 Zeta Nu Missouri State University Eta Upsilon Indiana State University Theta Sigma LaSalle University State University of New York Plattsburgh

Kennesaw State University

Fall 2015 Florida International University Eta Eta Rochester Institute of Technology

Eta Rho The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

George Washington University

Spring 2016 Methodist University University of California, Irvine Theta Eta Texas State University

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Chapter ClosuresGamma Sigma Chapter California, DavisIn early August 2016, the Grand Council voted to revoke the charter and close Gamma Sigma Chapter at The University of California, Davis. In 2014 and 2015, a series of incidents highlighted behavior inconsistent with the high standards Delta Sigma Phi demands.

Specifically, the chapter violated the Fraternitys Risk Management and Alcohol-Free Housing policies by hosting multiple social events at the chapter house, where minors reportedly were permitted to consume alcohol. Gamma Sigma Chapter was placed on conditional registration with UC Davis and still failed to adhere to laws regarding the underage consumption of alcohol. In May 2015, the chapter hosted a social event with alcohol that resulted in reports of assault and two underage guests needing medical treatment for their consumption of alcohol. In its investigation, the university found not only egregious policy violations in the 2014-2015 academic year, but also frequent violations dating back to 2011. In its findings, UC Davis noted that the chapter demonstrated an inability to comply with university expectations and to provide a safe environment for both chapter members as well as other members of the University community. Despite the chapters strengths, poor decision-making and repeated disregard for the universitys policies on alcohol use ultimately led to an indefinite loss of campus recognitionprompting the Grand Councils decision to close the chapter.

FraternityGrowth

15FALL 2015

Pyramid Program

As a National Fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi is stronger than the sum of its parts. On the Fraternitys quest to become Americas Leading Fraternity, the success of each of its undergraduate chapters is vital to the fulfillment of that goal. To better measure that success, in fall 2015, the Pyramid Program was launched as an update to Delta Sigs annual chapter accreditation assessment. Designed to incorporate suggestions taken from students, staff, volunteers, and professionals working with fraternities and sororities, the Pyramid Program streamlines the collection and organization of chapter data in a manner that will enable more relevant coaching for all chapters of Delta Sig. The new assess-ment module is designed as a pyramid with the most foundational elements in the base. Those com-ponents in the Membership and Fraternal Standards sections signify base elements for a chapters operational success. In the middlethe Vision & Impact section base operations are expanded upon and help develop chapters for continued structure and support, as well as campus and community involvement. The top section, Elevation, offers suggestions for tailored chapter and member development programming. In total, the sections contain 20 components. Chapters that come closest to completing 20 components will be considered for a Pyramid of Excellence, the Fraternitys top honor for an undergraduate chapter.

By assessing our chapters with the Pyramid Program, Fraternity staff will be better able to assist individual chapters in the areas where progress is needed, said Director of Fraternity Growth & Services Nik Koulogeorge. Our Chapter Support and New Chapter Support Specialists will focus their work from the base of the pyramid to the top, ensuring each chapter works off of a solid foundation, is a solid contributor to the community and has a solid support system for its members. Unlike previous Fraternity accreditation assessment models, Headquarters staff will collect much of the chapters informa-tion during their chapter visits. This will help ensure chapters receive credit for all of the things they are doing, not just what is reported. Submission forms will collect all other infor-mation and items

that may have occurred after the staff members visit. Since Delta Sigma Phis Vision 2025 launched in 2005, the Fraternitys assessment model has gradually adjusted to the metrics laid out in the plan. The Pyramid Program continues that trend and offers new ways to simplify and personalize how chapters are assessed and coached. In the coming years, components may be adjusted, added or replaced. The Pyramid Program will grow and adapt to fit new expectations for an ever growing Fraternity. Resources further detailing the Pyramid Program can be found on www.deltasig.org and within The LAMP. There, you can find a webinar recording explaining the program and PDFs on each of its components.

PYRAMID PROGRAM enhances Delta Sigs chapter assessment

By assessing our chapters with the Pyramid Program, [we] will be better able to assist individual chapters in the areas where progress is needed. Our specialists will focus their work from the base of the pyramid to the top, ensuring each chapter works off of a solid foundation,

is a solid contributor to the community and has a solid support system for its members. Director of Fraternity Growth & Services Nik Koulogeorge

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Chapter Report Card

17FALL 2015


Chapter Report Card

CHAPTER REPORT CARD

B Columbia 3.54 YES 3% 95% 40.58E Penn State 3.19 YES -1% 100% 26.77H Texas - - -14% 64% 36K Auburn - - 26% 84% -Hilgard Berkeley 3.04 YES -7% 100% 27.6

R NC State 3.025 YES 2% 100% 30S Thiel 3.12 YES -26% 92% 43.7T Hillsdale 3 YES -17% 100% 26.17U Franklin & Marshall 3 YES -40% 100% -W Pittsburgh 3.03 YES N/A - 17.43AA Illinois 2.42 - -7% 45% 16.9AG Georgia Tech 3.16 YES -6% 64% 13.6AD North Carolina 3.1 YES -27% 92% 27.9AE Duke 3.37 YES 18% 100% -AH Ohio Northern - - 4% 91% 33.7AQ Michigan 3.28 YES N/A - 19.8AI Ohio State 3.32 YES 5% 96% 27.47AL Millikin 3.14 YES 5% 87% -AM Virginia 3.3 YES 17% 95% 32AN Oglethorpe 2.52 - 186% 93% 30AP Michigan State 2.95 - 0% 96% 21.5AS Maryland 3.18 YES 3% 100% 30AT Albion 3.18 YES -2% 84% 22.6AU Kansas State 3.23 YES 3% 100% -AC Stetson 3.05 YES 10% 100% 63.8BA Iowa State S&T 2.95 YES 31% 100% -BB Missouri - - -1% 86% -BG UCLA - - 25% 100% -BI Wittenberg 2.7 - -14% 100% 3BK Alabama - -1% 71% 36.58BM Transylvania 3.39 YES -5% 77% 34.9BN CSU, Fresno - - -4% 85% 16.6BP Michigan Tech 2.75 YES -32% 100% 12.6BY Arizona State 3.17 YES 13% 79% 25.9GE San Jos State - - 13% 88% 29.3GZ Rutgers - - 23% 91% 16.3GI Idaho - - 43% 163% 31.9GX North Texas - - 42% 87% -GT Eastern Michigan 2.76 YES 5% 89% 34.9GU SD School of Mines - - 5% 106% 7GR Gannon University - - 28% 100% 44.9GC Drexel University 3.05 YES -7% 100% 22.2DD Purdue 2.76 - 8% 100% -DE Missouri S&T 3.27 YES 15% 93% 13.18DL Utah State 2.96 - -10% 63% 24.08DM Loyola Marymount 3.29 YES 7% 100% 50DO Western Carolina 2.7 YES 39% 88% 8.8DW Cleveland State 2.76 - 18% 92% 19.63EB Wisc-Oshkosh - - 24% 82% 45ED Wisc-Platteville - - 54% 85% 40EI Wisc-La Crosse 2.98 YES 7% 80% 45.5EK Loyola - Chicago 3.15 YES 7% 90% 13.18

Michigan State

Maryland

Albion

Kansas State

Stetson

Missouri

UCLA

Alabama

Transylvania

Fresno State

Michigan Tech

Western Michigan

San Jose State

Rutgers

Idaho

North Texas

Eastern Michigan

2.82

3.19

3.31

3.26

3.09

2.84

3.20

3.14

3.39

2.20

2.61

2.80

2.98

2.77

3.09

2.86

3.19

2.89

3.05

2.91

2.85

2.94

2.67

88

59

58

83

67

122

28

91

85

44

32

35

103

29

53

32

43

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

18

19

26

50

15

32

22

33

28

1,522

872

2,236

1,518

540

240

2,000

702

67

370

492

AP

AS

AT

AU

AC

BB

BG

BK

BM

BN

BP

BT

GE

GZ

GI

GX

GT

GP

GS

GU

GR

GC

GY

DD

DE

DZ

DL

DO

DW

EB

ED

EZ

EI

EK

CHAPTER REPORT CARD CHAPTER ALL-CAMPUS CHAPTER ACCREDITATION CAMPUS TOTAL SERVICE ADVISING/CHAPTER UNIVERSITY GPA GPA MEMBERS CRITERIA LEADERSHIP* HOURS ACBCHAPTER SCHOOL CHAPTER ALL-CAMPUS GROWTH RETENTION SERVICE GPA AVERAGE % % HOURS/MEM

19FALL 2015

EL NW Missouri 2.77 YES -17% 113% -EP Woodbury 3.07 YES -11% 75% 22.8ER Cal Poly, SLO - - 42% 98% 22.35ET Grand Valley State 2.93 - -10% 96% 68.45EF East Carolina 2.78 - 34% 125% 23.6ZZ Texas Tech - - 6% 73% 25.6ZK Northern Colorado 2.42 - -30% 100% -ZL Rose-Hulman 3.08 YES -3% 81% 22.5ZN Missouri State 2.91 - N/A - -ZX St. Cloud State 2.89 YES -9% 100% 47ZP ULM - - 6% 75% 59.95ZU Eureka 3.14 YES -15% 100% 37ZC UAB 2.83 - 11% 100% 9.4ZW UNC - Wilmington 3.16 YES 18% 89% -HA MSOE - - 10% 90% 47.6HB CSU, San Bernardino 2.91 - 27% 79% -HK Michigan, Dearborn 2.41 - 34% 70% 11.6HX Towson 2.65 YES 36% 100% 7.86HO Wisc-Eau Claire - - 41% 100% -HU Indiana State 3.03 YES N/A - -HC New Mexico State - - N/A - -HY Gallaudet - - 67% 96% 5.54HW Johnson & Wales - - -5% 180% 25.33QG SUNY-StonyBrook - - 0% 400% -QE Wingate 2.85 YES -25% 100% 17.8QQ Hartford - - 38% 100% -QK SUNY-Oswego - - -15% 100% 23QL Dickinson 3.05 YES 2% 107% -QM Kentucky 3.18 YES 3% 100% 22.4QR Oregon - - 6% 85% -KD Virginia Tech 3.2 YES -4% 92% 7.2QS LaSalle - - N/A - -QU Texas A&M - - -8% 100% 16.5QC UGA 3.44 YES 13% 100% -QY Shorter 3.25 YES -18% 94% -QW Georgia Southern 2.78 - -17% 100% 14.9IA Georgia College 3.14 YES -13% 96% 20.87IB Binghamton - - 33% 100% -IG IU-South Bend - - 25% 67% 72.2ID James Madison - - -9% 94% 31.3IE UCF 2.97 - 0% 83% 28IZ Miami 3.03 YES -1% 89% 9.7IH IUPUI - - 25% 78% 25IQ Boise State 3.05 YES 51% 95% -II Case Western Reserve 3.47 YES 36% 164% 9.6IK Utah 3.01 YES 14% 100% 30IY IU Bloomington - - 22% 67% 28.2App State Appalachian State 2.77 - 31% 73% 24.59

North Carolina Greensboro - - 31% 89% -

Bradley University 3.19 YES 6% 100% 54

Kennesaw State University 3.14 - N/A - -

CHAPTER SCHOOL CHAPTER ALL-CAMPUS GROWTH RETENTION SERVICE GPA AVERAGE % % HOURS/MEM

The information provided was reported as a part of the Fraternitys 2015 accreditation assessment. A - denotes that the information was either not submitted, unavailable or the chapter did not meet the criteria. For the 2015-2016 academic year, Headquarters Staff will collect as much of this data as possible during our chapter visits to provide an even better snapshot of all chapters work throughout the year.


Undergraduate Profile

Designinga successful futurea successful future

Applicants for the Raymond Waites Design Competition had two months to complete

their project and submit their

materials. Joseph Danielsen,

Iowa State University 14,

only needed two weekstwo

weeks to win the competition.

While the interior design competition opened in early April, it wasnt until mid-

May that the ISU student received an email with competition details from the schools internship coordinator. Out of school for the summer, Danielsen figured hed try his hand at the competition, if only to gain more experience and a new portfolio piece. Little did he know, the experience would be a major stepping stone in achieving his dreams of becom-ing a residential interior designer. The Raymond Waites Design Competition is hosted by the Inter-national Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) and geared

toward college students working toward a career in interior design. In this third and final competition in the series, applicants were tasked with designing a 2,500 square foot space that included an indoor, gourmet kitchen and luxury outdoor living space. The overall design had to include both modern and traditional elements, as well as an original outdoor piece of furniture. Custom renderings of the project, a fictional client profile, and a printed 11x17 paper portfolio were also required.

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21FALL 2015

Daunting to some, the requirements didnt bother Danielsen. I saw the requirements, and based on my experience and passion for residential life, I took immediate interest and started working right away. For the next two weeks, Danielsen worked day and nightsometimes through all hours of the dayto put together his submission. I remember staying up until 6 a.m. some nights, then going to bed, Danielsen said. Im very passionate about these sorts of projectsresi- dential interior projectsand I guess my determination made up for having to pull all-nighters and sit through [program] rendering time. I tried to set a timeframe so that I knew while some pieces were rendering in my computer programs, I could work on other things like the portfolio layout. When it was all said and done, Danielsen created a space that incor-porated French Provincial and English Neo-Palladian architecture and interior design, drawing inspiration from his education and home neighborhood out-side Chicago. The competition asked for three to six design renderings. Danielsen provided 12. It also called for one original outdoor piece of furniture. Danielsen created a couch, then an accompanying set of armchairs. And while he did use computer programs to do many of his renderings, for some, he opted to sub-mit his hand-drawn sketches so they had a more artistic quality to them. All of this done in two weeks. For wining the competition, Danielsen won a $5,000 cash prize and an expense-paid trip to the 2015 High Point International Home Furnishing Market, the nations largest furnishings industry trade show in October. On top of getting to attend the trade show, sit in on seminars and meet some of Americas top designers, Danielsens work was also honored during an award reception hosted by Raymond Waites himself, owner of a New York-based home and design shop. Winning this competition has given me exposure to these type events and

the ability to not only meet designers but get feedback on what they thought I did well and what kind of things I could improve on. The designers I met are the best in the field in terms of furniture design. I think this project is a very high-quality project that reflects my attention to detail as a designer and my knowledge of architectural and interi-or design styles. Danielsen plans to use the prize money to help fund his participation in a week-long interior design workshop in Parisperhaps his favorite citywhere he will meet with more designers; attend seminars in textiles, furniture, lighting and more; as well as tour archi-

tectural phenomenon he has studied for years. Based on the Raymond Waites Design Competition, its clear Danielsens future knows no limits. Even from a young age, with his aptitude for draft-ing and penchant of finding floor plans online just to recreate and design them, Danielsen has impressed his teachers and now others in the interior design industry. And no matter the project, whether for class or a prestigious design competition, Danielsen knows hes putting his energy in the right place. Every project I complete, it assures me I am in the right profession.

THE CARNAT ION | DELTAS IG .ORG22

Convention

23FALL 2015

W hen Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in August 2005, a group of Delta Sigs were determined to lend a hand. Led by then Undergraduate Grand Councilmanand current

Executive Director & CEOPatrick Jessee, undergraduates were spurred to action and became

the catalyst for the Fraternitys national partnership with the American Red Cross. While the

dangers of the aftermath prevented Delta Sigs from going to New Orleans, 10 years later, Delta

Sigma Phi celebrated its return to the city in grand fashion.

July 9-12, 2015 New Orleans, LA


CONVENTION

was A Celebration of Brotherhood, taking all of the host

citys charm to heart. With a second-line parade, jazz music,

Cajun food, friendship, recognition and a vision toward the

future, Delta Sig celebrated all the Fraternity has to offer.

Tradition: The city of New Orleans is known for its

tradition, and so is Delta Sig. Like any other Delta Sigma

Phi Convention, 2015s event played host to fabulous

Delta Sigma Phi traditions, including: Pilgrims Degree,

the Singing Pilgrims, Fraternity Ritual, the election of

Grand Council and the presentation of national awards.

Celebration: Every day is a new day to celebrate

in New Orleans; it doesnt have to be Mardi Gras. At

Convention 2015, the Fraternity was able to celebrate

the accomplishments of our members, chapters, National

Fraternity and Foundation in grand fashion. Thursday evenings

Welcome Reception featured traditional Mardi Gras Indians,

and Convention ended with a second-line parade from the

New Orleans Marriott (our host hotel) to the nearby House

of Blues, where brotherhood was celebrated with a private

concert from New Orleans band Big Sams Funky Nation.

Growth and Ingenuity: Since Hurricane Katrina, New

Orleans has become a source of inspiration and growth.

2015 not only marked the anniversary of our beginnings

with the Red Cross, it signaled the half-way point in the

Fraternitys strategic plan, Vision 2025. Convention gave

everyone the chance to reflect on the first 10 years

of that plan, as well as the Fraternitys trajectory for

the next 10. With the launch of The LAMP, our online

educational platform; the Transition Experience and

Mentoring Program to provide lifelong support to brothers;

and the Delta Sigma Phi Foundations own strategic plan,

Convention 2015 marked a turning point in Delta Sigma

Phi becoming Americas Leading Fraternity.

In the pages that follow, learn more about Convention

2015, the Fraternitys newest initiatives, and the men

and chapters we honored throughout the weekend. And

remember: in Delta Sigma Phi, every day is A Celebration of

Brotherhood.

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Convention

25FALL 2015

FRIDAY, JULY 10Fridays In Convention Assembled sessions saw the Convention delegation vote on amendments to the Delta Sigma Phi Ritual and Constitution & Bylaws. Changes included amending language to align with our long-established language of new member and new chapters. New chapters were also given Convention votes based on chapter size, like chartered chapters. During Fridays Foundation Lunch, Foundation President Mike Hoffman unveiled the Delta Sigma Phi Foundations strategic plan. (2) For the first time in its history, the Foundation now has a strategic plan that mirrors that of the Fraternity. Joe Bertolino, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 94, pres-ident of Lyndon State College, joined National President Tom Cycyota for a question-and- answer session (3) about current trends facing both the fraternal and higher education systems. The Delta Sigma Phi Foundation hosted a silent and live auction for

attendees at the National World War II Museum Friday night. The auction, casino games, food and museum exhibits in The Freedom Pavilion (1) provided a great setting to honor both the Foundation and American heroes. From an Apple Watch to vacation packages, the Foundations silent auction had something for everyone. Items were donated by Delta Sigma Phi members and friends, and in total, the silent and live auction raised $32,079 for the Foundation.

THURSDAY, JULY 9Traditional Mardi Gras Indians kicked off Convention with gusto during the Welcome Reception. The historic New Orleans fixtures entertained guests with live jazz music, singing and dancing. At the event, the Singing Pilgrims also serenaded the crowd during the Welcome Reception. As is tradition, this chorus of members held practices throughout the week for Convention first-timers, with the big performance happening during Saturday at the Awards Banquet.

THURSDAY, JULY 9Traditional Mardi Gras Indians kicked off Convention with gusto during the Welcome Reception. The historic New Orleans fixtures entertained guests with live jazz music, singing and dancing. At the event, the Singing Pilgrims also serenaded the crowd during the Welcome Reception. As is tradition, this chorus of members held practices throughout the week for Convention first-timers, with the big performance happening during Saturday at the Awards Banquet.

1

2

3


Convention

SATURDAY, JULY 11Brothers braved the warm weather to meet in New Orleans famous Jackson Square Saturday afternoon for the official Convention photograph. (1) A tradition at Convention, this photo was a not-to-miss event. To honor the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and Delta Sigma Phis partnership with the American Red Cross, nearly 50 Convention attendees partnered with the New Orleans Red Cross (2) and local fire department to install smoke detectors in New Orleans homes. Spouses and guests of Delta Sigs attending Convention were treated with special events throughout the weekend. For example, they took part in a painting event as well as a New Orleans cooking and cocktail-making demonstration. Its not A Celebration of Brotherhood without recognizing the accomplishments of Delta Sig members and chapters. The formal Awards Banquet Saturday recognized brothers (3) for their outstanding service and operations. For a complete list of award recipients from the week, see pages 28-30.

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1

2

3

FALL 2015 27

SUNDAY, JULY 12

Sunday morning, mem-bers and guests heard an empowering speech from the 2015 Career Achieve-ment Award recipient, John Walden, University of Illinois 79. Walden spoke of his career trajectory and how to be an impactful leader. Kyle Reynolds, Kansas State University 08, led the Bond Eternal Service Sunday morning. This service honors all Delta Sigs who have passed away and entered the Bond Eternal (3) since the previous Convention. Educational sessions (2) throughout Convention focused heavily on profes-sional development for both undergraduates and alumni. Topics ranged from personal branding, financial security, career transition, networking and mentoring. A highlight of each Convention is the election of Grand Council. The 2015-2017 Council includes (from left) Felix Navarro, John Knowles, Jim Knoll, Tom Archer (Secretary/Treasurer), Tom Cycyota (President), Jim Larson (Vice President), John Jenkins, Nicholas Sweetman and Chris Edmonds (Past President). (4) What better way to end A Celebration of Brotherhood than with a private concert at the New Orleans House of Blues? (1) Local jazz/funk band Big Sams Funky Nation rocked the house as Delta Sigs and guests spend one last evening together in The Big Easy.

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1

2

4

3


Recipients

Convention

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INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Mr. Delta Sig AwardLouis Ripberger, Purdue University 74

The Mr. Delta Sig Award is the highest award the Fraternity can present to an alumnus. This award recognizes an individual who has given extraordinary service to the Fraternity over a sustained period of time. This award was first given in 1969. Ripberger served on Grand Council for eight years, and as Grand Council President, he helped lead the development of our Alcohol- Free Housing Policyone of the most important policies in the Fraternitys history. He has also served as a Commissioner, District Governor and currently as an Alumni Corporation Board member for Delta Delta Chapter at Purdue University.

E. Allen James Outstanding Undergraduate Award 2015Greg Bokar, Case Western Reserve University 13

Honorable mentions: Felix Navarro, San Jose State University & Brian Speckhard, Utah State University

The highest award the Fraternity can present to an undergraduate member, the E. Allen James Outstanding Under- graduate Award is given annually to a brother who has contributed the most to his chapter and the Fraternity. The award is named for E. Allen James, North

Carolina State University 65, who served the Fraternity as Executive Director, member of the Grand Council and Delta Sigma Phi Foundation President. Bokar is a Founding Father of Iota Iota Chapter and served as the chapters first Vice President of Recruitment. He led the chapter to the largest new member class on campus and a 100 percent retention rate. As Chapter President, he guided the chapter to success at a record-setting pace and to receive its chapter just two years after development.

Harvey H. Hebert Memorial AwardCharlie Gilbert, Georgia Institute of Technology 59Michael Hoffman, Arizona State University 85Mark Kipp, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 80

The Harvey H. Hebert Awards are presented to alumni brothers who have performed an outstanding act for the good of the Fraternity or whose diligence persevering work have made them worthy of the award. The award was established in 1931 as a memorial to Harvey H. Hebert, an undergraduate who lost his life in a tragic automobile accident. It was the highest award an alumnus could receive until the Mr. Delta Sig Award was created in 1969. Gilbert has served as a member of the Alumni Corporation Board for Alpha Gamma Chapter at Georgia Institute of Technology for many yearsincluding as the ACB Presidentand was an 8-year member of the Foundation Board of Trustees. Hoffman has served Delta Sigma Phi as both Grand Council President and President of the Delta Sigma Phi

Foundation. In these roles, he was instrumental in the development of strategic plans for both entities and aligning their visions and goals. Kipp has volunteered with the Fraternity for more than 20 years. He has served as an ACB President, Deputy Commissioner, Regional Commissioner, National Commissioner (when that position existed) and member of numerous national committees.

Francis Pete Wacker Inter-fraternity AwardJim Ewbank, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity

This award for interfra-ternal service is presented to a member or nonmember who has made a signifi-cant contribution to the advancement of interfraternal cooperation or the improve-ment of his/her own fraternity, sorority or Greek world. The award is named for past Executive Director Francis Pete Wacker, Pennsylvania State University 33, who was well known in the interfraternal world having served as president of both the Fraternity Executives Association and the College Fraternity Editors Association (now the Fraternity Communications Association). An advocate for fraternities and sororities for decades, Ewbank has helped formulate law on fraternity liability and develop policy that has become standard in the Greek world. In 2008, he authored Delta Sigma Phis Membership Dispute Resolution program. In 2012, Ewbank again worked with Delta Sig and a small group of FRMT, Ltd. members to draft insurance policy language that creates greater protection and lower rates for members.

29FALL 2015

Russell T. Roebuck Outstanding National Volunteer AwardBarry Kalian, California State University, Sacramento 85

This award is presented to a national volunteer who has performed out-standing service in his volunteer efforts. It is named for Russell T. Roebuck, Barton College 58, who served the Fraternity as National President. Kalian has been a valued Fraternity volunteer for decades, proving that Delta Sigma Phi is forever. A frequent facilitator at Regional Leadership Academies and Leadership Institutes, Kalian is a beloved brother. As the Pacific Regional Commissioner from 2013-2015, he helped implement Collegiate Chapter Advisory Boards and changes to ACB structure. Then, in fall 2014, he joined the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation Board of Trustees.

Charles G. Bartell Outstanding Chapter Advisor AwardMarc West, Wittenberg University 84

This award recognizes a Chapter Advisor or Alumni Corporation Board member for exceptional service to undergraduate chapters. It is named for its first recipient, Charles G. Bartell, University of Idaho 54, who served as Chapter Advisor for his home chapter for three decades. West has provided exceptional service to Iota Iota Chapter at Case Western Reserve University by serving as its Chapter Advisor since its development, guiding the chapter and its officers. In his nomination, the chapter said: Marc fosters leadership, and is more responsible for our chapters success than anyone else.

Executive Directors AwardCody Dawson, Michigan State University 02

Given at the discretion of the Executive Director, this award gives special recognition to individuals for the work they do to advance the Fraternity and in committing to our values in an inspiring way. As the Alumni Corporation Board President for Alpha Pi Chapter at Michigan State University since 2012, he has helped grow the group to eight total officers and has inspired the undergraduate membership to reach impressive heights of community service. He also served as a valuable member of the Transition Experience Committee, developing that important alumni engagement initiative for the Fraternity.

Career Achievement AwardJohn Walden, University of Illinois 79

The Career Achievement Award honors Delta Sigs who have achieved outstanding success in their professions. Walden is the Chief Executive Officer of Home Retail Group, the United Kingdoms leading home and general merchandise retailer. Walden has previously served in the U.S. Army Reserves, as an attorney, and in the C-Suites for companies like Best Buy and Peapod.

Order of the SphinxThe Order of the Sphinx is given annually to undergraduates nominated by their chapter or national officer for outstanding contributions to their chapter, campus and the Fraternity.

Josh Adams, Shorter University 12Christopher Andris, Drexel University 12

Elliott Christopher Beach, Thiel College 12Adam Bechert, University of Alabama- Birmingham 12Brad Bertke, University of Alabama-Birmingham 11Steven Brady, University of Central Florida 12Matthew Chrostowski, SUNY Oswego 12Christopher Cottitta, Drexel University 13Sam Deary, Millikin University 12Ryan Denver, Western Carolina University 12Michael Doherty, Millikin University 12Nik Duffle, Millikin University 12Dominic Faust, University of Missouri 13David Fisher, University of Utah 12Alex Frey, University of Wisconsin- La Crosse 13Jos Garcia, University of Central Florida 11Anthony Ginella, Ohio Northern University 12Darrow Goff, Appalachian State University 13Fernando Gonzalez, Zeta Xi, St. Cloud State UniversityJacob Hall, Transylvania University 13Ryan Hanson, Transylvania University 13Nick Hinkle, Cleveland State University 13Michael Hwang, Rutgers University 12Kendal Kendrick, University of Wisconsin- Platteville 11Alec Khoury, Kansas State University 12Erjon Llaveshi, Rutgers University 13Barton Lynch, Transylvania University 13Benjamin Lyvers, Transylvania University 12Daniel Lyvers, Transylvania University 12Kyle Maisano, Texas Tech University 13Dakotah Martyn, St. Cloud State University 13Joshua McDowell, University of Louisiana at Monroe 12Kevin Moore, Transylvania University 13Cody Nagel, The Ohio State University 12Alex Offenbach, Purdue University 11Alex Ostendorf, Georgia College 13Zachary Pelczar, University of Maryland 13Hunter Post, Kansas State University 13Brice Prather, Shorter University 13Nick Ramsey, Kansas State University 13Beau Rath, University of Wisconsin- La Crosse 12Jay Raxter, Western Carolina University 13

Recipients

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THE CARNAT ION | DELTAS IG .ORG

Convention

30

Aaron Ridgeway, Drexel University 13Ben Riesmeyer, Loyola University Chicago 12Alexander Riley, University of Wisconsin- La Crosse 12Jason Rohner, University of Maryland 11Parker Ryle, University of Kentucky 11Patrick Savidge, University of California, Berkeley 13Eric Skipworth, University of Kentucky 13Eric Smith, University of Central Florida 13Levi Smith, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis 13Ethan Sutton, Albion College 14Dominic Tenette, Woodbury University 11Max Timm, Loyola University Chicago 12Cam Tober, Purdue University 12Chris Vernick, North Carolina State University 13Thomas Lightfood Vidal, Gamma Chi, Drexel UniversityAdam Weaver, University of Utah 14Arthur White, Kansas State University 12Noah White, Purdue University 11Chayce Wynn, Kansas State University 12

CHAPTER AWARDS

Pyramid of Excellence Award The highest award given to undergraduate chapters for excellence in all areas of operation.

Sigma, Thiel CollegeAlpha Iota, The Ohio State UniversityAlpha Sigma, University of MarylandAlpha Upsilon, Kansas State UniversityBeta Mu, Transylvania UniversityGamma Rho, Gannon UniversityTheta Mu, University of KentuckyTheta Psi, Shorter University

Chapter Distinction Award Iota Kappa, University of UtahDelta Epsilon, Missouri University of Science & TechnologyGamma Epsilon, San Jose State University

Grand Council AwardGiven at the discretion of the Grand Council, this award honors meritorious service to a chapter of the Fraternity.

Alpha Pi, Michigan State University Alumni Corporation Board

Robert R. Harris Recruitment AwardThis award recognizes chapters who have made an effort to Pay the Debt by bringing men better than themselves in the Fraternity. It is named for Robert R. Harris, Saint Louis University 88, who served his chapter as Rush Chairman and President, as well as the National Fraternity as Regional Leadership Director and Director of Expansion.

Epsilon Kappa, Loyola University ChicagoHonorable mentions: Alpha Iota, The Ohio State University & Iota Delta, James Madison University

Overall Chapter GrowthAlpha Nu, Oglethorpe University (186% growth)

Top Men InitiatedEpsilon Rho, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Blood, Sweat & CashFor outstanding philanthropic service to the American Red Cross.

Epsilon Tau, Grand Valley State UniversityHonorable mentions: Iota Delta, James Madison University & Theta Upsilon, Texas A&M University

Outstanding Community ServiceAlpha Chi, Stetson UniversityHonorable mentions: Alpha Upsilon, Kansas State University & Beta Kappa, University of Alabama

Outstanding PhilanthropyBeta Kappa, University of AlabamaHonorable mentions: Epsilon Rho, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo & Alpha Pi, Michigan State University

Strong Leaders AwardBeta Mu, Transylvania UniversityHonorable mentions: Eta Omicron, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire & Bradley University New Chapter

Academic SustainabilityPresented to chapters with a chapter GPA above 3.0 all semesters of biennium.

Beta, Columbia UniversityEpsilon, Pennsylvania State UniversityHilgard, University of California, BerkeleySigma, Thiel CollegeAlpha Delta, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillAlpha Epsilon, Duke UniversityAlpha Iota, The Ohio State UniversityAlpha Mu, University of VirginiaAlpha Sigma, Maryland UniversityAlpha Tau, Albion UniversityAlpha Upsilon, Kansas State UniversityBeta Mu, Transylvania UniversityBeta Psi, Arizona State UniversityDelta Epsilon, Missouri University of Science & TechnologyGamma Rho, Gannon UniversityGamma Chi, Drexel UniversityDelta Mu, Loyal Marymount UniversityEpsilon Kappa, Loyola University ChicagoEpsilon Pi, Woodbury UniversityZeta Lambda, Rose-Hulman Institute of TechnologyZeta Upsilon, Eureka CollegeTheta Lambda, Dickinson CollegeTheta Mu, University of KentuckyTheta Chi, University of GeorgiaIota Alpha, Georgia CollegeIota Iota, Case Western Reserve UniversityIota Psi, Indiana UniversityKappa Delta, Virginia Tech University

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31FALL 2015

60TH & BIENNIAL CONVENTIONJuly 6-9, 2017

Baltimore Marriott Waterfront

Thank you to our Convention

Sponsors!

Silver Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Official Audio/ Visual Team

Official Photographer


The LAMP

Imagine the scenarios. After a few years with his current employer, a Delta Sigma Phi alumnus has decided to look for a new job. His interview skills are rusty, and it has been awhile since hes had to negotiate a salary. Another Delta Sigthis one an undergraduateis worrying about how to manage his bud-get after graduation. Hes never truly been on his own, and rent, groceries, student loans and the other financial obligations about to hit him have him stressed. There are resources all over the Internet both men can turn to, but they each choose Delta Sigma Phis website to find all of the resources they need. Sound like an unlikely place to turn? It shouldnt. At Convention 2015, Delta Sigma Phi launched The LAMP, an online learning center built just for Delta Sigs. Taking a comprehensive approach to member development, The LAMP

provides content for all membersundergraduate and alumni aliketo help them succeed in numerous areas of life. [The LAMP] begins the next phase of Delta Sigma Phis educational reach, said Executive Director & CEO Patrick F. Jessee. Delta Sigma Phis mission is Building Better Men, and we have seen the need for a progressive tool to reach all members for some time. Today it is a reality. The LAMP will engage all members through personal development in areas like financial literacy, professional development and more. It will also offer resources and training to Delta Sigma Phi chapter officers and volunteers, better equipping those men to lead chapters to success. One can think of the platforms courses like a college course. The course is not just one class, but a series of classes that gradually increase someones knowledge

on a subject. On The LAMP, each course contains multiple modules to effectively progress a members learning.

At launch, The LAMP contained six courses. General officer training for undergraduates

Financial Preparedness With courses in paying for college and money management

New Member Education Volunteer Training Professional Development With courses in rsum building, interviewing, developing a personal brand, the graduate school application process, how to market your Fraternity experience to help your job search and career, and more.

Leadership Institute post-event learning outcomes refreshers.

BUILDING BETTER MEN: The LAMP offers free, online educational content to all members

33FALL 2015

Strategic initiatives for The LAMP call for new courses to be developed each year, expanding the catalogue of available course offerings and continually refreshing the courses already in place. The goal is for members to consistently log into The LAMP and find new, relevant programming to develop him as a better brother and man. Some courses will be developed by Fraternity staff, while many others will leverage strategic partnerships with organizations and corporations that already have created adaptable content. For example, much of the current Financial Preparedness course was adapted with permission from PricewaterhouseCoopers. Digital Ignite, the same company that has built online educational platforms for companies such as McGraw-Hill Professionals, Cornell University, J.D. Power & Associates, and more, powers the LAMP, Major corporations are now using learning management tools like The LAMP to train their employees, said Jessee. This new platform puts the Fraternity at the cutting edge of continual learning and gives our members a leg up in the work environment. With the power of the Digital Ignite software, members will log into The LAMP from www.deltasig.org. Once inside, The LAMP and the Fraternitys membership database connect to display the members individual information. Here, he can update his contact infor-mation and share more

information with the Fraternity than ever before. The platform then uses his personal information and interests to suggest LAMP content relevant to him. The LAMP is a major turning point in our mem-ber development, said Jessee. All of our educational initiatives will be enhanced through this platform, and it allows us to build on a lifetime of brotherhood in Delta Sig. Modules within The LAMP

are not just videos or PowerPoint pre-sentations. Throughout the interactive modules, you can find embedded videos, question and answer opportunities, polling, short answer responses, and so much more. The goal is to keep members truly engaged in the content, and understanding and retaining the information shared. Nonmember Chapter Advisors and campus-based professionals will also have limited access to The LAMP to find chapter and officer-specific resources. The LAMP has been a project on the Grand Councils radar for many years. In Vision 2025, the need for a progressive tool to reach all members was identified, and past and present Councilmen and staff worked diligently to make it a reality. Grand Council Vice President Jim Larson, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 72, has been one of the strongest advocates for a program like The LAMP. He and his wife Greta have pledged $75,000 to the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation to fund the platform and course development over the next few years.

Launched at Convention 2015, The LAMP educational portal connects members to important Delta Sigma Phi resources as well as a host of

educational courses geared for personal and professional development.

At launch, The LAMP contained six educational courses. Each year, more courses will be added to expand the

educational offerings Delta Sig offers all membersundergraduate and alumni alike.

Interactive modules take members through learning outcomes for a course. Video, question and answer sections, polling, and more will keep members engaged with the educational content.

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The LAMP is available to all Delta Sigs, and accessing

its content is easy!

1. Go to www.deltasig.org.

2. Click The LAMP in the upper right.

3. Use your existing Members Only password or create a new account.

4. Inside The LAMP, make sure to update your personal

info in the box on the left.

5. Search for courses in the Courses tab.

6. Find Delta Sig information in Fraternity Resources.

7. Choose My Learning to view courses youve already taken.

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Transition Experience

TransitionTransitionCREATES PROGRAM FOR LIFELONG FRATERNITY

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35FALL 2015

CREATES PROGRAM FOR LIFELONG FRATERNITY

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When you join Delta Sigma Phi, you hear, Delta Sigma Phi is forever. But what does that really mean? For some alumni, they fulfill that statement by becoming a Fraternity volunteer, serving as a national officer, member of an Alumni Corporation Board or Collegiate Chapter Advisory Board. Others donate money and give their time and friendship to build a stronger brotherhood. However, there are thousands of other men across the country who dont have that same relationship with Delta Sigma Phi. For too many members, once they graduate and enter into a world largely unknown to them, Delta Sigma Phi begins to get lost in the shuffle. While we love our alma maters, arguably, our academic institutions do not adequately prepare students for post-graduate life. They help us with the book smarts, but not always in the major life lessons a person must learn to be the best version of himself. Our colleges and universities do not excel at teaching interview skills, strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, financial planning and so much more. As a result, as Delta Sigs leave college, they still have a ways to go to catch up to the learning curve, and Delta Sigma Phi becomes the last thing on their minds. Then, as members lose interest, the Fraternity loses its relevance, member contact information goes bad, and the life-long membership experience gets put on hold. But what if Delta Sigma Phi can change that? As a national Fraternity, we aim to Build Better Men. So what can we do to better prepare our men for the real world and the lifelong experience of Delta Sigma Phi? In the year leading to Convention 2015, the Fraternity devel-oped an initiative to help us solve this problem. With a group of dedicated alumni, Delta Sigma Phi developed an outline for a transformational experience called the Transition Experience. This experiencecomprised of various programs, touch points and engagement opportunitieswill be rolled out sequentially over the next several years, guide men from college to alumni life, provide brothers with the tools and connections needed to succeed, and develop a deeper connection to the Fraternity. Delta Sigma Phi is the first fraternity or sorority to create an initiative of this magnitude. This is a truly trail- blazing experience. The Transition Experience takes a four-pronged approach to help us better prepare our members for a life-time of success and brotherhood in Delta Sigma Phi. Educate Congratulate Connect Repay

These areas can be thought of as the base of a pyramid. Each is equally important and connected to create a solid, lasting structure.

> EDUCATE The Transition Experience will develop educational courses targeted toward members at all stages of lifepreparing for interviews and writing resumes, creating career strategies, navigating career transitions, buying a home, investing in the stock market, retirement and more. This education must begin while brothers are still in college, Executive Director & CEO Patrick F. Jessee said during the Transition Experiences launch at Convention 2015. With a greater emphasis on empowering our sophomores, juniors and seniors with critical skills, knowledge and perspective; providing them with tools to excel in their professional lives; and balance their careers with life aspirations as well, we continue to build the transitional bridge for our members to seamlessly cross the threshold from undergraduate brother to lifelong engagement. The Transition Experience will reach members through a host of avenues, including from The LAMP, expanded content at national programs, and training for local chapters and volunteers. Alumni education is also a key component of the Transition Experience. Most topics are not only applicable for undergraduates, but provide great refreshers for alumni. Others will be alumni-specific. To engage and Build Better Men for life, continued education is critical to succeeding in providing lifelong fraternity.

> CONGRATULATEThe Transition Experience also emphasizes recognition of members beginning at the time they toss their caps and collect their diplomasa time when the Fraternity traditionally critically loses connection and impact with our brothers. The initiative will develop avenues for delivering messages to graduating seniors, sharing tokens of appreciation for making

EDUCATE

1 2CONGRATULATE

34CONNECTREPAY


Transition Experience

Delta Sigma Phi a part of their lives, and inspiring them to maintain their fraternity engagement for life. This outreach also provides the opportunity to collect information on members career goals, their interests for engage-ment, where they will be relocating to, and how we can maintain contact with them.

> CONNECTInformation collection and relationship cultivation is the third side of the pyramid for this Transition Experience. Delta Sigma Phi cannot create a lifelong experience if members are not connected to the National Fraternity and brothers across the globe. As members graduate, automated connections will be made to alumni associations, ACBs and Collegiate Chapter Advisory Boards. An online graduating seniors report will congratulate these men and also identify their career aspirations, creating potential opportunities to leverage Delta Sigs network of brothers across the country. The Fraternity aims to create engagement opportunities for members to create new social circles, develop mentoring relationships, and identify opportunities to volunteer and remain active in our brotherhood.

For more information on the Fraternitys Mentoring Program that was launched as a piece of the Transition Experience, see the callout box to the left of this article.

After members graduate, many lose perspective on the Fraternitys relevance in their lives, and engagement on any level of the Transition Experience program relies on the connections the National Fraternity makes with brothers. Delta Sig will begin to offer more updates from the national and chapter level, make information on the Delta Sigma Phi story more accessible, provide more resources on how to get involved, and simply have a bigger presence in our members lives through improved communications and marketing.

> REPAYLifelong engagement made through strengthened connections supports the final side of the Transition Experience pyramid. When Delta Sigs are initiated, we become aware of our obligation to Pay The Debt to this great Fraternity. As members transition into the next phase of their journey, there are so many opportunities to engage in paying that debtboth in giving back in service as volunteers, mentors and leaders, as well as in contributing our treasure to help support opportunities for the men of the future. In the coming years, Delta Sigma Phi will build numerous resources to help make that engagement effort more seamless and ensue undergraduate members are exposed to the what, why and how of the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation at an early point so they are inspired to engage in that culture of giving. As more and more men become connected to the Fraternity and are inspired to Pay the Debt, the cycle starts over; the bases of the Transition Experience pyramid are relational. Men continue to be educated, share their love of Delta Sig with others and make even more new connections. The Transition Experience is Delta Sigma Phis future, said Jessee. This is our opportunity to deliver on the promise of a lifelong Fraternity experiencecreating the bridge for our members to experience a meaningful transition to the next phase of their journey. Delta Sigma Phi is for life, and we must make every effort possible to make sure it remains that way for every brother in this great Fraternity.

DELTA SIGS NEW MENTORING PROGRAM

A key part of the Transition

Experience was also

launched at Convention

2015, an online Mentoring

Program that serves as a

resource for all members

and has the power to have

an exceptional impact on

Delta Sigma Phis mission.

For years, every frater-

nity and sorority has touted the power of their

alumni network, while admittedly struggling with

how to truly connect their members together,

explained Delta Sigma Phi Executive Director

Patrick Jessee. Delta Sig is the first to find a

significant solution. The biggest, most exciting

piece of the Transition Experience is our online

mentoring platform.

Through the mentoring platform, under-

graduates and alumni alike can create profiles

and build mentoring relationships through the

site based on their location, career field and

more. Mor

fall 2015 carnation

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