The fall of 1962 was a turning point for the Delta Chi chapter of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity at Oklahoma State University. It had been a small chapter until that year; there were 20 actives and 26 in my pledge class. The new Shelter was just completed, and we were the first to move in. The newness of the facility was certainly an incentive in picking DTD as a home away from home.
Early Successes
The Hugh Shields award was established in 1965, and the first award in ’66 identified 10 top chapters; Delta Chi was in that inaugural class. And the chapter was a repeat winner for 15 years. I served as IFC president and treasurer, chairman of the Student Union Activities Board, and an ODK charter member.
As a senior, I went to Lansing, Michigan, for a division conference and spent time with Al Sheriff, who was assistant to Hugh Shields at that time. I realized I’d like to do what they’re doing. Five days later Hugh passed on to Chapter Eternal and Al succeeded him. He had a huge impact in the perpetuation of Delt and strengthened the organization.
Working For Delta Tau Delta Fraternity
In 1966 I earned a double degree in economics and business. While working at IBM in Tulsa, Al called and asked me to be director of chapter services for Delta Tau Delta. I moved to Indianapolis in January 1969. That decision impacted my life greatly, as my entire adult life has been spent working with the fraternity. I became executive vice president/CEO when Al moved up to president of the DTD Educational Foundation in 1981.
When Al passed on to Chapter Eternal, I assumed the presidency in 1989 for six years. I felt strongly that I wanted to take the lead and raise money to fund the programs I established as CEO, primarily the Leadership Academy and Delts Talking About Alcohol. I also led the charge for a $6 million campaign to fund those programs and the consultant staff.
Retirement
Then I retired (the first time). Six months later, an old friend started a CPA firm, specializing in fraternities and sororities, and invited me to join them in developing clients. After five years, I retired again. I then received a call from another old friend who was retiring as president of Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation and wanted me to lead their foundation in a $5 million campaign.
As the first man to head a women’s educational foundation, I’d look in the mirror, and say, “Gale, you’re the luckiest guy in the world. You only have to make 90,000 women happy.” Again, after five years, I retired. A couple months later: yet another phone call from another old friend at the Alpha Sigma Phi Foundation.
The fraternity and foundation were not working well together, and I was asked to mend institutional conflicts. After two years, I tore down the fence between the two entities and got them walking hand in hand. I then retired for good.
Enjoying Life
And it has been wonderful. I’ve enjoyed pro bono consulting for a number of friends in the fraternity world and am frequently asked to speak at events. I have also rekindled my interest in the Civil War. I have three children: Jon, [Delta Tau Delta Ball State] (one of my proudest moments was delivering the charge at his initiation and having the honor of putting the badge on his chest); Mark, [Alpha Sigma Phi, Penn State]; and Sara, a Baylor graduate.
Delta Chi Chapter Headed Towards Excellence
I’m proud that the active chapter is moving in the right direction. The staunch leadership of the House Corporation has been rekindled and reestablished the sense of being a Delt. The stage today is much as 1962. We need to compete on campus and recruit the best and brightest men, reestablishing dominance and excellence.
Whatever success I’ve achieved, I owe a lot to the men of Delta Chi Chapter—due to their abiding influence to make better men. I’m a happy man, a happy Delt.
(Originally published in the Fall 2018 issue of the Delta Chi newsletter)
Back to Home | Related: Joseph Eastin Lives Fraternity Values, Proves Bonds Are for Life
