August 2021 Newsletter

Sep 9

Class of 2012 To Be Formally Initiated During Homecoming 2021

by Mike Shaver

On Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 10AM, the Beta Psi chapter of Delta Tau Delta will host the long awaited initiation ceremony for the Men of the Class of 2012.

The Initiation Ceremony will seen the initiated of Patrick Concannon, Joshua Boyer, Ian Kelly, Austin Jennings, Greg Rhoads, Thomas Schabel III, Jacob Moore, Dylan Andrew, Andrew Pearcy, Joshua Pederson, and Stevan Stankovich, all of whom were Pledges in 2008 when the unfortunate death of Jonny Smith occurred.

603 WW, Inc., was made aware of the plight of the Men of 2012 by Greg Rhoads in early 2021, shortly after 603 WW was incorporated. As a result of Greg's outreach, 603 WW engaged a fact-finding effort, including obtaining historic documents, and engaging direct discussions with numerous individuals who had direct knowledge of the tragedy and its aftermath. Once the facts had been sufficiently established, representatives of 603 WW reached out to Delta Tau Delta President Jack Kreman to present those facts, and discuss the interests of the National Fraternity, As a result of President Kreman's cordial reception, a strategy was outlined for resolving the problem, in accordance with Delta Tau Delta bylaws.

In a letter dated May 21, 2021, DTD President Kreman wrote, "It is my great pleasure and honor to notify you the Arch Chapter unanimously approved the petition for initiation...." As President Kreman further stated in that letter, " The Arch Chapter believes with you and the local alumni that it is time to correct this injustice. These men were, and are, fully deserving of membership in Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. I look forward to joining you in person to witness their initiation in the fall of 2021." President Kreman's letter goes on to state, "Our Fraternity’s motto demands we provide honor in a just manner. For nearly 13 years the Fraternity has been out of integrity with that motto due to the failure to initiate these men. I am excited to finally make this situation right. Though nothing can or will ever rectify the horror these men endured at such a young age, perhaps full initiation is the first step toward making it right. "

Upon receipt of President Kreman's gracious letter, Greg Rhoads, Stevan Stankovich, and Andrew Pearcy undertook the task of communicating with the rest of their classmates, and worked tirelessly to fulfill the conditions and details necessary to effect the initiation.

While 603 WW, Inc., could be said to have played a role in bringing an end to the sadness endured by the Men of 2012, we seek none of the credit. The truth is that 603 WW was largely ignorant of the details surrounding the 2008 tragedy and its aftermath, until we became aware of the continuous advocacy of Greg Rhoads, Andrew Pearcy, and Stevan Stankovich. But regardless of any of the other individuals involved, the credit for resolving this injustice rightly accrues to President Jack Kreman, whose open-minded and cordial reception of 603's requests, and diligent advocacy on behalf of the Men of 2012 with the Arch Chapter, proved pivotal in adjudicating the matter.

While 603 WW, Inc., can be proud of its role in this resolution, we are compelled to note that without President Kreman, this happy event does not take place. 603 WW, Inc., wishes to offer its humblest and most sincere gratitude to President Kreman for this outcome.

Subject to room capacity, any and all 603 WW members are invited to attend the initiation of our new 2012 Brothers and any reception following the ceremony.

New Delt Activities Website

Have you checked out the new Delt Activities web site? You can find it at: Delt Activities Web Site or https://603activities.com.

Recruitment

by Isaac Temores, President of Beta Psi

Hey guys, just wanted to give you guys a quick update on recruitment this coming year. I have been working very closely with my vice president Connor Horning, my recruitment chair Pat Piesyk and my new member educator Kody Witham to get some solid new members.

As of July 18th, we have 20 accepts, with our goal being 24. In Indiana, we have guys from Crawfordsville, Crown Point, Greenwood, Highland, Granger, Lafayette, Brownsburg, Munster, and Indianapolis. Outside of Indiana, we have guys from Ohio, Mississippi, and even Mexico. We’re hoping to wrap up recruitment in the next couple weeks.

Support Graduate School Assistance Programing

Rob Matthews

We need your support of the Graduate School Assistance Program to make it self-sustaining!

Because of the generosity of Wabash Delt alumni, we have now surpassed the $25,000 mark in raising funds for the Grad School Assistance Program. Funds are still being received and pledges are being fulfilled. We are hoping to see the fund exceed $40,000 by the end of 2021.

The annual expenditures for this program are projected to be $8,000 per year. The long-term objective of 603 WW Inc. is to grow this fund until it is self-sustaining and we can't do it without your financial support.

Donations are being accepted and checks should be made payable to 603 WW Inc. and sent to:

Dan Koeppel’75, Treasurer
1207 Edgehill Road
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650

Payments may also be made through Google and PayPal using 603.WW.inc@gmail.com as the submission email.

Please remember that 603 WW Inc. is a 501 c 3 non-profit corporation and that your donation(s) may be tax deductible. Please consult with your financial advisor regarding this.

Many thanks should be given to Mark Noffsinger’78 for the giving of his time and effort to make this program a success. Thank you Mark!

Risk Management Assessment

Roger Wilson

603 WW Inc. has been in operation for a year now and growing. As it matures the assets of the Organization should be protected. This past Spring, I volunteered to conduct a Risk Management assessment to identify exposures and controls to viability threats. Risk Management is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as follows: “the forecasting and evaluation of financial risks together with the identification of procedures to avoid or minimize their impact.” Risk Management techniques include” 1) Risk Avoidance; 2) Risk Control; 3) Risk Funding; and 4) Risk Transfer

I have completed the assessment and submitted it to the Operating Officers. The assessment identifies exposure potential, of operations, websites and social media, and special events. Standard controls for each exposure are listed and finally recommended Risk Management Techniques and controls are listed as well.

In summary, there are no threats serious enough that cannot be addressed but should be reviewed and implemented as 603 WW Inc. grows.

Full Time in an RV: The West

by Allen Murphy

With temperatures into three digits, I settled into the chilling, snow melt waters of the Stillwater River just south of Columbus, Montana. As gallons washed over me, the heat withered into a comfortable coolness. As I was cooling in the small stream separated from the main river by a beautiful, green island, I could hear folks enjoying their rafting down the fast-running mainstream currents. Many yards downstream of my position were a family of fly fishermen, a dad, his wife, and daughter flicking their lines out to the waiting trout.

One of the many benefits of this terrific campsite is that it was free! My best campsites out west have been free, with few, if any, visible neighbors. There are thousands of acres of federal lands that are open to camping in your tent, motorhome, trailer or just a car. Sadly, very few of those acres are east of the Mississippi River, but for the fortunate folks traveling west of the mighty muddy, there are more free campsites than the computers at Wabash can count.

My trek west began after the Delt Gathering at Camp Rotary at the end of October 2020. The plan was to follow Historic Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. My Route 66 trip became “66 on 66 in 66.” I spent 66 days on Route 66 in my 66th year. The trip began with a visit to Mayor Paul Braun in Flossmoor, IL, just outside of Chi-Town. He and his wife, Mib, gave me a grand tour of their beautiful municipality where Paul practiced law and has served as Mayor for several terms. Mib manages the business side of Paul’s practice, and they live in a gorgeous home in town.

Even though Covid kept many venues closed and forced distancing upon us all, there were still many great spots to see and even a few people to meet. Some memorable visits for me included catching up with former work colleagues in Oklahoma and Texas. A wonderful surprise caught me in the tiny burgh of Vega, TX when I was capturing several beautiful murals and a kind lady called out to me from her front porch. Sadly, we never got closer than twenty feet as she told me she was recovering from a Covid infection, but as I stood in her front yard, she related a marvelous story about a local artist who had painted many of the murals in Vega. As my new friend spoke, a gent walked towards me from behind the home. I discovered he is a writer, and he was completing a book about the young female mural artist. My porch-bound friend was hosting the writer in a spare room as he wrote the book. Having now read the book, I can say it is very moving as the author writes in first person as if he is the young mural artist. Sadly, she died of brain cancer in 2016, yet she lives again in this recently published biography. You can find the book Here.

Another great visit took place in Vinita, OK where I met a retired Oklahoma State Policeman. It turns out that he was part of the manhunt for the Oklahoma City Bombers. He and I are still friends on Facebook. He’s commander of the American Legion where I met him in Vinita and spent a couple hours swapping stories over a few beers.

My best visit following old Route 66 was spending a week with my Delt brother and roommate, Rob Matthews. Rob, his wife, Biz, and father-in-law, Don, welcomed me as they always have, with the best hospitality. Rob and I lost touch mid-career before email, then reconnected when Wabash provided the email alumni connection, we all now enjoy. Although 10 years passed when Rob and I were out of touch, our re-connection seemed to occur after only a few days absence. The same experience has been there for me as I’m now re-connecting with many classmates and Delt brothers in recent years.

Another terrific visit took place as I traveled through Wyoming. Brother Sword, class of 1976, welcomed me into his home in June as I was making my way back east from Washington and Idaho in my effort to visit all the lower 48 states. I expect to complete this venture by the end of 2021. Dick and his wife, Puddie, made me feel perfectly at home as we enjoyed catching up in their retirement environs of Jackson Hole, WY. Dick and Puddie are having a great time with kids and grandkids as they keep their distance from the disagreeable Covid.

Question? Have you paid your yearly dues yet?

We need your support!

As you are probably aware, 603 WW Inc. is supported entirely by dues paid by the Beta Psi Chapter alumni. These funds cover the costs of daily operations and activities of the organization. There are no paid staff and everything accomplished is do to the efforts of many volunteers. Your dues also help support the activities at the Delt Big Bash Weekend, Monon Bell Weekend, the Mentorship Committee and the Graduate School Assistance program. They also pay for this newsletter and the web sites to keep you informed.

Remember that your dues payment of $50.00 or more per year may be tax deductible since we are a 501-c-3 Not-For-Profit Corporation.

Dues and donations are being accepted and checks should be made payable to 603 WW Inc. and sent to:
Dan Koeppel’75, Treasurer
1207 Edgehill Road
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650