A Letter of Support from Dennis Schrader (`76)
I'm delighted to contribute. I'm so happy to see the response from so many Brothers.
After a 7 year tour on active duty in the Navy, my wife Sandy and our daughter Whitney and I settled in Columbia, MD. We've been rebuilding the University of Maryland Medical Center since 1987. I'm currently serving as VP for Project Planning and Development.
For the past 15 years, my wife and I have been active in Republican politics in Maryland. Last year was a watershed year. We elected the first Republican Governor in 50 years and my wife Sandy is now serving in the Maryland Senate. The one thing I've learned from political fundraising is that the only way to raise money is to ask. Hopefully you'll keep asking the Alums for help and over time you'll be surprised at the result.
I can always look back and see that any success I've had ties back to my days at Zeta Theta. I wasn't the sharpest student, but I was blessed to be surrounded by some of the smartest people in the country. I was always inspired by my big brother Kenny Kayser who was never short of ideas. I guess some of it just wore off.
In Hoc,
Dennis Schrader '76
A Letter of Support from Dick Donnelly (`66)
I've been discussing the idea of a fundraiser with a few of the young alumni for several years now. I made a comment a few years back about my role in wiring the upper level of the addition during it's completion, and how I was relieved to hear that there was an effort to update the electrical to today's code. I sleep better these days knowing that the actives and alumni take so much pride in keeping the House safe and attractive.
It's also great to know that the Chapter remains so strong on campus and that the experience of "GMI-Kettering" is augmented by the principles of Sigma Chi and the experience of living in the House. In this day of corporate scandal and general misconduct, the principles of the Norman Shield mean more than ever. I value the fun, experience, and lessons I learned during my days at 704 E. Main.
I attended the June information session and I have had subsequent meetings and discussions with the team. This initiative is definitely needed and has been carefully thought-out by the team. I can't think of a better way to give a little back to Zeta Theta. Hats-off to House Corp. for the Wisdom, High Ambition, and Courage to spearhead this important project.
Recently I made my financial commitment to the fund raising effort. I hope you too will make a commitment in Zeta Theta's future.
In Hoc,
Dick Donnelly '66
A Letter of Support from Tom Smith (`77)
For nearly 5 years of my life, Zeta Theta was my family and the chapter house was the homestead. The occupants came and went but the house was always there. I recall one Thanksgiving weekend while I was living in the house, a snow storm hit on Sunday evening as many of the brothers were traveling back to school. Worried parents began telephoning the house to see if their son had returned safely. At the same time brothers stranded along the road were calling the house to let us know that they were stranded and where. (This was before we all had cell phones - I won't say how long). Often we were able to tell a worried parent that although their son was not safely in the house the brother was safe in some location. The point is that the house was there for both brothers and their parents.
That sense of permanence that the house has always imbued in us is now at risk. While the occupants have done a yeoman's job maintaining her, the fact is that things are wearing out. Electrical wiring, designed to serve the needs of a pre-air conditioned, computerized society is a hazard. The wooden fire escape makes about as much sense as a screen door in a submarine. In short, our Zeta Theta family homestead needs all of our help in order to insure that the house will continue to be there providing the sense of security and permanence to current and future generations of our brothers.
This is not charity. It's not an issue of some tax deductible donation to make society better. It's a family issue. The younger, active brothers are doing their part by pitching in and doing significant parts of the work themselves. House corporation members have done their part by developing a great renovation plan, and they will oversee this endeavor. As the more senior members of the family, the alumni are in a position to help the family by giving money.
Only you know how much you can give, but some suggestions are found elsewhere on the web site. Read the materials, think about what the house gave to you and then make a pledge to help insure that it continues to be able to do so for future generations of Zeta Theta brothers.
Tom
A Letter of Support from Ernie Schaefer (`68)
One of the major reasons that I have willingly contributed to the Zeta Theta Housing fund is the recognition on my part of a real significant need. Since my retirement from General Motors in 1996, I have been actively involved in providing student housing on College Campuses in Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. Its a lucrative business because most colleges and universities have neglected this aspect of their business over the last 20 years and have left it up to developers such as myself to fulfill this need. However, a number of universities have recognized that up to date housing can provide a competitive advantage and are moving aggressively forward with new or remodeled housing. The same holds true for the Zeta Theta chapter house. A modern up to date house is essential to recruiting a strong pledge class. Kettering University has significantly improved their housing with remodeled dorms and new student apartments. To give the chapter a fighting chance, we need to give them a modern facility to compete.
However, a more significant reason for my contribution is the desire to give something back for all the good things that Zeta Theta and Sigma Chi have meant to me over the years. When I stop and think back to all the great times that I had at the chapter house, the small contribution that I have made seems like a small payment for the return that I have
received. If my contribution will help to insure that future generations can have the same experiences, then it is well worthwhile.
Ernie Schaefer
Class of 1968
A Letter of Support from Geoff Wright (`88)
Brothers,
Do you remember your first trip to 704 E. Main? Was it the night after your first day of GMI classes for Monday Night Football and Wings? Or maybe it was Derby Days and all the hoopla surrounding the weekend's festivities? Do you remember being asked to pledge and the feeling of pride in being part of something bigger than just a group of men wearing those letters, Sigma Chi? Or the sense of accomplishment you felt when you were presented with that magnificent badge at your initiation?
Those moments and many more are just a part of what I took with me from my years as an active brother of the Zeta Theta chapter. And since 1958, one symbol of our chapter's heritage has stood the test of time - our beloved chapter house. But today, after nearly 40 years of service to our brotherhood and over 70 years since her construction, she is in need of extensive updating and renovation. And that's where you and I come in. Reach back and think of your fondest memories of college life, of your experience as an active brother, and how it was enhanced by the time you spent at 704 E. Main and consider the part you can play in restoring this lady, our lady, to her well-deserved glory.
In Hoc,
Geoff Wright
