Going into
1999 with high expectations, especially after just becoming a
provisional chapter, Kappa Delta Rho suffered the disappointment of
getting no new members during winter rush. KDR was forced to take a step
back and look at their recruitment tactics. They then began revamping
their recruiting efforts for the following year. A lighter note was the
sweetheart elections for the New Year in which Pamela Azzam became the
1999 KDR sweetheart.
UDM
Provisional went to their first KDR Regional Conclave in February 1999.
Chuck, Rob, and Brad attended the conclave, which was held at Franklin
College in Indiana. While there, the brothers from UDM received further
motivation from Chris Miller to recruit new members and had an
opportunity to talk with KDR brothers from around the Midwest. Then in
March, Kappa Delta Rho once again worked the PBS telethon, this time as
a service project instead of a rush event. Working the telethon was a
very fulfilling experience for many brothers, especially with the KDR
presence being broadcast on TV.
On April 1,
1999, UDM Provisional held their First Annual Kappa Delta Rho Red Rose
Formal Dance at the Georgian Inn in Roseville. In mid-April, KDR began a
long-term fundraising program at Tiger Stadium starting with the final
home opener to ever be played at “the Corner.” Later in April, the
chapter voted to change the term of each office to last one calendar
year as opposed to one school year. The result of this change in terms
of office meant that the next elected offers only held their position
for one term in order to convert to the new system. Elections were then
held with the following results:
Officers for Term I 1999
Consul: Jerry Gamalski
Senior Tribune: Eric McGrath
Junior Tribune: Steve Singson
Praetor / Historian: Brad Brzuchalski
Quaestor: Chris Arendoski
Risk Manager: Joe Schwartz
Propraetor / Pontifex: Mike Trewyn
During the
last meeting of the 98/99 school year, Frank Hattula, founder and first
advisor of Kappa Delta Rho at UDM, announced he was leaving the
University of Detroit Mercy. Frank had decided to move back to his
hometown, Chicago, for better professional opportunities. Frank felt
confident in leaving, knowing he had helped set a good foundation for a
chapter that had quality gentlemen in it.
As the
summer of 1999 began, Jessie Hart, Dan Palazzolo, and Eric Steiner
graduated from UDM. In May, the brothers of KDR once again cleaned Dr.
Pankratz’s boat as a fundraiser. Later that summer, in July, Kappa Delta
Rho ventured out on the Second Annual KDR Camping Excursion at the
Pinery in Ontario, Canada. Then in August, Jerry, McGrath, Evans, and
Joe went to the 1999 KDR National Convention in Chicago. During the Ordo
Honoris banquet, UDM Provisional received two awards: the Leo T. Wolford
Award for Outstanding Campus Involvement and third place for the George
E. Kimball Award for Outstanding Community Service.
Also during
the summer of 1999, KDR continued working the concession stands during
the final baseball season played at Tiger Stadium. Organized by Eric
McGrath, Kappa Delta Rho worked eleven games total, including not only
the home opener in April, but also the final game ever played at the
historic Detroit landmark. During the process, KDR earned almost $10,000
for the organization, which doubled the original goal of $5000 to pay
the national chartering fee.
At the
start of the 1999/2000 school year, Chris Miller visited UDM to do some
goal setting and put UDM Provisional on the final path toward becoming a
chartered chapter of Kappa Delta Rho. With Frank gone, UDM Provisional
had to find a new alumni advisor and faculty moderator. A vote was held
and Chuck Pankratz II became the new alumni advisor and Rebekah Langrill
became the new faculty moderator. During the fall of 1999, Eric McGrath
led KDR’s recruiting effort during fall rush. By the end of rushing,
Kappa Delta Rho had gained 15 pledges, the most gained by any Greek
organization on campus for the fall of 1999. Soon after rush ended, Jon
Lay, Programming Coordinator for the KDR national office, visited UDM to
meet the brothers and to see how rush went.
Due to
remodeling in the Colleague Lounge in October, KDR had to move their
general business meeting location to the second floor of the Engineering
Building. In November, Kappa Delta Rho held a “$5 Prom” with the
sisterhood of Sigma Sigma Sigma. The dance had a 70’s and 80’s theme in
which the attendees were not supposed to spend more than $5.00 on their
outfits. Then on November 20, 1999, UDM Provisional held their first
Pledge Ceremony on their own with a completed pledge class consisting of
15 members.
UDM
Provisional was once again disappointed in 1999 when a road trip to
visit Pi Alpha chapter had to be cancelled due to their being suspended
from functioning as a recognized chapter of KDR. To compensate, many
brothers took a trip to the Wheels Inn in Chatham, Ontario. Then, as the
fall term ended, Jerry Gamalski completed his coursework at UDM and
moved on to KDR Alumni Status.
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