Over the weekend of April 30–May 1, past and present members of the North Dakota Chapter of Delta Upsilon, spanning the 60 years of our existence at UND, gathered for business and leisure.
The activities began on April 30 when about 30 attendees ranging from Dyle Muggli, ’61 and Wally Bloom, ’66 to current members (Class of 2024) met at the current chapter house at 505 Princeton Street. During the introductions it was discovered that representatives from every decade of the North Dakota Chapter were present.
A brief description of the 421 Princeton Street project along with architect renderings was given by Cary Schilling ’85 and Lynn Luckow, ’71. As part of the presentation, a brief synopsis was given; to include the impetus of the idea in 2019, to the negotiations with UND about potential sites. Of note, one possible site was on the East end of campus near the Kappa Alpha Theta House. Due to savvy negotiations by our brothers, a 160+ linear foot lot, was secured at 421 Princeton Street.
Incidentally, the new chapter house will be the newest build on Princeton Street, which UND plans on making the new Greek Row. Brothers were informed of the decision to conduct a feasibility study (core of 15-20 alumni) and eventual selection of the consulting firm, Pennington Group, to assist with the project. From the Pennington Group’s interviews of about 75 alumni, it was determined that the venture was a worthy and doable cause.
On the evening of April 30, the annual Spring Formal and Awards Ceremony took place at the Alerus Center. Over 100 members, alumni and guests gathered for the evening. Chapter President Gustave Ries updated the group on the current chapter status to include the winning of highest chapter GPA, an eye-popping, 3.55/4.0. Brother Luckow delivered a passionate charge acknowledging the legacy of the North Dakota Chapter, as well as, its future. His inspirational speech encompassed the four founding principles of: Diffusion of Liberal Culture, Development of Character, Promotion of Friendship, and the Advancement of Justice.
Next on the agenda was the awarding of scholarships from the ND DU Education endowment; Brothers Cary Schilling, ’85, Jim Sweeney, ’86, and Doug Mark ‘86 (not present) awarded $500 scholarships to 8 current undergraduates. After this presentation, Gustave Ries and Grant Johnson, VP of Membership Development, presented a variety of undergraduate and alumni awards. The alumni awards are as follows:
- Outstanding Alumni Advisor – Brad Aafedt, ‘86
- Alumni Giving Award – Jim Sweeney ‘86
- “A True DU” Award – Lynn Luckow ‘71
- “Super Senior” Award – Jacob Haugen, ‘19
- “Behind the Scenes” Award – Todd Gierke, ‘88
- Lee McFarland Award (outstanding support and advice) – Lee McFarland, ‘11
The last event occurred on May 1st when attendees were given a tour of the 421 Princeton Street lot. Those in attendance viewed the grounds and received a description of the house plans. All those present for this wonderful weekend of brotherhood had a splendid time and cannot wait for the next chance to renew friendships.
– John M. Balintona, MD ‘92