Distinguished Service Citations Presented at Karnea
Chairman of the Distinguished Service Chapter Committee 35th International President Ken Folgers (Illinois Institute of Technology, 1958) and committee member Wayne Sinclair (West Virginia, 1968) presented four Distinguished Service Citations at the Norfolk Karnea in August.
First called the Court of Honor, the Distinguished Service Chapter began in 1929. Men who have been Delts for more than 20 years, who have contributed significantly to the Fraternity, and who have served Delta Tau Delta beyond their own chapter are eligible for membership. Since 1930, 456 citations had been presented before the 96th Karnea.
No. 457 James F. Meyer (DePauw University, 1986)
This good Delt has been a faithful servant of the Fraternity and is the embodiment of practical everyday service. Jim has prepared the path for those who follow through his tireless efforts in advising the Gamma Kappa Chapter at Missouri and through the countless roles he has held with both the Western Plains Division and national levels.
Jim led the rehabilitation of Gamma Kappa Chapter from a small group of membership review survivors into arguably the most dominant Greek organization on campus. The culture of excellence Jim led was transformative and remains a great success story of the Fraternity.
During his tenure as advisor, Missouri received three Hugh Shields flags, six Court of Honors and regular top academic achievement recognition. Though initiated as a son of the North, Jim’s efforts to strengthen the Delt community also extended to the Western Plains Division.
In the Plains, Jim has been a regular contributor to the business of the division in a variety of roles including serving as the chairman of nominations and financial review committees. Jim has likewise been a significant contributor to the national organization serving on a variety of task forces and committees.
This amazing brother has presided over the initiation of nearly one thousand undergraduate Delts and influenced countless lives through his labor and love.
Never one to seek recognition, Jim now has generations of Delts who can thank him for his unselfish and noble service to Delta Tau Delta.
No. 458 Steven A. Paquette, (Syracuse University, 1977)
As a faithful son of Syracuse, Paquette answered all calls to service including as chapter advisor, house corporation president and alumni supervisory committee chairman. Not limited to parochial service, Steve has always served the greater Fraternity. He first served on the Arch Chapter in 1981 when he was elected as the Eastern Division president at age 26. Steve returned to the Arch Chapter in 2010 where he was elected international secretary at the 2010 Karnea in Washington D.C.
He subsequently served as International Treasurer, International Second Vice President and International Vice President before being elected International President at the 2018 Karnea in St. Louis. Steve’s patient leadership steered the Fraternity through one of its most difficult times – the great pandemic of 2020. Steve’s legacy will be felt for generations. Steve was instrumental in aligning Delta Tau Delta with JDRF in 2012 as its national philanthropic partner.
Steve was also a champion for the Presidents Excellence Institute which annually assembles all chapter presidents in a single location. Steve mentored new Chief Executive Officer Jack Kreman in transition from his predecessor, Jim Russell who held the role for 17 years. Steve Paquette, an honorable man, an exemplary Delt.
No. 459 Brian Booth, (Missouri University of Science and Technology, 1997)
Brian D. Booth or simply “Booth” as he is known by his brothers, has loomed large over the chapters in Missouri since his initiation. Always eager to serve, the men of Gamma Kappa, Delta Omicron, Epsilon Nu, Iota Chi and beyond have all been influenced by his warm and inviting persona. A lover of the Ritual, a defender of Fraternal honor and ever the friend to all who know him, Booth brings a vitality to the volunteer ranks which has seldom been experienced prior and is unlikely to be realized again. Humble beginnings make for legendary individuals, and Booth has always combined the audacity of talent with the humility of an upright and noble life.
Brian D. Booth or simply “Booth” as he is known by his brothers, has loomed large over the chapters in Missouri since his initiation. Always eager to serve, the men of Gamma Kappa, Delta Omicron, Epsilon Nu, Iota Chi and beyond have all been influenced by his warm and inviting persona. A lover of the Ritual, a defender of Fraternal honor and ever the friend to all who know him, Booth brings a vitality to the volunteer ranks which has seldom been experienced prior and is unlikely to be realized again. Humble beginnings make for legendary individuals, and Booth has always combined the audacity of talent with the humility of an upright and noble life.