Donor Spotlight

One of seven campuses that welcomed Delta Tau Delta during the 2023-24 school year, West Florida’s road to reinstall purple and gold was embraced by many who worked to make it possible. For alumni like Scott C. McKay (West Florida, 1977), it was a reminder of the support and generosity that he was once given as an undergraduate member.

What does it mean to you to have Delta Tau Delta back at your alma mater?

“To have the chapter come back after all these years is like getting a family back. These young men will help carry on the legacy and continue to build the foundation of what so many of us were lucky enough to be a part of many years ago. I’m very proud to be even a tiny piece of the success of bringing Zeta Iota back to campus – it’s a group of top-of-the-line men who are passionate about our undergraduates and truly want to see them succeed. I think we’re really fortunate to have a great group of younger alumni who are very involved and have helped bridge the gap with current members. It’s all very inspirational.

Our alumni all responded really well for our undergraduates. We had a reunion in 2022 and quickly raised more than enough money – we started at $25,000 and have cleared $100,000. We were all reminiscing on old memories, which in turn improved the chance for our undergraduates to make new ones. The support from the Central Office and the consultant group has been amazing.”

What was your motivation behind joining Order of the C— a few years ago?

“I felt privileged that I was being approached to join this group by members of the Central Office. Once you get into it, it gets pretty routine. Having these relationships with the Central Office provides a sense of personal touch that reinforces the connection with the broader spectrum of brotherhood around the county, and I think it’s very important to have these connections and conversations.”

You made your first gift to the Foundation 40 years ago. What does it mean to you to be a part of something for so long?

“Membership in Delt is truly a lifelong experience. I think back to how Delt impacted me during my undergraduate years, and I realize that giving back doesn’t take a lot – a little bit can really go a long way. I’m always impressed by how well the chapter keeps in touch with alumni, and I feel fortunate to be able to help keep this brotherhood growing. It’s a great thing to be able to provide undergraduates with a sense of the same experience that I had.”

As one of the Foundation’s most loyal giving societies, the Order of the C-- is for Delts who want to make a leadership level investment in the programs and initiatives that strengthen our Fraternity. Today, more than 70 percent of the Annual DeltFund revenue comes from this group of supporters. To join the Order of the C--, visit delts.org/join-a-donor-recognition-society. 

For more than 25 years, Delts donning the iconic green blazer have been spotted at Fraternity events and gatherings as part of the most recognizable giving society – the Bethany Society. However, for most, reaching the $25,000 donation mark does not happen overnight. While the blazer is a testament to the generosity made towards the Delt Foundation, it is also a reminder that all gifts, regardless of the amount, help make an impact on current and future members of Delta Tau Delta.

Now a member of the Fraternity’s Arch Chapter, Andrew Britton (Oklahoma, 1986) began his journey to the Bethany Society just one year after graduation, making his first gift in 1987. Recognized at the 2024 Cleveland Karnea for his induction into the Bethany Society, Britton has been a steadied donor to the Delt Foundation for over 35 years.

“Once I graduated, I knew I wanted to consistently give back to the Foundation when I was able, whether it was as little as $10 a month. It’s great to see something small propel into something much larger throughout the years. It means a lot to me to impact the Fraternity and Foundation in this way and to ultimately be a part of the Bethany Society and a Delta Alpha Kappa donor decades after my first gift.”

With numerous educational programming opportunities for both undergraduates and alumni occurring across the country each year, donors play a crucial role in the current and future lives of countless Delts. For the Delta Alpha alum, in order to support and improve the Fraternity, Britton believes the Foundation must be impacted first.

“The Foundation is critical to how we provide programming and educational opportunities to our members to help them live out our mission of Lives of Excellence. The growth of the Foundation is critical to the success of the Fraternity.”

The green Bethany blazer is a way to recognize donors who have provided Delts with opportunities that would not otherwise be possible. For Britton and so many other donors, giving back to the Foundation is a means to provide current undergraduates with the ultimate undergraduate experience.

"When I first graduated, some years it was easier to give than others, but to me it was important to start somewhere and continue building off of it year after year. I had a great experience during my undergraduate career and every year my contribution is a way to give someone else that legacy.”

What began as a small donation to the Foundation has now propelled Britton to membership of some of the most respected donor groups in the Bethany Society and Delta Alpha Kappa (DAK) Society. Now retired, he is able to offer his time and talent to Delta Tau Delta in ways that were once not possible. As a member of the Arch Chapter and former volunteer during Gamma Omicron’s return to Syracuse, Britton’s devotion to Delt rings true nearly 40 years after his introduction to the Fraternity.

To follow Brother Britton’s lead and set up a recurring gift or learn more about the DAK Society and Bethany Society, visit delts.org/join-a-donor-recognition-society.  

For Noble F. Jackson (Bowling Green, 1973), the road to earning his bachelor's degree took a few turns. After becoming a brother of Delta Tau Delta in 1972, Jackson was faced with the financial decision to earn a living rather than finish his degree. More than 50 years after attending his first classes at Bowling Green, Brother Jackson's relentless determination and grit propelled him to earn status as an alumnus of the university in the winter of 2023.

Although Jackson’s Delt experience is different than most, his devotion to the Fraternity and Foundation has never wavered. After he lost both of his parents before the age of 18, Delta Tau Delta filled a void and provided Jackson with consistent male influence and strong relationships that remain today. Once he retired for a second time, Jackson finally had the time and means to focus on his education, and in doing so, relied on his loyalty for Delt and fraternal relationships to help him fulfill Delt’s values by completing his degree.

“I made lifelong friends early in my Bowling Green tenure, but the strongest relationships have come from the Fraternity,” Noble said. “I give back for two compelling reasons. The first is gratitude; I would not be who I am today without Delta Tau Delta. The second is based on my hope that young men coming to college from broken and single-parent homes will find influences and bonds that may have eluded them while growing up.”

Acknowledging that membership in Delta Tau Delta is imperative to individual growth, Jackson is confident that the knowledge, skills and strategic goals that are developed within the Fraternity will help improve the next generation.

“In the face of hardships, I have found victories with patience and an unwillingness to quit. I hope that our members seize the support and resources available through the Fraternity and our brothers. Delt is a treasure that only becomes more valuable as time unfolds,” Noble said.

A true champion of lifelong learning and professional development, Brother Jackson is recognized as a member of the Order of the C— Society and the 1858 Society for his continued giving. The Delt Foundation’s premier leadership annual giving society, the Order of the C—is composed of Delts who want to make a leadership level investment in the educational programs and initiatives that strengthen our Fraternity.

“My inclusion in this exceptional group is a great honor. It is a wonderful reminder that regular giving accumulates into the means for various Delt programs and developmental opportunities now in place. I am confident these will prepare our undergraduates for their futures and the triumphs and occasional defeats that lie ahead.”

Join Brother Jackson in his quest to better the lives of our current and future undergraduate members at delts.org/give.  

The power of belonging stretches far beyond undergraduate years. As Michael J. Underkofler (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, 1984) realizes, the impact that alumni can make on its members, whether it be through volunteering or gifts to the Foundation, is crucial to the success of each chapter.

Q: What initially motivated you to give your time, talent and treasure to Delt?

A: Initially, giving to Delt was easy as I could see the direct benefits to my chapter. Donations to the Foundation were just supplemental because of the positive experiences that members were gaining through the Fraternity. As a current chapter advisor, I see the impact the Foundation makes on our young men, and it provides services that chapters cannot do alone. The results are there: the hallmarks of a productive, balanced, and gentlemanly life are strengthened in our young men because of the support of the Foundation.

Q: How has Delt continued to play a role in your adult life?

A: Several of my Fraternity brothers were at my wedding. After that, because of constant job moves, I was horrible at keeping in touch. Yet today, technology has made it so easy to connect. I love hearing and seeing what everyone is up to. A brother will take time out of his busy travel plans to drop by and see me on his way to visit family. We’re able to reconnect and reminisce on good college memories.

Q: What does “belonging” mean to you? How does Delt help its members find their sense of belonging?

A: We are a diverse, large and respectful organization. It is quite easy to partner up with someone in your chapter who supports your academic goals, hobbies and someone who can even help gain entrance into a specific career. Connections are easily formed and soon become unbreakable thanks to Delt.

Q: How has the creation of the Military Delts Fund and the affinity group deepened your association with Delt?

A: As an alum, I very much enjoy seeing what those who are presently serving in the military are doing. Their challenges are great, and they carry them out very well. Helping to support young Delt men who want to go into the military or law enforcement with my contributions helps me to support those who will be asked to provide a service to their nation or community that few willingly perform.

“Sustained giving, no matter the size, helps tremendously to deliver consistent offerings and services for our men. Possibly at no other time in collegiate history do our young men need sustained positive modeling, help and guidance than they do now.” 

Evangelos “Angel” S. Levas (University of Kentucky, 1954) has continuously served Delta Tau Delta as a generous and thoughtful brother. His profound professional leadership skills have helped Delts following in his steps lead lives of excellence for decades.

The son of Greek Immigrant parents, Levas proved his dedication to serving those around him from a young age, as he transformed the family restaurant Coney Island Restaurant into the Levas’ Restaurant alongside his late brother, John V. Levas (University of Kentucky, 1957).

With the Fraternity, Levas volunteered his time as Southern Division President, Division Vice President, Arch Chapter Treasurer, and a member on the Delta Epsilon House Chapter Board. Thanks to his years of service, Levas was presented with the Distinguished Service Chapter, the highest award presented by the Fraternity.

Brother Levas has been a generous donor to the Delt Foundation for years and is recognized as a member of the Order of the C— Society, Bethany Society, Heritage Society, and a recipient of the Crystal Vision award. The Kentucky alumnus has created numerous opportunities for undergraduate Delts through these gifts and remains one of the top Forging the Future Campaign contributors with Platinum Society recognition.

A philanthropist in his local community, Levas helped improve the Lexington area through work with Just Fund KY, the Fine Arts, the Greek Orthodox Church and is a founding member of the Bluegrass Community Foundation. 

As the external vice president of the Beta Zeta Chapter, Nathan C. Marohn (Butler University, 2025) found a possibility to express his leadership skills and philanthropic passions as one. A rising junior, Marohn credits his passion for giving back to the Foundation due to what he has gained from becoming a member. Marohn recently sat down with Abby Paragon, Coordinator of Foundation Communications, to chat about his relationship with the Delt Foundation.

Q: What does “giving back” mean to you?

A: To me, it’s a way to show an organization or a friend that you appreciate what they’ve done. It’s to say “Thank You” for impacting me in a way and to show my commitments to furthering (the organization’s) efforts and mission. Personally, it is something that really fulfills me.

Q: What made you choose to give back to the Delt Foundation and join the Crescent Society?

A: Before going through recruitment, I thought Greek life wasn’t for me, but I still went through with the process. Joining Delt has been one of the best decisions I could’ve made, not only personally, but also because of the opportunities that Delt has provided me outside of the Fraternity. I never thought I’d be in a fraternity, let alone be a part of the chapter’s executive team. Leadership and philanthropy are two of my passions, and these are areas I really wouldn’t have been able to exercise without my external vice president position. Giving back is my way of saying thank you to Delta Tau Delta for providing me with these opportunities and giving me a way to express my passions. Before joining Delt, I hadn't yet realized my voice and the opportunities I’ve gained from Delt gave me the outlet to use it.

Q: What was one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned at a Delt Foundation sponsored event?

A: Attending Karnea was impactful to me because you get to experience Delt as more than just your chapter. Spending time with so many other chapters really opens your eyes to the impact we can make as a whole organization. It was very evident that we all share the same core values and lead our lives by the same morals; the impact a Delt can make is extremely powerful.

Q: How has Delt molded your undergraduate experience and how do you hope it plays a role in your future?

A: Delt has already taught me so many values and lessons that I’ve used outside of the Fraternity. I know I’ll always have a brotherhood that will hold me accountable and is filled with people trying to better themselves. Giving back to such a great organization and Fraternity is so easy because it has provided my brothers and me with the foundation to live a successful and educational life.  

The newest Chairman of the Educational Foundation Board, Michael D. Shonrock, Ph.D. (Western Illinois University, 1979), enters his role at an exciting and inspiring new time for the Foundation.

From the very beginning in his early days as an undergraduate, Shonrock knew that Delta Tau Delta was a powerful force. Learning the true meaning of brotherhood and grasping an appreciation to learn to build self-confidence, Shonrock carries those initial life lessons with him today.

A firm believer in servant leadership and service above self, Shonrock hopes that current undergraduates will gain significant attributes because of the Forging the Future Campaign.

“Anyone can live in a community, but not everyone can engage. My hope is that they can learn the value of giving back to an organization and community. They are the future, so it’s important they help us move forward into the next generation and start a movement.”

Having launched the Campaign at the Norfolk Karnea, the excitement surrounding it enhances the more that people learn about it. Shonrock addresses this point while also motioning to continue moving forward.

“We’ve already made a lot of progress with it, but it’s important to keep that momentum moving and continue building upon it. Ultimately, through this campaign we are investing in the next generation of Delts. The gifts we receive are precious and each gift means something to someone.”

Always looking to build and improve relationships, Shonrock is excited to provide those same opportunities to current members.

“We must recognize and respect generational differences while continuing to invest in the next generation. They will be taking on leadership roles to prepare them to be successful throughout life, and it’s very energizing to aid those and watch them come to fruition.”

Sending your child off to college for the first time is an emotional and stressful endeavor for any parent, let alone when the COVID-19 pandemic gets thrown into the mix. During Stefano F. DeRossi’s (Emory University, 2024) first year on campus, his mother Maria DeRossi recalls him experiencing a sense of isolation that so many other first-year students were dealt as well. Now a rising junior, Stefano proudly serves the Beta Epsilon Chapter as the social chair, a feat made possible thanks to the comfort, camaraderie, and inspiration he’s experienced as a Delt.

Upon meeting a few chapter members and realizing they all shared the same values that he aspired to have, Stefano knew that Delta Tau Delta was the right fit for him. “It was the perfect balance between dedication to school, social activities and the Fraternity,” Maria noted.

After treating her son and a few of his chapter brothers to dinner on a visit to campus, Maria was assured that her son was where he needed to be. “Character is an important trait, and this Fraternity has held true to it being one of the main purposes. He is surrounded by a good group of young men who lean on each other and can learn necessary life skills in a nurtured environment.” To Maria, being a part of the Fraternity has had far more importance and significance on her son than just spending time with other young men would accomplish.

One of the many people who were responsible for the Parent group topping the 2022 One Day. One Delt. Day of Giving donor chart, Maria chose to financially impact the Foundation and Fraternity for what it has given her son: a home away from home. “I wanted to give because I’m proud of the good culture he’s a part of and the sense of ownership he’s adopted.” Maria also credits her desire to give due to the comfort she has knowing her son is in an environment that showcases a sound support system where he is able to thrive.

As the social chair for Beta Epsilon, Stefano organized a fundraiser for the JED Foundation that helped raise over $700 for mental health awareness.

“I wanted him to develop as a holistic young adult and to be surrounded by a group of male role models, and I know that he’s found that with Delt.”

To follow Maria DeRossi’s lead and help make an impact on the lives of young Delts by donating to the Delt Foundation, visit delts.org/give.  

A director on the Foundation’s Board of Directors and elected in 2020 as the 55th international president of the Fraternity, Bruce L. Peterson (University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, 1975) shows a devotion to Delta Tau Delta that stretches across decades.

As an undergraduate, Peterson admits that many of the lessons he learned as a Delt helped transform him in his professional setting. “Serving as a committee chair or an officer allowed me to learn how to motivate people, create budgets, develop project plans with dates, and effectively communicate (oral & written) to others. Having had these workplace skills advantaged me over my peers who were just starting to learn the soft skills I learned from the Fraternity.”

Peterson addresses the ongoing support that young men need to thrive and reach their full potential, making it apparent how crucial the work is that the Foundation is doing for young Delts.

“Fraternities are one of a handful of organizations supporting men in a hostile world that disadvantages them at every turn. Although some may think men are okay or self-reliant and don’t require help, these donations to the Foundation help ensure young men get the very-necessary support, resources, and care to live lives of excellence. I see our campaign providing the resources needed to help our members succeed in their professional careers, civic duties, and personal lives.”

"I hope we develop programs to foster mentorships by discipline and for our alums to seek and place our members into work internships. This mentoring program has a real-world implication that would tremendously advantage our brothers’ careers and aspirations to live a life of excellence."

To follow Brother Peterson's lead in giving to the Educational Foundation, visit www.delts.org/give.

William A. McCloy (Ohio State University, 1982) was one of the Beta Phi members who were fortunate enough to call Paul M. Falkenbach (Ohio State University, 1979) a Brother, a friend, and a mentor. The two first met during McCloy’s initiation week, and eventually overlapped as outgoing president and incoming vice president of the Chapter. Falkenbach passed in January 2022.

McCloy knew that Delta Tau Delta was the best fit for him based on the type of people all the members were, claiming it to be a diverse chapter in the sense of economic and demographic backgrounds of the young men. Finding a declared comfort with the Beta Phi members, McCloy’s decision was proved correct when he met Falkenbach. “Paul was very effective in interacting, communicating, and getting along with everyone. He exemplified very clearly what social interaction can do to a young man.” McCloy credits this life lesson as one of the most important he’s learned, thanks to his late friend.

The Paul Falkenbach Fund provides funds for chapter president leadership training, speakers at division conferences and Karnea, and educational programming for alumni volunteers. This fund is a testament to the devotion and character that Falkenbach displayed as a Delt. McCloy claims it to be a perfect way to “tie the trait and talent that he had and honor him through it. We owe it to him to try to emulate and formalize a process that gives better support to leaders within Delta Tau Delta.”

Dedicated as a fund to enhance leadership training, McCloy acknowledges the work ethic and desire to improve that Falkenbach’s often displayed. “He was great at capturing what we wanted to accomplish and handing it on to the next generation. Instead of waiting to be told what we should be doing, Paul would first ask where we can improve.” McCloy notes that although every chapter is not the same, providing a framework and outline on what brought a certain chapter success can play a role in improving another.

Aside from the Foundation and Fraternity, McCloy actively volunteers his time and treasure with other organizations near to his heart; giving back is a natural for him and his family. As an undergraduate, McCloy found Beta Phi to be a part of almost everything he did. Not only did he meet his best friends from the Chapter, but many aspects of his profession, including his stint in the Ohio Senate, were a result of the relationships he formed with his Brothers.

“My experience at Beta Phi is the biggest reason why I give back to the Fraternity. I give back for what it gave to me.”

To follow Brother McCloy's lead in giving to the Educational Foundation, visit https://www.delts.org/give.  

Paul J. DeMand (Kettering University, 1988) has been a global business leader for years. Aside from his professional excursions across the world, DeMand also serves as a member of the Foundation Board of Directors. Although he currently resides in both Hong Kong and California, DeMand finds a plethora of ways to keep in contact with the Educational Foundation, thus having a powerful impact on our Fraternity and fellow members.

“I give to Delta Tau Delta to ensure that we continue to have the best opportunity to recruit, develop and retain the best men who truly aspire to live lives of excellence. The Delt experience gave me ‘real-world’ benefits of brotherhood, leadership, and working together to achieve principled purpose. I personally give now as an investment to ensure that we continue to give these critical hands-on opportunities to current and future members nationwide.”

“I strongly encourage each one of our members, both current and alumni, to give back to Delta Tau Delta in some form, whether it be time, talent and/or treasure. I personally make it a point to connect with various brothers monthly, am involved in championing the alumni resurgence at Kettering University and continue to serve on the Foundation Board of Directors in various leadership roles. Giving back provides a sense of pride knowing you create a positive impact through leading by example.”

As a result of his proven dedication to Delta Tau Delta, DeMand is honored with Al Sheriff Associate, Delta Alpha Kappa, Order of the C--, and Bethany Society giving level statuses. Join Brother DeMand in encouraging others to donate to the Forging the Future Campaign and the Educational Foundation. 

As a senior in college, Capt. Justin A. Williamson (Southeastern Louisiana University, 2015) made the courageous decision to join the military following the completion of his degree. While it wasn’t the path he’d always planned for, he claims that he would never have taken it without the support and motivation he received from his Delta Tau Delta Brothers. Early on in his Delt journey, Williamson knew he wanted to offer the same impact and guidance to undergraduates that he experienced. Not only has he served as a regular, generous donor, Williamson has also devoted a great amount of time and energy into impacting the lives of young Delts through facilitating the 2020 Digital Ignite program and evaluating scholarship applications for the Educational Foundation.

“Delta Tau Delta was the first experience I had that I saw the link between individual and group success. As an undergraduate, there were brothers that I connected with who became my mentors and motivators to give my best and make my chapter better. Now as an alumnus, I have worked to put out that same energy. Being a driving force behind the creation of the Military Delts and Delt Pride affinity groups has been very fulfilling. I would want other Delts to see that example and be encouraged to do the same.”

“If I had not had the opportunities I did to grow as an undergraduate, I simply would not be the person I am today. In the transition of graduating, I did not want to delay giving back because current and future undergraduates need to have the same or better access to the programs and experiences I had. For now, I want to keep my momentum on the Foundation and eventually get back to more hands-on work with undergraduates when placement in my career allows for it.”

Thanks to his continued generosity, Williamson is recognized as an Al Sheriff Associate and a member of the Order of the C--, Bethany Society and Heritage Society. Pledging his first donation to the Foundation in 2012, Williamson began his dedication to giving back as an undergraduate and earned Crescent Society honors.  

Learn more about the great ways to get involved with the Foundation and make an impact at delts.org/give. 

Prior to pledging Delta Tau Delta, Monroe E. Trout, M.D. (University of Pennsylvania, 1953) had already been living out our values of truth, courage, faith and power. From a very young age, he committed to making an impact on society through a life of excellence and he continually works to instill his values on those he encounters.

A member of the Bethany Society and the Order of the C--, he is grateful to know that our Fraternity uses his gifts to provide essential member training. “We learned how to be good leaders and that is one of life’s most important lessons.” Trout’s wife, Sandy, notes that generosity has a domino effect – “We hope this gift inspires people to give in return throughout their careers.”

Delt has given Trout a life of friendship no matter where he and Sandy have lived. Whether it be meeting his “best man” in the Omega Chapter, reconnecting with long-lost brothers, or befriending new faces around the country, Trout has always been eager to create new bonds of brotherhood. He credits the ability to make and connect with so many friends as one of Delt’s most commendable assets. Notable lifelong relationships have included Jim Bowersox, Don Kress, Alan Brackett and many others over the years. Recently, Trout reconnected with Bryan Weatherup, a Delt from San Diego who is now serving overseas in the military, proving that Delta Tau Delta is not just for undergraduates.

Sandy, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and member of Kappa Alpha Theta, quickly adopted and mimicked her husband’s love for and devotion to Delt. Though not a Delt herself, Sandy admires the lasting impact that it has, by claiming that it “gives you a small island in the great ocean of a university.”

Monroe E. Trout, M.D. recently made a generous gift to the Foundation to further its mission of enriching the lives of young Delts. We hope you will join Brother Trout by considering a transformative gift to the Delt Foundation at delts.org/give.  

I am proud to serve as the current Chairman of the Delta Tau Delta Educational Foundation. Having served on the Foundation Board of Directors since 2015, I have witnessed the great strides that we have made over the past few years and know firsthand the impact the Delt Foundation has had on our young brothers. 

It is paramount that we commit our time, talent, and treasure to the work of developing men who live our Delt values and principles in their daily lives. Since the formal establishment of the Foundation in 1981, we have truly advanced the fraternal movement; however, we must continue to be innovative and aspire to achieve even loftier goals.

I hope you will join me in making a conscious decision to incorporate Delta Tau Delta in your daily life. Your involvement in our great Fraternity is critical to our continued success. I hope you will reach out to a lost brother, reconnect with your chapter or volunteer your time. Learn more about the great ways to get involved with the Foundation and make an impact at delts.org/give.