Q & A with Steve Richards
Steve Richards (University of Southern Mississippi, 1986) a long-time mentor for members of Zeta Chi Chapter, has served as house corporation treasurer since the fall of 2007.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE DELTA TAU DELTA?
I was a junior when I enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi in the fall of 1984. I signed up for formal rush, but at the last minute, I decided not to go through with it. None of the fraternities on campus seemed to be what I was looking for in an organization. Some friends and I wanted to start our own fraternity, but we were told to check out a new fraternity coming to campus. We found Delt held the values and ideals we were looking for and on Oct. 28, 1984, we became founding fathers for the Zeta Chi Colony of Delta Tau Delta.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED AS A FRATERNITY VOLUNTEER?
It felt like a natural progression for me to become a volunteer. I graduated in 1986. Except for a couple of years in Texas, I’ve been involved with Zeta Chi in some capacity since then.
HOW HAVE YOU BENEFITTED BY BEING INVOLVED?
I don’t have any kids of my own, so the undergraduates have become my kids. I am involved in all aspects of their lives—not just fraternity things, but also family, school, work, etc. I try to form a bond so they know they have someone they can come to for any reason. I’ve gotten to see many of them get married and have families of their own. I hear about their careers. It makes me happy so many still allow me to be a part of their lives. It’s a humbling feeling.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO AN ALUMNUS WHO HADN’T PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?
Our Ritual says we should give back and we have a responsibility to those who come after us. It doesn’t matter how big or small your contribution. Wisdom, knowledge and guidance can only benefit young men.
HOW DO FRIENDS AND FAMILY SUPPORT YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE?
They know it is part of who I am. It’s what I do. My favorite saying: You are your brother’s keeper—always and in ALL ways. We’re a family. Families disagree, but in the end, we are bound together forever by our Ritual. You love, honor, respect and protect each other. You hold each other accountable. You’re there for the good times and bad, the ups and the downs. But always we are brothers. We are Delts.