Joseph Burak ‘98 ([email protected]) says that he decided to pledge to the house because of the brotherhood. “DX had several guys from my hometown, Bay City,” he wrote. “It was a laid back, fun group. I was a transfer student and not really into being hazed or ridiculed. I attended a few events at Alpha Delta Phi near the Union but wasn’t really stoked about walking across campus and frankly DX was one block away. No shame in convenience.”
He says that he soon knew he’d made the right choice. “The house had really smart guys, lots of engineers, pre-med, pre-law and a few in the school of architecture. But I was really sold by the friendship, class, and support they showed when my mom unexpectedly passed away during my pledge semester. Even though I was still getting to know them, several showed at the funeral and helped me when I returned to campus.”
He says his favorite memories were of the Annual Beach Bash and one particularly strange event: “I remember watching some rando ride the slip and slide down the hill, through a lake of mud water, over the sidewalk and into the street. He stood up in the road and wooed like Ric Flair, only to be promptly tossed in the back of an approaching Ann Arbor police car and hauled away for public intoxication. No one knew who this dude was, but it was damn entertaining.”
Burak said that Delta Chi impacted his life long after graduation. “My first job out of school was working as a Leadership Consultant for IHQ in Iowa City. And that position led me to a role with a major trade association in Washington, DC. So professionally, I’d say it made all the difference. Personally, I grew up poor. Really poor. DX taught me how to tie a tie, handle myself during a business dinner, socialize, and dress for success. Honestly, those soft skills really made the difference and helped give me additional tools to succeed.”
He says that giving back is critical for him. “I wouldn’t be where I am today, personally or professionally without the experience I had at the Michigan Delta Chi chapter.”
“Every parent wants their child to have access to more resources and experiences than they did, and the same concept applied to fraternity alumni and the chapter. It’s that simple.”
Without Delta Chi, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
