Describe the fraternity as you remember it in your time frame.
I didn’t walk into Delta Chi wanting to join, but in the end the men I met convinced me. My introduction to Delta Chi was renting a room for the summer. During that summer I met over half of the brothers and felt comfortable with them. During early summer we spent many a night watching the hockey playoffs up on the 3rd floor with Doug Godbold ’86, Bill McGarry ’87 and others. As the summer was coming to a close, several of the Delta Chi brothers asked me if I was going to rush. Up to this point I had little interest in joining the fraternity, however, I had become friends with many of these guys and so I said that I would come check it out. Needless to say I joined Delta Chi that fall and became brothers with many great guys.
What are you fondest memories of being a Delta Chi at Michigan?
I have many memories of Delta Chi from parties to work days to Greek Week to chapter meetings, yet my best memories were ones outside of Delta Chi. Yes, I am talking about the road trips we took. There were trips to other chapters including that school down in Columbus, OH and over to Lansing. Still, for me, the two trips I took with brothers up to my parents’ cottage near Charlevoix are some of my fondest.
Do you remember any incidents or funny stories from your DX days?
I have memories of many incidents and brothers who shared them. My hope is that seeing my name will bring back a few of these stories to those whom I shared them with as so many of them still do for me.
Did you live in the house? Who were your roommates ?
I lived in Front Triple with Marty Heger ’87 and South Quad
Did you have a nickname and, if so, how did you get it?
For a while they called me “The Big Kahuna”. They gave me this nickname around the time I was elected A.
Do you stay in touch with any of your Delta Chi brothers? Who?
I have lost touch with many of the brothers, but do keep in touch with Doug Godbold. I hope to make it back to a homecoming in the near future.
What was your undergraduate degree?? What was the first job you took after college ?
My Undergraduate degree is a B.S. in Computer Science. When I got out of school I worked for a consulting company and then for a Telecommunication company. After living in the metro Detroit area for eight years, I decided to move to the west side of the state. I took a job in the Information Systems department at Grand Valley State University (GVSU). I also decided to go back and get my Master’s Degree in Computer Information Systems from GVSU. I have been working at GVSU for 17 years where my title is now Administrative Systems Architect.
Tell us about your family.
My wife, Cathy and I live in West Olive near Lake Michigan
Hobbies you have?
I enjoy U of M sports (hockey, soccer, football) as well as walking and hiking (especially on the beach) and traveling.
Volunteer work ?
For the last two years I have been part of the Fit the Mitt program mentoring international students at GVSU. It has been very rewarding to help students adapt to a new environment and also to learn about their country, customs and traditions.
What advice would you give the younger Delta Chi members?
Enjoy your time in school, but not at the expense of getting an education.
If brothers wish to reach out to Ken, they can do so by email: [email protected]
