The Delta Chi Alumni Corporation (House Corporation) wanted to provide an update on the status of the Chapter House and undergraduates during Covid-19
It only takes one look at the daily headlines to realize that we’re all facing unprecedented and uncertain times. The threat to our health for all of us but especially for our older Alumni, is beyond comprehension just even one month ago. We also face the threat of economic peril from the aftermath of this new virus and that assumes that we the USA appropriately handle and conquer this invisible foe.
In the face of all this uncertainty, the University of Michigan cancelled physical classes, Commencement, NCAA sports and everything else that we all hold dear from our days on campus. As the crisis evolved – students were staying first and then the University recommended that they all go home. Based upon the recommendation, the Chapter Members/Tenants decided that they were for the most part going to follow the recommendation.
This process to leave campus was very chaotic due to the great distances that most Members live from Ann Arbor. What was normally not a difficult process became very challenging. Therefore, we did NOT and have NOT shut down the Chapter House. A few Members have remained in Ann Arbor and most Members left a great deal of their belongings in their rooms. As the situation deteriorated, it was clear that despite the chaotic transportation issues, normal University life for at least the rest of the semester was over. Therefore, the House Corporation helped with the Caterer. This was a considerable savings for the Members as the meal program was to continue until the end of April.
At the time of this article being written, we are not cancelling the leases for the Tenants as a very small minority are still there (although they may be leaving soon – of their own accord). There are still lots of valuables and belongings there and the Members will be back at some point to collect their stuff. At some time in the future, we will determine how/when to have the official move out for the 2019/2020 school year.
One of the benefits of the new Chapter House (that so many of you contributed to) is that we have an excellent security through the Key FOBS for the external doors and the 24/7 camera system that allows for constant monitoring without having to be on location. Thank you for your contributions to allow us to have been better prepared for situations like this.
On an informational note, the Chapter has 33 new Associate Members for the 2019/2020 school year, we currently have 26 signed leases and commitment for 6 more leases from the new Winter Associates. This means that we are two short of the required capacity and the Chapter realizes they must gain 2 more future Members or current Members to fill those spots. In the event that they do not fill those slots then the Chapter must pay required rent to the House Corporation and lose some of those dollars for other things (well really one thing – partying). Life lessons are still being taught and learned at the Michigan Chapter if Delta Chi.
We all joined Delta Chi because we believed in the basic benefits and values that can be had in a group such as Delta Chi. Life lessons are best taught in a group – mistakes better learned when young and impressionable. From those groups that we all belonged to, we learned lots of things to prepare for times like the Covid-19 crisis.
Those learning times at Michigan Delta Chi did create an alumni group that has done great things in our world. Great families, Great Companies, Public Servants, First Responder Heroes, etc. One shining example is the new state of the art Chapter House for the next generation of leaders. This new generation is still learning some of the same lessons we did – compromise, interpersonal skills, leadership, community, diversity, service, charity and a host of other things that contribute greatly to society in times like this. If there ever was a time for us to practice some of those lessons and values it is now during a time of crisis and panic.
How can you do this?
Reach out to your fraternity brothers – Call them – Email them. If you do not have contact information for someone you want to communicate with – let us know. Part of the benefit of the recent fund raising process for the new Chapter House was to accumulate a data base with that basic information. Contact us and we will see if we have the information on someone you want to find and connect with. As we’re forced into social distancing, there’s no need to become isolated.
For more information in regards to our decision please contact Frank Morrey at [email protected] or [email protected].
