Dennis and Yvonne Dilworth recently made a $100,000 gift to the Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi. Dennis pledged Gamma Theta Chapter at San Diego State University in 1951 and shares his experience in Theta Chi and why he and his wife made a decision to give.
In 1952, Dennis was drafted into the Army and sent to Fort Bliss, TX for basic and artillery training. Dennis spent 36 weeks training on the radar system for the 75mm anti-aircraft “Skysweeper” artillery piece, and another six weeks on the AN/TPS-1Dlong range radar, followed by work on a secret ID “friend or foe” unit. By the time he had completed all the schooling the Korean conflict was over. Dennis finished his final year of service in England before returning to San Diego State in 1954.
Dennis has great memories of his fraternity days both before and after his military service. Dennis and Yvonne were married during his second “tour” at then San Diego State College, as was not uncommon in those days.
“My wife’s family was still complaining about all the expenses from her sister’s wedding. So when we were thinking about getting married we figured it would be best to just do something simple and not tell them. My folks knew what we were going to do and had no problem with it,” said Dennis. “Our witnesses were chapter brother Jim VanNatta (1956) and his wife to be Edna. He lived two doors down from my folk’s house. Another brother, Bill Coops (1956), took pictures. The chapter surprised us afterwards with a reception at the first Hardy Avenue fraternity house with cake and champagne. Many of the brothers were there,” he said.
While a married student, Dennis served as Chapter President from 1956-1957 and worked 20 hours a week at Convair, earning $1.75 an hour. Reflecting back on their college years, Dennis and Yvonne made their gift to Theta Chi to help out future Theta Chi brothers. Dennis also notes that his gift was inspired by fellow Gamma Theta Dean Strasser (1957) who also made a $100,000 gift to the Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi in 2003.
“Because of the Fraternity I have brothers for life,” said Dennis. “I want to support a brotherhood that was a big part of my college life,” he said.
The Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi serves to develop and provide financial resources to promote the academics, leadership and service ideals of Theta Chi Fraternity. The Foundation Chapter is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization, based within the Theta Chi Fraternity International Headquarters building in Carmel, IN. For more information on making a gift, you may call (317) 848-1856, email foundation@thetachi.org, or visit www.thetachi.org/foundation for more information.