Letter to the Editor: DZ situation does not merit personal attacks
Issue date: 2/13/07 Section: Opinion
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As a former DePauw student, former Phi Delta Theta fraternity traveling chapter consultant, former house corporation member, and the husband of a national officer of Delta Zeta sorority, Kathi Heatherly, I felt compelled to write to the DePauw community.
It's clear that DZ's decisions created ill will at DePauw, where so much of student identity comes from greek life. While I was a student, it was at a historical peak, with 13 national fraternities and 10 national sororities. Over the past 20 years these numbers have dwindled, both at DePauw and across the country.
DZ is committed to the well-being of its chapters and members. I frequently meet with DZ actives and alumnae. They are first-class ladies who are committed to the standards and ideals of the sorority. They are also committed to individual members who exhibit these standards and ideals. But there are standards every greek organization expects of its membership, and DZ is no different.
The DePauw chapter of DZ is one of the oldest and dearest. Decisions about its status are not made quickly or taken lightly. Decades of physical, emotional and financial capital have been spent to make it the best it can be. It's up to the local members and their alumnae network to make the experience successful. I only hope that all members can set negativity aside and move on to more constructive actions.
I have learned that students, administration and staff have made professional and personal attacks on the staff and volunteers of DZ, including my wife. Some of these comments are some of the most hateful words that can be thrust upon someone. I am proud to be an alumnus of DePauw and have worked recently to recruit students from the western suburbs of Chicago. It saddens me to hear of these attacks, as I don't think it is a positive reflection on anyone. The DePauw experience is filled with highs and lows, and these experiences prepare its students for life after college. I ask my fellow community members to show the class inherent in such a great institution.
Don Heatherly '87
It's clear that DZ's decisions created ill will at DePauw, where so much of student identity comes from greek life. While I was a student, it was at a historical peak, with 13 national fraternities and 10 national sororities. Over the past 20 years these numbers have dwindled, both at DePauw and across the country.
DZ is committed to the well-being of its chapters and members. I frequently meet with DZ actives and alumnae. They are first-class ladies who are committed to the standards and ideals of the sorority. They are also committed to individual members who exhibit these standards and ideals. But there are standards every greek organization expects of its membership, and DZ is no different.
The DePauw chapter of DZ is one of the oldest and dearest. Decisions about its status are not made quickly or taken lightly. Decades of physical, emotional and financial capital have been spent to make it the best it can be. It's up to the local members and their alumnae network to make the experience successful. I only hope that all members can set negativity aside and move on to more constructive actions.
I have learned that students, administration and staff have made professional and personal attacks on the staff and volunteers of DZ, including my wife. Some of these comments are some of the most hateful words that can be thrust upon someone. I am proud to be an alumnus of DePauw and have worked recently to recruit students from the western suburbs of Chicago. It saddens me to hear of these attacks, as I don't think it is a positive reflection on anyone. The DePauw experience is filled with highs and lows, and these experiences prepare its students for life after college. I ask my fellow community members to show the class inherent in such a great institution.
Don Heatherly '87
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