book of records - Kansas State University

7.26 Book of Records
After the war, the National Headquarters established AHelp Week@ as a replacement for AHell Week@. This
was the adoption of a program that was started at the Indiana chapter. Delta Theta took the idea to heart and in the
school year 1949-50 became one of the first ΑΤΩ chapters to establish AHelp Week@. As Alpha Tau Omega was the
first fraternity in the national to abolish AHell Week@ for AHelp Week@, Delta Theta was the first fraternity to practice
it at Kansas State University. Just one more instance to show Delta Theta=s leadership heritage.
Alpha Tau Omega become an international fraternity in 1947 by establishing a chapter in British Columbia,
Canada. In the spring of 1949, an international flavor was added to Delta Theta too. The chapter pledged and initiated a
foreign student, Malcolm (Mac) Tornqvist of Norrkoping, Sweden. He broadened the life of the Taus through the early
1950s and was one of the most well thought of men in the chapter. Mac was also well known and liked on campus--he
was elected Favorite Man on Campus (FMOC) by the K-State coeds. After graduation, he returned to Sweden.
In 1949, the chapter took on a project to help a war orphan. Delta Theta was able to Aadopt@ a war orphan by
having each member pay fifty cents per month. The chapter, continuing its interest in helping the less fortunate, gave a
Christmas party for underprivileged children in 1952. These are just two examples of Delta Theta=s interest in helping
others.
Shortly after the new wing was completed, Ellis Rainsberger, Delta Theta=s best athlete of the 1950s, joined the
chapter. Ellis played guard on the K-State football team of the late 1950s. He was one of the most outstanding players
in the Big Seven and made the All Big Seven teams in 1956 and 1957. In addition to this, he was the captain of K-
State=s team during this period. Rainsberger was coached by Bus Mertes, an ΑΤΩ from Iowa, who became head coach
at K-State in 1953. He resigned at the end of the 1959 season.
During the 1950s, the chapter was a regular finalist in Y-Orpheum (changed to Harlequinade in 1965). Delta
Theta=s skit placed first in 1952 and third in 1956.
As has been the norm throughout its history, chapter members were involved in many activities and named to
various honoraries. The honoraries included not only Greek letter organizations, but also other name organizations such
as Blue Key.
Some of the outstanding active men of the chapter during this period include Rollin Vickery, named outstanding
freshman from Phi Kappa Phi; Gene Grabs, Ag Magazine staff, Alpha Zeta, Gamma Kappa Phi and Phi Kappa Phi
freshman recognition; Jack Harmon, Vice President of Young Republicans and a member of the gymnastic team; Leland
Fager, member of the Union Special Promotion Committee; and Bruce Wilson, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Alpha Theta,
President of National Collegiate Players and General Chairman of the Student Union Executive Committee. There were
many other members that were also very active.