The Tri-State Delta Chi Educational Foundation Inc. is a newly announced 501c3 organization that offers another giving option for supporters. In 2022 we started this nonprofit as another way to support the next generation of the brotherhood and encourage growth and leadership. We are currently handing out six $1,000 scholarship checks directly to the winners each semester. We hope to continue to provide this and hopefully, expand our scholarship offerings.
Key Features of the Foundation:
- It has 501c3 status, meaning gifts qualify for tax-exempt status.
- It is independent of Trine University.
- Unlike the Trine-administered Rich Kruger Scholarship Fund, the scholarship money awarded will not be deducted from other Trine scholarships.
- It offers a new level of support and encouragement for existing Trine Delta Chi Brothers.
The Foundation’s Board Members include:
- Taylor Breidenach (18) – President/Vice President
- Nick Garstka (10) – Secretary
- Mike Gitzendanner (99) – Treasurer
- Bob Trgovich (76) – Incorporator
- Josh Wyman (17)
- Scott Bykowski (92)
- Jed Mundell (72)
- Bob Edds (72)
- Jim Olson (74)
- Jacob Hamblen (19)
- Adam McHenry (19)
For Actives:
There are 6 Scholarships that are passed out every semester that represent tenets of our 4 pillars.
Promote Friendship
Top Brother – Coke’s Spiritual Successor
This close association produces the life-long friendship that creates the Delta Chi bond and the brotherhood of a lifetime. This individual identifies the common bond of personal development through brotherhood can motivate a group of men to accomplish great things.
Recruitment – Everlasting 411 Gang
Delta Chi was founded on the principle of bringing together men of similar interests to work towards a common goal, by continuing the Delta Chi tradition and expectations of a Delta Chi Man.
Develop Character
Philanthropy – Robert K. Edds Humanitarian Award
Bob Edds ‘69 is a Tri-State college graduate and one of the first initiated classes for this chapter. While an alumni, Bob had a never ending desire to give back to the Fraternity. He had been a member of building corp for many years, led the 50th anniversary alumni weekend planning, and helped establish the Educational Foundation. Bob volunteered to head the 50th anniversary committee, knowing that he could assemble an effective team. He created an event that would lead to the return of over 200 brothers and fulfilling the goal set of paying off the new house.
After the massive success of the 50th reunion, his involvement did not stop. He was a crucial part of helping establish the Tri-State Delta Chi Educational Foundation, a Non-Profit designed to provide scholarships to active brothers. Bob’s busy life was a testament to his faith, love of family, and desire to leave the world a better place. His endless contributions to the Fraternity, his community, and those he cared about is the epitome of the Delta Chi core value of Developing Character.
We unfortunately lost Bob to a battle with cancer in January of 2024. Even during his battle, he remained a reliable and consistent presence within the Educational Foundation. The Educational Foundation has dedicated our philanthropy focused scholarship in his name. The Robert K. Edds Humanitarian Award is a small token of honor to keep his legacy ongoing for future generations and to reiterate what it truly means to be a Delta Chi Man of Character.
Rising Star – The Darling Star
Challenging yourself to take a leadership role, to chair a committee, or to simply be a member who lives according to the values of the Ritual and the Eleven Basic Expectations all work to help develop your individual character. This individual has been coined the ‘Future Leaders’ of the Fraternity and the community.
Advance Justice
Top Executive Board Member – Potter’s Protégée
Someone who truly embodies and displays the core values of Delta Chi. This individual has proven to be engaged actively within the Fraternity and displays a high-level of accomplishment throughout their undergraduate time.
Assist in the Acquisition of a Sound Education
Top GPA – The Guiding Martlet
This individual has consistently put education first and understands the importance of their future in their respective major. This individual often provides a support network around the stressors of school and aids in the educational goals of others around them.
Please come back to this site every semester for the updated link to our scholarship applications.
For Alumni:
If you are interested in learning more about our mission or want to contribute to the scholarship funds, please reach out to us by emailing our President, Taylor Breidenbach, taylor.breidenbach@gmail.com, or our Treasurer, Michael Gitzendanner, dchigitz@hotmail.com.
