During the reinstallation banquet of Gamma Theta Chapter at San Diego State University, the Grand Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity recognized Past National President David E. DeVol (Gamma Theta/San Diego State 1959) as the "Grand Old Man of Theta Chi".
The Resolution passed by the Grand Chapter reads as follows:
“The Grand Old Man of Theta Chi”
WHEREAS, Brother David E. Devol, Gamma Theta/San Diego State ’59 has been a member of Theta Chi Fraternity from 1956; and, since 1968 when he became a member of its Grand Chapter, has rendered conspicuous and distinguished service to the fraternity and it membership, serving twelve years on that body including terms as National President, National Vice President and National Counselor; and,
WHEREAS, Brother Devol has served on the National Board of Trustees for ten year and on the board of the Foundation Chapter for six years; and,
WHEREAS, Brother Devol has instilled into the hearts and minds of our members the spirit and ideals of our Fraternity such that Theta Chi’s award for superior volunteer service is named in his honor, and,
WHEREAS, Brother Devol is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, the Fraternity’s highest award; and
WHEREAS, The Grand Chapter has only once before conferred a title of utmost respect and seniority, which was given to Dr. Robert L. Irish, Alpha/Norwich ‘89 in 1931; now,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Grand Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity give due recognition of Brother David E. Devol’s idealistic and unselfish service by conferring upon him the title of “The Grand Old Man of Theta Chi,” and be it further,
RESOLVED, That the appreciation of the Theta Chi Fraternity be expressed to him at the re-installation of the Gamma Theta Chapter at San Diego State University, and be it further
RESOLVED, That these resolutions be entered upon the minutes of the Grand Chapter and published in The Rattle of Theta Chi.
Brother DeVol has selflessly served Theta Chi Fraternity over the past several decades. He attended the 100th Anniversary Convention at Norwich University in 1956 as an undergraduate, and later served as a Regional Counselor after his graduation. He was elected to the Grand Chapter in 1968 and served as National Counselor until 1971. He was elected to the Grand Chapter again in 1972 and would serve as National Vice President for six years. In 1978, DeVol was elected National President and served through 1980. DeVol was the first Californian to be elected to Theta Chi Fraternity's highest office.
Following his time on the Grand Chapter, DeVol served on the National Board of Trustees (now the Norwich Housing Corporation) and served as its President from 1994-1996. He is currently one of seven brothers that have served as both National President and President of the NBT/NHC. Brother DeVol also served as a board member on the Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity.
Throughout his service on the National level, DeVol remained dedicated to his alma mater and to his beloved Gamma Theta Chapter at San Diego State. Countless hours were spent advising and mentoring undergraduate members and serving as a leader within Gamma Theta's housing corporation. He continues to be a leading force in the San Diego Alumni Chapter. He also managed to start an annual Ski Trip, which has since been named in his honor. The 33rd Annual National Theta Chi David E. DeVol Ski Trip will be held February 28 - March 4, 2014 in Park City, UT.
He is a recipient of the Fraternity's highest award, the Distinguished Service Award, which was presented to him in 1980 as he finished his term as National President. He has also receieved a Citation of Honor, an Alumni Award (presented by the Grand Chapter) and the Theta Chi For Life Award. He has been recognized with the Silver Legion and the Golden Guard and is also an Honorary Member of a number of chapters.
In 2003, the Executive Director created the DeVol Award, which is presented to those alumnus members who have provided the Fraternity with extra effort and dedication above and beyond what the duties of their positions required of them. The award is aptly named for a brother who always gave far more that what was required.
National President Dick Elder (and fellow Gamma Theta chapter brother) said, "I have known Dave DeVol since I was 19 years old....I'm now 64....He embodies not only the spirit of Theta Chi...He lives it everyday by extolling virtue, exacting harmony, and extending a helping hand to ALL who seek it. Dave DeVol is a "MAN"...A Theta Chi man and a "true friend and brother."
Former Leadership and Education Consultant and a current Theta Chi Counselor (and fellow Gamma Theta chapter brother) Philip Thornton said, "From my my first week of pledging, 12 years ago, to this day, there is one brother who remains steadfast in his loyalty to Theta Chi. Dave DeVol. Dave has been a driving force for this Fraternity not only at Gamma Theta, but across the nation. Since his road trip from San Diego to Norwich for the 1956 Convention, Dave continues to make history in our brotherhood. He has been a role model for servant leadership and gentlemanly conduct to thousands of Theta Chi brothers. I don't know Theta Chi without Dave DeVol being part of it."
Former Foundation Board member Herb Morgan (Theta Iota/UC-Santa Cruz 1988) first met DeVol while hatching a scheme to bring Theta Chi to the University of California - Santa Cruz. DeVol's guidance helped Brother Morgan and other men at UC-Santa Cruz establish the Theta Iota Chapter in 1989. "It's only fitting that Downhill Dave, a.k.a, Delta Delta should achieve the official moniker of Grand Old Man. After all, he [was old when] he first rushed me in 1986. Seriously though, Dave has been the consummate Theta Chi since Arthur Chase entered the chapter eternal. Without a doubt he is the face, the reputation, the class and the dignity of the organization. I'll always fondly remember those cold snowy nights in the cabin in Mammoth spent watching the Academy Awards together." - Herb Morgan, unofficial "little brother" of the Grand Old Man
After decades and countless hours of service, Theta Chi Fraternity PROUDLY Congratulates the Grand Old Man of Theta Chi Fraternity, Brother Dave DeVol!