Nearly 50 years after graduation and the DKE Class of ’71 impressively gained a 100% commitment to the DKExcellence: The Four Corners Campaign. This speaks volumes to the strong bonds that have kept this class together.
“It all started back in 1975 when a few of us thought it would be good idea to get together on the 5th anniversary of our graduation,” said class agent Craig Perry ’71. “Having it in Chapel Hill was a natural. We try to have a reunion every five years.”
Back in the days before social media, email, and even the internet, the guys started a list where they kept everyone’s contact information. Although there have been countless changes and updates to that list over the years, it has worked well to keep everyone in contact.
For John Hine ’71 the DKE saying, “Friends from the heart forever” always comes to mind. Friendships that began in the spring of 1968 are still going strong today.
“Many of us are nearly 70 years old now,” said John. “We didn’t know then what the saying really meant, but now we do. I had lunch just yesterday with one of my DKE brothers.”
John wants today’s brothers to know that even if they don’t realize it now, DKE brothers will be a part of their lives for many years to come. Things will change, but these are special relationships that will stand the test of time.
Class agent Beech Watson ’71 helped Craig gain the 100% commitment from their class. He said that although emails and Christmas cards are regularly exchanged, it was nice to pick up the phone and reconnect with many of his brothers one on one.
“Everybody liked everybody, there were no cliques. We were close in school and that hasn’t changed over the years,” said Beech. “We respected and felt proud of the fact that we are DKEs. We are bound to each other by our years together at UNC.”
Both Craig and Beech shared that some of their best memories from DKE were pledging and what they went through with their DKE brothers. They gained invaluable experiences and lifelong friends during those four years. Together, the Class of ’71, stepped up to give this experience to current and future DKEs.
What does Beech hope for the future of DKE?
“Keep it the best fraternity at UNC,” he said. “Make the physical presence, the House, a place in which we can all take pride. Hopefully, make the active chapter feel the responsibility to maintain not only the House, but also themselves as examples of the best of the best of Greeks at UNC.”
Craig echoes those sentiments.
“I hope the Four Corners Campaign will put the DKE house on solid financial footing going forward,” he said, “and encourages the existing and future members to have the best memories possible of their college days.”
