The Wichita Area Alumni Club's Founders Day celebration was held the weekend of April 20-21st. A social for all area alumni was held at the Pumphouse on Friday evening. Several golfers got together for a Saturday morning golf event at Braeburn Golf Course. The Kansas Delta Chapter at Wichita State held an open house, served lunch and gave house tours on Saturday afternoon. The Founders Day celebration was held at the Marcus Center on the WSU campus Saturday evening with over 75 people in attendance. Those in attendance enjoyed a wonderful meal followed by a program – recognizing and honoring Brother Jim Maddox, Bond #98 and two-sport letterman for Wichita State University.

Master of Ceremonies Brother Dick Honeyman opened the program with a few “tall tales” and read emails from brothers unable to attend Founders Day. “Voice of the Shockers” Mike Kennedy spoke of the “Golden Era” of Shocker sports and how the athletes from the Phi Delt house were entwined with the Shocker sports of the day. Brother Gary Bender spoke briefly, and then the group watched an in-depth interview between Gary and Jim from Jim’s home in Lawrence, Kansas. Jim was originally from Enid, Oklahoma, and was being recruited by both OU and OSU. Jim chose WSU since it gave him the opportunity to play both FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL. Jim made the best of that opportunity, playing at a high level and on several championship teams during his time at WSU. Jim played and/or coached with several NFL alumni, including Bill Parcells.

After the video interview, Jim spoke to the group, giving additional information on his background and family (his son Mike is a University of Kansas Phi and alumnus) and how his business and personal life has been a weave of WSU friends and Phi Delts over the years. Jim is no longer able to walk and getting around has been difficult. It was announced that several local Phi Delt brothers got together and donated to Jim a new handicap accessible van. Mike, Jim and family were able to make the event because of the vehicle, and Jim was in tears as he spoke on how this new vehicle would help him and his family get around and allow him to see his grandchildren more often.

To close the evening, elections were held, the group recognized brothers who passed away this year, and pins were presented to several Golden Legionnaires (50 years) and Silver Legionaires (25 years) in attendance.

Jim, Mike, and their families were the last to leave for the evening as they stayed to talk with brothers, friends, and teammates. The event proved to be a very entertaining, educational, emotional and incredibly enjoyable evening.

A special “Thank You” goes out to brothers Gary Bender, Dick Honeyman, Mike Maddox, Paul Lueker, and Jim Maddox for their help, participation, efforts, and time to make this an incredibly enjoyable evening.