Shawn McComb
Shawn McComb
BS: Ag Economics 1986
MS: Ag Economics 1987
DTS was a life changing experience for me. I grew up on mixed farming operation in Ontario, Canada, and I transferred to UW-Madison following two years in a junior college. Fortunately, an earlier grad from my junior college went to Madison, and was a DTS alumnus. My counsellor strongly recommended contacting the House. When I arrived at Madison, I moved into DTS, and of course was immediately surrounded by 40 other guys from similar backgrounds and majors. This was HUGE!
It’s quite possible that I would not have stayed at Madison without DTS’ brotherhood, camaraderie, guidance and connections. It created opportunities to lead events, committees and take leadership roles in other campus organizations, like the Saddle and Sirloin Club. Indirectly, it opened the door for continuing my education with a Master’s degree, which laid the foundation for becoming an Ag Economist and Consultant in a world renowned economic forecasting company, started by a Nobel Laureate in economics at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Later, that opened an opportunity to take a consulting role with a firm in Washington DC, where we provide Ag policy advice to foreign attaches and embassies around the world. This lead to other strategy, M&A and global marketing roles at Deere, Case IH and other organizations, where I was blessed with the opportunity to travel, and work in over 20 countries around the world. I don’t think any of the above would have occurred without my DTS experience, and I’m eternally grateful.
Ken Taylor
Ken Taylor
A few days ago I was invited to give witness to the place DTS has held in my life. I was eager to do this, as my involvement with the brothers is one of the fondest and most meaningful memories of my life. It all started when one of my elementary school friends (Lynn Johnson) ran into me in my first semester at UW and introduced me to DTS. He invited me to stop over at the house and meet some of the guys. I remember vividly how impactful that meeting with 4 or 5 of the guys was. Up to this point in my life there was a certain social awkwardness which kept me isolated and lonely. I did have my church life which was rewarding, but I still was basically a loner throughout high school. I probably couldn’t have put my finger on what was missing at the time, but some deep yearning came alive, starting with that one meeting. I quickly pledged, with a blend of anticipation and excitement coupled with fears about being accepted, especially owing to the smallness of my world.
What I experienced in that first semester was an explosion of joy and connectedness. There was an inscription on the bulletin board; “Knowledge and Brotherhood in a Bond of Unity”. In my case, at least in the first year, knowledge took a decided backseat to brotherhood. I was having such a great time socially making up for lost time that I nearly flunked out of school! Good thing I had the summer to think about the knowledge part. I did indeed rebound academically, certainly with the encouragement from my friends at DTS. To sum up the memory part of my story, DTS substantially birthed in me the vision and the first chance to participate in genuine “community”, which has become a major focus of my career and personal life. Unlike most DTS’ers, I did not remain long in agriculture, so much of my coursework at UW became superfluous. However, the education I received at DTS was invaluable in my various roles of pastor, counselor, and finally missionary over the last 50 years.
Now I come to the best part; What DTS means to me today: I had kept up with a few friends since graduation, but regrettably not enough. About 7 years ago I started attending the senior’s retreat. There I found the same camaraderie that I experienced fifty years before. I was delighted to renew friendship with some guys I hadn’t been in contact with since graduation. It was most gratifying. From that point I attended every one since. At the last one I came with only days-old news that I might have pancreatic cancer. As word spread about my condition, I was literally surrounded by brothers promising to keep me in their hearts, pray, and offer encouragement. They have been true to their word. I’ve had ups and downs in this battle, but at this point in time I’m doing pretty well. One of the biggest reasons is the support of my family and friends.
The DTS’ers have been there for me in spades; regularly calling and writing, as well as driving long distances to spend time in person. Anyone who has undergone cancer or some other dreaded disease can tell you that emotional support was/is vital to survival. Guys, you have been some of my greatest joys to hear from you. Just yesterday Ruth and I met the Gary Machan’s in Omaha. While together, Ken Offord and Jerry Severson both called assuring me of their support. And the list goes on.
In summary, DTS helped me get a great start in life and are now at my side as I face my greatest trial as I travel towards the end of mine. I CAN’T THANK YOU ENOUGH.
Dan Cockrell
Dan Cockrell
BS: Ag Economics / Ag Education, 1988
With retirement in sight, I look back at decisions that were monumental in forging my life. One decision was becoming a member of DTS. College is filled with many challenges, but facing them with peers with similar values, backgrounds and majors lead to a smoother path to success. DTS is in a great location – centrally located with easy access to campus and State Street. The House offered stable living environment, healthy diet, multiple social outlets, leadership training with various positions and meetings. I really enjoyed the opportunity to travel and meet students from other colleges and chapters.
Since graduating I have held various sales positions with Hormel Foods over the past 32 years. Currently, I’m located in Florida as a South East sales manager.
Jerry Severson
Jerry Severson
Coming to the UW from a small school was a challenging experience. Dorm living was not for me. I was invited to the DTS house to meet members and have a meal. Recognizing the common thread of farm life and small-town background, I was impressed, felt comfortable and ready to pledge.
My initial plan was to become a farm broadcaster via an Ag Journalism degree. A fraternity brother was working part-time in that very capacity with Madison’s major radio station and he invited me to join him during early morning broadcasts. I enjoyed the opportunity but realized that was not my calling, a major “thank you” that a fraternity brother allowed me to experience. This is the heart of a fraternity brother relationship, a willingness to help whenever needed.
Working with and watching other brother’s activities throughout the campus was an inspiration I appreciated. I became involved in leadership roles in the Ag council, University fraternity board, campus 4-H, Saddle and Sirloin Club and leadership roles within the fraternity. These were activities the fraternity promoted to build character and provide opportunities for gaining confidence working with and leading people. It was a learning experience that all brothers could achieve.
After graduation, brothers have accepted leadership roles in community and church, social clubs like Kiwanis and Lions, VFW and Am Legion, public and private school leadership, coaches of their children’s sports activities. They have willingly given back to the community where they live.
With 40 plus brothers working together building camaraderie, fraternal friendships last a lifetime. We are there to support brothers in any way during tragedies, illnesses and family losses. The bond of Delta Theta Sigma fraternalism is genuine and everlasting.
Gary Machan
Gary Machan
I was the oldest of five and raised on a dairy farm. As all, who have worked on a dairy farm; the development of a strong work ethic was a huge part of the success of a dairy farm. Subsequent to my graduation, I continued to be inspired by my dad and brother’s (Tom another DTS alumni) very strong work ethic.
My experience with DTS was very important in the development of my interpersonal skills. The close relationships among all of the different personalities of the men of DTS was instrumental in my development. The leadership positions within the house, ie house steward, as well as extra curricular activities on campus such as jobs in the Meat Lab and Extension , weekend work in the hog and sheep barns , Meat and Livestock Judging Teams and Little International Chairman were all a result of my relationships of the men of DTS. My overall development led to a successful career in business and a fulfilling personal life.
Recognizing what a fraternity like DTS did for me ; I strongly supported my sons rushing of a fraternity of high integrity on the Iowa State University campus.
Nick Bruenig
Nick Bruenig
BS: Agronomy, 1986
When I decided to go to school at Wisconsin I knew that I would get an education, but DTS provided opportunity. Opportunity to build lifelong friendships who I can share my life’s journey. Opportunity to go to school and live with 40 different men who share a common purpose. Opportunity to develop leadership skills, from Chairmanship to Vice-President to President. Opportunity to build social skills with the sister program. Opportunity to get my first job because of the DTS Alumni connection.
The University of Wisconsin is a great place to go school, but DTS is a great place to learn and obtain life-lasting opportunities.