A big role model for me in the fraternity was Dick. He was my “big brother” in the chapter. He was calm, straight-forward, and comforting. I was pledged after the fact. At first, I was blackballed, and then I was re-considered, so I was a bit of an outsider. I didn’t swim. I didn’t play sports. I was a theater kid. But I wanted to be a Delt because my two older brothers — Stan and Chuck — were Delts.
My big advice to a Delt these days is to enjoy the brotherhood, to have some fun, but to be sure that he defines himself by his own values.
I’m still working full-time. I was 75 on January 31. I hold an Endowed Chair for Performing Arts & Cinema Studies at Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles.
I was Rush Chairman, Vice-President, and general fund-raiser for parties. One of my most vivid memories is that I was sent as Chi Chapter’s representative to the National Convention in New Orleans. I think it was 1962. When the National Chapter voted not to accept black members, I boycotted the meeting on behalf of Chi Chapter. It was a shameful moment in DTD history, and it still sticks with me. I almost left the Chapter, but I stayed because I truly believed that the national position at the time did not reflect Chi’s position.”