At just 23 years old, Gil Werntz is about to attend his 10th Delta Chi Convention, a milestone few brothers achieve so early in life. Alongside his younger brother, Clay, Gil attended conventions with their father, creating cherished memories and fostering a deep connection to the fraternity from an early age. In this Q&A, Tucker Mayfield, Delta Chi’s Coordinator of Social Media & Communications, sits down with Gil, now a Senior Leadership Consultant, to explore his unique experiences and cherished memories from attending conventions over the years.
Q: How many Delta Chi Conventions have you attended?
A: I’ve attended nine conventions so far, and Miami will mark my 10th.
Q: How old were you when you first attended a Delta Chi Convention, and what was that experience like?
A: I was 18 months old. I don’t remember my first convention very well, but I do remember my second vaguely. Even though I was only 5 years old, I remember the fun stuff like Dad taking me to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I remember Steve Bossart (Kent State ’90) throwing out the first pitch at the Cleveland Indians game, and I remember running around the hotel with my baby brother (Clay, Georgia Southern ’25). I also remember Dad interacting with all of these random people. People I had never seen before. People that seemed like strangers to me, but clearly were not strangers to Dad. Dad was shaking hands with people, hugging others, and laughing with some. Young, old, and anywhere in between. At the time I didn’t understand it, but now I do. And just like Dad, I too look forward to that first weekend in August on even-numbered years.
Q: How has your father’s involvement in Delta Chi influenced your own journey within the fraternity?
A: Dad’s involvement in the Fraternity has allowed me to have a deep understanding of what Fraternity is about from a young age. I knew one day I would be a Delta Chi, and I knew I would have lifelong friends wherever I decided to join from, but I also knew that Delta Chi would be more than just 4 walls, 4 years, and a group of people at my college campus. I knew that I had a support network greater than I could ever imagine. I knew that whatever I endeavored in people would support me, cheer for me, and help me. Not because my Dad is a Delta Chi, but because I am a Delta Chi.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories from attending conventions with your father (and brother)?
A: So many great memories from Convention. Las Vegas 2008: riding on my first rollercoaster, New Orleans 2010: visiting the National World War II Museum, Pittsburgh 2012: watching a hypnotist make Clay put his crocs on his hands at the dinner table, Scottsdale 2014: getting to ride in a dune buggy out on the Arizona desert, Louisville 2016: going to the Louisville Slugger baseball bat factory, Denver 2018: getting to visit Carlos Ojeda’s (New Haven ’89) home outside Denver and see his home brewery, St. Louis 2022: hanging out with 500 of my closest friends and getting to throw in the bullpen at Busch Stadium.
Q: What advice would you give to younger members attending their first convention?
A: Go find new people. You will always have your Brothers at your home Chapter. Make friends with the guys from Cal Poly and Arizona (or any other Chapter), ask the former “AA” for his best Delta Chi story, ask Ray Galbreth (Missouri ’69) what a “warm fuzzy” is, ask David Edwards (Georgia Southern ’86) what it takes to be in the Order of the White Carnation, have fun, and make sure it isn’t your last convention!
