Making Delta Chi history, the Otis R. Bowen Scholarship was awarded to junior Patrick Thomas Wednesday night. Promoting academic achievement, the $400 tuition scholarship is named in the honor of Indiana's former governor, Dr. Otis R. Bowen.\n"Doc," the first Hoosier governor to serve eight consecutive years, pledged Delta Chi fraternity in the late 1930s at IU. Having served in former President Ronald Reagan's cabinet in 1985 as secretary of Health and Human Services, Bowen is one of Delta Chi's most accomplished members.\n"I'm surprised and delighted," Bowen said. "I thank them and give them lots of credit."\nMat Kremke, a Delta Chi alumnus and scholarship board member, emphasized that the 73-year-old Indiana chapter of Delta Chi wants to grow and encourages academic achievement along with enriching social skills and creating bonds for life. \n"Fraternities are changing," said Delta Chi Alumni Relations Secretary Jim Banks, a senior. "We're trying to attract members and award members for top academics."\nThe public scholarship foundation is small but expanding. Fundraising is scheduled to begin in October. \nScholarship applicants were asked to submit an essay describing what it meant to them to be a Delta Chi member. Only members living in the house can receive the Otis R.Bowen Scholarship.\nThe dinner in honor of Bowen and the new scholarship, began 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. Among those present were Kent Benson, MVP of IU's undefeated 1976 basketball team; City Councilman Michael Diekhoff; Dean of Students Richard McKaig and District Circuit Representative for Congressman John Hostettler, Chris Crabtree.\n"I congratulate Delta Chi for creating the Delta Chi Scholarship. It's wonderful," Bowen said during his speech.\nAs one of the most loved Hoosier governors, Bowen is known for his 1973 property tax reform bill. While a member of Reagan's cabinet, he worked on major medical catastrophic insurance for seniors. \nBowen attended IU for his A.B. and M.D. degrees. He was commissioned as first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Correspondents. He advanced to captain in World War II. He then set up a family practice in Indiana and went on to become Marshall County coroner in 1952. \nBefore becoming Indiana's 42nd governor in 1972, Bowen served for 14 years as a republican in the Indiana House of Representatives. Following his governorship and before being confirmed into Reagan's cabinet, Bowen became head of a family practice at the IU Medical School in Indianapolis. Dr. Bowen now resides in Bremen, Ind.
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