6A • THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
NEWS
TUESDAY,SEPT.4,2001
House dads watch over fraternities in a job usually reserved for moms
Jeremy Clarkson Kansan staff writer
When the members of Phi Kappa Theta moved into their new house at 1111 W.11th St, this year, they were greeted by Bob Endres, the second house dad ever to be employed by a KU fraternity.
Endres, a 1958 KU graduate and Phi Kappa Theta alumnus, said he had approached the fraternity's alumni in May about becoming a house dad because he found the idea exciting.
"If I could add something to the fraternity by being their host. I would like to do that," Endres said.
After Endres was approved for the job, he said he met with fraternity members during the summer because he wanted to make sure they approved of him.
The other house dad at the University of Kansas is Dave Ryan of the Triangle fraternity. Ryan was the first house dad in KU history, and he said he liked his job.
"I've been doing it for seven years," Ryan said. "And I said I'd
"I just try to make this a home. That is why they call me a house dad."
Bob Endres
Phi Kappa Theta house dad
only do it for two years."
Angie Carr, coordinator of greek programs, said house parents had been part of fraternities and sororities for a long time. She said when Greek organizations started housing, a house parent served as an adult figure to assist in house duties. Retired or widowed women took the positions, Carr said.
"In the past, a lot of times people thought a director had to be a woman. Only now it's more common to have a house dad," Carr said. "But generally it's still women."
Although the position has started to appeal to men, house dads have yet to establish themselves in some places.
Barb Robel, adviser for greek affairs at Kansas State University, said there had been no house dads in any fraternities on campus. Robel said some graduate students had applied, but none had been hired, although she encouraged men to continue anvloy
Endres said he was enjoying his time in the house and that his main responsibility was to be a good host to the members of the fraternity.
Brian Stratman, Topeka senior, said Endres was like a brother to him because he was an alumnus of the fraternity.
"He kind of guides us," Stratman said. "And he wants to see us grow."
Endres helped prepare the house for the year, which included hiring a new cook. He said he didn't want to be seen as a police officer or a disciplinarian but as a friend.
"I just try to make this a home," Endres said. "That is why they call me a house dad."
Reach Clarkson at 864-4810.
JOHN NOWAK/KANSAN
Bob Endres is the second house dad ever to be employed at a KU fraternity. Endres is an alumnus of Phi Kappa Theta, to which he is now a house dad.
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An Invitation to Graduate and Professional Students From the Graduate and Professional Association (GPA)
Join us for GPA's Annual Picnic and Info Fair September 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.at Potter's Pavilion (located behind Potter's lake and Carruth O'Leary)
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3:00 - 4:30 PM, Thursday
September 6, 2001
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e-mail: creadbooks@ukans.edu
The Origins of Native Americans:
Evidence from Anthropological Genetics
Cambridge University Press
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Different Seasons: Biological Aging among the Mennonites of the Midwestern United States
Publications in Anthropology 21
University of Kansas
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