Together “Sparky”, Texas-Austin, and Buttercup Sparks endowed the Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Sparks Fund in 1981 to provide scholarships to National Undergraduates of the Year. Through re-endowments, the Fund now provides scholarships to Collegians of the Year at the national and provincial levels as well as the regional level along with the Clyde Kitchens/Thoben Elrod COY Fund. The Sparks received Centurion level recognition in 1997 from the Leadership Foundation for more than $100,000 in donations.
Buttercup credits her longevity to exercise, diet, staying active and her Danish genes. She lived in Troy, New York’s Danish settlement, and later enlisted in the U.S. Waves (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). The U.S. Waves brought Buttercup to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for boot camp and then Memphis, Tenn. for Aviation and Mechanic School. Seeking to get away from snow, Buttercup moved to Corpus Christi, Texas. It was in Texas that she would meet her husband of 36 years. After retiring in 1972, the couple moved to San Antonio.
Delta Sigma Pi is grateful for the generous gifts from the Sparks and the everlasting impact Sparky and Buttercup have had on our members and organization.
Don't forget: Chapter COY nominations are due Thursday, October 15--be sure to enter your nominations in the Hub!