Celebrating the life of Isaac Thompson, Delta Sigma Iota fraternity held a dinner in honor of their Thon child who passed away last fall.
Viraj Patel, Interfraternity/Panhellenic Dance Marathon family relations chairman, said last year the fraternity was unable to hold a memorial for Isaac and they wanted to do something special this year.
Isaac was Delta Sigma Iota's Thon child for more than two years, said Sunny Shakhawala.
Shakhawala (senior-finance) spoke to the attendees about the fraternity's relationship with Isaac and his family, while a slide show of pictures of Isaac at various Thon events played in the background.
He called Isaac's mother a woman of "wisdom, strength, courage and hope," and told attendees of the trip the Thompson family makes each year to Thon.
"We will continue to dance for our man of steel," Shakhawala said, referring to Isaac's nickname in the fraternity after his favorite superhero -- Superman.
Patel (senior-premedicine and health policy administration) inducted Isaac as the fraternity's first honorary member.
A fraternity member lit a maroon candle with a white candle to symbolize the strength and courage of Isaac and his battle with cancer as part of the induction ceremony.
A plaque was created for Isaac, illustrating his status as an honorary member of Delta Sigma Iota. As Isaac's family was unable to attend the event, Avani Purani accepted the plaque on their behalf.
Purani, Class of 2009, said she became close with the family after working with them as part of the fraternity's sister sorority Delta Phi Omega.
The plaque, as well as a picture board signed by fraternity members and attendees, will be sent to the Thompson family.
Before the speeches, attendees were treated to dinner catered by India Pavilion, 222 E. Calder Way, after paying $12 at the door. The money raised will go toward the costs of the plaque and directly to the Thompson family.
Pranjal Boghara thought the event was a great idea and said it was amazing to see the connection the fraternity had with the Thompson family.
"You could see it during every Thon event," said Patel (senior-supply chain and information systems).
