DENNIS "BUCKJUMP" LINEHAN

 Dennis “Buckjump” Linehan grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, in Northbrook, Illinois, and was raised by his parents, Dennis and Mary Linehan. The eldest of three sons, he is brother to Michael and James. He is equally blessed to have William Kamka as his stepfather, along with William’s children—Michael, Lori, and Kim—as part of his extended family. Dennis is also a proud and loving uncle to three nephews and three nieces. 

Dennis’s faith and values were profoundly shaped during his years at Loyola Academy, a Jesuit high school, where he learned the importance of social justice and community service as a “Man for Others.” He continued his education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, earning a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Management, specializing in Organizational Behavior and Personnel & Employee Relations. While there, he became a proud member of Delta Sigma Pi, serving as Chapter Secretary and being named Collegiate of the Year in 1988. 

Dennis’s lifelong love for New Orleans began in 1987, when he first visited the city as an official delegate to his fraternity’s national convention. Captivated by New Orleans’ vibrant culture, rich history, and music, he returned many times over the next three decades. In the early 1990s, while attending performances by the Rebirth Brass Band in both Chicago and New Orleans, Dennis befriended Zulu Brother Phil “Tuba” Frazier. In 2013, Phil invited him to ride with his family on the Governor’s Float—an experience that forever linked Dennis to the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club and the Governor’s Krewe. 

In 2015, Phil sponsored Dennis to become a full member of Zulu, one of the greatest honors of his life. Guided by the principle, “Where much is given, much is expected,” Dennis moved from Chicago to New Orleans in May 2016, making it his mission to serve Zulu through commitment and brotherhood. He became a full member in June 2017 and now proudly serves on multiple committees, including the Golf Tournament, Newsletter, Souvenir Book, Coronation, and Raffle Ticket Distribution Committees. He is also an active Zulu Tramp, representing the club’s joyful spirit and heritage. 

Professionally, Dennis is a fourth-generation printer. Before relocating to New Orleans, he worked alongside his father at their family business, Linehan Incorporated. For the past nine years, he has served as a Senior Account Executive with Mele Printing in Covington, Louisiana, representing clients across New Orleans, Hattiesburg, and the Gulf Coast. Dennis also uses his expertise in printing and marketing to assist Zulu and its membership in both professional and personal endeavors. 

In his leisure time, Dennis enjoys music, travel, and spending quality time with his beloved family and friends. A dedicated runner, he is a member of the 50 States and D.C. Marathon Group and proudly achieved his goal of completing a marathon in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., in September 2016. 

As the 50th Zulu Governor, Dennis “Buckjump” Linehan is eternally grateful to the Zulu membership for their trust and support, to the Zulu Governors who set the standard of excellence, and to his 2026 Zulu Character classmates, lieutenants, and riders. 

“Let’s Roll! Let’s Buckjump!”