The Oregon Beta Star, Fall 2022

THE BEST OREGON BETA GOLF TOURNAMENT YET!

Thank you to everyone who came out to make the 2022 Oregon Beta Alumni Golf Tournament our best event yet! With over 140 Phis in attendance, it was a fantastic day that was capped off with the winners of the annual Oregon Beta Cup Trophy going to the foursome of Quincy Powers 1204, Scott Wiswall 1214,

George O’Toole 1233, and Mark Quinn 1235!

Would you be willing to assist with the 2023 tournament? If so, please email Scott Dickinson at scottwdickinson@ hotmail.com.

We will be back at Langdon Farms in 2023, so mark your calendars for September 15, 2023!

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

By David Clewett 1656

Danny Dhas 1912 is an esteemed recent graduate of Oregon Beta, having served as philanthropy chair, house manager, recruitment chairman, and president during his time at 120 NW 13th. Dhas is perhaps best remembered for leading the

chapter through COVID-19 and becoming Oregon Beta’s first Iron Phi. Since graduating in June 2022, Dhas has relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, having accepted a role with Keller Williams to launch his career in real estate. Ultimately, he would like to establish his own real estate brokerage firm.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

The Oregon Beta Chapter has come a long way since COVID, but we’re not stopping. In the fall recruitment period, we invited forty-nine guys into the Fraternity, surpassing what we did last year with forty-two. The credit for our success goes to recruitment chairs Jayce Knapp 1965, Martin Jimenez 1966, and Levi Knutson 1975 who put countless hours into ensuring we’re recruiting quality men who will represent our chapter well. The Phikeias are a great group of men, and I can’t wait for them to become members later this term.

Leading them on their Phikeia journey is former President and current Phikeia Educator Cameron Laroche 1936 Serving alongside him is Warden Carson Wilson 1952 With the shortened four-week pledge process, these two have been diligently working over the summer to get ready to ensure they’re creating the best experience for the new Phikeias. The chapter is in high spirits and is excited to see where the future will take us.

A plan of mine this term is to have more joint events with other fraternities. We’ll volunteer, support each other’s philanthropy, and host a friendly basketball tournament at our chapter house. The goal is not only to help build relations but to demonstrate to the university that we fraternity men are united and support each other.

One highlight from the spring term was our in-house basketball spring league. It was something we started when COVID shut Dixon down. Over sixty members and recruits participated in the league.

Continued on page 4

“I joined a Keller Williams group to learn from the best in the business and plan on having my own team one day,” Dhas said. “I’m licensed in Oregon and Nevada and have a deep interest in the luxury side of the business. There’s a lot of potential for luxury real estate in Las Vegas, making it an attractive move spot.”

Continued on page 2

MAILING ADDRESS UPDATE

The Oregon Beta Mailing Address has been updated from our Portland PO Box to our Board Treasurer Henry Johnson’s 1513 address in Texas.

Kappa Sigma Nu Association 106 Persimmon Lane Georgetown, TX 78633

Official Newsletter of the Oregon Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta at Oregon State University

The move to Las Vegas is essential in Dhas’ career as it presents an opportunity to enter a market where luxury real estate is prevalent and will continue growing. Las Vegas is continually developing as a hub for sports and entertainment and will consequently attract more businesses.

“Keller Williams is a familiar brokerage for me as I have connections with various agents in Oregon and was a part of a KW group in Corvallis during my junior and senior year,” Dhas said. “The training, support, and opportunity to learn from very successful agents is valuable for me as I enter a new market.”

Dhas has had an interest in luxury real estate for many years. He appreciates the unique and innovative architecture and design components in luxury homes. Additionally, he is fascinated by learning the stories of clients who have the means to purchase a luxury property.

Since graduating, Dhas has prioritized keeping in contact with many of his Fraternity brothers through social media. Unfortunately, Las Vegas has no other members from Dhas’ time at Oregon Beta, but he expects that fellow brothers will make a point of visiting him. Location aside, Dhas remains involved with Oregon Beta recruitment as a leader and advisor for the chapter.

“Following graduation, I have tried to help the chapter in a recruitment capacity as much as possible,” Dhas said. “Meeting on Zoom with the recruitment chairmen and being on call if they need advice or help. I also

reached out to the men at the UNLV Phi Delt Chapter and met with some of their members. They have been struggling with recruitment, so I’ve given some pointers and hope to keep in touch with their chapter.”

The best advice Dhas received regarding recruitment was that it is purely a numbers game and that “people join people, not organizations.” This concept was the driving force behind the chapter’s recruitment strategy alongside Adison Emerick 1948 and Austin Dufort 1951.

“It wasn’t about selling the house to potential new members,” Dhas said. “That is what every chapter was doing. It was about genuinely getting to know the person, not immediately shoving the Fraternity down their throat, and then following up and being persistent. Quantity drives quality.”

Given that Dhas was so involved with Oregon Beta’s success from 2018–22, it is no surprise that he remains involved and plans to continue providing lifelong support.

“I hope to keep in touch with the active chapter and virtually attend KSN meetings,” Dhas said. “I hope to be a resource for active members to reach out for advice. This includes the new members that get recruited in the future so that I can have a chance to meet the younger guys who will represent our chapter.”

Dhas intends to continue being a resource for Oregon Beta and is excited about the future.

“As much as I like being directly involved in chapter

operations, I think this an exciting time for the chapter, and they have a lot of quality leaders,” Dhas said. “I want to be a resource for any advice, whether in recruitment, philanthropy, presidency, or any facet of chapter operations.”

Dhas’ leadership and future involvement with Oregon Beta is encouraging for the ongoing success of the chapter. As president during the outbreak of COVID, Dhas led the chapter through uncertainty and a drastically altered academic year. As a result, the spring term of 2020, typically one of the most enthusiastic times in Corvallis, was a period of low morale for the chapter. Nevertheless, Dhas managed to help lead Oregon Beta through unprecedented challenges.

While Dhas and his classmates faced unpredictable circumstances with COVID, they also celebrated many accomplishments. For Dhas, some achievements that stand out include improving the chapter house by repainting the dining room and foyer, renovating the basement with stadium seating, and working on the house gym. In addition, Dhas and the chapter experienced tremendous success with recruiting, which is a knack for the exceptional leader.

“There were numerous highs during my time at the chapter,” Dhas said. “From the house retreats, winning Ironbrawl, participating in the polar plunges, becoming the chapter’s first Iron Phi, recruiting forty-two men during my senior year, and completing various

house projects with Wade Pickering 1897. It is gratifying knowing that the chapter was left in good hands with a great group of men.”

Some future goals Dhas has for the chapter include consistently having a full live-in capacity, having one hundred total active members, and raising over $10,000 for ALS annually.

“I know our chapter is capable of great things, and I do not think these goals are far-fetched,” Dhas said. “These were goals we had when I was an active member, and it would be awesome to see the chapter accomplish them.”

Dhas was raised in Sherwood and went to Sherwood High School. He graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in business management. Danny Dhas became Oregon Beta’s first Iron Phi (#968) after making forty-eight three-point shots in eighteen minutes. As part of the process, he raised $1,100, which benefits the LiveLikeLou Foundation and Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity. Be sure to look him up on your next visit to Las Vegas.

2022 GRADUATING SENIORS

As we congratulate and welcome our newest alumni, let us also reach out in the spirit of Friendship. If you are in a field they are looking for, please reach out and see if you can provide assistance, guidance, or even just some real-life education about the job market. Again, congratulations to the Class of 2022!

Nathan Dank 1900 danknathan9@gmail.com 503.547.7043

Yes, I am still looking Finance/Dean’s Academy option I am seeking an entry-level role as a financial analyst or accountant. I’d prefer a position that promotes personal and company growth, emphasizing current personnel and internal promotions.

Matt Murdough 1913 matthewmurdough5@gmail.com 925.336.6593

No, I have found employment/ grad school Finance and accounting I’ll be working as an audit associate for Ernst & Young in San Francisco, while studying for the CPA exam.

Ethan Campbell 1906 eoregonc@gmail.com 503.349.4209

Yes, I am still looking Management

I will be living in Boise for the next year, and then after, I am open to relocation. I am still trying to learn what I want to do for work; I am interested in sports. I value a company and its culture and want to have genuine connections with my colleagues and management.

Wade Pickering 1897 wade.t.pickering@gmail.com 541.399.0504

No, I have found employment/ grad school Construction engineering management

I will be living in Portland working for Whiting-Turner. They are a general contractor and I will be a field engineer.

Sam Burgener 1924 samuelaburgener@gmail.com 971.373.1995

Yes, I am still looking Business administration

I am searching for a role in either sales or marketing in the Portland area. I plan on living in Portland for at least the next year.

Markus Julien 1932 Markus.julien01@gmail.com 541.521.5067

No, I have found employment/ grad school Sociology

I am moving to Dallas, Texas, where I’ll start teaching at an elementary school. While teaching, I’ll also be working toward receiving my master’s in education in two years and my teaching certification in three years.

Danny Dhas 1912 dannydhas3@gmail.com 503.560.7970

No, I have found employment/ grad school Management

Moving to Las Vegas to pursue a career in real estate.

Marco Predovic 1919 predovic08@gmail.com 971.295.0555

Yes, I am still looking Business information systems and business administration Studying abroad in Spain for three months during the fall of 2022. Once I return, I’ll be living in Portland and looking for a full-time entry level role in cybersecurity, operations, management, or consulting.

Ben Hakala 1910 benhakala14@gmail.com 541.914.8388

No, I have found employment/ grad school Chemical engineering

I currently accepted a job offer at Lonza for a two-year rotational program in Bend, Oregon.

Daniel Zwemke 1905 djzwemke12@gmail.com 541.325.3390

No, I have found employment/ grad school Finance

I’ll be moving up to the Everett, Washington, area and starting a role as a marketing rep for Techtronic Industries.

Bradden Schmidt 1926 btks808@gmail.com 808.492.2490

No, I have found employment/ grad school Finance

Accepted a job to work as an account executive for Fisher Investments in Camas, Washington, and will be moving to the Vancouver, Washington, area.

Preston Reed 1911 Prestonjr18@gmail.com 971.255.2072

Yes, I am still looking Kinisiology

I will be moving home to start a firefighting residency, volunteering thirty hours a week to get qualified to start in the fire force. Next, I will be looking into joining the national guard to go through my basic training while also getting my paramedic licensing and further medical training.

Travis Beckt 1901 travisbeckt@gmail.com 425.903.6363

No, I have found employment/ grad school Ecological engineering

I will be moving to Folsom, California, and working as an engineering technician with a water resource management firm in Sacramento.

Bennett Poulsen 1915 bennettpoulsen1@gmail.com 707.266.3350

Yes, I am still looking Business administration/ professional sales, honors college I will graduate in December 2022 to complete my IFC presidential term. After that, I will pursue commercial or residential real estate in California, Portland, or Seattle. I am almost finished getting

Phi Still looking for employment Major/minor Desired industry/field

UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT

By David Clewett 1656

Jayce Knapp 1965 is a sophomore and current recruitment chairman for Oregon Beta. He is from Wilsonville and plans on becoming a business consultant like his brother. Knapp and his peers, Levi Knutson 1975 and Martin Jimenez 1966, successfully pledged forty-eight new Phikeias in the fall class of 2022. Knapp is a business finance major considering a supply chain management minor.

“My fellow recruitment chairs were a huge help in the rush process, and Phi Delta Theta would not have been close to getting this many new members without them,” Knapp said. “There was some doubt about having three sophomore rush chairs, but we all knew each other well and made a great team.”

Knapp’s goal heading into recruitment was no less than thirty-five new Phikeias. Reaching forty-eight far exceeded expectations, and Knapp attributes the success to a tremendous outreach. The three recruitment chairs direct messaged and called over 3,000 students asking why they chose Oregon State and what they wanted to get out of their college experience. Additionally, they made it a priority always to have the house clean and focused on good grades and a good time as a selling point.

“I would like to give a special shoutout to Marcus

Graham 1988, Brandon Tesdall 1950, and Danny Dhas 1912 who were a huge help in giving us guidance and support throughout the fall recruitment process,” Knapp said.

Although Knapp spent most of his high school years at Wilsonville High School, he went to Del Valle High School in Austin, Texas, for six months to play football. However, no colleges made enticing offers, so he enrolled at Oregon State.

“Before coming to college, my goal was to play football on a collegiate level,” Knapp said. “I played quarterback for eleven years and received many awards, such as offensive player of the year for the NWOC league and all-league honors. I also played in Texas during my short stay, where I won honorable mentions in one of the top-ranked leagues in the nation. In addition, I was selected to play in the Oregon all-star game called the Les Schwab Bowl.”

In Corvallis, Knapp was introduced to Phi Delta Theta by his high school friend Brandon Tesdall and joined his first rush event. However, the fact that everyone he met was extremely friendly and welcoming ultimately led to Knapp pledging.

“I was never considering joining a fraternity when I was a high schooler due to the general reputation that fraternities have nationwide,” Knapp said. “After going to a rush event, I was

2022 GRADUATING SENIORS: continued from page 3

my California Real Estate license and will do residential work this summer. I am looking for either additional work/internship this summer or next winter/spring.

Aaron Cole 1896

Huntercole12125@gmail.com 503.383.6936

Yes, I am still looking Psychology

I will be living in Oregon and looking for work in the mental health field, specifically counseling.

immediately intrigued, and my perspective changed. After that realization and spending time with the guys, I received a bid and signed it.”

Since then, Knapp has eagerly jumped into leadership roles by running for pledge class president and recruitment chairman. In addition, he is considering running for vice president and using his experience to continue representing Oregon Beta in the Greek community and on campus.

“I have always thrived in group settings and like leading people to where they want to be and helping others,” Knapp said. “The only thing I want for this Fraternity is for it to thrive—so running for positions where I feel could be most useful and effective is huge for me.”

One of Knapp’s primary goals for the chapter is continued growth. He believes that another successful rush in 2023 could take Oregon Beta to the next level and would like to see the chapter at 150 or more quality active members by next year.

Some of Knapp’s best memories at Phi Delta Theta thus far are simply the day-to-day activities with his brothers and building relationships. His goals for the future include maintaining a good GPA and transmitting the Fraternity better than it was transmitted to him. With a strong fall pledge effort, he and his peers are living up to their expectations.

“I strongly believe that with

anything in life, you should leave it better than how you found it,” Knapp said. “I plan to try my best to do that with Oregon Beta. Something that stands out to me as a great Phi Delt memory was this fall jump day. Especially being a recruitment chairman, it was a very rewarding feeling seeing forty-eight future Phikeias go to jump day and knowing that I played a role in them joining.”

Following his time in Oregon, Beta Knapp hopes to remain involved and prioritize contributing financially to the chapter through donations and minor projects. He looks forward to checking on the house whenever he comes to Corvallis. While Knapp is not involved in any campus clubs, he plans to participate with the Oregon State Investment Group (OSIG) in the coming years. In his free time, Knapp enjoys snowboarding, hunting, and camping.

The future is bright for Knapp as he embarks on his next challenge and achieves his goals. Congratulations on a successful fall pledge class for Levi Knutson, Martin Jimenez, and Jayce Knapp are in order.

Luca Tine 1909

Luca.Tine1909@outlook.com 916.494.1124

No, I have found employment/grad school Finance

I will spend the next year as a golf caddie at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. Then, utilizing this opportunity, I plan to gather connections and relocate to Denver, Colorado, to start my professional journey.

NEWEST PHIKEIAS

Carson Aden

Brandon Allred

Noah Aynes

Quinn Bach

Chase Bradshaw

Ayden Brogden

Christian Callender

Owen Davis

Ethan deBorja

Jared Dotson

Zachary Escobar

Adrian Fielding

Adrian Fielding

Ross Freer

Derek Freudenthal

Charlie Galanti

Ryan Giard

Charles Harriman

Malcolm Harrison

Mark Hartzell

Christopher Harvey

Erik Heijenga

Ethan Higuchi

Ethan Hobbs

Mason Holbrook

Addison Kellaher

Benjamin La Fond

William La Fond

Ryan Lee

Jake Leibelt

Anthony Li Kahl Murdock

Kyle Nguyen

Marc Nickel

Parker Peavey

William Ramos

Caleb Reese

Marco Rey-Rosa

Andrew Rowan

Spencer Seehawer

Zak Simmons

Quinn Smith

Maxwell Stallard

Caden Sturdevant

Parker Sullivan Tyler Thorkildson

2021–22 CHAPTER AWARDS

JERRY MCCAFFERTY FELLOWSHIP (Most Outstanding Senior) Danny Dhas 1912

VANE GIBSON (Most Outstanding Junior)

Adam Henderson 1927

COLONEL JULIAN MCFADDEN (Most Outstanding Sophomore) Dallas Zellars 1961

FOREST LINDSEY SCHOLARSHIPS

Adam Henderson 1927 Noah Bach 1930 Jake Bullard 1935

Cooper Johnson 1947 Gavin Smith 1949 Cole Scott 1955 Erik Schulz 1956

REFER A PHI!

MADELINE ‘MOM’ DYER (Most Outstanding New Initiate) Jackson Ryan 1987

BOB EDWARDS RECRUITMENT AWARD

Brandon Tesdall 1950

PRESIDENT’S

CORNER: continued from page 1

We took it seriously and had a statistician, referees, and a scoreboard. It was an excellent opportunity for the whole chapter to bond and be competitive with one another.

Another highlight of spring term was SING! We partnered with the sorority Alpha Gamma Delta. It was the first time SING had happened since COVID started. The event was hosted in one of our alumni buildings, Gill Coliseum. From the hard work of our freshman class and our SING chairs Sam Dugan 1960 and Cooper Johnson 1947. Our brothers took home third place! It was an exciting moment and something they were all very proud to have achieved.

After SING, we hosted Mother’s Weekend. We had brunch at the chapter house and gave out Phi Delt cookies to our moms. We then took buses to Eola Hills Winery. Thank you, Erin Haynes 966, for allowing us to do so! It was a great time meeting everyone’s family and saying thanks to our moms.

One spring term weekend as a chapter, we all volunteered for Corvallis’ Parks and Rec Department at Riverbend Park. We helped put mulch around the bases of trees, pulled weeds, and ensured the pillars to support the baby trees were strong. Ahead of time, we sent them the number of volunteers who would show up, and they were shocked when that number showed up. As a result, they had to send half of our group to Avery Park because they didn’t bring enough supplies for everyone. Nevertheless, it was a great opportunity to give back to the Corvallis community and a great day to be a Phi.

We also held an alumni induction ceremony at the chapter house. Our alumni chairman Evan Groft 1969 helped organize the event. In addition, John Lidstrom 1641 and Erin Haynes came down for the day and helped speak at the event. It was a special day for the seniors to become alumni finally. It will be an adjustment next year not seeing those guys around the house, and we will most certainly miss them.

My last term as president coincides with my undergrad life this fall, so my time in college is ending. One thing I haven’t been able to experience is meeting a lot of alumni at the chapter house. I would love to schedule a day during the fall term to have everyone come to the chapter house, have dinner, and share stories. The alumni connection is something I want to build back up before I graduate. I know COVID threw everything for a loop, but I speak for the chapter when I say it brings us joy and pride whenever an alumnus stops by to say hi and share stories of when they were in the chapter. It helps us take a step back and realize that this chapter has meant the world to many people.

Ezdeen Melhem 1958

Sam Dugan 1960 Grady Jones 1964 Ben Freeman 1973

Levi Knutson 1975 Jed Harrison 1986

The chapter is in an excellent position going forward. It’s something I’m proud to have helped build back up. You all have had a unique experience in this chapter and learned lessons along the way. Things that could help us transmit the Fraternity greater than it was transmitted to us.

Yours in the Bond, Adison Emerick 1948, President

emerickadison@gmail.com

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO!

Know any young men who would be great Phis? Refer them here: oregonstate.phideltatheta.org/join/refer-someone/. Then, encourage these young men to visit futurephidelt.org.

Please visit phideltatheta.org/members/update-your-info/ to update your contact information.

ABOUT US

The Oregon Beta Star is published three times per year by the Oregon Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta at Oregon State University for alumni and parents. ©Copyright 2022 Oregon Beta. All rights reserved. Send news, address updates, and photos to: Oregon Beta Chapter, 106 Persimmon Lane, Georgetown, TX 78633.

STAY UP-TO-DATE

/PDTOregonBeta OregonBetaAlumni@gmail.com , /phideltatheta_osu/ linkedin.com/groups/95210 oregonstate.phideltatheta.org

CHAPTER OFFICERS

Evan Groft, Alumni Secretary

Carter Bawcutt, Chaplain

Nathan Hall, Communications Chairman

Jackson Ryan, Community Service Chairman

Nate Archbold, Historian

Brandon Tesdall, Phikeia Educator

Cole Scott, Philanthropy Chairman

Camren Womack, Philanthropy Chairman

Adison Emerick, President

Martin Jimenez, Recruitment Chairman

Levi Knutson, Recruitment Chairman

Jayce Knapp, Recruitment Chairman

Erik Schulz, Risk Management Chairman

Francisco Aguirre, Risk Management Chairman

Gavin Smith, Secretary

Adam Henderson, Social Chairman

Dallas Zellers, Social Chairman

Colby Guenther, Social Chairman

Carson Wilson, Steward

Noah Bach, Steward

Sam Dugan, Vice President

Jake Bullard, Warden

CHAPTER ADVISORY BOARD

Camron Stevens, Alumni Relations Adviser

Mealoha McFadden, Campus Mentor

Chase Fettig, Chair

Hank Johnson, Financial Adviser

James Arnold, Risk Management Adviser

KAPPA SIGMA NU HOUSE CORPORATION

John Lidstrom, President

Steve Walker, Vice President

Henry Johnson, Treasurer

Chase Fettig, Secretary

David Sly, Member-at-Large

Chon Madrigal, Member-at-Large

Eric Fettig, Member-at-Large

Erin Haynes, Member-at-Large

Garrett Johnson, Member-at-Large

Adison Emerick, Member-at-Large

Shari Brumbach, House Director

CHAPTER GRAND

Arthur ‘Art’ Oakley 505

James Hagen 606

Kyle Tipton 1571

Oregon Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta 2 South Campus Avenue Oxford, Ohio 45056

Address Service Requested

ALUMNI UPDATES

Ross Benedict 1673 married Chelsea on September 3 in Bend, Oregon.

Have some great news you want to share with your brothers? Want to see your update listed here? Please email Oregon.Beta.Alumni@gmail. com with your update and we will include it.

Golf tournament players

Class of 1972 reunion