The Oregon Beta Star Winter 2020 Newsletter

WINTER 2020

THE

George A Long Jr., Illinois Eta, 6/6/1939 #586

George A Long III, Indiana Alpha 1413

George A Long, Indiana Beta

#539 Theta,

C. Loy,

#332

Edward

10/19/1208

3/18/1937

Indiana Strawbridge,

Indiana

Robert

Theta, 4/5/1934 #504

Strawbridge,

Indiana

Theta, 4/19/1936

#531

Dallas Ryan

Long, Florida

Gamma,

4/22/2007

#1663

Russell

Strawbridge,

Indiana

Theta,

4/27/1947

#749

Herbert

Granville Moody

Jr. Illinois

Eta,

3/7/1914 #232

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

PHILANTHROPY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE A TOP PRIORITY

CAMPAIGN PHASES I AND II CONCLUDED

W

O

regon Beta is always looking to improve and increase standards, and philanthropy is a prime example of this. Brothers Cody Cook 1895 and Alex Ake 1921 planned and executed our annual White Carnation Philanthropy event. A volleyball tournament and pageant were the two main events for philanthropy. Delta Gamma was the winner of the volleyball tournament, while Sydney Lake from Kappa Alpha Theta ultimately won the pageant, making her our White Carnation Princess. Sydney is the granddaughter of Oregon Beta Brother Terry Baker 769, former Heisman Trophy winner.

All proceeds from the events went to Be the Match at Oregon State, an organization that helps patients with blood disease find lifesaving treatment.

Be the Match is an organization very close to Oregon Beta, as almost all of our brothers are signed up to be donors.

Brothers also participated in the annual Corvallis Polar Plunge where we raised $1,427 for Special Olympics. Our chapter hopes to keep improving our philanthropy efforts for the LiveLikeLou Foundation with our spring philanthropy efforts.

Our goal is to have ten brothers actively working towards becoming an Iron Phi, a feat in which one must raise a minimum of $1,000 and participate in an athletic event.

This will make us an Iron Phi Chapter for the

Kappa Alpha Theta’s Sydney Lake is the White Carnation Princess

hat started as the KSN board talking about redoing the wiring in 2014 led up to the greatest campaign our chapter has ever put together. With over $1.2 million raised and put back into our chapter house, we have all helped to preserve this amazing building we have all called home at one point in time.

To date the remodel consists of shoring up the outside of building with a new roof, siding, windows on the upper floors, and foundation fixes on the north wing.

Additionally, a full interior renovation of all of the study rooms on the second and third floors and a new boiler system for heat.

There are still plans for the first floor and basement but those are for a future Continued on page 3

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

T 2019–2020 school year. Our chapter President Danny Dahs is well on his way to becoming Oregon Beta’s first Iron Phi. The chapter has remained very active with volunteer at the Corvallis Men’s Cold Weather Shelter, providing overnight volunteers multiple times per week.

he Oregon Beta Chapter has had a long history of being heavily involved and this year was no exception. The chapter’s successes over the fall and winter terms have been plentiful, and we hope to keep the momentum going into spring term.

Shortly after returning from winter break, twenty-one Phikeias were initiated into the Oregon Beta Chapter on January 31, 2020.

Since jump day, two-time Phikeia Educator Joshua Cooper 1868 and Warden Ethan Vanderzanden 1881, were actively involved in guiding the Phikeias to initiation by teaching them the history and values of Oregon Beta. All the brothers welcomed the new members with open arms, and we are confident that they will continue to help drive Oregon Beta in the right direction.

Continued on page 3

Continued on page 4

Oregon Beta brothers raised $1,427 for Special Olympics for the Corvallis Polar Plunge

ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT

By David Clewett 1658

C

raig Chambers 933, has recently reconnected with the Oregon Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta and lifelong brotherhood through his involvement with the Capital Campaign and house improvement planning.

Upon receiving a letter in the mail outlining details of the Capital Campaign, Craig realized that it was addressed from John Lidstrom 1641 which sparked memories of past experiences and brothers from Oregon Beta. Craig was friends with John Lidstrom 844 and delivered his eulogy approximately thirty-five years ago. By responding to the letter, Craig soon connected with his old friends’ nephew and began a newfound involvement with the Fraternity.

“This endeavor has been an amazing vehicle for the reconnection of a long-neglected fraternity experience,” Chambers said. “I have had the unbelievable fun of searching for and finding guys from years gone by. When we meet in person, it’s as if we last saw each other last term, not fifty years ago.”

One of the main motivators for Craig’s involvement with the Capital Campaign occurred when he was asked to meet a prominent and important prospective donor and provide a tour of the house.

“Bear in mind that I had not set foot in the house since 1970,” Chambers said. “We met in the Terry Baker Library. Lights didn’t work, bookshelves broken. Going up the front stairs we turned into the head—wow! Down the halls of the study rooms we tripped over ripped carpet and electrical and computer wires everywhere. My beloved sleeping porches seemed uninhabitable—kind of reminded me of a homeless encampment.”

Craig had one overwhelming and pervading thought—knowing that he didn’t live that way all those years back and these young men didn’t deserve to live that way now. He wanted to donate to the campaign and pay back everything the house had done for him.

As a member of the Capital Campaign Board led by Jim Rodway 1104, Craig has called, emailed, and visited dozens of Phi Delts from several eras.

“It’s funny, without exception, every guy I meet expresses sincere gratitude for life lessons learned on Monroe Street,” Chambers said. “A common statement is ‘I am not sure if I would have amounted to a hill of beans had I not been in the house.’”

The collective donations for the Capital Campaign thus far are at approximately $1,250,000 and have resulted in major renovations including a new roof, siding, windows, technology infrastructure, a furnace, study room, interiors, and more.

Craig fully intends on remaining involved with the campaign and hopes to see donations pick up once again.

“Just another $300,000 will allow the house the extras such as a renovated guest room, a weight room, and new flooring on the sleeping porches,” Chambers said. “These additions will help the house compete with some of the rather opulent accommodations offered now with dorms.”

Chambers was a member from 1966 to 1970 and reflects that life in the house at the time was truly like having sixty big brothers. Each of them alternatively provided wisdom which sometimes occurred through their elaborate pranks.

REFER A PHI!

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.

2 The Oregon Beta Star » Winter 2020

Craig with his wife, Julie

“Life was so much fun in those days,” Chambers said. “Of course, fifty years tends to help one forget some of the rough patches. We felt like we were the biggest and best. It didn’t hurt that we had dozens of athletes. We also had great academic leadership with a lot of engineering, pre-med, pre-dentistry students. We led the campus in grades for a few terms, no thanks to me. I remember the Smoker, IFC Sing, and House Dances. To this day, I sometimes wake up in the morning thinking I am up on the sleeping porch.”

Since Craig has reconnected with Oregon Beta he says it has been an interesting journey reconvening with some of the guys from his time in Corvallis.

“Most of the guys I was close with were a class or more ahead of me. Clay Dyer 355, my big brother in the house, John Lidstrom 844, Jim Mattson 871, Greg 871 and Wally Ogdahl 841. From my class, I spent time with Bill Floberg 924, Doug Kolberg 923, Bob Hall 930, Bob Olson 927, and Tom Usher 928. I was a little bit of a ‘corporate gypsy’ after graduation and spent over twenty years moving all around the country and thus missed out on regular contact with my fellow Phis.”

Since his recent reconnection, Craig has enjoyed getting together with brother’s at the annual Oregon Beta Cup Golf Tournament, Founders Day Dinner, and meeting for meals to swap stories. In 2018, Craig and Jim Mattson traveled together to The College World Series to root on the Championship Beavers baseball team.

Craig says that one of the greatest aspects of Oregon Beta during his tenure was the structure and organization within the daily operation of the house.

“Everybody knew the rules and for the most part everybody followed them,” Chambers said. “House jobs, etiquette learned from Mom Dyer, respect for upperclassmen, pride in your house, campus activities. We were always as a house, not as an individual.”

Chambers was born and raised in Salem and is a fourth generation Oregonian and third generation Beaver. He graduated in 1970 with a degree in agriculture economics and married his high school sweetheart in 1969. Together they have three children, two who are Beavers. Over the last four generations his family has thirty-four Beavers and only one Duck.

Continued on page 6

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO!

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

Oregon Beta

CAMPAIGN DONORS The 1918 Society ($100,000 to $249,999) Craig Estey 1007 Oregon Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta The Bond Society ($50,000 to $99,999) Coleman Family Gift Richard A. Coleman 624 James E. Coleman 679 John N. Coleman 784 Timothy E. Coleman 1408 Jim Vance 914 Bruce N. Ritter 956 James D. Rodway 1104 The Oregon Beta Society ($25,000 to $49,999) Reynolds Family Gift Earl C. Reynolds Sr. 02 Charles J. Reynolds 14 Joseph A. Reynolds 37 Lee E. Reynolds 68 Everett J. Reynolds 338 Earl C. Reynolds Jr. 422 Edward J. Reynolds 526 Kenneth J. Reynolds 1166 Stevens Family Gift Robert E. Stevens 443 Thomas K. Stevens 1082 Camron D. Stevens 1750 Larry Brown 675 Robert E. Bauer 681 Thomas F. Haley 827 In memory of all Chapter Grand Phis–Class 1962–67 Robert R. Poole 846 Jon Sandstrom 894 Robert Olsen 927 Nick Johnson 941 Daniel A. Sanders 1002 Walker Family Gift J. Jeffrey Walker 1059 Steven L. Walker 1224 Gregory T. Walker 1281 Matthew J. Walker 1789 Parrish Family Gift Scott N. Parrish 1115 Dennis H. Steinkamp 1179 In memory of Erik Steinkamp Jones Family Gift Jeffrey D. Jones 1200 Spencer Jones, Chapman ’16 George E. O’Toole Jr. 1233 Domonic G. Biggi 1286 Memorial Gifts for Daniel E. Dooney III 1171 Sean M. Dooney 1186 Robin K. Williams 1189 Bradley S. Kisner 1220

Michael Wells 1144 Chuck Fettig 1159 Roy Rose 1164 Dennis Dixon 165 Kenneth J. Reynolds 1166 Lee Johnston 1168 John Fettig 1172 Kevin Cady 1174 William S. Gray 1176 David Mingo 1177 Dennis Steinkamp 1179 Pat Shannon 1187 Mark Miller 1190 Steve Berkus 1198 Michael Bauer 1202 Craig Smelter 1203 Quincy Powers 1204 William J. Maguire 1208 Steven Roe 1210 James Young 1212 Scott Wiswall 1214 H. Craig Ramey 1241 Joseph Campbell 1243 Chris Bakken, Whitman ’83 The Kappa Sigma Nu Society ($15,000 to $24,999) Floberg Family Gift Ralph D. Floberg 356 Douglas Grim, WA State ’67 William C. Floberg 924 Charles W. Floberg 1014 Jon R. Floberg 1110 Richard L. Brooks 773 Stan Watters 1125 The Scroll Society ($10,000 to $14,999) Richard Granger 578 Craig D. Chambers 933 Charles J. Sauvain 1085 Fettig Family Gift Dick Fettig II 1107 Chuck Fettig 1159 John Fettig 1172 Eric J. Fettig 1688 Matt Fettig 1725 Blair Fettig 1759 Richard Fettig III 1780 Chase Fettig 1812 Mike Wells 1144 Mark Granger 1289 John S. Lidstrom 1641 The Brotherhood Society ($5,000 to $9,999) Thomas D. Little 612 Tom H. Tebb 617 Stuart Wilson 707 Gregory Johnson 668 Thomas J. Usher 928 Robert Hall Jr. 930

Erin J. Haynes 966 Wentworth Family Gift Robert C. Wentworth 1049 Anita Wentworth Timothy Nielsen 1113 Mark Hettum 1140 Marc Baker 1160 In memory of Neil W. Baker 648 Dave Mingo 1177 Patrick W. Shannon 1187 David A. Sly 1422 Henry T. Johnson 1513 Kyle Sullens 1516 Dale Yee 1527 Luke T. Eilers 1650 Aaron R. Kerosky 1666 Daniel A. Doumani 1668 The Sword and the Shield Society ($2,500 to $4,999) Bud Berg 533 Wes Ediger 633 Peter Stearns 639 John Lampros 653 Robert H. Baker 775 Bob Ballin 778 Nicholas Lampros 779 David F. Heniges 839 Russell Kuhns 848 James Mattson 871 In memory of Willard S. White 269 Raymond Carlile 855 John Jendrzejewski 883 Randall L. Hargens 996 Ronald Camden 1000 Thomas A. Mattson 1042 Charles J. English Jr. 1046 In memory of Charles J. English 389 John Bosch 1089 Col. Christopher Buescher 1130 In memory of Veterans of ΦΔΘ Mike Stack 1185 Sean Dooney 1186 In memory of Daniel Dooney 1171 Tom Bie 1349 Richard Phillips 1635 Chon L. Madrigal 1639 Peter D. Fahlman 1642 Eric J. Fettig 1688 Louis Barker 1829 The Argent and Azure Society ($1,000 to $2,499) Donald W. Moore 439 Wallace Gibbs 484 Shirley Carl In memory of Robert W. Carl 504 William Moore 516

Thomas Marineau 546 Donald S. Duman 591 In memory of Ron Fundingsland 587 Dal Brethauer Dr. Wallace Hodge 592 Edwin W. Dey 609 In memory of David A. Hasle 553 John Leffel 615 Fredrick Robertson 630 Frank Guthrie 652 John C. Narver 655 Stephen Merchant 668 Gerald M. Genzoli 680 In memory of Wayne Klavano 638 Clark Cubbage 658 Larry Massey 709 Larry Phillips 738 Terry W. Baker 769 Paul Stefani 785 In memory of Paul Tebb 764 Peter Goforth 795 Daniel Kline 826 Robert Handel 831 James Davis 834 Jerome Colonna 838 In memory of Justin Colonna Michael Porter 845 Raymond Carlile 855 Craig Sonniksen 859 Bill Dockstader 861 In memory of C. Fred Roberts Ralph Keck 952 Ronald Blackledge 957 Gary Lawrence 969 James C. Peterson 987 William Tingley 1010 John W. Anderson 1013 Chuck Swenson 1040 In memory of Gary Meyer 1088 Thomas R. Riggs 1081 Eric N. Day 1128 Robert Buhrow 1163 James N. Barnes 1178 Michael Bauer 1202 In memory of Albert Bauer 66 Johnson Family Gift Peter Johnson 1228 Adam Johnson 1788 Marc Doumitt 1342 Peter Jon-Chin 1360 Brett A. Johnson 1361 Kevin Gazay 1369 Chris Connelly 371 Shane Bangs 1434 Rob Kelleher 1463

Sean Lusby 1466 Brandon Burroughs 1468 Paul Woltze 1475 Chance Hansen 1616 Tom Gunness 1617 Garrett Courtney 1632 Charles Wente 1646 Paul K. Clem 1654 Ross Benedict 1673 Hayden McClellan 1720 Rodney Meserve 1859

CAMPAIGN: continued from page 1

PHILANTHROPY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE: continued from page 1

date. Everyone should be so very grateful to the tireless efforts of our campaign committee to fundraise for this event, the courage of the KSN board to undertake it, and the expertise given by the design committee to make the most of our dollars and truly give this wonderful building the shoring up it needed.

Looking ahead to spring term, our philanthropy chairmen are planning a one-day event with Pie-a-Phi and puppies and pizza at the chapter house this spring term.

http://oregonstate.phideltatheta.org

The Oregon Beta Star » Winter 2020 3

Pacific Northwest Province Retreat attendees outside the Memorial Union

OREGON BETA HOST PACIFIC NORTHWEST PROVINCE RETREAT

O

n Saturday January 25, 2020, Phis from chapters from all over the Pacific Northwest came to Corvallis for the annual Pacific Northwest Province Retreat. Oregon Beta was excited to host their Fraternity brothers for the first time in many years. Overall the retreat was made up of executive officers, chapter advisory board members, GHQ staff, and two province presidents.

The retreat focused on leadership development, chapter operations, and recruitment. It started with breakfast at the chapter house and then everyone walked through campus to the Memorial Union where the bulk of the retreat was held. The retreat started with a quick introduction and then got right into business. Recruitment was the first topic. Chapters were able to

share best practices, hear some new ideas coming from our headquarters, and hear from CAB Phikeia Education Adviser Aaron Keroksy 1666, an expert working directly in recruitment and educating Phikeias.

The next topic was on chapter operations.

Each attendee was asked to give five areas for opportunity and write them on sticky notes.

Once this was done, the group broke up into six new cross chapter groups and then shared lunch from Woodstock’s Pizza. During lunch, the sticky notes where grouped into similar topics. After lunch, the small groups talked about the similarities they saw, shared best practices, and talked about their own chapter’s challenges. Then each chapter got together to talk about Strategic Goal Setting led by Pi South (Oregon) Providence President John Lidstrom 1641.

The next topic was on building strong brotherhood. This was by far the most powerful message given by Tau North (Western Canada) Province President Gopal Arye, Alberta ’97. He not only talked about building positive brotherhood, but also warning signs of brothers who might be going through mental health crisis. He used several personal examples that kept the entire room on the edge of their seats.

The final topic was an alumni panel made up of Erin Haynes 966, Benny Kuo, Willamette ’14, (former Oregon Beta House Dad), and Chase LoGreco, Portland State ’04.

The members were able to ask them about how Phi Delt helped them in their careers. All in all it was an amazing day.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER: continued from page 1 The brothers were hard at work in the classroom fall term as we earned an average chapter GPA of 3.22. Our academic achievements are amongst the top on Oregon State’s campus and demonstrates the brother’s dedication to Sound Learning.

As winter comes to a close, spring recruitment is on the mind of the chapter, as we are thrilled for the opportunity to grow our chapter size, bring in new members who possess the qualities of a Phi, and inch toward a common goal of 115 members. Brothers Ethan Campbell 1906, Marco Predovic 1919, Alex Gonzalez 1925, and Cameron 4 The Oregon Beta Star » Winter 2020

Laroche 1936 are the elected recruitment chairmen for the year. While having four recruitment chairmen is a bit unorthodox, all of the men elected were great candidates and can lead the chapter to our recruitment goal. Our chapter feels if we are to take these spring recruitment goals seriously, then we need to enable all of our resources and talents from our brothers.

Yours in the Bond, Danny Dahs 1912, Chapter President dannydhas3@gmail.com

Oregon Beta

UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT

By David Clewett 1658

T

yler Boster 1923, one of Oregon Beta’s newly initiated members and alpha in his pledge class, brings experience to the chapter and ambitious goals for his tenure at Oregon State University.

“Some of my goals include taking on leadership positions in the house, particularly philanthropy chair,” Boster said.

Tyler closely observed and was involved with the successful planning of the most recent White Carnation Philanthropy. After working alongside the current philanthropy chairmen, Tyler’s desire to be involved with Oregon Beta’s philanthropic efforts was solidified.

“The biggest goal I have for the chapter is to consistently run successful philanthropy events,” Boster said. “My idea of a successful philanthropic event involves participation from the whole chapter at Oregon Beta, and a good turnout and participation from other sororities on campus.”

Boster enjoys seeing the entire house come together in efforts to raise money for a good cause while strengthening brotherhood and working toward a common goal. He hopes to win a Beam Trophy for the chapter.

The Paul C. Beam Trophy is an award given annually to the Phi Delta Theta chapter that has orchestrated the most outstanding philanthropy event.

For Boster and his family, the fight to end ALS through the LiveLikeLou Foundation has a personal and profound meaning. Tyler hopes to honor his family and Fraternity through his involvement with LiveLikeLou to support ALS patients, their families, and research.

“My grandpa died from Lou Gehrig’s disease,” Boster said. “I think it would be a great tribute to my grandpa if I used my time at Phi Delta Theta to help fulfill the Fraternity’s commitment to striking out ALS through the LiveLikeLou Foundation.”

He has generated ideas for events that would utilize Oregon State’s successful baseball program to help raise awareness and funding for ALS research.

“One idea is a baseball-themed event that can be held at the seventh inning stretch of an Oregon State baseball game,” Boster said. “I think it would be cool to base our ALS fundraiser around Lou Gehrig and use Oregon State’s great baseball program to help get the community involved with donations.”

During high school, Boster ran track and cross country and had a successful career competing in the 800 meter. He spent a semester on the cross country and track team at Texas Christian University (TCU) before transferring to Oregon State University.

“I loved my time at TCU but I am so thankful that I ended up where I did here at the Oregon Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta,” Boster said.

Tyler signed his bid to Phi Delta Theta in the spring of 2019, following his first term at Oregon State. He was introduced to the Fraternity by high school friend Parker Atkinson 1874. Upon enjoying the social comradery and involvement, Tyler soon decided to participate in recruitment and join.

“Parker encouraged me to check out Phi Delta Theta,” Boster said.

“I decided to join because I felt comfortable around the guys in the house and I wanted to get involved in something during my time at Oregon State.”

During his early tenure at Oregon Beta, Boster has enjoyed the value of brotherhood and mentorship.

“I’ve had a great experience here at Oregon Beta,” Boster said. “There seldom seems to be dull moments and the brotherhood here is something I have come to greatly appreciate.”

Tyler is an older brother in his family and found comfort in the mentorship and support structure of the Fraternity.

“After joining Phi Delta Theta I was instantly surrounded by people who I greatly admire and consider to be mentors in my life,” Boster said.

One particular aspect of Oregon Beta that stood out for Tyler during spring recruitment was the condition of the living quarters following recent renovations.

Continued on page 6

NEWEST INITIATES 2019 FALL INITIATES Tyler Boster 1923 Samuel Burgener 1924 Alex Gonzalez 1925 Bradden Schmidt 1926 Adam Henderson 1927 Clay Martinson 1928 Benjamin Shiffman 1929 Noah Bach 1930 Reed Hall 1931 Markus Julien 1932 Elah Banks 1933

http://oregonstate.phideltatheta.org

Hunter Dietz 1934 Jacob Bullard 1935 Cameron Laroche 1936 William Chick 1937 Landen Acosta 1938 Drake Garver 1939 Maxwell Boenisch 1940 Anthony Valverde 1941 Robert Carter 1942 Hudson Barnes 1943

The Oregon Beta Star » Winter 2020 5

WE WANT YOUR NEWS!

In preparation of the next edition, we are looking for any news and updates in your life. Please email any content to Alumni Newsletter Editor John Lidstrom at Oregon.Beta.Alumni@gmail.com.

ALUMNI UPDATES

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #248 DAYTON, OH Oregon Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta 2 South Campus Avenue Oxford, Ohio 45056 Address Service Requested

Luke Eilers 1650 and his fiancée, Marlee Orgain, welcomed their first child, Brooks Elton, born on January 6, 2020.

Paul Clem 1654 and his wife, Megan, welcomed their first child, Dylan Michelle Clem, born on November 13, 2019.

Tyler Giddings 1740 married his college sweetheart, Kayla (Kretz), on October 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon.

Camron Stevens 1750 married his college sweetheart, Samantha (Garner), on December 31, 2019 in Laguna Beach, California.

CHAPTER GRAND

No entries this edition. Please send any obituary notices to Oregon.Beta.Alumni@gmail.com.

ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT: continued from page 2 For the past fifty years he has had a career in insurance and financial planning, the same career he started the Monday after graduation.

“I am a very lucky guy,” Chambers said. “I was fortunate enough to be in leadership positions that allowed me to develop hundreds and hundreds of young people in this career.”

After a long stint as the head of MassMutual for Oregon and Southwestern Washington with seventy associates, Craig was able to build a small boutique practice in estate planning and business insurance.

He was very active at Oregon State serving on The Dean’s Inner Circle for the College of Business, Board of the Austin Family Business Institute, as well as mentoring student athletes. He serves on the Board of Managers for the YMCA Hoop in Beaverton.

Craig Chambers is a reminder that no matter how much time has passed, Phi Delta Theta and Oregon Beta are always part of our brotherhood for life. It is never too late to reconnect and get involved and participate in campaigns and events within the Fraternity.

UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: continued from page 5 “The renovations in the house make the house feel like a nice hotel,” Boster said. “I never got to experience the house before the renovations. But when I first toured the house during spring recruitment, I remember really appreciating how nice and clean everything was compared to other houses that I visited.”

Tyler has enjoyed the educational history and tradition of Phi Delta Theta. He values learning about the Fraternity’s rituals that connect all Phis internationally throughout the past and present.

Having recently been initiated first in his class, Boster knows all to well the merits of learning and appreciating Phi Delta Theta’s history. His journey to initiation has been fulfilling and earning a bond number was a rewarding accomplishment.

“Being initiated is a sweet feeling,” Boster said. “Although I still retain all my obligations as a new member, it feels good to formally be invited into the brotherhood, have a bond number, and participate in chapter meetings.”

Boster is enjoying the lifestyle of the Oregon Beta Chapter House and the balance between schoolwork, house upkeep, and leisure time.

“Life in the house is new and exciting every day,” Boster said. “There is always something going on in the house that you can help out on. Some of my responsibilities include basic chores like doing dishes and cleaning various parts of the house from time-to-time. Most of my down time is spent doing homework, watching movies, and playing poker.”

Boster is majoring in economics with a minor in political science. He is from Medford and after graduation he plans on attending law school with the goal of becoming a corporate lawyer in the private sector. In addition to his membership at Phi Delta Theta, Boster is involved on campus with Young Life. It is a group that meets weekly to discuss and learn more about Jesus.

Tyler is making a name for himself at Oregon Beta with his enthusiasm for involvement and is excited to continue his philanthropic and leadership efforts.