SPRING 2021
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
4/27/1947
#749
Herbert
Granville
Theta,
Moody
Jr. Illinois
Eta,
3/7/1914
Russell
Strawbridge,
Indiana
#232
OREGON BETA STAR Official Newsletter of the Oregon Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta at Oregon State University
UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT By David Clewett 1656
C
ooper Johnson 1947 is a freshman communications major. Raised on an Eastern Oregon cattle ranch and wheat farm outside the small town of Condon, he is minoring in aviation and going through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. After graduation, he aims to commission into the Air Force as a second lieutenant. Ultimately, his goal is to fly some of the most advanced planes in the United States Military. Johnson evaluated his career goals and knew he wanted to be a pilot. However, getting a commercial pilot’s license is expensive and provides no
WHITE CARNATION PHILANTHROPY
A
fter more than a year of no events, the chapter brothers devised a way to hold their annual philanthropy: The White Carnation Pageant safely. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, they could not have an audience attend the pageant portion of the yearly event. They did do the Pie the Phi, a Volleyball Tournament, and of course, crowned the White Carnation Princess. All funds they raised went to the LiveLikeLou Foundation. The winner of the philanthropy event was Kappa Alpha Theta, and the 2021 White Carnation Princess is Alpha Omicron Pi member Claire Bussert.
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
T experience before entering the workforce. He wanted a four-year degree but didn’t want to pay the prices for a state school. After visiting an Army National Guard Aviation Continued on page 5
NEW WEBSITE Check out our new website www.OSUPhiDelt.org. Big thank you to Camden Wolf 1837 for all his work on it. Have any feedback, please email us at Oregon.Beta.Alumni@gmail.com.
he year 2021 so far has not lived up to anyone’s expectations. With heavy restrictions still enforced throughout the year, the chapter, unfortunately, has not succeeded to its full potential. However, with all the troubles the pandemic has brought, the chapter has looked for ways to keep a positive attitude as everyone has tried to make the most out of their college experience. In mid-February, the chapter helped the sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta raise over $3,000 towards Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels helps fight against the issue of American hunger amongst the elderly population as well as helps aid low-income families who cannot provide adequate food for young children. With Phi Delta Theta being the highest contributor out of all fraternities on campus, our chapter won AGD’s philanthropy. In addition, their chapter awarded Cooper Johnson 1947 as Mr. Ace of their chapter. This event was one of many outstanding accomplishments for the house as we strive to win more philanthropies down the road. Continued on page 4
HIRE a
PHI
2021 GRADUATING SENIORS
A
s we congratulate and welcome our newest alumni, let us also reach out in the spirit of Friendship. We have some amazing young men looking for their first opportunity post-graduation. 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 2021!
Jacob Werger 1860
alex.follett123@gmail.com Yes, I am still looking Mechanical engineering/ aerospace engineering Looking for full-time or internships in aerospace engineering or energy.
Parker Atkinson 1874
Casey Bauer 1878
parkeratkinson@gmail.com No, I have found employment/grad school Accounting and finance I will be moving to Denver, Colorado, to work for PwC as a core assurance associate.
Alex Dempewolf 1875
adempewolf@gmail.com No, I have found employment/grad school Mechanical engineering/ aerospace engineering I will be working as an automation validation engineer for JSat Automation in Los Angeles, California.
Tyler Mack 1876
Phi Preferred method of contact Still looking for employment
Alex Follett 1877
wergerj21@gmail.com No, I have found employment/grad school Construction engineering management I’ll be working as a project engineering intern with Bremik Construction
tylermack99@gmail.com Yes, I am still looking BioHealth sciences/chemistry I am currently looking for a job/internship in research science: microbiology, immunology, or biochemistry. However, my mind is open to other disciplines within biology and chemistry. After a year of work experience I will most likely apply to a graduate program in pursuit of a master’s or higher in said discipline.
Major/minor Desired industry/field 2 The Oregon Beta Star » Spring 2021
Caseybauer06@gmail.com Yes, I am still looking Marketing and management/finance Work near Portland, Oregon, in the marketing or management field in almost any industry.
Skyler Loogman 1879
skylerloogman@gmail.com No, I have found employment/grad school Finance and business administration: supply chain and logistical management I will be moving to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to work as a fellow program at Dynamo Venture Capital.
Ryan Patridge 1880
ryanpatridge2@gmail.com No, I have found employment/grad school Construction engineering management/finance I will be working as an automation validation engineer for JSat Automation in Los Angeles, California.
Ethan VanderZanden 1881
ethan.vanderzanden@yahoo.com Yes, I am still looking Agriculture business management/crop science If the right opportunity arises I would like to work in the agriculture field. If Oregon Beta
I don’t find an opportunity, I will go back to the family farm in Hillsboro.
Jem Taskin 1882
jot.taskin@gmail.com No, I have found employment/grad school Bio-health sciences with a pre-pharmacy option I am going to be going to UT Austin for pharmacy school
Colin Hammons 1883
colinhammons0@gmail.com Yes, I am still looking BioHealth sciences/chemistry and business Applying for med school in the summer, working as an EMT/ER tech until matriculation. Also looking for other internship/research opportunities to start before med school.
Tyler Praven 1884
tylerpraven@gmail.com Yes, I am still looking Finance/economics
Joe Niehuser 1885
niehuserjoe@gmail.com Yes, I am still looking Business administration/supply chain and logistics management option I am a pilot and am going to finish up my flight training after graduation to get my commercial pilot’s license.
PRESIDENT’S CORNER: continued from page 1 When we were not winning philanthropies, Sound Learning, one of our three Cardinal Principles, was something our guys took pride in. As a result, Phi Delt ranked second amongst all fraternities in average GPA, for the fifth consecutive year, with above a 3.31. This ranking was a great accomplishment for the chapter and showed our brother’s resiliency against the troubles that came with the remote learning environment. Even though winter term was tough on all of us, spring term really could not have come at a better time. With the weather getting nicer and some loosening of restrictions, the morale of the house jumped up tremendously. Since the start of the spring term, we could transition back to in-person dining and run our white carnation http://oregonstate.phideltatheta.org
Andrew Rilatt 1887
andrewrilatt@gmail.com Yes, I am still looking Construction engineering management Work somewhere in the Portland area.
Anthony Mba 1888
aimba@health.ucsd.edu No, I have found employment/grad school Bio-health sciences with a pre-pharmacy option/finance and chemistry This upcoming fall I’ll be attending UC San Diego as a PharmD candidate, hoping to help make strides in personalized medicine.
Ben Walker 1890
walkerb1599@gmail.com No, I have found employment/grad school Construction engineering management I will be moving to Denver, Colorado, to be an engineer with Kiewit.
Hamza Swati 1891
hamzaswati@hotmail.com No, I have found employment/grad school Electrical and computer engineering/ computer science I will working with my family.
Elah Banks 1933
banksel.eb@gmail.com No, I have found employment/grad school Business administration I will be continuing to do wildland fire fighting.
philanthropy in person. Regarding our charity, the other sororities and the chapter had a great time participating in our annual Pie a Phi event, our outdoor volleyball tournament, and our virtual white carnation pageant, as everyone enjoyed getting back to how philanthropies used to run. With the help of five participating sororities, we raised over $600 towards the LiveLikeLou Foundation, which helps further ALS research and helps support children or families affected by ALS. With the school year coming to an end and our chapter looking ahead towards summer, our focus will heavily be on summer recruitment. Including the five guys we signed in the spring, our goal is to sign another ten guys over the summer, which would put us in a great position come fall. We have instilled into our guys that recruitment does not solely fall on the recruitment chairs; it is a whole-house effort, and all our brothers are ready to embrace the task. We are very optimistic about the future of the house as we are looking forward to getting back to a sense of normalcy in the fall of 2021. Adam Henderson 1927 Chapter President adam.hende11@gmail.com The Oregon Beta Star » Spring 2021 3
NEWEST INITIATES
2021 SPRING INITIATES
Danny Dhas: 503-560-7970 or dhasjo@oregonstate.edu
Austin Dufort: 503-686-4965 or duforta@oregonstate.edu
Adison Emerick: 503-628-9463 or emericad@oregonstate.edu
SUMMER RECRUITMENT STRATEGY By Danny Dhas 1912, Recruitment Chairman
T
his past year or so has proved to be a difficult time for recruitment. Oregon State has seen a decrease in the number of students joining Greek life, and many students are uninterested in joining a fraternity during a pandemic. Over the 2020–21 school year, we had three virtual recruitment periods. We found it challenging to connect with students and show them the value of the Fraternity over a zoom call. As the pandemic seems to be nearing an end, we remain optimistic that soon in-person events will be allowed, and we can return to normalcy. Our plans for summer recruitment will slightly depend on what IFC will allow us to host. We plan to utilize various live-outs over the summer and keep the chapter house clean for house tours. We have created a fall scholarship application for incoming freshmen at Oregon State that we believe will help us get an opportunity to meet more incoming students. We shared the application
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 2021 Oregon Beta. All rights reserved. Send news, address updates and photos to: Oregon Beta Chapter, PO Box 20995, Portland, OR 97294-0995 STAY UP-TO-DATE /PDTOregonBeta OregonBetaAlumni@gmail.com /phideltatheta_osu/ linkedin.com/groups/95210 oregonstate.phideltatheta.org CHAPTER OFFICERS Adam Henderson, President Hunter Dietz, Vice President
4 The Oregon Beta Star » Spring 2021
with over 150 Oregon high school principals and academic counselors. So far, the feedback we have gotten is overwhelmingly positive, and we hope to continue receiving applicants over the summer. We plan to meet with each applicant in person if allowed and choose the winners at a banquet in the fall at the chapter house. The recruitment team has set a goal of thirty new members to become our fall Phikeia class. We feel this is a decent target, given the size of our current membership. This spring, we recruited five new members that will be part of the fall class. We will be leaning on them for referrals as we will build this new class of quality Phi Delts. Over the last year, we have seen a significant decrease in the number of referrals. We ask that if any of you know an Oregon State student that may be a good fit as a Phi Delt, please send their contact information to one of the recruitment chairs, and we will reach out. Each referral is greatly appreciated as the recommendations are critical to generating more potential members.
Jake Bullard, Treasurer and Warden Brandon Tesdall, Phikeia Educator Danny Dhas, Recruitment Chairman Adison Emerick, Recruitment Chairman Austin Dufort, Recruitment Chairman Sam Burgener, Social Chairman Bradden Schmidt, Social Chairman Noah Bach, Risk Management Chairman Drake Garver, Risk Management Chairman Gavin Smith, Assistant Treasurer Cole Scott, Philanthropy Chairman Calvin Ton, Philanthropy Chairman Erik Schulz, Fire Marshall David Hargrove, Kitchen Steward Aaron Cole, Pallas Chairmen Bennett Poulsen, Awards Chairmen Noah Bach, House Manager Carson Wilson, House Manager Hunter Dietz, Scholarship Chairman
Ethan Phifer, Historian Ezdeen Melhem, Public Relations Chairman Max Boenisch, Community Service Chairman Adison Emerick, Network Administrator Sam Burgener, Sing Chairman Cooper Johnson, Sing Chairman Sam Dugan, Sing Chairman Carson Wilson, Parking Lot Manager Luca Tine, Alumni Secretary Adison Emerick, Secretary CHAPTER ADVISORY BOARD Steven L. Walker, Chairman Luke Eilers Eric Fettig Chon Madrigal Henry Johnson, Financial Adviser Joshua Cooper, Phikeia Education Adviser Aaron R. Kerosky, Phikeia Education Adviser
Cooper Johnson 1947 Adison Emerick 1948 Gavin Smith 1949 Brandon Tesdall 1950 Austin Dufort 1951 Carson Wilson 1952 Calvin Ton 1953 Ethan Phifer 1954 Cole Scott 1955 Erik Schulz 1956 Nick Wollemann 1957 Ezdeen Melhem 1958 David Hargrove 1959 Sam Dugan 1960
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.
UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO!
Please visit phideltatheta.org/ members/update-your-info/ to update your contact information.
Paul Clem, Recruitment Adviser James Arnold, Risk Management Adviser Chase Fettig, Academic Adviser Camron Stevens, Alumni Relations Adviser KAPPA SIGMA NU HOUSE CORPORATION John Lidstrom, President Steve Walker, Vice President Henry Johnson, Treasurer Chase Fettig, Secretary Members-at-Large: David Sly Chon Madrigal Luke Eilers Paul Clem Chase Fettig Garrett Johnson Erin J. Haynes Adam Henderson
Oregon Beta
UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: continued from page 1 unit in Pendleton, Johnson learned about the quality of life, pay, benefits, and opportunities available through the Air Force. The military route makes both his priorities achievable. “I applied and interviewed for a scholarship and was fortunate enough to earn a full-ride at Oregon State, with any major I wanted, and lots of other benefits,” Johnson said. “It was hard to turn down free college, so I accepted it.” Coming from a small community, simply living in a more populated city such as Corvallis has presented new opportunities and unique experiences. “Growing up on a ranch and in such a different place than most, just being in a populated place like Corvallis has allowed me to learn many new things,” Johnson said. “It also means that I often have a new perspective to offer others.” Johnson has found that his unique background and ranch experience lends itself to leadership, problem-solving, and quick decision-making. Because of his immersion in ranch culture, Johnson developed a strong work ethic, allowing him to step into leadership roles confidently or contribute in group settings. When Johnson was preparing to begin school in the fall, he wasn’t entirely sure whether he wanted to join Greek life. “I met a decent amount of people and made some friends, and I knew that I wanted more,” Johnson said. “Not just more social interaction, but close friendships and meaningful experiences with people I genuinely enjoy being around. Once winter term rolled around, I went to the house for the first time and immediately saw what I was looking for.” He wasn’t even considering Phi Delta Theta initially. However, after spending time in the house, Johnson quickly felt comfortable and decided to pledge that very same day. “My pledge process was pretty unconventional compared to the way most students pledge,” Johnson said. “I wasn’t
even looking at Phi Delta Theta until my friend suggested I take a look. Later that day, I was given a tour of the house, met the members, and bidded that night. Despite only really knowing about Phi Delta Theta for a few hours and not going to any of their recruitment events, I accepted the bid because I could tell these guys were close friends and enjoyed being there.” While his experience at Oregon Beta thus far has been anything but ordinary, with COVID-19 restrictions diminishing access to activities, Johnson has already built lasting friendships. He anticipates seeking official responsibilities within the chapter. “The members of Oregon Beta have amazing relationships with each other,” Johnson said. “I feel comfortable being myself and not having to put on a filter when I’m with them. I would love to continue making new members feel welcome and as proud as I feel to be a part of our Fraternity. I will do that throughout my time here and after, but if I can do that through some higher positions within the Fraternity, I would be grateful for the opportunity.” Without a doubt, COVID-19 has negatively affected the collegiate experience for countless students. While the situation is undoubtedly unfavorable, Johnson keeps a positive perspective toward existing opportunities. “COVID-19 has prevented us from doing things to a ridiculous extent while simultaneously giving us a new experience that we get to go through together,” Johnson said. “It’s created a slightly different relationship within my class compared to classes in other years. I’m open-minded and try to experience as many things as I can. The experience I’ve had in the Fraternity so far has given me what feels like a year’s worth of new perspective.” Johnson has found support and camaraderie within the chapter house through shared activities and common interests among brothers.
“I WOULD LOVE TO CONTINUE MAKING NEW MEMBERS FEEL WELCOME AND AS PROUD AS I FEEL TO BE A PART OF OUR FRATERNITY. I WILL DO THAT THROUGHOUT MY TIME HERE AND AFTER.” “The house has allowed me to build relationships with the guys,” Johnson said. “For example, we share many of the same hobbies. We have a basketball league within the house and weekly games. I’ve gone fishing with the guys, and I’ve even been playing music with some of the members.” In addition to Oregon Beta, Johnson is heavily involved in Oregon State’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. He considers it a privilege to be part of one of the best ROTC programs in the country. He plays sports on a few intramural teams and is a member of the OSU Forestry Club. Johnson considers himself very social and enjoys meeting new people and making friends. He likes traveling, working out, hunting, fly-fishing, swing dancing, and fruit smoothies. While Johnson’s career at Oregon Beta is still developing, he anticipates running for officer positions in the coming years and is interested in becoming warden, president, or Phikeia educator. His life experience and career ambition will help continue the tradition of a welcoming brotherhood culture within the chapter.
2021 HONOR ROLL For donations to the housing corporation and chapter outside of the capital campaign: Robert Baker 776: $100 Erin Haynes 966: $100 Jeff Walker 1059: $100 Henry Johnson 1513: $100
John Lidstrom 1641: $100 Cameron Wolf 1837: $60
2020–21 CHAPTER AWARDS MADELINE “MOM” DYER (Most Outstanding New Initiate) Adison Emerick 1948
JERRY MCCAFFERTY FELLOWSHIP (Most Outstanding Senior) Tyler Mack 1876
COLONEL JULIAN MCFADDEN (Most Outstanding Sophomore) Adam Henderson 1927
ROBERT EDWARDS RECRUITMENT AWARD Jake Bullard 1935
VANE GIBSON (Most Outstanding Junior) Danny Dhas 1912 http://oregonstate.phideltatheta.org
FOREST LINDSEY SCHOLARSHIPS Aaron Cole 1896 Hunter Dietz 1934 Nathan Dank 1900 Jake Bullard 1935 Ethan Campbell 1906 Max Boenisch 1940 Preston Reed 1911 Adison Emerick 1948 Danny Dhas 1912 Gavin Smith 1949 Marco Predovic 1919 Calvin Ton 1953 Sam Burgener 1924 Bradden Schmidt 1926 Adam Henderson 1927 Noah Bach 1930 The Oregon Beta Star » Spring 2021 5
CHAPTER GRAND Jim Ruggles 625 passed peacefully on March 15, 2021. He spent his last days in the comfort of his home and surrounded by a loving family who recalled many memories of baseball, fishing, and family vacations at their lake cabin for over sixty years. Gerald “Jerry” George Exley Jr. 643 died one day before his eighty-seventh birthday on March 2, 2021, after a short and unknown battle with multiple myeloma. Jerry was loved by all who met him. His gregarious personality, genial sense of humor, and deep loyalty endeared him to friends and family worldwide.
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
Bud Gene Valceschini 687 passed away on January 1, 2019. Scott G. Campbell 730 passed away peacefully at his home in Concord, California, on November 26, 2019 from complications due to Parkinson’s Disease. Scott spent most of his work career with Caltrans as an engineer, retiring at age fifty-five. One of his most impactful projects was facilitating bicycle commuting in the Bay area. He had a very philanthropic nature, donating considerably to various humanitarian and environmental organizations. He shared his enjoyment for the wilderness by frequently hiking with friends and relatives. He also was a part time professional actor having performed in many plays for theater companies in Burbank, Los Angeles, and the Bay area, as well as performing in TV and film productions. Dr. Frank W. Nettleship 789 passed away unexpectedly on March 18, 2021 at his home in Lincoln City, Oregon. Frank was born in Portland, Oregon, on June 18, 1940 the only child of Frank and Helen (Puhaty) Nettleship. He attended Washington High School, Seattle University and Oregon State University. He completed dental school at OHSU and proudly served in the navy after graduation. Frank practiced dentistry for an amazing fifty-two years. Frank is survived by his wife, Janet along with sons, Ross, Wesley Frank (Jillian) and daughter Laura; and two grandsons, Frank V., and Walter. Daniel H. Jones 1008 passed away on February 1, 2021. Scott Ward Wentworth 1012 passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021, after a brief lung illness, at the age of sixty-seven. Surrounded by family, Scott passed away peacefully.
…in coelo quies est
“…in heaven there is rest”
ALUMNI UPDATES Mark Pickens 1034 retired and moved back to Elk Grove, California, about ten years ago from Huntington Beach to help the family. He lives in Elk Grove with his wife, Juliana, and our fifteen-year-old son, Jason. His adult son, Jordan, lives near Huntington, with his son and a granddaughter on the way. Jason Gibbs 1636 married Britteny on February 13, 2021, in Katy, Texas. Peter Fahlmen 1642 and his wife Tiffany welcomed their son Jetson Cydle on December 30, 2021. Sean Leahy 1662 and his wife Cambry welcomed their daughter Evelyn Jill on April 22, 2021. Ross Benedict 1673 got engaged to Chelsea Dunlap on Tumalo Mountain on March 6, 2021. Eric Fettig 1688 married Samantha Doherty (Chi Omega) on June 8, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. Jenson Vliss 1698 moved to Berlin, Germany, to start a new job at an autonomous vehicle start-up. Additionally, he will be getting married in August. Hayden McClellan 1720 married Paige Lemhouse (Delta Gamma) on June 26, 2021 in Bridalveil, 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.
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.