Theta Chi - Iowa State University

THE TOMAHAWK Alpha Mu Chapter 2 Q: What brought you to ISU, and why did you join Theta Chi? I chose ISU largely because it's a family tradition I'm a third-generation Cyclone—my grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, and three siblings all went to ISU My older brother, Joshua Hibben '02, was a member in Theta Chi I was recruited the summer before my freshman year I stayed because very quickly, I made great friends, experienced involved alumni, and knew it was something I wanted to be a part of Q: Did you hold any executive offices an undergraduate? I served as recruitment chairman and chapter president Q: What are your favorite memories from your time as an undergraduate? Meeting my wife at a dinner exchange with the women of Alpha Gamma Delta, of course! I also have great memories of Cyclone athletics I was in school during the best of the Eustachy and McCarney years, so those were fantastic times Q: Were there any Theta Chi brothers who supported you in your professional journey? There were several alumni advisors who set a great example; they were involved in the chapter, gave much-needed guidance to us, and were devoted to their professions and families That example stayed with me even after graduation Q: Tell me about your career path and what led you to your position as district judge. What are some of the highlights of your career? Have there been any challenges? I was able to build a successful and interesting private practice before being appointed to the bench That practice focused on financial and agricultural law I represented farmers and ranchers, agricultural lenders, and others Over time, many of my clients have also become great friends I was recently appointed to the bench by Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon It's not so much a challenge, but I'd note this: I never dreamed our opportunity would be in Wyoming We moved here for a short-term judicial clerkship after law school But very quickly this became our home, and we have decided to raise our family here At times it was a challenge to decline other opportunities back in Iowa Q: Do you think Theta Chi prepared you for life after college? How so? Absolutely Serving in leadership honed my ability to identify and solve problems Q: What advice would you offer to undergraduates or young alumni starting their careers? Be honest I'm increasingly convinced that honesty is the first virtue That means give your clients or employer an honest day's work, be honest in your personal dealings, and be truthful, especially when it's difficult People have made an entire career out of being dishonest—don't be like them Instead, when you tell someone something, make sure that person can take what you say "to the bank" Q: Do you keep in touch with your brothers and how? Of course, primarily through text message and email, and mostly about ISU athletics As our kids get older, we hope to make it back for more alumni events as well Nate and his wife, Chelsea, reside in Torrington, Wyoming, with their four children: Mac, Grace, Cara, and Jacob They love exploring Wyoming, enjoying the outdoors, and following their kids' sports and activities You can reach Nate at nhibben@gmailcom A Theta Chi in the Equality State Q&A with Nate Hibben '04 T he Alpha Mu Alumni Corporation Board is in the planning stage for our centennial celebration in 2022 I had the privilege of attending both the 50th and 75th anniversary celebrations, and I am looking forward to seeing what the 100th brings We will notify all alumni once plans are finalized, so be on the lookout for more information soon I hope many of you will be able to join us to celebrate this Alpha Mu milestone and help kick off our second century at Iowa State Over the past several months, recruitment efforts were successful in bringing us an excellent new member class The scholarship fund helped make this possible through the generous donations from alumni brothers This was a major talking point during recruitment, and I would like to personally thank all the brothers who gave to the fund Alpha Mu continues to rank among the top fraternities for academics Your generosity truly makes a difference While attending my 50th high school class reunion this past July, I reconnected with several classmates who I hadn't seen since graduating in 1969 I was also fortunate to host Bill Kalm '73, who traveled from Arizona to stay with me and attend our reunion My wife, Susan, and I enjoyed Bill's company and spent much time reminiscing on our days with Alpha Mu at Iowa State While remembering our past was great, Bill and I were both excited to witness the bright future of Theta Chi We hope to see all of you at our upcoming centennial celebration Fraternally, Ted Hovda '73 President, Alumni Corporation Board (641) 757-9188 tshovda@comm1netnet Celebrating 100 Years of Alpha Mu Plans for 2022 Centennial Celebration of Theta Chi at Iowa State Underway

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