Michigan Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity at the University of Michigan
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1264718
Page 2 the sophon Summer 2020 S taying true to Phi Kappa Psi's motto of The Great Joy of Serving Others, Matt Raeburn '00 focuses on others and the world around him, first by practicing environmental law and now by tackling climate change. And if not for Phi Psi, his life would likely be quite different than it is today. "I owe so much of my success as an environmental lawyer and policymaker to my experience at Phi Psi," Matt said. "My big bro, Brian May '99, and my other Phi Psi brothers helped me learn how to lead, manage, and innovate in circumstances beyond any one person's control. And that, in a nutshell, is life combatting climate change." As a senior policy analyst for the New Zealand Ministry for the Environment, Matt advises the Minister for Climate Change on how to adapt their country to physical impacts, from sea level rise to more frequent severe storms and droughts. Despite its location and size limiting what it can accomplish, New Zealand's political and economic climate allows for far more progress on climate change than anywhere in the U.S. "I still lose arguments with the top decision- makers, but we're better than most about coming together for a common good that's about more than the individual," he shared. Keeping the core values of the brotherhood at heart, especially the concept of coming together for a common good, has served Matt well over the years. Looking back, much of what he learned from his Phi Psi brothers at Michigan Alpha has influenced him years beyond graduation. "Michigan Alpha helped me become the man I am today," he stated. "I'd like to think that, because of Phi Psi, I'm a better person who genuinely tries to be of service to others and to understand their views rather than focusing only on myself and passing judgment." Whenever he starts to lose his way, Matt always comes back to Phi Psi's basic principles. "Self-seeking, dishonesty, and self-centeredness have never made me content. Neither has making money or buying into an illusion of safety and financial security," Matt said. "It's connecting with other people, being vulnerable, helping and being generous with my time and resources that has made me happy. Because that's who I am. And I am who I am in large part because of Phi Psi." Twenty years since joining the brotherhood, Matt has realized that the fellowship of Phi Psi can be found in many places and that it's worth looking for. "I've found it in my work, in my boxing gym, in recovery from substance abuse—lots of places. It's the connections with other people that make life worth living. And the best way to connect is by helping someone. Do that and our strong bond shall ne'er be broken." While Matt takes pride in his Phi Psi membership and his colorful career, he is most proud of being a dad to his 6-year-old daughter, Ramona. And thanks to Phi Psi, he learned to be bold, take risks, and put the good of his family first, which has included switching jobs and hemispheres. Matt and his daughter, Ramona, live in Wellington, New Zealand. Connect with Matt and learn more about his life fighting climate change at mattraeburn@gmail.com. Service to otherS and the World Matt Raeburn '00 Found Support and Inspiration Through Phi Kappa Psi I n 1852, William Henry Letterman and Charles Page Thomas Moore started the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity based on the concept of providing service to those who are less fortunate. This is why Phi Kappa Psi's maxim is The Great Joy of Serving Others. Since then, Phi Psis across the world have been giving of their time and talents to causes important to them and their families. Housing Corporation President Roger Goodrich '80 has kindly set up a fundraiser providing you the opportunity to purchase and ship hand sanitizer to whomever (e.g., hospitals and clinics, police departments, fire stations, yourself). You can purchase the hand sanitizer by going to https://sanitizer.nanosolpro.com/product/ antibacterial-hand-sanitizer/ref/rgoodrich. CBD products can be purchased at http://nanosolpro. com/ref/rgoodrich. Please note that all CBD products contain 0% THC; this is verified by a third-party lab, Certificate of Analysis. 15% of your purchases will go to Michigan Alpha Chapter in order to provide a rent credit to the students and, if there is money left over, repair the main room floor at the chapter house. Another 15% of your purchase will go to the outstanding loan payment to improve the house fire suppression system and add a wheelchair ramp for accessibility. The initial stock of hand sanitizer is 20,000 8 oz. bottles. These are all made in the USA. The bottles may be purchased in any quantity; however, one case holds 24 bottles, so ordering in multiples of 24 is convenient from a shipping perspective. Make sure to include PKP at the end of your name (e.g., John Doe PKP) so that PKP will receive funds from your order. As long as Roger Goodrich and his phone number are displayed in the top right corner of the website then Michigan Alpha will receive a credit from the purchase. Feel free to link in your personal network as safety is an issue that is important to us all. Additionally, you can ship the hand sanitizer to any address, including in your local community! HAND SANITIZER DRIVE