Phi Delta Theta - Butler University

Page 7 Φ Δ Θ 2016 Alumni sPotlight Former Butler Football Player and Alumnus Brandon Martin '04 Shares Impact of Phi Delta Theta W hen Brandon Martin '04 joined Phi Delta Theta, he did so because he knew several members who were on the football team with him. Brandon had numerous achievements on the football field while playing at Butler; he was Butler's male Athlete of the Year in 2003, team captain his senior year, and led the nation in interceptions in 2003. His success on the field translated to a different kind of success as he met many new Brothers who, in turn, became his closest friends and supporters along the way after he left Butler. Brandon continues those relationships today. He enjoyed being able to know many people who were a step ahead of him in life, in college, and today. "I have Brothers that I can talk to about life events," Brandon said. "Buying a home, getting married, having children. I feel like I am still evolving into the person I want to be and it's a blessing to have relationships with people that can give advice during those times." These relationships have helped Brandon moving into his career with Harmony Healthcare, a company that provides integrated healthcare solutions. Harmony Healthcare began in 2011 with Brandon and the current CEO. They have grown in the past five years and now employ 40 people in their local office in Tampa, Fla., and nearly 500 across the country. Brandon's success was recognized when he was named to Tampa Bay Business Journal's Up and Comer list of 40 executives under the age of 40 last October. After college, Phi Delta Theta connections have continued helping Brandon out in a variety of ways. He shares of an experience where being a brother in the bond was useful, "I pursued the client for four years with little progress. During a presentation in Atlanta, I learned the decision maker was a fellow Phi and introduced myself and we connected immediately. We landed the account three weeks later. That client is now one of the largest in our portfolio." Looking back at his time living in the Castle, Brandon encourages current undergraduates to focus on what they enjoy rather than financial success in pursuing a career. He has been back to the Chapter House twice since it has reopened and notes the updates and changes are remarkable. "It is a better version of what it was when I was in school without sacrificing the character of the Castle." Brandon wants alumni to remember the positives of their time in Phi Delta Theta, "We owe the time we did have together to those that came before us, and it's our responsibility to perpetuate that opportunity to future generations. The Castle at Butler and the bond we have is a unique privilege. That honor does not end after graduation. I encourage everyone to remember that." Brandon and his wife, Melanie, have been married for three years, and live in Tampa, Fla. They have two children, Austin and Olivia. You can reach him at bzm_2@yahoo.com. Tom Farnam '65 and Zach Bellavia '18 all smiles announcing the undergraduate fraternity pin recipient. (Left) Jordan Knotts '17, Tom's Fraternity pin recipient. (Right) Tom Farnam '65 gets a big hug from Jordan after hearing he is the recipient of Tom's pin. Tom Farlan '66 Donates Fraternity Pin T om Farlan '66 recently celebrated 50 years as an Indiana Gamma Phi Delt. Over Butler's Homecoming celebration, he donated his Sword and Shield pin to current undergraduate Jordan Knotts '17. Tom shared about his Fraternity experience and the impact it has continued to have on his life over Homecoming with fellow undergraduates and alumni. Tom came to Butler in 1961 from a small town. His sister, Frances Farnam, was a Tri Delta at Butler and believed Phi Delt would be a good fit for him as he joined the Butler community. He enjoyed living in the Castle on the corner and appreciates the learning experience it was. When he lived in the Castle, the pledge dorm still had triple bunk beds left over from the Navy's use of the house in World War II. "Phi Delta Theta shaped me into who I am today by giving me a chance to interact with others from different backgrounds," Tom said. Over Homecoming, Tom had the chance to visit with many undergraduate brothers and was very impressed with those living in the Castle today. "They are not angels, just young men who are taking this opportunity very seriously. Some of that attitude is influenced by being part of a Chapter which has come back stronger than ever. I am very proud to call them Brothers." Tom and his wife, Naomi Morales, live in Alexandria, Va. Tom enjoys traveling, cookies, wine, photography, and maintaining his 1962 Porsche. You can contact him at TCF@FarnamLaw.com.

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