Alpha Sigma Phi - University of Washington

8 A STRONG FOUNDATION As an incoming freshman at UW, Jeff Rogers '80 recognized the value of being a part of a smaller social infrastructure at a larger school and wanted to continue his family's Greek membership legacy. Jeff searched for an organization that modeled community and was more than just a bunch of guys living together. Attending Mu rush events, Jeff soon found he was an outlier—the only one from his high school in the field of rushees. However, he found a sense of community among the other Mu pledges and members who were from the same high school. "I could sense a stronger collective at Mu than some other houses. There was a relational aspect to it that seemed to be demonstrative." At a rush event hosted by Jim Hammond '66, Jeff witnessed a great spirit of camaraderie by Jim and Bob Strecker '78. "Bob was the glue." From then on, Jeff knew Mu would be his home for the next four years. A sense of community endured at Mu with most of his class living in the house throughout their time at the UW, defying the norm of other fraternities. His big brother, Kyle Kallander '77, guided Jeff for his first months at Mu, a mentor of sorts. From pledge initiation, an experience he would not want to relive but would be happy to memorialize over a beer with brothers, to graduation seated next to Kirk McGaugh '80 and Mark Thompson '80, Jeff successfully navigated life at UW with his Mu Chapter brothers at his side the entire time. Mu gave Jeff a foundational sense of identity and purpose that would transcend seasons of life and vocation. "Being an under- graduate was a formative time for me in regard to values, faith, aptitude, and purpose. What do I believe? What matters to me? Where do I find purpose or fulfillment? I was fortunate to be connected to this at an early age." The social community of exchanges and dances provided a relatively safe place to have a great social life with people Jeff knew and trusted. In addition, thanks to John Clearman '56 inviting him to some alumni board meetings, Jeff was exposed to how a board works and decisions are made. Fraternity life provided a foundation for getting along in a polarized world. "I learned about collaboration and how those with differing POVs can still come together. There were passionate, almost vehement debates at chapter meetings, but we all came back together. Similar to the fraternity, in many orga- nizations you have an imperfect team, yet you have to learn to coalesce and work as a team. An organization works well if you let people work on their gifts." VOCATIONAL BEGINNINGS As a freshman, Jeff began working for The Southwestern Company, founded in 1855 in Nashville, Tennessee. He was a part of their summer sales program for college students and worked with many Mu brothers, including Craig Bowen '81, Steve Savage '81, Mark Miller '79, and Kirk McGaugh '80. Unbeknownst to him at the time, Jeff was setting himself up for a 20-year career with The Southwestern Company. Learning to run a business while in college was a challenge. On top of business school and serving as VP and President of the UW IFC (Inter Fraternity Council), Jeff began to learn of balance. While chal- lenging and difficult at times, the experience taught him invaluable career lessons as an undergraduate. Working with Mu brothers began developing great values and character for Jeff that tran- scended into his vocation. In 2000, Jeff retired from the South- western Company after 20 years of traveling 250-300 days a year. Almost 30 years after being initiated, Jeff has had time to reflect on his Mu Chapter experience. As an 18-year old, he was not conscious of the foundation Mu was giving him. As an adult, Jeff knows for certain his life would be completely different if not for Mu Chapter. The values, business experience, friendships, and social lessons were all paramount. For these reasons and more, Jeff has generously contributed to the Securing the Future of Mu capital campaign. Jeff feels the campaign will positively affect the future of Mu Chapter in two ways. Relational: "The campaign has reconnected some people back to the Mu mindset. Those who have been loosely connected are brought back." Personally, conversations and events related to the campaign have reconnected Jeff with several brothers. A strong, connected alumni base is vital to the future of Mu Chapter. Material: "We are providing a new infrastructure that allows the Old Gal to carry forward into the next season. Without the campaign, the house becomes a detriment." If Mu has an aesthetic and functional property, we can continue to attract the right type of men. A dilapidated house is a liability to the future. Giving back to the capital campaign is just one of many ways Jeff is doing his part to create a more connected, giving world. After retiring from the Southwestern Company in 2000, Jeff was searching for a way to continue his family's history of owning businesses and the application of values, purpose, and mission. Jeff Rogers '80 A Life of Blessing and Helping People

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