Alpha Delta Phi - University of Washington

e Washington Alpha Delt 4 Rush week can be overwhelming; what made you join AΔΦ? Truthfully, I was an out-of-state student from Wisconsin and did not want to spend money on a hotel during freshman orientation, so I opted to spend a night in a fraternity with no intention of joining. I stereotyped fraternity life and believed that many were not what I aspired to be. Within 24 hours of being in the AΔΦ house, I knew it was going to be something I wanted to be a part of. Their social, moral, and academic goals inspired me. Are there any brothers who have inspired you in your journey with AΔΦ? Jesse Langley '18 was president during my freshman year and performed the role with humility. I really looked up to him. The Chapter's culture promotes brothers who are constantly there for each other. It's been incredible to have the support of people I look up to and admire from the House. Additionally, AΔΦ stresses the importance of mental health and it was instilled immediately as a pledge and new member. AΔΦ played a huge role in the man I am today. What encouraged you to be politically active early on in your life and as an undergraduate? I have always been a conservative activist speaking in national politics, campaigning nationwide, and writing for sites at a very early age. I was sitting in an entrepreneurship class listening to a lecture on the importance of entrepreneurship in environmental concerns. I realized I'd been frustrated with the lack of involvement on environmental issues by the Republican Party and was inspired to create a movement focused on changing that with the contacts I'd made politically. I bought a domain name during class and posted it on Twitter and had a ton of followers immediately. How did American Conservation Coalition (ACC) come to fruition? I used the amazing network Seattle has, volunteers, and AΔΦ alumni to guide the organization's path. AΔΦ alumni like Bob Davis '91 and Bob Gilbert '81 were part of what helped get the ACC off the ground by being incredible mentors. They truly believed in me; it was amazing to have their support. The main goal of the ACC has been to fight for bipartisanship on the environment—and this project hit it on the head. The next step is to continue translating our ideas into policies and actions. What are your plans after graduation? Where do you see the ACC in five years? As a business major with a focus on marketing, I plan on running ACC after graduation, eventually moving into corporate sustainability. I hope to be on ACC's board and eventually have 100,000 members across the country to gain even more credibility in the public eye. We will continue to bring conservatives into the fold on environmental discussions by changing the tide and encouraging action. Who has been in your "corner" coaching you along on this journey? Johnny Ochsnerr '19 has been so supportive by limiting my stress and keeping everything in perspective. Mike Vaska, a local attorney, Matt McIlwain, a venture capitalist, and my parents have been integral. The ACC board is filled with amazing people as well. Moreover, our great chef, Jen, also mentored me professionally and personally. Her support is incredible, and we are very close. I wouldn't be where I am without these folks and so many others! How did it feel to be named in the 30 under 30 in numerous environmental publications? It's been humbling but it reflects on the movement we've built together. It shows how amazing our movement is in the public eye. We had a front-page story in The New York Times and none of that would have been possible without the team we have. How would you encourage others to get involved or to start their own political platform? Just do it! There is no better time to capitalize on an idea than when you're young. Talk to as many people as possible, use them as mentors, and get started. It'll always be worth your time—and possible—if you're passionate about it. Benji Backer '20—Initiating Political Change L ast summer, Seattle Children's Hospital invited me to attend the Stanley Stamm Summer Camp, which our annual Bubble Bash supports. I spent a day there and was given a full tour of the camp's activities. I witnessed first- hand how special the camp is to so many kids. Activities include fishing, boating, music, archery, indoor gym, plays, and more. These activities are supported by full-time doctors and nurses, and constant volunteers are available to assist campers. The first place they took me was to observe a horseback riding event. I saw them lift a boy, who was wheelchair bound and on a ventilator 24/7, to the back of a horse. While an attendant hand pumped air into his lungs, they led him and the horse around the track. It blew me away and brought some hard-fought- back tears to my eyes. I also watched another boy with Down Syndrome try archery. When he hit the target after several tries, he raised his arm in a victory salute and shouted, "Yes!" He later scored a bullseye and raised two arms in a second victory salute. His joy was also a tearjerker. These were just of a couple of the things witnessed, and they brought home the importance of this charity and what the camp provides. They constantly praised our "wonderful fraternity" who helps to make this all possible. I assured them the ΑΔΦ auction and fundraising was the sole product of the undergraduates and all credit should go to them. Each year, new leaders take the helm to continue this commitment. Put the Bubble Bash Auction on your calendar when the exact date is set in April or May 2020. Information will follow. A BEHIND-THE- SCENES LOOK AT BUBBLE BASH'S IMPACT Howard Strickler '63 Reflects on Visit to Stanley Stamm Summer Camp

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