Beta Sigma Psi - Purdue University

Page 2 Beta Tidings D uring his freshman year at Purdue University, Adam Rusch '02 started attending University Lutheran Church where he met several Beta Sigma Psi brothers. "I was really excited to learn more about the Lutheran fraternity on campus," Adam said. He was inspired by Beta Sig's core values, the Three S's: Spiritual Growth, Scholastic Achievement, and Social Responsibility. Living up to these values kept him involved in the brotherhood throughout college and as an alumnus. As an active member of Beta Chapter, Adam enjoyed spontaneous hangout sessions with his brothers, as that's where most of his favorite memories came from. "I remember how every Friday afternoon you would know that Lucas was done for the week because he would open up the door of Alpha and start playing classic rock on his stereo," Adam said. "This was his way of inviting brothers to join him. Also how Rudy would organize multiplayer Warcraft games across our house network and we'd run from room to room loading the game with the physical boot CD. Yes, kids, this was before World of Warcraft." Through his entire time at Purdue, Adam loved being a Beta Sig because he knew that every one of his brothers had his back, just as he had theirs. Adam graduated from Purdue in 2006 and began working in Indianapolis for one year before enrolling at the University of Illinois for graduate school. There, he was a teaching assistant and instructional technology support specialist while working toward a master's degree in communication and information science. He then joined the Ph.D. program in education policy to study eLearning Systems. Adam began working full-time for the University as a lecturer and eLearning specialist while writing his dissertation. Since earning his Ph.D. in 2019, Adam has continued working for the University while doing education technology consulting on the side. Even while continuing his education away from Purdue, Adam stayed involved with Beta Chapter by attending alumni meetings; he was soon elected to serve on the Lafayette Alumni Board. At the University of Illinois, Adam became an honorary member of Alpha Chapter, serving as their alumni advisor. "Being involved with both Chapters gave me a great perspective of how Greek life is organized on different campuses," Adam said. "This helped me serve the Chapters since I knew what the universities expected of them. It also lead me to my career in education technology as I volunteered to help build online training modules." Staying involved with Beta Sig over the years has allowed Adam to meet many brothers from different eras. "During my time as the Lafayette Alumni Board president, I worked with younger guys to keep the Chapter House running and kept the older guys aware of what was happening with the Chapter." Adam settled in Urbana, just a few blocks off campus, with his wife, Kimberly, who he married in 2014. They have two sons: James Gabriel, born in June 2017, and Augustin Michael, born in October 2019. "They seem to really like each other, but they also like to destroy our house," Adam joked. "I think this may be God's way of paying me back for the things my brother and I put our parents through." To learn more about Adam's Beta Sig story, he can be reached at adam@rusch.me. FAITH, FAMILY, FRATERNITY Adam Rusch '02 Reflects on His Time with Two Beta Sigma Psi Chapters MEET THE BOARD Stay Tuned for Future Board Member Spotlights! What do you hope to accomplish? "I would like to improve communication with our alumni, particularly with the nearly 100 brothers I lived with in my four years at the Chapter House. I recently retired and intend to make reconnection with Beta Sig one of my primary activities." What is your favorite Beta Sig memory? "My time at Beta Sig provided my clearest and fondest memories of Purdue. Memories are too numerous to mention or rank order. I'll just summarize by mentioning a few: Gold Rose Balls, pledging breakfast at Morris Bryant, Homecoming displays on the front lawn, U-Sing, volleyball, and co-rec on Friday nights." What is your favorite Beta Chapter or Purdue event? "Homecomings that included a great turnout by alumni, and dinner at the Trails." What is your favorite spot on Purdue's campus? "Not counting a basketball game at Mackey Arena, it would be studying and relaxing in the Union. Honorable mention goes to Harry's." What is your favorite hobby? "I love to travel. Since my retirement on June 1, 2020, I've visited 19 states with many more trips on my schedule in the next year or so." JAKE ALLEN '77 — SECRETARY (Continued on page 4)

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