Beta Theta Pi - University of Wisconsin

4 BETA THETA PI Formative to Manhood As I made my way around the room that was hosting the tabling event in the fall of 2015, I genuinely didn't know a thing about Greek life, let alone what sets one chapter apart from another. I shuffled along from table to table, collecting recruitment calendars and making quick small talk with members of various houses. I had almost missed the Beta table, which was positioned just before the exit. By luck or fate, I happened to turn on my way out and my attention was caught by the bright-colored shirts and friendly smiles of Ben Belzer '17 and Danny Mackenthun '17. Little did I know at the time, those two would become two of my closest friends. They called me over and made sure I would be attending their next recruitment event. I rushed a few other fraternities with my best friend and roommate, Riston Smith '19; however, after hearing about Danny and Ben's vision to rebuild Beta back to what it once was, I knew Alpha Pi was the house for me. It's hard to overstate the impact Alpha Pi has had on my life. I have made memories and friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Since my college days, I've also come to realize that my years in this chapter were extremely formative to who I am as a man. Many of the lessons I learned during my time as an undergraduate continue to be relevant in my adult life. Prepared for Success Following graduation, I had the opportunity to work for Governor Tony Evers on his policy staff before recently being appointed as the Wisconsin State Federal Director and making the move to Washington, D.C. From working on pressing public policy matters facing my home state of Wisconsin, helping to respond to the challenges of an unprecedented pandemic, and helping to create innovative programs to set Wisconsin up for a future of success, I've had nothing short of an amazing and fulfilling experience. My job has also allowed me to have quite a bit of fun in a professional capacity. Representing the governor at this past year's White House Christmas Reception, I was able to fly my mom out as my guest. She was thrilled to see where my career has taken me, yet I think she was even more thrilled when we got a selfie with the president. Another highlight was catching up with fellow Alpha Pi alumnus Ted Kellner '69 at Milwaukee Night in Washington, D.C., this past fall. An event aimed at bringing government officials and the private sector together to celebrate and support the growth of Milwaukee, it was great to see Betas there representing both sectors. Those experiences aside, I would be remiss if I didn't point out that I couldn't have made it to where I am today without the people I met and the experiences I had during my time in the chapter. Between Ben Belzer, the executive assistant to the governor at the time, helping me prepare for my interviews, and the leadership qualities I was able to build and hone while in Beta, I have been able to advance in my career in no small part due to the fraternity. Bridge Building; Paying It Forward The relationship between alumni and undergraduate members is stronger than it has been in decades. Now, I believe it's as important as ever to think about how we, as alumni, can continue to pay it forward and 'build bridges' for the Betas that will come after us. In addition to financial contributions to the house (which have been extremely generous and much appreciated), please consider reaching out with professional opportunities and career advice. Even more valuable than money are the experiences that you have had in your careers. Consider steps like joining the "Beta Theta Pi, Alpha Pi Chapter" group on LinkedIn or forwarding internship opportunities to someone like Max Lord '07, who can share them with our younger brothers. I'm glad to be a Beta; I look forward to seeing you all again soon. Yours in _kai_, Derek Campbell, #2117, UW 2019 derek.campbell.wi@gmail.com (920) 883-8287 W h e r e A r e T h e y N o w ? Derek Campbell, #2117, UW 2019 Credits Beta for Preparing Him for Life "I would be remiss if I didn't point out that I couldn't have made it to where I am today without the people I met and the experiences I had during my time in the chapter." Derek's favorite college memory: "I can confidently say that my favorite Beta memory was when Wisconsin football knocked off No. 5-ranked LSU at Lambeau Field in 2016." The Bridge Builder by Will Allen Dromgoole An old man going a lone highway, Came, at the evening cold and gray, To a chasm vast and deep and wide. Through which was flowing a sullen tide The old man crossed in the twilight dim, The sullen stream had no fear for him; But he turned when safe on the other side And built a bridge to span the tide. "Old man," said a fellow pilgrim near, "You are wasting your strength with building here; Your journey will end with the ending day, You never again will pass this way; You've crossed the chasm, deep and wide, Why build this bridge at evening tide?" The builder lifted his old gray head; "Good friend, in the path I have come," he said, "There followed after me to-day A youth whose feet must pass this way. This chasm that has been as naught to me To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be; He, too, must cross in the twilight dim; Good friend, I am building this bridge for him!" "It wasn't until my senior year that these words truly sank in. I leave you with them as I believe they are as relevant as ever."

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