Beta Theta Pi - University of Wisconsin

2 BETA THETA PI G reek life thrust Matt Gunderson '85, a rural high school graduate, into a group of personalities that didn't always mesh with his own. Alpha Pi helped him learn from types of people he might not have sought out otherwise and work toward a common goal. "Acknowledging the need for mutual respect, but not necessarily mutual affection, was a great lesson in managing people and developing leadership skills," he said. "A common goal isn't necessarily achieved via a straight line." With two older brothers as Betas, Matt admits he didn't consider many other fraternal options. "I found a great spot on Mendota Court that welcomed me and embraced different personalities and talents yet still had a communal vision—not just of friendship and fidelity, but of purpose and patriotism." All these Beta lessons, plus a passion for service, are evident in Matt's current campaign to represent California's 49th District. Working from the Ground Up Matt's first postgraduate job was at Kemper Sports Management in Northbrook, Illinois, where he negotiated the first live broadcast of ABC's Wide World of Sports in January 1988. He then earned his MBA in marketing and finance from the University of Chicago and went on to open three "open-point" car dealerships in Southern California: first with Infiniti, followed by Audi and then Volvo. "I didn't move to California to buy a business; I built a business." After Matt and his family sold their dealerships in 2021, he was recruited to run for State Senate in California. He didn't win, but despite the district's 9% Democratic advantage and fierce competition, he lost only by 4 percentage points. Matt's discussions for a potential U.S. Congress run began in December 2023, and after months of meetings and encouragement, Matt agreed he was the most viable Republican candidate to flip the 49th District in 2024. "It has never been about getting Matt Gunderson elected— something in my DNA believes public service is valuable, too few of us do it and more of us should," he explained. Taking a Chance Matt's transition into the political field comes from a lifetime of sincere and purposeful community involvement. During his 10 years on the Mission Hospital Board, he chaired the $62 million capital campaign to build Tower 2 at the medical complex. He also served on the Saddleback College Foundation Board and was a youth sports coach for years. "If a brother is considering public service, I say go for it. Your community activities don't have to be political," Matt said. "Engage in your community, building a network of goodwill while understanding the needs and challenges of your area. Understand that you should not be doing it for celebrity, but rather for the greater good. The political process may frustrate or disappoint you, but don't give up. If we don't engage in politics, we collectively get what we deserve. If you do engage, then there is potential change and impact to be made." Matt and his family live in Ladera Ranch, California, where he has "brainwashed" all four daughters as Badger and Packer fans since birth. He keeps up with brothers through group texts and Christmas cards and tries to attend Homecoming games and house activities when possible (including the 150th Anniversary Celebration last spring). You can connect with him at mattgunderson@yahoo.com. LEARNING TO WORK TOGETHER Congressional Candidate Matt Gunderson '85 on Collective Service "My favorite quote comes from Ralph Waldo Emerson: 'The purpose in life is not to be happy. It is to be useful…' And there is no better way to be useful than by giving back to your community."

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