Alpha Delta Phi - University of Washington

I skydived out of a plane recently. In that infinitively brief first instant of terrifying excitement, I found myself pondering the parallels between my present state in a 180-mph freefall and how it felt to be a recent college graduate. In both scenarios, there were substantial expenses to be paid up front while a litany of unknowns still lay ahead. There were lectures, labs, and advice from counselors. There were uniforms and swag options (for extra fees, of course) as well as the buildup to the excitement of walking up the graduation day/gangway stairs, sitting in uncomfortable seats in generally uncomfortable garb, and that iridescent thrill of knowing you are about to achieve something that required so much time and dedication. Except that last part, which didn't apply to the falling-from-a-plane example—that only took an hour. What is left after all that preparation? The actual "do it" part, when reality kicks in. Your adrenaline is amping up, the sound in your ears is nearly deafening, and you're getting advice (in your own head or from elsewhere) that is 5% vocal and 95% pushing and tugging. In one case, you're leveling off at 13,500 feet and there's a very good chance that it will all be over in about 10-15 minutes (but hopefully not sooner). In the other, you're maybe feeling quite alone and anxious despite being surrounded by friends and classmates. And you're dealing with an intense internal fear of an uncertain future, despite the pomp and circumstance and that expensive diploma in the fancy cover. As it turns out, our undergraduate Brothers also have people like the skydive instructor who gently pushed me out of the plane with him strapped tightly to my back. Those people are us, their alumni Brothers. Washington Chapter has a dedicated Alumni Board position that promotes, recruits, and arranges events where alumni Brother(s) present career and life thoughts to the full Chapter or smaller groups. Sometimes these lead to mentor relationships, but most often the immediate value of hearing from Brothers with real-world career knowledge is like having that jump instructor strapped firmly to my back. And it is as easy as falling out of a plane to discuss with any Alumni Board member a plan for your own presentation, in your own format, as it can fit into your schedule. We can all be "jump instructors" for our undergraduate Brothers, so take a leap of faith and contact our Alumni Board. Happy landings to our graduating Brothers! Xaipe, Michael Derr '84 Alumni President mjderr962@gmail.com (425) 749-2900 Washington Alpha Delt Washington Alpha Delt e e A PUBLICATION OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST ALUMNI OF ALPHA DELTA PHI • SUMMER 2025 TAKING THE LEAP HELP PREPARE OUR BROTHERS FOR POST- GRADUATE LIFE President Michael Derr '84 At-Large Howard Strickler '63 Treasurer/Facilities (temporary) Tracy Edgers '80 Co-Secretary/Mentorship Co-Chairmen David Gilully '16 Zach Williams '16 At-Large/Recruitment/Fundraising Chris Clarke '89 At-Large/Archivist Bob Gilbert '81 At-Large JP Furber '84 At-Large/Legal Wade Foley '95 P N W A A D P B O A R D M E M B E R S (Cue Free Fallin' from Tom Petty)

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