Alpha Delta Phi - University of Washington

A LU M N I S P O T L IG H T Always Learning e Washington Alpha Delt 7 "When Brett Willard '85 first invited me to the house while I was still in high school, I was expecting a scene from Animal House," Don Crowe '87 recalled. "Instead of meeting Blutarski, Otter, and the crew, I met people like Jonathan Roberts '86, Jon Parker '86, Jeff Stuart '84, Tom Gonser '85, and Ace Forsythe '84, who all had great career aspirations and loved to have fun too. They were such impressive young men, and I wanted to be a part of what they were doing." Don's fondest ADPhi memories are the small moments spent with his Brothers, like Sinners Corner with Pete Lyon '87, "an informal gathering of guys in the living room talking about nonsense. Certainly, every story was stretched to the fullest." The most impactful moments were the harder times when someone was hurt or passed away while living in the house. "I experienced the deepest strengths of brotherhood as we pulled together to get through how deeply sad and unjust the world can be sometimes. We had inspiring leaders step up during those times too." Don's four years in Alpha Delta Phi and the many different men he met through the fraternity helped him choose the right career path (for him, business and accounting). "Now, ADP is an amazing resource for any issue or opportunity I have in the business world. I continue to learn from what my Brothers are doing in the business world and frequently connect with one of them to discuss business and life." Don would not have met his closest friends, nor his wife of 31 years, had he not joined ADPhi. To make sure more young men have the chance to experience what he did in the fraternity, he has given back to Washington Chapter over the years. "College is such a big turning point in people's lives, which can be both good and bad. I employ a lot of high school and college kids and try to leave them with skills to succeed in life. The fraternity can do so much more, and I'd like to do what I can to help that opportunity continue." In his career, Don is the CEO of Arena Sports, where he experiences ups and downs and continues to learn every day. It is rewarding to him to see his team members succeed. "There are people who have been with our company for over 20 years, starting as kids in high school, and are now true professionals in our industry. I love meeting people who have played soccer in our places or used our fitness clubs and share how much we mean to the quality of their lives, physically and socially. I have made so many friends through the Arena; I can't imagine life without it." Don's daughters have worked for him through high school and college and are now thriving in their careers. One is a nurse, one is in HR, and one is in hospitality. Don's wife's expertise in the child development field has been a cornerstone to the success of the Arena's Lil' Kickers national franchise system. "Over 2.5 million kids have been through her program." In his free time, Don enjoys playing golf and soccer, skiing, surfing, and biking. You can connect with him at dcrowe@arenasports.net. Don Crowe '87 on ADPhi's Impact on His Career Don (left) and Dan Callahan '88 at an ADPhi party in 1984. Don (left) with his freshman year roommates, RJ Nichoalds '86 (middle) and Mike "Doc" Derr '85, at the Eells Cup golf tournament. "I truly cherish the four years I lived in the house and reap the rewards every day of my life."

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