Alpha Gamma Rho - Penn State University

Thank You, Generous Brothers 2 Gamma Crescent W e are extremely grateful to the 22 generous alumni who contributed a total of $2,980 to our annual campaign during fall 2017. Gamma continues our quest to be among the top fraternities in recruitment, scholarship, and housing. Alumni involvement is a critical component of these goals. Your ongoing and loyal support directly impacts the future of Gamma. Donors are listed below by their giving total to the fall 2017 appeal. Common Bond Member ($500 and Up) Joseph Strite '65 (Γ889) Stephen W. Wharton '75 (Γ1063) Friends of Gamma Member (Up to $499) Alvin G. Leidel '48 (Γ555) Russell M. Orner '49 (Γ584) William H. Yerkes III '49 (Γ592) Boyd E. Wolff '50 (Γ626) William Kincaid '51 (Γ622) Robert D. Heilman '56 (Γ717) George Mansell '56 (Γ716) G. Richard Olmstead '56 (Γ715) Richard Dommel '57 (Γ736) Kenneth W. Zieber '60 (Γ792) Wilbur L. Avril '61 (Γ819) Arthur Moeller '63 (Γ844) Phillip M. Pitzer '65 (Γ884) Clair C. Anderson '69 (Γ958) Brian T. Sarris '69 (Γ960) Rick G. Steinmeyer '69 (Γ968) Scott A. Stewart '83 (Γ1191) David Kann Jr. '87 (Γ1257) Henry Mullen '89 (Γ1285) Kurt Dehnert '13 (Γ1628) Fighting the Good Fight Bill Hoffman '86 (Γ1243) Shares His Success Story Through Healthy Living P eople that know me understand that I have struggled with my weight my whole life, and I continue to do so. During my time as an active member, I bounced between 180 and 220 pounds. As a young alumnus, I bounced between 220 and 260 pounds. In my early 40s, I surpassed 300. I began to have joint pain, sleep apnea, and other problems that "big boys" tend to enjoy. At a work-sponsored training eight or nine years ago, I read the classic Harvard Business Review article, Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time. Visit hbr.org/2007/10/manage- your-energy-not-your-time to read the full article. It got me thinking about how my weight was holding back my career. Even if I got that promotion that I wanted to advance my career, I would not have the energy to take on the extra responsibility. I was phoning into meetings that I should have been attending, sometimes, because I did not want to walk a mile or catch a shuttle to another part of campus. I simply couldn't button the top button of my shirt to properly wear a tie, the sport coat that I had available wouldn't go around my belly, or a combination of the three. I was staring at a major XXXXL and XXXXXL clothing reinvestment. I decided that something had to change. I am not a "gym guy," so I knew that wouldn't work. I swore off elevators instead, opting for the stairs. I walked a lot of places. I did a few strength-related calisthenics at home. I ate lean protein. Fruits and vegetables that I liked became the bulk of my food intake. I stopped believing that healthy or unhealthy leftovers must be consumed at all costs. I put some foods completely off limits. I owe thanks to my wife for putting up with me during this period. The first time that I could go into a regular department store and find something that fit me was huge, after years of being into only buying clothing at "big and tall" stores. Finding clothes at Goodwill became an obsession, and kind of a hobby, as I gradually went one size smaller at a time. Finally, I got to where I was happy in high school and college: 36" waist jeans and about 125 pounds lighter. I gained 30 pounds back after the big weight loss. Eighteen months ago, I decided to lose it. Many thought I was crazy, some still do, but I started getting off my commuter train in Arlington, Va., and walking to my downtown office. What started out as a forced march at some point became an enjoyable 60- to 90- minute morning stroll along and across the Potomac and among beautiful monuments. Now I cannot imagine my day without that unplugged time, which allows me to enjoy seeing boats, planes, ducks, geese, and people going about their business. I lost the weight and continue the everyday battle of keeping it off. Yes, I did get that promotion, too. I'm not preaching, I'm not judging, and I'm not trying to sell you anything. However, I made this the topic of my alumni spotlight to encourage others who might be struggling with the same issue. If you are in a place where you think you'll always be bigger than you want to be, I encourage you to give some lifestyle changes another look. Start by talking with your physician and make a plan with your family immediately after that. You will have to first decide to do it and then find a way that's right for you. Trust me, the journey and the destination is worth the price. Fraternally, Bill Hoffman '86 (Γ1243) Bill Hoffman pledged Gamma Chapter during the fall of 1986 and graduated from Penn State in 1989. He also earned a master's in business administration in 1992 and a master's of education in 2002 from Penn State. He later earned a doctorate of education in 2009 from George Washington University. While he currently works at the United States Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., he authored this alumni spotlight in his personal capacity. For more information about his biography, please visit www.facebook.com/100008811364142. Bill Hoffman '86 (Γ1243) outside the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., last fall. He works at the United States Department of Agriculture as chief of staff for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. To make a difference in Gamma Chapter, visit contributions.omegafi.com/ contributions/product/1467- alpha-gamma-rho-penn- state/ to make your online donation today!

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