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| That’s Andy in the back with the rest of the chapter in 1980. |
OK, he may be a little biased in saying this, but he is also the most uniquely-qualified alum to say so. As president of the Chapter Advisory Board, Andy Bosworth ’80 is closely in tune with the day-to-day activities of our active brothers. And he likes what he sees.
In this Q&A Andy, who also coordinates the annual Alumni in Action event, shares his own best stories from his Phi Delt days, what he’s gained from his lifelong fraternity membership, and why he feels compelled to give back as a volunteer (and a donor!) in his alumni years.
Why did you join PDT as an undergraduate?
My father was a Phi at Ohio State and he suggested that I check it out. During rush, I immediately fell In with a group of guys that even today are my best friends. The Phi Delt House at Purdue is a really impressive edifice that looks exactly like what a fraternity house should look like. I was always proud to walk in or out that front door.
Why do you remain involved as an alum, as the organizer of Alumni in Action and as president of the CAB?
As an undergraduate, I held minor offices but probably didn’t give the fraternity enough of my time. I was an engineering student and quite frankly had my plate full achieving the grades that I wanted to achieve. When the house fell on tough times about ten years ago, a group of my contemporaries decided it was time to give back. It has been a lot of fun and very gratifying to work with my old buddies and the current membership to make PDT as good as we can.
What is your best memory from your undergraduate days?
Too many to mention, but a real standout in Indiana Theta lore was the water slide. During Grand Prix, we would erect a waterslide on the front lawn of the fraternity house. It was quite a monstrosity built from scaffolding, plywood, carpeting, and plastic sheeting. It was the brain child of Scott “Scooter” Dugan and became an instant campus sensation. Even the priest at the Catholic church next door was part of the action. A different time, with a lot less rules. Thank goodness no one was hurt.
What has been the most rewarding part of your alumni experience?
Working with my friends and the actives to improve the chapter. We are arguably the best fraternity on campus right now.
Why would you encourage other alumni to re-engage with the chapter in their adult years?
It isn’t for everyone and I understand that. All I ever ask is for alumni to access the value of the experience when they were undergrads and try to pay back in whatever way works for them.
What are the top 3 things you’ve gained from your PDT membership?
Life-long friendships is number 1, 2 and 3.
What are your hopes for the future of the chapter?
Continued growth and maintaining their high, yet diverse standards for membership.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Greek life and the relationships that it fosters has been a really important part of my life that I have embraced. Because of my activities over the years, both of my children were involved in Greek life and became leaders in their respective chapters. More importantly they have already come to understand, appreciate and nurture the life-long friendships that they established as undergrads in the Greek system.
Reconnect with Andy at [email protected].