Learning to take risks – and discovering they could pay off – built professional confidence, prized memories and lifelong bonds for eight students who attended PSU School of Business in the early 1970s. Before enrolling, the young men had diverse life experiences – some had served in the military; others were married; some had started and left other colleges – but they found common ground as members of the professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi and its PSU Chapter.
“Our time at PSU and involvement in the fraternity helped us create friendships that lasted for 50 years,” says Tom Winterrowd. “Together, we’ve dealt with success, creativity, teamwork, death, divorce, life decisions and gratitude.”
Not simply a social organization, the fraternity required pledges to stage fundraising projects. In 1972, the group launched an extremely successful event in Smith Memorial Union, the Used Ski Equipment Sale. Students bought items or brought used equipment to swap, and the members took a small commission.
“The ski sale was a ball,” recalls Byron Kellar. “I learned you only had 30 seconds to engage people walking by, and that served me in my career.”
The men convinced the Portland Outdoor Store to sell equipment on consignment there for a commission fee. Then, another major sporting goods retailer, G.I. Joes, joined in. “It was an easy way for stores to get rid of their inventory and help our cause,” notes Fritz Bartsch. The sale became an annual event, and members funneled the profits to local charitable causes. “In 1973, we netted $11,000, which was a lot of money back then. We used the funds to take underprivileged kids who had never seen the snow to play at Snow Bunny Lodge,” Bartsch adds.
Their business school professors reinforced the importance of social justice by talking about ethics, honesty and considering the consequences of their actions. Professor Al Daneer made a strong positive impression, and professors who concurrently worked in businesses or provided consulting, greatly impacted the group.
“PSU changed my life,” remarks Charlie Kuchs. “Our professors were actual business people who showed us how to apply the learning to real-life examples. I came out of college feeling like I could do anything.”
When the graduating students were ready to start their careers, professors like Bill Manning and Jack Taylor offered support with recommendations, business connections and introductions to PSU alumni professionals.
To show their gratitude for their education and experiences, many in the group now give back to PSU through endowments and scholarships.
After graduation, alumni events and fraternity activities kept them connected for a while. “At some point, we all got busy pursuing our careers and went our separate ways,” recalls Jim Townsend.
Thirty years later, a fraternity brother invited the disbanded group to a rotary club auction. The group reconnected, pooled their money and won the bid on a river house vacation. Then reunited, the river house reunion became an annual event. Now, the friends meet monthly for lunch.
“PSU taught me the world is full of opportunity, and I have to find it,” Winterrowd says. “I found my passion at PSU, met these great guys and learned lessons that have carried me through my lifetime."