Saturday, July 11, 2026

More Than a Membership: The Lasting Value of Brotherhood

When people think about fraternities, they often picture social events and campus traditions. While those experiences are certainly part of fraternity life, the strongest chapters are built on something much deeper: brotherhood.

Brotherhood means showing up for one another—not just during celebrations, but also during challenges. It's the late-night study sessions before exams, the encouragement after a tough week, and the friendships that continue long after graduation.

One of the greatest benefits of joining a fraternity is becoming part of a network of people who share common values and goals. Members learn how to work together, communicate effectively, and support one another through life's ups and downs. These relationships often become lifelong friendships and professional connections.

Fraternity life also encourages personal growth. Members take on leadership positions, organize philanthropic events, manage budgets, and help plan chapter activities. These experiences build confidence, responsibility, and teamwork—skills that are valuable both on campus and in future careers.

At its best, a fraternity is about becoming part of something larger than yourself. It's about creating traditions, serving the community, and helping each member become the best version of themselves.

The memories made during college may last a lifetime, but the lessons learned through brotherhood can shape a lifetime as well.

Ethan Shaw
(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Email
agrsocialchair@gmail.com


Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Between the Trees 2026


From late nights to lifelong friendships, college gave them moments they’ll never forget. Now, it’s time for what’s next.
 
In honor of Commencement, "Between the Trees" returns — featuring graduating pairs from the Class of 2026 reflecting on how Oregon State shaped their journey.
Take a moment with them to look back, before they step forward into their next chapter.

Ethan Shaw
(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Email
agrsocialchair@gmail.com



Sunday, July 5, 2026

Why Traditions Matter: Building Brotherhood Across Generations

Every fraternity has its own traditions—whether it's an annual event, a shared meal, a service project, or a ceremony that has been passed down through generations.

At first glance, traditions may seem like simple routines. In reality, they play an important role in building connection, preserving history, and strengthening a sense of belonging.

Traditions Tell a Story

Every chapter has a unique history shaped by the members who came before.

Traditions help preserve that history by connecting today's members with alumni who experienced many of the same events, values, and milestones years—or even decades—earlier.

Shared Experiences Create Stronger Bonds

One of the reasons traditions endure is because they bring people together.

Whether members are volunteering side by side, celebrating chapter achievements, or welcoming new members, these shared experiences create memories that often become lasting friendships.

Service Becomes a Tradition, Too

Many fraternities have long-standing commitments to philanthropy and community service.

Returning each year to support meaningful causes reinforces the idea that fraternity membership isn't only about what members gain—it's also about how they contribute to others.

Alumni Keep the Legacy Alive

Graduation doesn't necessarily mark the end of fraternity involvement.

Many alumni remain connected by mentoring students, attending chapter events, supporting scholarships, or sharing career advice. These relationships help bridge generations and strengthen the chapter's future.

Looking Ahead While Honoring the Past

Traditions aren't about staying the same forever—they're about carrying forward the values that matter most.

As each new class of members joins, they add their own experiences and perspectives while helping preserve the principles that define the fraternity.

The result is a living legacy—one built not just on history, but on leadership, friendship, service, and the commitment to leave the chapter stronger for the next generation.

Ethan Shaw
(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Email
agrsocialchair@gmail.com


Friday, July 3, 2026

More Than Social Events: Five Skills You Can Build Through Fraternity Life


When people think about fraternities, they often picture campus traditions, social events, and lifelong friendships. While those experiences are certainly part of the journey, fraternity membership can also provide opportunities to develop valuable skills that extend far beyond college.

Here are five skills many members have the chance to strengthen through active involvement.

1. Leadership

From serving as a chapter officer to organizing events or leading committees, fraternity members often take on responsibilities that require planning, communication, and decision-making.

These experiences can help members learn how to motivate others, manage projects, and work toward shared goals.

2. Teamwork

No successful chapter is built by one person.

Planning philanthropy events, recruiting new members, coordinating community service projects, and supporting chapter operations all require collaboration. Learning to work with people who have different personalities and perspectives is a skill that remains valuable throughout life.

3. Time Management

Balancing academics, fraternity commitments, work, athletics, and personal responsibilities isn't always easy.

Many members discover that staying organized and managing their schedules effectively becomes an important part of making the most of their college experience.

4. Communication

Whether speaking at chapter meetings, introducing guest speakers, or connecting with alumni, fraternity life offers many opportunities to practice clear and respectful communication.

Strong communication skills benefit students in the classroom, the workplace, and everyday life.

5. Community Engagement

Many fraternities participate in service projects and philanthropic initiatives that support local and national causes.

Giving back helps members recognize the importance of civic responsibility while creating meaningful connections within their communities.

A Foundation for the Future

Every member's experience is unique, but one common thread often remains: the opportunity to grow personally while contributing to something larger than yourself.

The friendships may begin in college, but the lessons learned through leadership, service, and teamwork can continue long after graduation.

Ethan Shaw
(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Email
agrsocialchair@gmail.com



Monday, June 29, 2026

The psychology of playing safe


Ethan Shaw
(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Email
agrsocialchair@gmail.com




 

Friday, June 26, 2026

Brotherhood Myths: Fact or Fiction?


Movies have created some interesting ideas about fraternity life.

Some are accurate.

Others are about as realistic as a squirrel running for student government president.

Let's separate fact from fiction.

Myth #1: Brotherhood Happens Overnight

Not exactly.

Strong friendships are built through shared experiences, trust, and time. Like any meaningful relationship, brotherhood develops gradually.

Myth #2: Everyone Has to Be the Same

One of the strengths of a fraternity is bringing together people with different backgrounds, interests, majors, and career goals.

Different perspectives often create stronger organizations.

Myth #3: It's All About Social Events

Social activities are certainly part of the college experience, but successful fraternities also focus on academics, leadership, philanthropy, service, and professional development.

Myth #4: You Stop Learning Outside the Classroom

Some of the biggest lessons in college happen outside of lectures.

Working on projects, organizing events, managing responsibilities, and helping others all contribute to personal growth.

Myth #5: The Best Memories Are Always the Biggest Events

Sometimes.

But often the most memorable moments are the simple ones:

  • Late-night conversations
  • Friendly competition
  • Shared challenges
  • Helping a brother succeed
  • Laughing about stories that somehow get funnier every year

What Brotherhood Really Means

At its best, brotherhood is about support, accountability, friendship, and helping one another grow.

The events may fade into memories.

The relationships often last much longer.

Ethan Shaw
(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Email
agrsocialchair@gmail.com


Tuesday, June 23, 2026

What lack of sleep does to the teenage brain - Wendy Troxel

Dig into how sleep deprivation affects the teenage body and brain, and what can be done to help adolescents get enough sleep.


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Sleep deprivation among American teenagers is an epidemic. Only about 1 in 10 teens gets the 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night recommended by sleep scientists and pediatricians. So, what’s going on? And what changes can be made to address this issue? Wendy Troxel shares how early school start times and public policy are depriving adolescents of sleep at a time when they need it most.


Directed by Laura Jayne Hodkin.

Ethan Shaw
(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Email
agrsocialchair@gmail.com


More Than a Membership: The Lasting Value of Brotherhood

When people think about fraternities, they often picture social events and campus traditions. While those experiences are certainly part of ...