Balance is Key

Doug Adler, ’71, learned important lessons of balancing life at Chi Phi

“Chi Phi has been one of the best experiences of my life.”

Doug Adler, ’71, will always hold a special place in his heart for the fraternity that gave him so much. Lifelong friendships and lessons that he carries with him to this day, Chi Phi has played an integral role in the man he has become.

Joining the fraternity in the spring of 1969, Doug was impressed by the values and standards the Chi Phi brothers held each other to. “The brothers were genuinely friendly, articulate, and gave me a sense of good standards,” he recalls. “They conveyed the importance of their education, while taking the time to have good social activities.”

Finding the balance between the two was a challenge at times for Doug, but the support and environment in the house taught him much more than how to live with a bunch of guys. “When I was pledging, it did seem all-consuming, but it brought our pledge class together. The house gave me a sense of connection with the brothers.”

Through those connections, Doug felt strongly supported academically in Chi Phi, even seeking out some brothers for help from time to time. “My major was Accounting. I did get some help from older brothers who were also Accounting majors,” he recalls.

Throughout it all, Doug now recognizes that impact that Chi Phi had on his personal development. As an impressionable young man, Chi Phi gave him confidence to associate with others, something that has helped him long after graduation. “My fraternity experience helped me learn to interact with a broader range of people. This helped me during my years in the Navy and then my 34-year career in higher education,” he states.

Now, retired for the last six years, Doug continues to stay as busy as he can. “I spent the first 18 months of my retirement as a volunteer with NEADS, an organization that involves prison inmates and other volunteers to train service dogs. Following that, I spent 2 years as the Treasurer of my local Episcopal church, and most recently, I have been on a focused exercise program (tennis, yoga, Pilates, walking, and biking) to address health issues.”

Although it has been quite some time since he was a student on campus, Doug still remains connected to his brothers and his fraternity, keeping in contact with some and supporting many. “I still keep in touch with Phil Herter, George Waterman, and John Cleary. We stay connected mainly through Christmas cards and email, along with some visits,” he says. “I also support the chapter financially. I think it is important to support what has been an influential part of your life, help the fraternity thrive, and set an example for the current brothers.”

Over the years, Doug has seen the PSU campus grow beyond his wildest expectations, but he knows that the foundation of balancing academic and social life remains important for all the brothers to achieve success. “I would like the current brothers to remember to always nurture their learning skills so they can apply them to our ever-changing world.”