This week's Brother Interview is on one of our colony founding brothers and former Chapter Adviser, Charlie Zimmerman '00! Enjoy!
Basic Stuff:
1. Your name, as you would prefer it to be stated?
Charlie Zimmerman
2. Your current location?
Turnersville, NJ
3. Your Facebook/Twitter account links?
No Facebook.
2. Your current location?
Turnersville, NJ
3. Your Facebook/Twitter account links?
No Facebook.
Twitter: @cfzimmerman
Fraternity Stuff:
4. Badge Number?
Fraternity Stuff:
4. Badge Number?
11
5. Pledge Class Name?
Colony Class Alpha
6. Fraternity Nickname, if you remember it?
Geezer
7. Story behind how you got your nickname, if you remember it?
I was a fifth year student, finishing my secondary education coursework and already engaged to be married. But I wasn't nearly as old as John DiStefano, who was about 42 years old at the time.
8. Your fondest memory of being a Phi Psi?
TIE: Serving as alumni advisor in the formative years of our chapter's history, following our earning of our charter, AND attending the 2002 GAC in Pittsburgh.
9. Your most embarrassing moment as a Phi Psi?
Maybe being called Geezer in the presence of a 42 year old John DiStefano.
10. Your proudest moment as a Phi Psi?
Seeing the chapter grow to over 100 brothers.
11. Any unique memories from your time as a Phi Psi?
Any moment spent in the company of Marc Chaty.
11A. You were around during the early years of this Chapter. Can you notice any parallels between the Brotherhood then and the group of Men today?
The characteristic that attracted me to Phi Psi, rather than another Greek organization, was that this particular fraternity seemed to value 'walking the walk'. No legitimate fraternal organization would encourage their men to be degenerates; they all encourage the development of young men through fraternal interaction. The difference with Phi Psi was that there was a level of social accountability, where brothers who had never met would hold each other to a high standard.
The characteristic that attracted me to Phi Psi, rather than another Greek organization, was that this particular fraternity seemed to value 'walking the walk'. No legitimate fraternal organization would encourage their men to be degenerates; they all encourage the development of young men through fraternal interaction. The difference with Phi Psi was that there was a level of social accountability, where brothers who had never met would hold each other to a high standard.
12. Any fraternal advice you would give to an undergraduate Phi Psi today?
Never underestimate the power of being kind and purposeful in how you treat others.
Career Stuff:
13. Year you graduated from Rowan?
1999
14. Degree(s) you graduated Rowan with?
BA in Communications
15. Any advanced degrees or certifications you have?
M.Ed. - Applied Technology in Education, M.Ed. - School Leadership, both from Wilmington University
16. Your current occupation?
Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning, Haddonfield Memorial High School
17. Number of years in that occupation?
2
17A. As an educator, what are your thoughts of greek life (in general, not just Rowan NJ-Ep)?
I think that Greek Life can provide a valuable experience in a young adult's development. It's not for everyone, but it can be very powerful. The organization should be a reflection of the individual's beliefs and world view, rather than the other way around.
I think that Greek Life can provide a valuable experience in a young adult's development. It's not for everyone, but it can be very powerful. The organization should be a reflection of the individual's beliefs and world view, rather than the other way around.
18. Any career advice you would give to an undergraduate Phi Psi today?
Never underestimate the power of being kind and purposeful in how you treat others.
Relationships/Family/Personal Stuff:
19. Are you currently in a relationship? If so, with who and for how long?
I've been married to my wife, Tammy, for 13 years.
20. Do you have kids? If so, how old and their names?
Three children: Caroline, 10; Natalie, 7; and Charlie, 4
20A. You are a father of 3 children which can be a sticky experience. Have you had any "children say the darndest things" moments you'd like to share?
There are too many to count, and all such stories are inappropriate by definition. But I will say that having children has made me a far better man. I recommend it highly for anyone interested in self-improvement.
21. Hobbies that you are currently into? What do you like to do in your spare time?
21. Hobbies that you are currently into? What do you like to do in your spare time?
I'm very much into fatherhood and music.
21A. Are you still playing bass? Current band, if any?
I still play, although not currently with any band. Music has always been there and will always be there for me.
I still play, although not currently with any band. Music has always been there and will always be there for me.
22. Anything you would like to share with other brothers through the blog regarding your relationship/family/personal life?
Never underestimate the power of being kind and purposeful in how you treat others.
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