Basic Stuff:
1. Your name, as you would prefer it to be stated?
Most people call me Lee. We'll go with that.
2. Your current location?
Ridley Park, PA
3. Your Facebook/Twitter account links?
I am either Lee Hoffman or Lee A. Hoffman on FaceBook. I don't have a Twitter account
Fraternity Stuff:
4. Badge Number?
Badge #45 (a favorite caliber)
5. Pledge Class Name?
Epsilon
6. Fraternity Nickname, if you remember it?
Chad Castor dubbed me "Heston" while we were pledging. He always was a clever monkey. My Fraternity nickname is Blue. It became tradition to pass down my PhiPsi jacket/pullover with a unique gift in the front pocket. My nickname is stitched on the front.
7. Story behind how you got your nickname, if you remember it?
I was the oldest new brother at the time (I joined the Outfit when I was 33) and my Big-Ben Schwedes-dubbed me Blue (like in Old School).
8. Your fondest memory of being a Phi Psi?
I don't have a single fondest memory. I have so many it is hard to choose. The night I got pinned I showed up to the house on Main Street which was completely empty and as I walked out front Rick pulled up in the middle of the street in a van. He jumped out and yelled, "Quick, come with me". It was right out of the first Terminator movie.
9. Your most embarrassing moment as a Phi Psi?
I had better not. I don't think the statute of limitations has expired on that stuff yet. I'll tell the Brothers at the next Initiation I attend.
10. Your proudest moment as a Phi Psi?
I am ALWAYS proud to be PhiPsi! Every moment from getting my bid to date. The Organization is outstanding and so are the men who are a part of it.
11. Any unique memories from your time as a Phi Psi?
Too many fond memories to recall. Going out shooting with Ben and Lelie. Clowning around with John Herman. My Initiation (Car Bombs=BAD!). Many more, far too many to list here.
12. Any fraternal advice you would give to an undergraduate Phi Psi today?
Fraternal advice. Good times are priceless but good grades are why you are there. Work before you play.
13. When was the last time you visited Rowan or the chapter?
Sadly I have not been to the Chapter in about 2 years. I was at Rowan last year for an Alumni Corporation meeting.
14. What is favorite event the chapter holds?
The family BBQ. I really want to attend this year. I miss the guys.
15. Who's the 1 brother you want to reconnect with / see interviewed here?
I would like to see Stavan Prasad or Ben Schwedes interviewed for this. The Brother with whom I would most like to catch up is John Herman. That said, there are many more on that list I would like to reconnect with.
16. Name 1 friend you made in NJE you still keep in touch with...
Ben Schwedes. My Big Brother. He and I get together about once a month or so and get breakfast and hang out. He has been an excellent Big to me all through the years.
Career Stuff:
17. Year you graduated from Rowan?
I graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor's in English.
18. Degree(s) you graduated Rowan with?
See Above
19. Any advanced degrees or certifications you have?
I completed a recognized three-year apprenticeship in Refinery Operation and I have 8 years in the Trade. I hold several certifications mostly in firefighting, industrial machinery operation, and a steam license. I also hold an Associate's degree in Business Administration.
20. Your current occupation?
I am an operator on the Coker Unit at PBF Refinery in Paulsboro, NJ. I have been there almost 2 years. Before that, I was a Crude Distillation operator with Sunoco in Marcus Hook, PA for 6 years.
21. Number of years in that occupation?
See Above.
22. Any career advice you would give to an undergraduate Phi Psi today?
Roll the dice. Take a chance. We currently live in a world of hyper-specialization. Learn to do things you think you cannot. Understand that most of the walls around you are limitations you have placed upon yourself. Tear them down now! You have a world of possibility on the horizon, pick a direction and fight like hell until you get to where you want to be!
23. What's one piece of advice you'd give every undergraduate about networking?
Networking is good but do so with people who know you well. Someone who met you once or twice cannot give you the sort of ringing endorsement that a close friend or long-term coworker would. Also, don't be ignorant to your bosses/managers/supervisors. Future employers will talk to them. A little agreeability goes a long way.
Relationships/Family/Personal Stuff:
24. Are you currently in a relationship? If so, with who and for how long?
I married Karen Anne Hammerschmidt on 10/8/10. She is my wife, best friend, and all-around Top Human. We have been together for almost six years and I love her more every day. I consider that a fine start on Eternity.
25. Do you have kids? If so, how old and their names?
Karen and I adopted a son. He has no thumbs, a tail, and he is covered in fur. His name is Junior Whiteshoes Hoffman. We generally don't use the term 'dog' in Our home. We raised him together from a 10-week-old puppy and he is now a little over 5 years old.
26. Hobbies that you are currently into? What do you like to do in your spare time?
Anyone who knows me knows that I shoot. So does Karen. We are both avid fans of Supernatural and The Walking Dead. I still read a bit. Karen is a huge NASCAR fan (Favorite driver: Dale, Jr.-now you know where the Boy got his name). I also enjoy musical theater, good liquor, and good books.
27. Anything you would like to share with other brothers through the blog regarding your relationship/family/personal life?
While my work is fulfilling, I regret that my schedule limits the time I get to spend both with the active Chapter and with the Alumni Corp. But alas, duty calls and does so often. I hope in the future to rectify this imbalance. Thank you for hearing me out and I appreciate the honor of being interviewed.
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