Brother Interview: Steve Hanson '06

This week's brother interview is on brother Steve Hanson '06!  

Basic Stuff: 

1. Your name, as you would prefer it to be stated? 

Steve Hanson

2. Your current location? 

Temporary Address:
Berkeley, CA 

This is actually the Cal Gamma house as they had an extra room at the time that I got a job out here. I’ll be moving into my own place in the Bay Area around May or June. 

3. Your Facebook/Twitter account links? 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestevehanson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theSteveHanson

Fraternity Stuff: 

4. Badge Number? 

85

5. Pledge Class Name? 

Mu Class, Fall ’06. (Mu 3!)

6. Fraternity Nickname, if you remember it? 

Though I’m commonly referred to as Burgundy, my initiation nickname is Exacto.

7. Story behind how you got your nickname, if you remember it? 

It was about one week before initiation when my pledge brothers, Bernie and Ryan, came over and we worked on our paddles for our bigs. I accidently glued something on upside down, so I was trying to chip it off with an exacto knife. I wound up accidently cutting my left index finger. We call public safety, it gets wrapped up, all is seemingly good.

The next day I wake up after sleeping for ten hours, which should have been my first sign something was wrong since I normally slept for only seven hours at that time. I open up the bandage, and discover that blood is still coming out. Probably not good. So I went to the hospital and got some stitches, and I still have a small scar to this day on that finger. And that is why I was named Exacto.

8. Your fondest memory of being a Phi Psi? 

I know a lot of people will put their own initiation here. But for me, it was actually when the Xi class was initiated. My little got in that semester and I served as one of the pledge educators for the Xi class, along with my big. So for me, it was really cool to see my little get in, along with this whole class that I helped educate and guide them. That actually served as one of the moments that taught me the intrinsic value of education, and helped steer me towards seeking a career in the educational field.

9. Your most embarrassing moment as a Phi Psi? 

In fall of ’07 I attempted what must have been the worst pick up line ever. We were having an impromptu party one night at the Lehigh house, when I was talking to this girl named Vicky. We were talking and I said “we should become Facebook friends, and then maybe more.” To my defense, it was the alcohol that made it seem like a smart idea at the time.

10. Your proudest moment as a Phi Psi? 

While not a single moment, I’d say that the thing that I’m most proud of in regards to being a Phi Psi is the way that treating women with respect is one of the things that is a core value of who we are. Having three sisters, two of whom have spent time as a single mother, I don’t feel comfortable with the general societal philosophy that applies double standards or makes it seem ok to use women. 

This also shouldn’t be misread as a critique against hook-ups. I think if two people are both honest about what they want, and a hook up is all it is, then fine. What I am against is someone acting like they want more when they really don’t. 

I think this is a big thing that sets us apart right now, especially in light of what happened at Georgia Tech with another fraternity last fall.

And this difference is what makes us Phi Psi gentlemen as opposed to just men. 

11. Any unique memories from your time as a Phi Psi? 

Really, I’d say they were all unique memories. I don’t mean that as a cop-out answer, but I couldn’t imagine having nearly the same story to tell about my time at Rowan if not for Phi Psi.

12. Any fraternal advice you would give to an undergraduate Phi Psi today? 

Be an involved member. You get out of it what you put into it. I wish looking back I had done more. Don’t get me wrong, I had a great time and made some great friends. But, I could have done a lot more in my undergrad time with Phi Psi.

13. When was the last time you visited Rowan or the chapter? 

I went to the Fall 2013 initiation. It was such a fun night. I reconnected with some of the brothers from my time, which was awesome. In addition, I met and remet the current active Claytons, and we even worked on creating a tree drink. It was a blast and took me back to the college days.

14. What is favorite event the chapter holds? 

I’ve always been fond of the cheesesteak night during rush week. While this event may not have the style of formal or the life-changing impact of initiation, cheesesteak night always brings back memories for me. It was on cheesesteak night that I was offered my bid. And while I admit that I didn’t accept it on that night, it put me in the direction of Phi Psi and led to a major, positive impact on my life. 

15. Who's the 1 brother you want to reconnect with / see interviewed here?

Hitch got in during my last semester and I was thrilled to bring on another Ocean County guy and a hockey fan when he got in, even though he is a Rangers fan. I’d love to see an interview with him.

16. Name 1 friend you made in NJE you still keep in touch with... 

JP Bowen is one of my best friends, and has been for a long time. However, I did meet him prior to either of us joining Phi Psi or going to Rowan. Our experience in Phi Psi definitely helped make us even better friends, but I can’t say we first became friends while in Phi Psi. While at Rowan and in Phi Psi, I met Josh Bakal, my fellow baseball road trip aficionado. So many good memories hanging out with him and taking road trips to various ballparks and other random locations. He might be the person that I have shared Waffle House meals with the most. “We don’t take too kindly…….” Josh will know what it means.

Career Stuff: 

17. Year you graduated from Rowan? 

Spring 2008.

18. Degree(s) you graduated Rowan with? 

Communication Studies

19. Any advanced degrees or certifications you have? 

In 2010 I earned a New Jersey teaching certification for K-5, Middle School Math, and a Special Education Endorsement.

20. Your current occupation? 

Official title is Territory Manager. I’m responsible for sales for the Northern California office of The Princeton Review from San Francisco down to San Jose. 

21. Number of years in that occupation? 

I’ve been in this position since January of this year. However, I’ve been with the company for over 3½ years now.

22. Any career advice you would give to an undergraduate Phi Psi today? 

Pick a major you love, not just one that will pay more money or give you a lighter workload in college. Honestly, you can bust your butt for a big paying job, but be far more miserable than someone who makes less but is happy with where they work.

That’s another thing, company culture. Sometimes, within the same field, it’s worth getting paid a little less to work somewhere with a great culture where you get to come in and see your friends everyday instead of just your co-workers.

23. What's one piece of advice you'd give every undergraduate about networking? 

Take advantage of opportunities to go out and do life. You might not be too into a particular event that you were invited out to. But, once you’re there, you never know who you might meet that will have a positive impact for you in life. Saying yes to life will allow you to naturally network with people and open up so many personal and professional doors to you. If you can, say yes when people invite you out somewhere or suggest a new activity. 

Relationships/Family/Personal Stuff: 

24. Are you currently in a relationship? If so, with who and for how long? 

I started dating my girlfriend Lenora about two months ago. I met her shortly after I got to California, and it didn’t take me long to see that she is a pretty awesome girl.

25. Do you have kids? If so, how old and their names? 

No. However, I do have several nieces and nephews who I am very proud of. (Cassie, if you stumble upon this, never give up on your theater dream.)

26. Hobbies that you are currently into? What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I love creative writing, and really just contributing to anything creative. That’s the main reason I moved to the Bay Area. I love collaborating with people to work on creative projects, whether it be comedy writing, film, or even just a coffee house performance. Anything that can bring enjoyment to others is really fulfilling to me.

27. Anything you would like to share with other brothers through the blog regarding your relationship/family/personal life?

At the end of the day, you’re ultimately the one responsible for whether you’re living a fulfilling life or not. It’s easy to make excuses to stay in a safe environment and not go after what would really make us happy. We make excuses like “it’s too far, I’m too old, what I have is comfortable, etc.” But when our time is up, we’re going to regret the chances we didn’t take far more than the chances we did take.