Will You Be One of the 85 for 85?

Brothers,

Looking back on my time as an active brother (1999–2003), I remember the bonds, the friendships, and the experiences that shaped who I am today. 

I remember failing my Statics midterm and walking into the Observatory, where Josh Ghiloni was happily coding. His advice changed my path: “Why not switch to Computer Science? It’s more fun—and you won’t have to take Statics again.” That single conversation altered my future.

I remember learning how to manage a real budget from Neal Pence after being elected Treasurer. I remember learning construction tips from Jason Dolan as we added a closet, raised the floor, and installed a locked liquor cabinet in the Studio's back room.

Countless hours of MarioKart in the basement. Of course, the parties… and cleaning up after them. Nearly every college memory I have is tied to my brothers or to the house at 11016 Magnolia.

Back then, we all had a deep sense of ownership. 11016 Magnolia wasn’t just a place to live—it was ours. One time, after dinner, we found keys to an excavator left outside. Jason took it for a spin in the yard. The police showed up, but once we explained we owned the house (with some fast talking), they apologized and just left!! It was our house. We took pride in it. We maintained it, cleaned it, and cared for it.

That ownership taught me more than just how to run a house. It taught me responsibility, self-reliance, and confidence. Lessons that continue to serve me today.

But times have changed. Today’s students often don’t grow up with the same skills—or opportunities—to learn them. And the house is now 25 years older. Some things haven’t changed, but the wear and tear is real.

That’s why I joined the Ernie Schmidt Club.

A small monthly donation may seem minor, but it has a big impact. It helps us preserve Magnolia as a living, learning space—a place where future brothers can feel the same pride, the same independence, and learn the same life skills we did.

If you’re already a member, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If not, I encourage you to think back to your own time in the house. What shaped you? What do you still carry with you today? Let’s ensure 11016 Magnolia remains a place that shapes generations of brothers to come.

Thanks for reading; hope to see you at the house sometime.

Yours in the bonds -

--joe
 
Joseph Reed
Phi Kappa Theta OAB '03

The Ohio Alpha Beta Alumni Association exists to connect the over 1000 alumni of the Phi Kappa Theta Ohio Alpha Beta chapter at Case Western Reserve University through events, newsletters, and other gatherings.

Our subsidiary organization, the Ohio Alpha Beta Housing Corporation, exists to own, maintain, and improve the Ohio Alpha Beta Chapter House located at 11016 Magnolia Drive, Cleveland, OH, 44106.

Please add @‌ohioalphabeta.org to your contact list to ensure delivery of the Paragon.

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