Matt Swanson
Matt Swanson is a junior studying mathematics and currently serves as President of the Tau Sigma chapter. On campus, he’s a university employee working for the math department in Carver as a grader, tutor, and help room employee. In the active chapter, he has served as VP of Scholarship, Executive Vice President, Kai Committee Member, Risk Manager.
As an undergrad, Matt has enjoyed Beta Theta Pi’s excellent leadership training events. “To get a chance to learn from and with Betas from all across the Midwest (or even the entire country), then take that back and have it strengthen both myself and our chapter, is such an amazing thing to be a part of.”
He specifically recalls the 2012 National Convention, where Tau Sigma received its charter once again. “It is a memory that will always stick with me.”
Matt says joining Beta has been one of the greatest choices he’s ever made. “I wouldn’t trade the experiences I’ve had or the people I’ve met for anything,” he said. “Many people come to college and make friends for four years. I’ve been lucky enough to find brothers for life.”
He added one message in particular that sticks with him. “Being a true man of principle is about taking the road less traveled. It’s about holding true to what you know is right, even when it’d be easier to do what is wrong,” he said. “That is what Beta has taught me.”
I finished the summer by spending a week in Cape Town, South Africa, where I was able to climb Table Mountain and later dive with great white sharks, before I made the journey back to the United States, to my home in Ottumwa, IA. I’m looking forward to beginning my senior year at Iowa State this fall, and especially looking forward to the Iowa State Bacon Expo to debut this October. In January I was elected to serve as the President of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council, and one of my first initiatives was the creation of the Bacon Expo. This festival for bacon-lovers will feature restaurants and companies providing endless samples of their best bacon products, live entertainment and educational demonstrations. I know it will be a really great event to showcase everything the College of Ag has to offer, and to educate consumers on the methods and importance of pork production in the State of Iowa. For more information, check out the website (www.baconexpo.ag.iastate.edu).
As the first in my family to “go Greek,” I’ve been really grateful for the friends I’ve made in Beta. It’s an excellent support structure, and I believe we’re making great strides since we gained our charter last summer.