A helping hand

When Brian Thompson, BS ’85 (political science), began his journey at the University of Oregon in 1981, he had no idea how many lifelong friendships he would make. During his sophomore year, Thompson joined a fraternity: Phi Delta Theta. After graduation, he and his fellow alumni from the fraternity made a commitment to give back to their communities through volunteer work. 

For several years, Thompson has volunteered with the Children’s Center in Vancouver, Washington, a non-profit organization that provides mental health services to youth under 18 in Clark County, Washington. The Center provides care for approximately 700 youth per week. 

“The Children’s Center gives me hope,” Thompson said. “They have been on the front line in the Clark County schools for suicide prevention, and they are the voice for kids who don’t have one.” 

When the former social chairman for Phi Delta Theta, Evan Connell, found out about Thompson’s volunteer work, he reached out to his fellow Ducks to get involved. 

The UO alumni met at Children’s Center one Saturday in April. They donated and planted over 60 new shrubs and bark dusted the entire property, moving 25 units of landscaping material. 

“My friends showed up on an 80 plus degree day and worked until the job was done. Most of these guys have full time jobs but took their day off to volunteer,” Thompson said. “It really shows the power of friendships and relationships that you can make in college. I am honored to know such quality people.” 

In addition, Connell and Thompson sent out an email to the UO Phi Delta group and asked if they were interested in donating to The Children’s Center’s general operating fund. Responses poured in, and they raised over $4,000 to help. 

“I was humbled by the way they came to help these kids without hesitation,” Thompson said. “You never forget the friends you made in college.”

 

-By Peyton Hall, UO Alumni Association Student Associate