Man’s nature is a social one. That is why fraternities exist. For all of its pomp and circumstance, a fraternity is not a complicated institution. With our traditions, rituals, and ideals, we ask young men to commit to the best versions of themselves. Bringing that forward, we ask them to build better institutions, families, and friendships. In everything we do, friendship is front and center.

In last year’s letter, I talked about the things I had been promised by joining a fraternity. Lifelong friends, the men who would be standing at my side when I got married, the men who would be there for the highs and the lows, and the men who would lower me into the ground.

Reading that letter, I would not blame you for thinking I was disappointed with the promises that had been made. In a way, I am, but not totally. As I stepped back from those words, I came to appreciate the brothers of mine who have remained a constant in my life. It is them who I want to highlight this year. By no means is this a complete list, rather just five brothers who have gracefully kept the lines of communication open.

Matt Patterson

One of the great honors of my life was initiating my best friend into the bonds of Pi Kappa Alpha. As I placed upon him the badge of our fraternity and welcomed him into the brotherhood, I was overcome with pride. Flash forward to the present day and Matt Patterson is still my best friend in the world and will be the Best Man at my wedding. Matt Patterson is a great listener, supportive, kind, funny, and always down for a new adventure. We have made countless promises to keep our friendship burning. So far, we have kept those promises easily.

Matt, thank you for your friendship and your brotherhood.

Daniel Stockton

When Daniel was initiated into the fraternity, I made a conscious decision to invest time and energy into his leadership development. In him, I saw true potential and power to change our organization for the better. Beyond the fraternity, I saw a man who could go on to do great things. I do not know if my efforts were recognized. Daniel did not really need me. He possesses all the tools necessary to achieve anything he desires. Still, from that decision to mentor has grown a friendship I cherish dearly. We do not text for hours. We do not call often, but when our paths cross and the stars align, I find myself grateful.

Daniel, thank you for your friendship and your brotherhood.

Jason Phillips

Jason and I love a good debate. He is a libertarian. I am a liberal. There is not a lot we agree on when it comes to politics, but we always do it with a degree of respect and the intention to understand the other side better. As someone who deeply loves discussing those sorts of things, you are not supposed to discuss in polite company, in Jason I have found an equal. Beyond politics, Jason has fantastic taste in music, which is something we should really spend more time tweeting and arguing about when we are together.

Jason, thank you for your friendship and your brotherhood.

Patrick Eaton

Patrick, convincing you to abandon Oklahoma for a few years and be my roommate in Seattle was one of the best gifts of my life. You made the transition easier. I loved exploring the city with you, hitting local trails, obsessing over movies, and knocking back more than a few adult beverages. Having you as one of my groomsmen was an easy decision because you have been there so often when I needed you. I know you will continue to do so. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Patrick, thank you for your friendship and your brotherhood.

Greg Parker

Greg, throughout our time in college and in the fraternity, an unspoken rivalry existed between the two of us. In no shape or fashion do I think of this as a negative. As cliché as it sounds, it often felt like iron sharpening iron. You made me want to be a better man and a more thoughtful leader. Now, as more distinguished gentlemen, we are becoming our true selves and find ourselves living openly and honestly. I am immensely proud of the man you have become and cannot wait to see what you accomplish next.

Greg, thank you for your friendship and your brotherhood.

This year’s letter is not filled with controversial thoughts about how fraternity men need to be better. Instead, it is filled with honest declarations about the importance of friendship. The men mentioned here changed my life for the better. I can only hope I have done the same thing.

So, why join a fraternity? Because of friends like these.

Be good to each other,

Nathan 

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