OX: Why did you join Theta Chi?
John Buyarski: I joined Theta Chi to find a home.  Penn State is a wonderful, but large place.  As a freshman, I didn't know anyone and was looking for a place that could call home and establish strong friendship.

OX: What is your favorite Theta Chi memory or story?
JB: Far too many to choose a favorite.  The one thing that always differentiated Theta Chi from others was the brotherhoods' closeness.  The bar sings after initiation, the lively brother's meetings, and the circling on the dance floor at the end of parties to American Pie continue to remind me of the wonderful closeness at Theta Chi.

OX: What kind of influence has the fraternity had on your life since graduation?
JB: Unfortunately, I haven't had many opportunities to visit the house since graduation and haven't done well with keeping in touch.  However, understanding organizational dynamics and being able to get things done through others are skills I learned.  These have continually helped me in both my personal and professional lives.  Trying to run a brother's meeting (note: something I didn't have much success with) has provided me insight and experience in managing projects and dealing with family life.

OX: What is your nickname? How did you get it? Did anyone in particular give it to you?
JB: My nickname was Bosephus.  Not sure exactly how I got it but it evolved over time.

OX: Did you live in the house? If so, who were your roommates? Tell us about a memorable time with them.
JB: I lived in the house for three very fun years.  My roommates included Scott Kost, Reed Goodwin, and scores of visiting alumni (primarily on weekends).  It was a wonderful experience that taught me a lot about respect and negotiation.  There were many memorable times but one tradition I remember well was our Wild Turkey Society.  My roommate Reed was from the South and enjoyed drinking Wild Turkey.  Our room was filled with Wild Turkey paraphernalia which included a sculpture of two turkeys that also served as a secret decanter.  We had many enjoyable 'meetings' of this society and surprisingly had many members.

OX: Where did your pledge class go on their pledge bolt/trip? What brothers did you take? Any funny stories you can tell?
JB: We went to Akron, Ohio.  We took brothers John McHenry and Scott Mayhew.  It was fun but I don't remember much.  I was the only pledge with a fake ID and subsequently went to the bars with the older crowd.  I proved I was definitely not ready to hang.

OX: With whom do you stay in contact? And is there anyone with whom you’ve lost touch that you would like to find?
JB: Unfortunately, I'm currently not in contact with anyone.  There are quite a few brothers in the Atlanta area but I haven't seen them in the last few years.  I would love to hear from anyone, especially those who I have lost touch with.

OX: What other activities or organizations were you involved with during your college days?
JB: With studying engineering, Theta Chi and school work was all I could manage.

OX: Tell us about your family. Have you married? Do you have children?
JK: I have been married for almost 6 years (wife Elizabeth) and have two daughters who will be 5 (Emma) and 3 (Anna) this Fall.  We live in a suburb of Atlanta, GA. 

OX: What do you do for a living?
JB: I have been with Delta Air Lines for the last six years.  I have spent my time doing strategy and business development work and currently work in Finance.

OX: What hobbies do you enjoy?
JB: Keeping up with two small children and yard work consumes most of my time.  However, I still find some time to run and volunteer at our church.

OX: What are your goals for the next few years?
JB: My goals are to continue to spend a lot of time with my family.  As my children get older, I hope to also travel more (use some of the great privileges you get working for an airline) and become more active at our church.

OX: What organizations are you involved with in your community?
JB: My wife and I actually met volunteering for the youth program at our church.  We still have remained somewhat active and now spend our time helping prepare couples for marriage.

Click here to read other Alumni Profiles