Senior Spotlight - Aaron Speagle ’12

Aaron Speagle '12This graduating senior will receive his degree in Nuclear Engineering this spring and hopes to obtain an entry-level nuclear engineering position. During his time at Omega, Aaron held the position of Marshal, and is also a member of the American Nuclear Society. He is originally from Hebron, CT.

Why did you join Theta Chi over other fraternities?

I was given a last minute snap bid from one of my good friends, and decided that if Theta Chi was going to take a risk by extending a bid to someone they didn’t really know, I should at least give it a shot. From there I have never looked back. This Chapter has been the single best thing that has happened to me in my time here at Penn State. The Chapter has a sense of brotherhood that is unmatched, while maintaining excellence in community service and staying extremely involved on campus. We participate in every IM sport, even if we are horrible at it, and put all our effort into everything we do. It brings a sense of pride to know that we give it our all. 

What has been your fondest memory of Theta Chi?

I honestly cannot single out any one event. Ever since I became a member of this chapter, I have felt at home. I have learned so much from this group and grown so far that I can only hope that I’ve given back half of what this fraternity has given to me.

In what ways do you think the fraternity experience is still a relevant one?

The fraternity experience is still an important additive to a man’s college career because it helps to build his character in ways that academic learning and experiences cannot. For example, the fraternity experience teaches a man how to interact and work with others, how to properly lead a diverse group of people, and how to better conduct himself in different situations. 

How do you think your time at Theta Chi has better prepared you for adulthood? 

I have most definitely been more prepared for adulthood because of Theta Chi. I have learned a great deal about personal interactions, meeting dynamics, leadership positions, and how to handle difficult situations properly. These experiences will help me excel in many aspects outside of the actual work that I will be doing upon graduation, which supplements my worth to whichever company I will be working for. 

Why did you pick your particular field of study?

I actually didn’t pick it, Nuclear Engineering picked me. I Started out as a Mechanical Engineering student (or planned to be) but missed the GPA cutoff by .02 when entrance to that major rolled around, so I was placed in Nuclear Engineering. After a number of weeks of utter confusion about what I wanted to do, I decided to stick with the nuclear field. It has been great ever since. Now I’m very glad that I am a nuclear engineering student because the field interests me much more than mechanical engineering, and because I believe that I can do the most good for the most people in my this field.

Why would you encourage alumni to stay involved in the active chapter?  

I would encourage alumni to stay involved with the active members of the chapter because it helps to enhance the overall experience of the brotherhood. I always enjoy hearing stories from our alumni, and certainly appreciate the professional connections that they sometimes help us to make. To function more holistically, it is also important for the alumni to understand the day-to-day lives of the undergraduates.