Life-Changing Beta Phi Experience Motivated Jim Clymer ’70 to Support Capital Campaign
Going from a small high school to a large university was overwhelming for Jim Clymer ’70, but after spending his first year at The Ohio State University feeling lost and lonely, he was invited to a recruitment party by a couple Beta Phi members whom he met while living in the dorms. After attending a few rush parties, which made him feel very welcome, Jim decided to join the Beta Phi Chapter. “I immediately felt a connection, and several of the men whom I met that first week are still among my closest friends,” he said.
That connection has endured the test of time, and Jim is still very much involved with the Beta Phi Chapter. During the past eight years, he has been on the John W. Galbreath and Peter R. Peirce Memorial Scholarship selection committee and has served on the House Corporation for five years. Those positions have allowed Jim to be in close contact with the undergraduate members, and he has been extremely impressed with the direction and growth of the chapter. Jim is also on the Beta Phi: Doorway of Opportunity campaign committee and is thrilled about the much-needed project to expand and remodel the chapter house. “I welcome the opportunity to talk to any alumni who have any questions about the project,” Jim said.
Jim’s involvement with the Beta Phi Chapter as an undergraduate member helped shape his character, motivated him to stay connected to the chapter after graduation, and inspired him to give back to provide undergraduate members the same opportunities he was afforded. “I feel very appreciative of my Delt experience and the self-confidence that resulted from those undergraduate years,” he stated. Jim’s advice to undergraduates is to “make an effort to keep in touch with brothers and valued friendships after leaving college.” Furthermore, he states, “The demands of career and family make it hard to find time to keep in touch with old friends, but the effort to keep in contact with those friends is well worth it.” In his 40s, 50s, and 60s, he has cherished the lifelong friends made through being an active member of the Beta Phi Chapter. “Fraternities provide a vehicle for staying in contact with cherished friends over decades, and I would encourage undergraduates to make a commitment to yourself and your friends to not let time erode those valued friendships,” he said.
When Jim isn’t busy brightening the future of the Beta Phi Chapter, he enjoys traveling and hiking, and he frequently visits Jackson Hole, Wyo., and Naples, Fla. He lives in Dublin, Ohio, with his wife, Beth. Jim has two daughters, Kaycie (29) and Devan (24); and two stepchildren; Olivia (16) and Noah (13). If you would like to reconnect with Jim, he can be reached via e-mail at jgclymer@gmail.com.
Jim Clymer ’70 and Ray Magorien ’70 at Inspiration Point in Grand Teton National Park.