We Belong at Triangle
The Minnesota Chapter of Triangle has gone through a roller coaster of ups and downs in recent years Like many organizations, we have faced moments of uncertainty, moments of growth, and moments where it felt like we were simply trying to keep our footing. This year, however, we are shifting our focus toward stability and longevity. Not just surviving semester to semester, but intentionally building something that lasts. Something meaningful. Something that future generations of brothers can inherit and be proud of.
Our brothers understand that Triangle is meant to be a space for men to develop themselves, personally, socially, academically, and professionally. It is a place to grow in character, strengthen friendships, and learn what it truly means to conduct ourselves as men of integrity. Yet, in all honesty, this purpose is not always obvious There have been times when I personally questioned the point. I wondered why Triangle is any different than a close group of friends, or what makes a fraternity worth the time, effort, and responsibility.
My recent trip to Leadership Training Weekend (LTW) brought clarity in a way I did not
expect. It put into words something I had always felt but could never fully articulate: having a brother is not the same as having a friend.
I grew up without brothers. I have sisters, and I have been fortunate to have strong friendships throughout my life, but there is something unique about the bond between brothers. It is hard to explain in a single sentence It is built on shared experience, accountability, trust, and an unspoken understanding that you show up for one another, even when it is inconvenient. Brotherhood is not about perfection. It is about commitment. It is about knowing that someone has your back, and that you have theirs, for life.
That realization reshaped how I see Triangle.
As the Minnesota Chapter of Triangle’s Alumni Relations Chair, I have the honor of helping put that bond on full display. My goal is to create an environment where Triangle does not end once you graduate. Where alumni still feel connected, valued, and welcomed. Where current brothers feel supported not only by the men in the house today, but by the thousands of brothers who came before them
Triangle is not just a place we pass through during college. It is not just a shape and letter on a wall or a name on a resume. It is a lifelong network of men who, despite coming from different backgrounds, generations, and walks of life, are bound together by shared values. The unspoken trust between brothers who have never met is something special It is something rare. And it is something worth protecting.
Our life goals and ambitions may change. Our priorities may shift. Careers take us in different directions. Families grow. Time becomes more limited. But brotherhood does not and should not expire.
There are countless ways for brothers, old and new, to stay engaged: through mentorship, professional guidance, shared experiences, service, and simply staying in touch. When we lean into those opportunities, we strengthen more than just a chapter We strengthen a legacy
We all belong at Triangle. Not just for four years, but for a lifetime. And by continuing to invest in our relationships, our values, and our shared purpose, we continue to build brotherhood and continue to build better men
Matt Huesman Alumni Relations, Minnesota Chapter of Triangle Fraternity
Tim Eiler
Minn87
I wouldn’t have graduated without Triangle I came from a small town and wasn’t prepared for engineering study. My Fraternity Brothers came to my aid.
My first three jobs were obtained by way of my Triangle network – including the one at NASA. Rather exciting to hear the NASA recruiter say, “how soon can you pick up your flight tickets to come to interview, fellow Triangle?”
My best, lifelong friends are Triangles – from both the Minnesota Chapter and others from many other chapters!
Mark Snyder
Minn91
When I think about my time at Triangle Fraternity, what I remember most fondly is how much we accomplished when we worked together. Whether it was spending a Saturday doing projects around the chapter house or organizing a food drive to benefit our neighbors, that feeling I would get from what we could do through our collective efforts really reinforced for me the principles our fraternity embraces.Those were the things I took with me to my career in state government, leadership in my union and volunteering in my community and I’m very much a better person for having had that experience.
Andrew Schwebach
Minn15
Triangle is more than just an integral part of my experience at the U of M, it’s been an integral part of my life since. Not only did I build a brotherhood with my fellow actives, but even more than that it has given me a way to stay connected and create a network with both brothers old and new, with my participation in MTAB being a highlight.
SUPPORT MINNESOTA’S LEGACY
B Y C O N T R I B U T I N G T O O U R C H A P T E R E N D O W
Over the years, our Chapter Endowment Fund hasn’t always been used to its full potential We want to change that by making our CEF a true driver of educational impact: funding two Building Better Men scholarships, sponsoring a local FIRST Robotics team, and helping offset our chapter’s NEF This is only the beginning With your support, we can expand community programs and create new learning opportunities within our chapter, including dedicated CAD workstations for our 3D printing lab, guest educational speakers for our brothers, and housing improvements for educational spaces. All CEF donations are tax-deductible, and we truly appreciate your support.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT
For any donation inquiries, please contact us at triangle@umn.edu. We will honor any requests and provide detailed proof of purchases and work with you to make sure your donation has the maximum impact for our chapter. With donors’ consent, we also like to highlight our chapter’s donors on our website, upcoming monthly alumni newsletters, and through social media posts to show our community the impact you have on us as a chapter. Thank you.
HOUSING UPDATE
During the school year, the Minnesota Triangle Houses have seen a couple of improvements, notably a fresh paint job and a brand-new washing machine. Plans to continue these improvements include a revamp of the kitchen with new tile as well as new sod to upgrade the old grass in the front yard.
Looking towards the future, we’re hoping to begin long-term planning for projects, including replacing the front retaining wall and improving the overall livability and appeal of both of our houses But these projects take time and money, so we are currently assessing our options as a chapter
LOST CONTACT?
Know a brother who’s changed emails, moved, or fallen out of contact? Help us bring him back into the fold Send updated contact information to communications@triangle org so we can keep every Triangle member connected