Alumni Spotlight | Run Roger Run

49-Continuous Spokane Bloomsday Events.

Roger Aldrich, who is an active Beta Alumni Volunteer, looks forward to his 50th Spokane Bloomsday Perennial run next spring. Roger graduated from WSU in 1967 and enjoys the lucky chapter number of 849. A fun fact, Roger is the little Brother of Bob Hall, class of 1967.

In recent years, Aldrich has faced health challenges that could have sidelined many. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 69 and later with bone marrow cancer, the 77-year-old continues to defy the odds. Despite battling COVID-19 three times and struggling with energy, he perseveres with effective oral chemotherapy.

Now walking instead of running, Aldrich completed the 2025 Bloomsday race in 2 hours and 24 minutes, a testament to his resilience compared to his past finishes under an hour. He plans to join the 50th running in May, embodying the spirit of determination. “I want to be able to quit when I feel good about what I’m doing,” he confidently expresses. We are wondering whether the Air Force and Hell Week helped with his determination.

Currently, Roger serves as the Scholarship Advisor, providing guidance and subject-matter expertise to the Chapter Vice President for Education. Routine check-ins include topics such as study tables for pledges, working with members with a GPA below 3.0, quiet hours, and tutoring options. Feel free to say hello to the young beta buck; he really knows a lot about what's going on with the Alumni Advisory Team and the Gamma Theta Building Committee.

Please give him a ping at: rlaldrich@comcast.net

This article is a summary of what was written by Nina Culver for the Spokesman-Review, Nov '25. For more information about the Bloomsday event, check it out.

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