Benjamin C. Gerling
BENJAMIN GERLING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Benjamin Christopher Gerling was born June 14th 1986 in San Francisco. At the age of two Ben and his family moved to Albany Oregon where Ben participated in Children’s Theater, wrote plays, and played Little League. Ben wore a 3-piece suit to his 5th grade valedictorian award ceremony and was also in the National Science Olympics and a Presidential Merit Scholar in the 8th grade.
Ben moved to Salem, Oregon to attend South Salem High School. While there Ben was a part of the International Baccalaureate program, was the president of the Thespian Club, a founding member of the Water Polo team, a leader in the Peer Mentor program, and a member of the choir.
After graduating South Salem High School, Ben went to the University of Washington and joined Phi Delta Theta. After the chapter dropped from over 100 members to a 15 person chapter, Ben stepped up as the Recruitment Chair to rebuild his fraternity.
At Oregon State Ben was elected the Risk Management Chair of the Phi Delts. Ben brought many innovative team building ideas to the chapter and always exemplified the traits of being a true brother by upholding his vow as a Phi Delt.
Ben also served his country as a cadet in the Air Force ROTC program. Ben held many offices and received even more awards for his dedication. Ben was the recruiting officer his sophomore year, spending more hours recruiting than the entire wing. He was also the Silver Talons Drill Team Commander, Wing Commander, Cadet Training Assistant, Dining Out Officer, Field Training Preparation Officer, and a member of the Arnold Air Society. A few of Ben’s awards include the Distinguished Graduate, Junior Class Speaker of the Year, Reserve Officer Association Award, AFROTC Meritorious Service Award, AFROTC Commendation Award, AFROTC Achievement Award, and the Academic Honors Award.
Ben left us suddenly in early May 2008, and we will always miss him and cherish his memory. He was a month away from graduating with honors from OSU and proudly accepting his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force. He worked hard for his dreams.
He is survived by his parents, Tim and Janet Gerling; his mother Charlean Clemons; brother Sean Mole; sister Katie Glaser; and three nephews who adored their Uncle Ben.