2025 Speakers Series

Thomas T. Allan IV, Theta Theta ’89 (University of Washington) is passionate about Gin. Madrona Distillery is his gin-focused spirits producer located in Redmond, Washington. 

Tom began building the business three years ago and opened our doors in February of 2024.  To date they have accumulated 7 international awards including 5 gold medals.  Product sales channels include our tasting room, direct distribution and a regional wholesaler. Tom started his passion project in 2024 by introducing small batch Dry Gin and Vodka in early 2024. Garden Club Gin, Barrel Reserve Gin, and Prayer Bottle Rum have since joined the lineup.
The business is wholly owned by Tom Allan and his wife Anne.  The name Madrona honors the beautiful red-barked trees that line the shores of their favorite sailing destination, The San Juan Islands of northwest Washington.  Some of the botanicals used in production are harvested from their home on Orcas Island.  Tom served as the 23rd president of the Executive Council of Psi Upsilon Fraternity

Dr. Ben Bernstein Ph.D, Kappa ’69 (Bowdoin) is a professional performance psychologist with over five decades as an educator and more than forty years as a psychologist. As part of Psi Upsilon’s commitment to mental health, our esteemed brother will be be presenting tips for navigating overwhelm and stress in an academic environment, with valuable insights for students and parents.

For his extraordinary contributions to health and wellness Dr. Ben Bernstein was selected by the Bowdoin College Alumni Council to receive the 2023 Distinguished Educator Award. Dr. B’s insights have helped hundreds of students develop into skilled, engaged, productive, and fulfilled learners, and Bernstein has worked with people at all levels of the American educational system and from all socioeconomic backgrounds. His work and insights extend beyond young people; they also benefit adults at the pinnacle of their careers, including athletes, entrepreneurs, dentists, lawyers, opera singers, and actors. Nicknamed “the Stress Doctor,” Bernstein has written bestselling books that address the anxiety that can impair performance: Test Success, A Teen’s Guide to Success, Stressed Out! For Parents, and Crush Your Test Anxiety. He’ll be presenting management tips for dealing with overwhelm while also answering questions and sharing tips gleaned from his years working with seasoned coaches, executives, athletes, and students.