Alumnus Profile – Edward Y. Lin, Chicago ’89
Dr. Edward Y. Lin, DDS, MS, is an industry-respected orthodontist and internationally recognized speaker on advanced 3D orthodontic technologies. Dr. Lin has lectured for orthodontic residency programs worldwide and has authored numerous articles in several dental and orthodontic journals.
What is your most memorable experience or moment from Phi Delta Theta?
My most memorable experience from Phi Delta Theta is the lifelong friendships I have maintained for the past thirty-nine years. I have three younger brothers, and one of them was in a fraternity as well. However, none of them have maintained friendships to the same extent that I have with my brothers from Illinois Beta. These friendships are truly priceless.
How have you stayed connected with Phi Delta Theta after graduation?
Since graduating from the University of Chicago in 1989, I have been back to at least twenty Phi Delt reunions at Illinois Beta and have participated in Chicago’s Interfraternity Sing Competition, which we have won several times. I have also helped some undergraduates by connecting them with other Phis and businesses for potential job opportunities. I have also been able to help out financially with the renovation of the new Illinois Beta Chapter House. In addition, in the past year, I have been participating in First Thursdays with the Phis with the Phi Delt chapter at St. Norbert College, thanks to Brother Bill Lenz, Iowa State ’63, who moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, recently and helped to set this up. It has been a true pleasure interacting with younger Phis and sharing experiences from our fraternity experiences.
Who from your fraternity experience has inspired you? Have you ever told them that?
Brothers Tom Kang, Raj Rathi, Doran Kim, Ed Freimuth, Ed Rafalski, Eric Kuwana, John Michael Chadam, Jamie Chadam, Gerry Spahn, Jon Siegel, Howie Lee, Greg Zahm, Khush Bhola, Marty Heilmann, Pat Todd, Mike Todd,Scott Schmeisser, and Willie Choe. Yes, we tell each other this all the time because we all know how blessed we all are from our Chicago and Phi Delt experiences. Even though we all live across the US, we still get together to see each other at least once per year. We are all truly blessed with the lifetime friendships that we have built through Phi Delt.
What accomplishments or career milestones are you most proud of, and how do you attribute them to your experience?
My life as a proud husband, parent, and orthodontist. I have been incredibly blessed to have been surrounded by great and truly good people from my Phi Delt experience who have all been positive influences on me and have all made positive impacts in my life. My parents obviously have been important influencers as well, but Phi Delt is, without a doubt, a big part of who I am today.
If you could go back in time, would you change anything about your experience? If so, what?
Nothing. My experiences in life have helped to make me the man that I am now, today. There have been mistakes made along the way, but I have learned from those mistakes to make me a better person, and my experiences in college and with Phi Delt have helped to make this happen.
What are you most proud of?
My success with my marriage and family, as well as a successful career as an orthodontist for more than twenty-five years. I have been blessed with a loving wife, Siri, and my two wonderful children, Olivia and Royce, of whom I am so proud. I have also been blessed to be in a profession that I love, being able to positively impact the quality of life for my patients and create beautiful smiles. In addition, I have been involved with many different dental technology companies as a Key Opinion Leader, Clinical Advisory Board member, and independent consultant. I have written many articles and co-authored textbooks over the years. In addition, I have had the good fortune of being invited to lecture all over the world at many different dental and orthodontic conferences as well as many orthodontic residency programs. As a result, I have been blessed with meeting great people and making friends across the world.
Do you feel that Phi Delta Theta made a difference in your life?
Absolutely
Do you have advice for current students?
College is a great place for studying and building the academic foundation for a successful career. College is also a great place to make new friends, and a fraternity like Phi Delt is a great way to do this. We can all learn from other people, and the bonds and experiences that you share with each other will help to teach you and make you a better person to help you find your true passions in life. Thank you, Phi Delt, for helping to make this happen!!!
