Still all dressed up from his induction to Castleton’s history honors society, Phi Alpha Theta, Doug Phillips sits at his kitchen table, donning a backwards, baby blue trucker hat.This is no ordinary cap however; this hat has been personalized with the phrase “D-Phresh” embroidered on it in red stitching.

“My friend from back home coined the phrase back in high school,” Phillips said. “It’s just stuck ever since.”

Phillips, a sophomore at Castleton, is a native of Tinton Falls, N.J., and the youngest of four siblings.

“I’m the baby,” he said with a grin.
Known to many around campus as “Phresh” or “D-Phresh,” Phillips is involved in several activities and clubs.

History professor Carrie Waara acknowledges the talents of her history major advisee.

“I think Doug has a great deal to offer the world,” she said. “He’s curious and interested in the world around him.”
Phillips said he became interested in Castleton after a representative visited his high school to promote the college.

“I came to Castleton because I enjoyed the all-around setting,” said Phillips. “I like the classroom size and the location and I’m a skier.”

Despite two surgeries and a number of bolts and screws in his back, Phillips conquered the task of learning how to walk again, after he was the victim of a head on collision back in high school.

“I played three varsity sports,” he said.

“But after the accident, it kind of made me realize I had to step it up.”

And step it up he did.

Phillips, who also happens to hold the title of an Eagle Scout, is involved in both the One in Four and C.H.A.N.G.E Initiative groups here on campus, which strive to create awareness and support for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

“Things have happened in the past to people I know,” said Phillips. “It’s nothing to joke about, you’ve got to take it seriously.”

Both groups usually meet weekly and spread awareness by speaking to residence halls and FYS groups.

“It’s fun to see him thinking about something and then get engaged in a fascinating conversation about a topic you had no idea he was involved in,” Waara said.

Phillips also enjoys doing stand up comedy Thursday evenings at Pub Night, but don’t let the fun loving attitude fool you.

“He’s the perfect balance between the class clown and the person who really cares about everyone and has a strong passion for people,” said sophomore Shelby LaCroix. “He’s an all around good guy.”

Phillips would also be found lifeguarding at Castleton’s pool if it had remained open, and every now and then does a little bit of disc jockeying at WIUV.

He’s also been involved in a few of Castleton’s Theatre productions as well.

“My experiences here have helped me become a real people person,” said Phillips. “Castleton is a small community and I love to get along with most people.