San Diego State University senior Will Brandenberger turned his fraternity’s annual haunted house into an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
Inspired by his mother Amy, a pancreatic cancer survivor, Will hosted the second annual Chamber of Chills at the ZBT Fraternity house at SDSU. The one-night immersive haunted house welcomed more than 700 students and raised over $7,500 for the Hirshberg Foundation, more than tripling the amount raised the first year.
Will’s passion for haunted houses and horror attractions began when he was 10 years old. This year, he transformed the fraternity house into a fully immersive walkthrough experience, complete with elaborate sets, costumes, and carefully timed scares.
“Building a haunted house is no easy feat,” says Will. “But overcoming the challenges and bringing it all together is the most rewarding part. The first scare is always my favorite—seeing guests react with the same excitement and energy that we have behind the masks makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
The event was a huge success, earning a reputation as one of the most talked-about attractions on campus. Reflecting on the impact of the event, Will adds:
“Out of my 21 years on this planet, this is the best thing I have done to help others. I take great pride in Chamber of Chills. Seeing hundreds of students come through, hearing their reactions, and knowing we were raising money for an important cause made all the effort worth it.”
For anyone considering hosting a Purple Ribbon Event, Will offers simple advice: “Use social media. It was one of the biggest factors in helping us spread the word and make the event a success.”
Will graduated from San Diego State University in 2026 and is now pursuing a master’s degree in architecture with a concentration in themed entertainment design. His creativity and commitment demonstrate that when passion meets purpose, even a haunted house can help bring hope to families affected by pancreatic cancer.
