By Richard X. Olivas

Throughout my college experience, I always wanted to do something more than just eat, sleep, and go to class.  At first, I was content with the status quo of being a typical college student, but I always knew something was lacking. It wasn’t until my junior year in college that I realized in order for me to be successful during school and after school I needed to acquire some sort of leadership experience. I had always looked down on the Greek community as nothing more than partiers and a waste of time. That was my perception through much of my college life. It was not until I heard about the Phi Delta Theta Colony at New Mexico State University in 2009, that I first had an interest in a Fraternity.  Once I met a few of the guys, and noticed that a few of my close friends had made the decision to join, I then signed my bid and started the process of becoming a founding father.

Since I have joined, I have never regretted it.  Phi Delta Theta has opened my eyes to the positive side of Greek Life.  The bonds I have made with my brothers are just as strong if not stronger than bonds I would have made with brothers who were of my own blood. When I signed my bid in the Spring of 2011, I immediately took on a leadership role and in the fall semester of 2011,  I was elected President of New Mexico Beta.  Being a president of a colony during its transition into a chapter is no easy task! I am pleased to have led these extraordinary group of gentlemen from being a colony to one of the newest chapters of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.  My experiences here with these guys have made me regret not being a part of this organization sooner.  The bonds I have made will always be with me until the day I die. The experience I have gained will only accelerate my growth and development long after I graduate from college. Phi Delta Theta has truly helped me to become a greater version of myself.

Richard grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He began his college career at New Mexico State University in the Fall of 2006. After experimenting with different majors he finally decided to double major in Marketing and Business. He had always known that he had a good sense of business and has demonstrated so throughout his time as a business student. Richard joined Phi Delta Theta in Spring 2011 where he held the positions of Risk Management Chairman and served as an assistant to any officer that needed help within the executive committee. In Fall of 2011, he was nominated and elected as President of Phi Delta Theta New Mexico Beta where he helped to achieve the goal of becoming a full-fledged recognized chapter of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Richard will graduate in May of 2012 with bachelors of business administration in Marketing and Business with minors in Management and Advertising.