My volunteer adventures began with the Kansas Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta in August of 2014. I had no idea at the time what exactly I was getting myself into, but a CAB member assured me that it was going to be an enjoyable experience for both the men of the chapter and myself. He was right.
It’s now been almost three years since I started volunteering for Phi Delta Theta, and in that time, I have been fortunate enough to become the acting CAB chairwoman, present at various province and international Phi Delta Theta conferences, and even attend and serve as on faculty at the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute. As you can imagine, I have learned a lot during this time; about the organization, about the men who choose to become Phi Delts, and the alumni that continue to give their time and resources to support such a great leadership society of men.
I currently have a few main responsibilities with Kansas Beta. I serve as their campus advisor and liaison to the university. I also serve as a mentor to the men and provide them with advice and tools to run a successful chapter and make decisions that drive the chapter towards success. I’ve helped the chapter plan educational sessions on sexual assault and bystander awareness, encourage them to cook their own chapter dinners once a week, and encourage membership in campus organizations and the community.
There’s an even deeper connection to the Fraternity for me other than getting to work with such an exceptional group of young men: baseball. When I learned that members of Phi Delta Theta support The ALS Association, specifically because Lou Gehrig was a Phi, I knew that I was going to stick around for awhile. I have been an avid baseball fan (Let’s Go Mets!) my entire life, so much so that I have been to 20 of 30 professional baseball stadiums. I am continually excited to support an organization that gives back to one of my favorite pastimes – and I was even able to attend the 2016 presentation of the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award to Curtis Granderson, one of my favorite players and the second New York Met to receive the honor.
Sure, you can say that I’ve given a lot to Phi Delta Theta in my brief time working with Kansas Beta, but really the organization has given just as much back to me. It has allowed me to grow as a person and as a professional, while simultaneously showing me the value of volunteering and serving the community. Watching Granderson receive the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, and seeing how meaningful it was to him and all the MLB players who have been honored with the award, showed me that what we do, and what Phi Delta Theta does on an international level, matters. I look forward to continuing my service with Phi Delta Theta, and I cannot wait to see what the next few years bring!
This year, the Phi Delt Fund is dedicated to our Brotherhood – To our Cardinal Principles, our Bond, and each other.
All gifts in 2017 may be made in honor of a brother or brothers who exemplify our Cardinal Principles and make you say, “Proud to be a Phi.”
When you make a gift—either online or through the mail— include a note to the brother you’re honoring and we’ll forward it to him along with a One Man Is No Man decal he can display proudly.
