Written by Evan Newman, Phi Delta Theta Leadership Consultant
Every two years at the Phi Delta Theta Biennial Convention, the General Fraternity recognizes one Province President with the Oliver J. Samuel Award. The award is given as a token of appreciation for all Province Presidents but specifically to recognize one outstanding volunteer for his time and commitment to the Fraternity. At the 2016 Biennial Convenition, in Savannah, Georgia, Phi Delta Theta honored Nathaniel “Nat” Love for his service to the chapters in the Sigma North Province and across the nation. Today, as a part of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we once again recognize Nat Love for his continued service to Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.
Brother Love graduated from The University of Michigan (Michigan Alpha) in 1980 and began his volunteer service with Phi Delta Theta in 1997 as the Michigan Alpha Housing Corporation Vice President. Nat transitioned to the role of Housing Corporation President in 1999, prior to becoming Sigma North Province President in 2000.
Brother Alex Carrick, Michigan Alpha ’10, said, “Nat has been a consistent positive force for Michigan Alpha since our re-founding in the mid-2000’s. Seeing Nat’s commitment to the chapter as both an undergraduate and a GHQ staff member has proven that he is doing everything possible to transmit the Fraternity to the next generation.”
Through the frequency of communication with his constituents, Nat has developed a keen understanding of our needs as an organization and provides insight and ideas to organizational leaders to better the organization and often challenge the status quo.
“As a Leadership Consultant working within Nat’s region, I know I can always rely on Nat to visit his chapters regularly and have a confident understanding of each chapter’s needs and goals, ultimately making my job easier and more enjoyable,” said Evan Newman, West Liberty ’15.
Nat has worked diligently to establish a stronger network for Phi Delta Theta in Michigan and Ohio by working alongside Sigma South Province President Jim Warner to host their annual Bi-Province, now Tri-Province, Retreat.
Brother Warner, Ohio Epsilon ’74, stated, “Having had the pleasure of working together with Brother Love on probably 15 BiProv retreats, you get a great chance to realize what a real team player he actually is. Our common goal each year is to make the BiProv, now a TriProv, (with the addition of the Zeta East Province) better than the previous one. In an effort to make this happen Nat always comes up with innovative ideas to keep this undergraduate leadership experience fresh, interactive, and rewarding. He is a true Phi MVP!”
Brother Love has welcomed new colonies and new chapters into his region over the years, all while guiding the active chapters to become the great versions of themselves.
Central Michigan University (Michigan Zeta) Chapter President Adam Fischer said the following about Nat when asked to about his involvement in the region and with the young chapter.
“Nat has been more than just a Province President for the men of Michigan Zeta. He’s been an incredible support system, not only for the colony/chapter, but for the men within the organization. From business calls, simply checking in on our lives, and giving us friendly reminders that he is there no matter what, Nat truly exemplifies the meaning of brotherhood. We are truly blessed to have Nat as our Province President.”
Nat was able to perform this extraordinary volunteer work for Phi Delta Theta while working full time as a Vice President at Meijer Corporation. With his recent retirement, we are excited to see what more he can do as leader of the Sigma North Province.
Newman ended by saying, “As a result of his leadership, we are a better organization with stronger local organizations and more committed alumni. Hopefully we have him on our team for years to come. Thank you, Nat!”
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.
