The Bridge Builder, Summer 2014

VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1

THE BRIDGE BUILDER CONNECTING WITH ALUMNI, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS OF THE ETA EPSILON CHAPTER OF BETA THETA PI AT JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY

Feature Article

What Does It Mean To Be A Leader?

Beta Theta Pi is often nicknamed “The Leadership Fraternity” for its unprecedented support and widelyrecognized commitment to offering its members access to leadership development experiences and resources. We are fortunate to be able to attend a number of General Fraternity-sponsored or endorsed educational programs and conferences at little or no cost. We are also mentored and challenged to further our leadership potential by Fraternity staff and volunteers, both at the international and local level.

There are many characteristics and qualities that go into leadership, and leadership can show up in many forms and in many areas of life. Although Beta has a strong track record of producing tomorrow’s leaders, each person has a different definition of what it takes to be a successful leader.

We asked some of our undergraduate and alumni brothers, advisors, and friends of the Eta Epsilon Chapter to look at leadership through different lenses. On the pages that follow, read their perspectives on what it means to be a leader in the classroom, in the community, and in certain professions.

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

Beta Theta Pi marks 175th Anniversary From August 7-10, brothers and advisors from the Eta Epsilon Chapter joined with 1,400 other Betas and guests in Oxford, Ohio, to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of Beta Theta Pi. In what was billed as “one for the ages,” this year’s General Convention featured a number of opportunities to cultivate relationships, conduct fraternity business, educate our brothers, inspire pride in the organization, and recognize and celebrate organizational, individual, and chapter achievements within Beta Theta Pi. On August 8, the 175th anniversary of the Fraternity’s founding, a new plaque was dedicated for the Beta Campanile, and attendees walked in the Parade of Chapters, a tradition that happens only once every 25 years.

After witnessing a model initiation, brothers had the unique opportunity to see some Beta artifacts while discussing Beta’s past, present, and future.

Throughout the Convention, more than 50 educational sessions were offered for undergraduates, advisors, alumni, and guests to attend. In addition, some Fraternity legends reflected on life, professional success, and personal responsibility during three “Beta Greats” panels. To conclude the celebration, everyone was treated to an inspirational and comical keynote from Erik Stolhanske, Colgate ’91. One for the ages, indeed.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT CONVENTION REFLECTIONS FEATURE ARTICLE THE 5 Ps OF LEADERSHIP

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A SUMMER OF LEADERSHIP CLASS OF 2014 UPDATE SNAPS AND SHOUT-OUTS CATCHING UP WITH NICK ORLANDO

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VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1

A Letter from the President Daniel P. Mascio ’16 Dear Brothers, Alumni, Family, and Friends,

Chriswell ’16, has revamped the new member education process, which will help those men learn to live the values of Beta Theta Pi.

Another great school year is upon us, and the Eta Epsilon Chapter is already in full swing. Over this past summer, the brothers were plenty busy preparing for the fall semester and many experiences helped us along the way. The executive board had its annual summer retreat in collaboration with our wonderful advisory team and multiple brothers attended the 175th General Convention, Wooden Institute, and Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI), which all provided excellent experiences to help grow as brothers and leaders.

Another focus for this year is housing.

We will be looking to update the floor with new furniture, a new TV, and a study lounge that can be fully utilized for educational purposes. Not only will this create a better environment to live in, but it will also promote better brotherhood by encouraging brothers to hang out on the floor together. The floor is our home for nine months out of the year, so we are excited to make it the best it can be.

To celebrate Beta’s 175th anniversary, the General Convention was held at our birthplace at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with over 1,400 attendees. Eta Epsilon had nine undergraduate members, five advisors, and one alumnus attend. Some of the highlights included a model initiation for eight new brothers, eight colonies earning their charter, and plenty of brotherhood bonding. Eta Epsilon was recognized with the North Dakota Award for Excellence in Chapter Publications and an honorable mention for the Web Excellence Award. It was an incredible opportunity to immerse ourselves in Beta’s history and ritual.

Throughout the summer, there were four sessions of the Wooden Institute. Eta Epsilon sent five brothers, including me, and while some of us were not at the same session, we all came home with a much more polished understanding of what it means to be a leader. It was an experience that none of us will soon forget.

As always, we will be hosting a slew of exciting events during the fall. The ever-competitive Father-Son Outing will provide an opportunity for our fathers to bond with their sons and for the new members to show their parents how great of an organization Beta is; all while having great food and fun!

Also, we will be looking forward to our date dances, mixers with the sororities, and our amazing service event, Through the Eyes of a Child.

At the end of last semester, we bid farewell to our brother Andrew Getz ’17, who transferred to The Ohio State University. Andrew will have the exciting opportunity to be a founding father for the Theta Delta colony, but will always be a brother of Eta Epsilon.

This will be an exciting semester for our chapter and I cannot wait to see what it has in store for us! Thank you to our advisors, alumni, Beta staff, parents, John Carroll University staff, and Friends of Beta for all of your continued support!

Looking forward to this Fall semester, we have put a heavy focus on recruitment and new member education.

Our vice president for recruitment, Matt Ansec ’15, has developed a new values-based recruitment system that will ensure only the best men are admitted to join our chapter. However, recruitment is only half of the picture.

Our vice president for member education, Immer

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CHRISTOPHER J. BARTHEN ’16

VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1 SUMMER 2014

VICE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNICATION

THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE ETA EPSILON CHAPTER OF BETA THETA PI

COMMUNICATION ADVISOR

JOEL W. MULLNER ’07

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Yours in ___kai___, Daniel Mascio President, Eta Epsilon Chapter

CONTRIBUTORS:

DANIEL P. MASCIO ’16 CONVENTION ATTENDEES WOODEN INSTITUTE ATTENDEES UNDERGRADUATES, ALUMNI, ADVISORS, AND FRIENDS

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VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1

Convention Reflections Some brothers and advisors look back on their time in Oxford “Leadership College motivated me to evaluate my position in the fraternity and challenged me to always seek continuous improvement. However, nothing compares to participating in the Parade of Chapters in the same place we were founded 175 years ago. Convention is always a reminder of how Beta transcends the passage of time. It made me proud to be a Beta!”

-Chris Casey ’15 __________ “The 175th General Convention was by far the greatest experience I’ve had in Beta. I was able to study Ritual from the experts of our fraternity and learned how to recruit the best Betas possible. I was able to see historic objects that I didn’t even know existed. These few days at our Fraternity’s home have kindled the strongest of bonds for Beta Theta Pi and I plan to bring this ageless bond to our chapter at JCU.”

-Tony Dempsey ’17 __________ “I have attended at least 15 conventions and every one of them has been a little different. This year the tone was more a celebration of 175 years and less business than past conventions. Variable programming allowed attendees to select enrichment sessions of their preference. Many events were held outdoors which made for a more

relaxed atmosphere. And with all conventions, I was able to renew contacts with other Betas in its broad domain and meet several members for the first time.”

-Joe Chinnici, Ohio State ’64 __________ “For a second straight year, Convention was an experience to remember. The Beta Spirit present during Convention, most notably on Founders’ Day, was apparent. We were fortunate to be exposed to Beta Greats all around, but what once again stuck with me was being able to meet Betas from all across the nation and share a conversation without issue because of our commitment to the Fraternity. I look forward to attending conventions for years to come.”

ETA EPSILON ATTENDEES AT 175TH ANNIVERSARY AND GENERAL CONVENTION UNDERGRADUATES JAKE BANDEEN ’16 CHRIS CASEY ’15 IMMER CHRISWELL ’16 TONY DEMPSEY ’17 ANDREW GETZ ’17 BRENT GIBALA-BROXHOLM ’17 WILL HUDSON ’17 DAN MASCIO ’16 DEANE STILLWAGON ’17

ALUMNI & ADVISORS SCOTT ALLEN JOE CHINNICI ERIC EICKHOFF RIC EICKHOFF JOEL MULLNER ’07 NICK ORLANDO ’11

-Immer Chriswell ’16 __________ “To me, Beta Theta Pi Conventions have been and always will be more of a reunion rather than a business meeting. The 175th reinforced this idea more than I ever thought it would. I am fortunate to have met many men from across our broad domain and Convention allows me to reconnect with my Beta Brothers.

Beta is best when we talk about what matters to us, our families, our jobs, and what makes us who we are as men and fraternity brothers.”

-Eric Eickhoff, Ohio Wesleyan ’00

AWARDS RECEIVED AT 175TH ANNIVERSARY AND GENERAL CONVENTION NORTH DAKOTA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CHAPTER PUBLICATIONS HONORABLE MENTION:

WEBSITE EXCELLENCE AWARD Sen. Richard Lugar, Denison ’54, spent a few minutes with Brothers Gibala-Broxholm, Stillwagon, and Hudson prior to the “Beta Greats” panel at the 175th General Convention.

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VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1 Feature Article

What Does It Mean To Be A Leader... ...In The Classroom?

“To be a leader in the classroom, one must first lead by example. Contrary to the popular belief that success in the classroom is directly related to one’s intellect, I believe that having a strong work ethic is what most leads to academic achievement. Though having a strong intellect is advantageous, it is wasted unless one is dedicated to their work. After all, hard work always beats talent when talent does not work hard.

To lead in the classroom, one must also have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. The world is a fascinating place, and there is so much to learn. One can never know everything – in fact, I’ve found with the more I learn, the less I feel I know. However, this is not cause for discouragement, but rather reason to continue to seek out knowledge. The ability to learn is a gift, and it is one that leaders throughout history have taken full advantage of.”

-Cole Hassay ’16 Former Scholarship Chairman Named to the Dean’s List each semester

“To me this means working tirelessly to immerse yourself in the subject at hand. In a classroom setting, it isn’t the smartest person in the room who learns the most or gets the most out of the class, but it is the person who is completely devoted to learning the subject matter and willing to put in the hours of studying who most prospers from the class. It is these people who are fully committed to learning the subject that become the true leaders in the classroom. These are the students the other students in the classroom can look up to and aspire to be. Every student has the ability to be this person in their classroom; it’s just a matter of having the passion and hunger to commit yourself to learning. Once you do this, your learning potential is limitless and you too will be looked up to in your classroom as a leader.

Further, a classroom is synonymous with learning. We all eventually stop going to classrooms; however, learning itself is a lifelong endeavor. Never stop learning.”

-Dan Imfeld ’13 Boler School of Business Valedictorian

...In Mission And Ministry?

“Being a leader in mission and ministry is ultimately about servant leadership; it means being deeply rooted in one’s core values and drawing on these values to lead a life of service to others. Living one’s mission is and must be a daily choice, a constant re-commitment to a faith that does justice.

We must develop a keen ability to truly pay attention to what happens in and around us and, in turn, cultivate a culture that pays reverence to the sacred that dwells in all of us. Seeing in this way, thus recognizing our mutual interdependence and connectedness, allows us to care for each other – and care deeply. Our highest calling is the call to care – and we strive to respond to this call with a spirit of generous excellence. As leaders in mission and ministry, we lead by serving in hopes to build a world grounded in love.”

“In order to become a leader in mission and ministry it is vital to have an understanding of the world as a whole.

The world is a vast place full of inequality and suffering.

To have an understanding of this vastness, leaders must be reflective. A reflective leader is someone who takes the time to think and analyze internally, whether that is in a spiritual sense or not.

Through their reflection, they are ready to lead with love. Ultimately, a person who is a leader in mission and ministry is someone who leads with love. But what does that mean? To lead with love means you are compassionate and understanding of those who are society’s cast-offs. Love is the bridge that connects the world, allowing it to become a place of equality and happiness.”

-Markus Creachbaum ’15

-Andy Costigan Eta Epsilon Service/Philanthropy Advisor

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President, Students for Social Justice

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VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1 Feature Article

What Does It Mean To Be A Leader... ...In The Greek Movement?

...Among Your Peers?

“Perspective is something that people often struggle with when it comes to fraternity/sorority life. People not affiliated with it often have a negative stereotype of it.

People affiliated with it often have a hard time explaining their experience in terms that make sense.

“Being a student leader is one of the most challenging opportunities in one’s undergraduate career. Finding the balance between school work, enjoying free time with friends, and leading your peers takes some serious work!

However, seeking leadership roles has created some of the most enjoyable moments of my JCU career.

I am a devoted member of Beta Theta Pi, but beyond that, I am a fraternity man. I believe deeply and passionately that the fraternal experience can change lives. For me, all Greek members need to recognize that not only are we serving our organizations, but all of Greek life. A leader in this movement understands that we truly are in this together. A leader in this movement takes the time to understand the values of other organizations and focuses not on individual events that distance us, but focuses on the common shared values that unite us.

Stephen Covey once said, ‘To change ourselves effectively, we first had to change our perceptions.’ As devoted fraternity men and sorority women of the Greek movement, our perspective must be that ‘changing ourselves’ means improving our entire Greek family, not just our own organizations. Once that has happened, the perceptions we face on a daily basis may begin to align with the shared values of our organizations.”

-Matt Crimmins, Northeastern ’13 East Great Lakes Leadership Consultant, Beta Theta Pi

“I’d say that leadership within the Greek community means being a good steward of the opportunities afforded you. This takes the form of active citizenship in your community. What does it mean to be a good community member? Active communities require many moving parts and investment from their members in a variety of ways. At the University level, Greek chapters mimic a healthy community through service, engagement, on-going member education, and philanthropy. I see many Greek leaders in our communities but I see far more students graduate and somehow forget what active citizenship looks like. As an educator in the fraternity/sorority system, my hope is to encourage young people to think about what active citizenship means to them so that when they move beyond their college years they can take the most important lessons from Greek life into their communities.”

Being a leader among your peers means you get to create change for the gripes your friends and other students have. It means everyday waking up and knowing that the work you’re doing is directly benefiting the student body as a whole.

As Student Union President, I constantly meet with university officials to update them on the state of the university. For some, I am the only interaction with students they have. Sharing the student story with these individuals is one of my favorite parts of the job, because they are the people who have the power to really make JCU a better place. I’ve loved every second of being president.”

-Tim Ficke ’15 Current Student Union President

“Historically, a leader was most likely the person everyone turned to for answers. The leader was above the people and exercised decisionmaking as a silo. Leaders today are given authority by the people they represent to make decisions on their behalf. That decision-making authority can be taken away just as quickly as it was given. Leaders must constantly live and listen among the peers they represent to be effective.

Student Union is the only organization on campus with the authority to speak on behalf of the entire student body. Those words mean nothing if the faculty, staff, and administration don’t believe we’re acting on behalf of all students. Being a leader among your peers means recognizing you don’t have all the answers. To get to a representative answer, you have to actively listen to your peers. Your authority increases tenfold when you can walk into a meeting and say we surveyed the student body and found that the overwhelming majority are in support of PLAN X. It’s crazy how much easier it is to be heard after you’ve taken the time to listen.”

-Mandi Hulme Director of Leadership and Education, Beta Theta Pi

-Greg Petsche ’13 Former Student Union President

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VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1 Feature Article

What Does It Mean To Be A Leader... ...In Athletics?

...In Higher Education?

“Serving as captain of the varsity tennis team for the 2009–2010 season is something I am quite proud of. I believe my experiences within Beta Theta Pi helped build a solid foundation for the demands of this role. For instance, leading my brothers in song as the fraternity’s chorister helped me gain the confidence and maturity needed to be the tennis team’s leader. As the captain, I quickly realized that I had to manage my time well and make sound decisions to be prepared both physically and mentally for the tennis season. I treated school much like a day job so that I could devote my late afternoons and early evenings to tennis practices and matches. In addition, I would rarely stay out late on weekend nights so I would have the energy needed to compete at a high level. I wanted to lead my team by example and believe such decisions contributed to my success as the team’s leader.”

“The word ‘leadership’ usually suggests the individual as the unit of measure – the person at the top, or out in front. I liken this view to the perennial image of the children’s table at family gatherings; the ‘leaders’ sit at the adult table, separate and disconnected from the ‘followers’ who are relegated to their own table, removed from building relationships and joining in the conversation at the ‘leaders’ table. Yet, colleges and universities are complex organizations that play a special role in society by educating future leaders.

Accomplishing this mission requires the contribution of the multiple perspectives and expertise of a variety of educators, and involves collaborative relationships grounded in shared values. In such a context, leadership can’t be solely defined as a person or a position, but rather a relationship and a responsibility shared among many, based on the common goal of educating citizens who can contribute to the common good.”

-Ross Venzke ’10

-Kathleen Lis Dean, Ph.D. Eta Epsilon Executive Committee Advisor Assistant Vice President for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, John Carroll University

Former Varsity Tennis Team Captain

“John Wooden once said, ‘A leader’s most powerful ally is his or her own example.’ After two years of being a varsity athlete, I couldn’t agree more. During our seasons, I would also hear my coach remind us that we all had a specific role that we had to accomplish and that no one else could fill on our team. We always had to be ready to play because at any point in time, you were just one rolled ankle away from starting or sitting.

However, issues normally did not occur with the new player in the game; it was with the player now sitting on the bench. He went from a position of leadership to the last man on the bench. This is where true leadership would shine and those with a false sense of leadership would fall. A true leader continues to support the team, including his replacement. He is actively participating from the sidelines, calling things out, and supporting his teammates. A true leader wouldn’t complain that he had to sit, or get mad at his coaches or himself. He stays focused, and knows that he needs to be ready when the time comes when he can step out onto the court again.

A leader doesn’t have to be the star player (it normally isn’t anyway); it could be anyone on the team, as long as he is trustworthy, selfless, and intelligent.”

-Tim Schifferle ’16 Varsity Men’s Basketball Team

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“When I think what it means to be a leader in higher education, three key words come to mind – flexibility, communication, and development. Higher education can be a very transforming environment, so flexibility is a key aspect. Sure, there are certain constants in the mix, but what took place last year may now be altered by technology, a student movement, or perhaps policy changes with a new administration, so being flexible and open to change is required. Communication is a resounding qualifier to being an effective leader in higher education – or in any realm for that matter. Clear and effective communication keeps every interest at the core and will hopefully create more informed and decisive outcomes. Lastly, a leader in higher education must be on the cutting edge of development - of oneself, of others, and of the processes and protocols which are abundant in a higher education environment.

Higher education offers many opportunities to be a leader. The more one is willing to learn and cultivate, the more opportunities you have to progress in areas where you have the most impact and to ‘walk behind’ the people you hope to lead.”

-Michael Hay, Eastern Kentucky ’94 District XXXVI Chief and Former Eta Epsilon Chapter Mentor Director, Southeastern Kentucky Migrant Education Program, Eastern Kentucky University

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VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1 Feature Article

What Does It Mean To Be A Leader... ...In The Workplace?

“It’s my belief that before you can expect to be able to lead others, whether it’s in the classroom, in the community or in a certain profession, you must first be able to lead yourself. This means knowing who you truly are (your values and your morals), taking care of yourself on a daily basis (mentally, physically, and spiritually), and understanding the purpose behind your actions each day. In the workplace, leadership can mean a number of different things. Whether your end goal is to champion change, to win a sale, to develop a new strategy, to earn a certain title/position within an organization, (insert your end goal here), I feel that the people who are the most successful and are regarded as true leaders in the workplace are the ones who are able to lead themselves on a daily basis, understand the reasons behind the ‘why’ in everything they do, and have a firm sense of self-awareness which enables them to bring themselves up or down to anyone’s level.”

-Andy Lane ’12 Financial Analyst, Wells Fargo

“Being a leader in today’s workplace is not being a ‘figurehead’ or ‘boss’ but is being another respected member of the team. In my business we are all working toward the same goal of attaining, then retaining, our residents and tending to their every need. As the leader I set the jobs, the schedule, handle the tough situations, and fix the problems but also pick up any void that may need to be filled. Being a leader means that you would not ask any one of your employees to do something I would not do myself. Bringing a positive attitude and an attitude that decompresses any stressful situation helps all tasks get completed more efficiently. Being a leader means learning and growing every week. Being a leader in my business also means networking and ‘picking the brains’ of any other professionals in the field. Finally, being a leader means loving your position. That will emulate each day and that is a very easy way to earn respect. You don’t have to be the best at what you do but if you enjoy it and others see that, the respect will come.”

-Andrew Kolupski ’10 Manager, Woodridge Apartments, Inc.

...In Healthcare?

“As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I find myself with a unique opportunity to lead others on a daily basis.

When people become injured or have surgery, there are many factors, including pain, physical impairments, and discouragement, that can begin to limit an individual’s quality of life. In working with patients I am able to address some these factors to help them return to their previous level of function and improve their quality of life. This is quite an individualized process because not all people respond to the same treatment plans or instructions. It takes time to develop rapport with each individual and true success comes from empowering each person to see his or her role in their care. Being a leader in healthcare means serving others with genuine compassion and guiding them to healthy lifestyles, so that they are able to enjoy life to the fullest.”

-J.J. Kuczynski ’10, PT, DPT Endurance Medicine Team, The Ohio State University Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

“A leader in healthcare is someone who is able to collaborate, learn from, and work side by side with other medical personnel to deliver the most effective healthcare. Despite the notion that the medical field is run by individual physicians, it is truly a team-based model. Thus, in order to provide effective delivery of healthcare to patients there must be a functioning team. A leader within a medical team is someone who never loses sight of putting the patient at the center of all decisions.

Lastly, a leader in healthcare stands as a role model for other healthcare providers, driven to inspire them to be their best for the patients they serve.”

-Kurt Hauber ’10 Student at the Penn State College of Medicine

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VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1 Feature Article

What Does It Mean To Be A Leader... ...In The Interfraternal Community?

“Leading the interfraternal community challenged me to step back from my chapter and view Greek life from a broader perspective. I had experience leading groups in which most members have similar values and goals, but this role required a much more objective stance. As head of four fraternities, I was compelled to work for the common good of all organizations. Sitting on that side of the table sometimes meant making the tough decisions that were not pleasing to every member on campus but moved Greek life forward as a whole. Lessons learned in this position can be applied to many areas of my daily life, career, and current leadership roles, as I continue to develop my skills as a young leader.”

“As the president of the Interfraternity Council, I have been obligated to put aside the concerns of my own chapter and focus on the state of the fraternal community as a whole. In doing this, I think it is crucial to drive home the message that the various fraternities on campus are not separate entities competing for new members or Greek Week titles. Rather, we are all members of the same community dedicated to upholding our collective values of scholarship, individual improvement, and service to the world around us. Being a leader in the interfraternal community is about reminding fraternity men of all that we have in common rather than the areas in which we are different.”

-Nick Skiviat ’12

-Drew Kostiuk ’15

Former President, Interfraternity Council

Current President, Interfraternity Council

...In Beta Theta Pi? “To be a successful leader within Beta Theta Pi you have to believe in what you’re doing. Passion will motivate you to work the long hours, put in the extra effort, and make good turn into great for the chapter. Charismatic passion is infectious and can motivate others to strive for betterment as well.

To be a successful leader within Beta Theta Pi you have to nurture your relationships with respectful communication and strong collaboration. Beta is a social fraternity, and in order to make this a reality strong leaders must communicate and collaborate with brothers, advisors, the greater community, and other constituents. Communication skills and collaborative attitudes are prized in relationships and the workplace.

Finally, to be a successful leader within Beta Theta Pi you have to establish a balance within your life. Beta made my four years at John Carroll amazing, but I also had wonderful experiences doing other things. A balance of friends, family, faith, fraternity, and extracurriculars nurtures your own well-being and ensures that you can operate at your best for the good of the chapter.

As a leader in Beta Theta Pi if you believe in the mission, communicate and collaborate effectively, and establish a balance for your own sake people will take notice and a mutual trust can be established.”

-John Jackson ’13

“I would have to first say that from my experiences, and not to sound simple, but leadership begins with the leader. An effective leader is the one who knows when and how to lead, motivate, encourage, and clearly communicate a task/goal to others.

Directly reflecting on my presidency when we were a colony, I found it extremely important and beneficial in recognizing when to be a leader, and when to step back and contribute through delegation. It can be difficult at times but it is amazing how effective delegation and allowing those in other roles a little room for autonomy can inspire and motivate a group.

A good leader in Beta Theta Pi will also lead by example.

He will be held to the highest standard, and will be accountable for his actions and the actions of his brothers. A good leader should know his brothers. I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing your people. A good leader will also be highly motivated and be willing to be the first person at a meeting and the last to leave...and will probably be doing 1,000 things behind the scenes in preparation for his next task. And finally, he must have approachability. He has to have the trust and confidence of his brothers and they must feel that they can go to him for anything at any time. It may sound like a large responsibility, but a good leader will seek the opportunity to be just that.”

Former Two-Term Chapter President

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-Christopher DiNapoli ’09 Founding Father, First Colony President

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VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1

The Five Ps of Leadership Scott J. Allen, Ph.D. This article originally appeared in the January 2011 issue of Sales and Service Excellence.

Purpose. Leadership for what? Leaders are clearly aligned around a cause or purpose. It may be money-related, politically motivated, mission-driven, or community service-oriented. Regardless, purpose is essential. Without purpose, a leader will have a difficult time motivating others to work hard, innovate, take risks, sacrifice, and assume responsibility. Hopefully, a leader’s purpose is positive, and pursuing it will benefit the community, country, or organization.

__________ When I read The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck, I liked the opening line: “Life is difficult.” As my passion and energy for leadership has grown, I have adapted his words and think often about the phrase “Leadership is difficult.” It is.

Whether you are the president of the United States or a school administrator trying to do more with less, leadership and more specifically, good leadership is difficult. The term ‘leadership’ is used on college campuses, in advertising, on the football field, and in the board room.

Leadership is a sexy word - but I am not sure we are always clear on what is working behind the scenes. What is leadership? In actuality, it is a number of things.

By no means am I going to provide an exhaustive list, but I have been thinking about a simple way to place the concept in a few different buckets. Leadership is five things - Purpose, Personal attributes, Position, Process, and Product.

Personal attributes are the knowledge, skills, and abilities that leaders and followers bring to the table.

They can make or break an individual’s ability to lead others. Individuals bring natural ability in some areas (cognitive ability, for example), but this does not mean the individual can influence, inspire, and energize other people. By knowing what knowledge, skills, and abilities the leader (and followers) will need for each different context, they can better manage the personal dimension of effective leadership.

Position is about the role of leader. When others speak about the “leader” it is often done so in deference to the role the individual occupies. Most often this person is in a position of authority over others. He or she is the “president,” “executive director,” “branch manager,” and so forth. However, the important point to note with position is that there does not need to be a formal title. If leadership is in fact a process of influence, than the position need not be a formal one. In other words, each of us can step into and out of “leadership” often in a moment’s notice. So leadership can be a formal or informal role. Interestingly, people in positions of authority or “leadership” may be doing everything but leading others while those without the title (think Gandhi, Mother Theresa) may in fact be exercising leadership.

The Process of leadership is HOW the leader takes the group from A to Z. At times the process is simple and straightforward; at other times, it is a complex maze of possibilities. The process is crucial and may mean the difference between success and failure. After all, the process will either energize or demotivate followers, either model desired behaviors and engage people or disengage them. It may foster an environment of creativity and innovation or stability and conservatism. Either can be fine depending on the context, but an intentional awareness of which is needed will lead to success or failure.

What is the end Product? Some wonder if we can determine if leadership was provided prior to knowing the results. In other words, did the individual make a positive contribution that did in fact “lead” the organization, country, or cause to new and better places? Or, is the institution worse off because of the intervention? In some cases it takes years, maybe decades, to know the full effect of an individual’s actions (or inactions) and in the end, some go down in history as great leaders who affected wonderful change - while others do not. The product or outcome is incredibly important and an essential part of the conversation.

Some individuals bring one or two of these to the table a great man or woman with an incredible purpose or cause - but fail to implement process and produce results in a way that impacts the masses. Others produce results but in a horrifying or unethical manner.

Ultimately, our best leaders have an intentional eye on all five Ps. Of course no one person can do it all, but his or her team should be prepared to help ensure each of the above-mentioned elements are in place.

Scott J. Allen, Ph.D., Minnesota ’95, is an associate professor of management at John Carroll University. He is the recruitment advisor for the Eta Epsilon Chapter and is currently serving his third term on the Beta Theta Pi Board of Trustees.

WWW.JCUBETAS.ORG

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THE BRIDGE BUILDER

VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1

A Summer of Leadership Reflecting on the Wooden Institute and Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute “For me, the Wooden Institute was an eye opening experience. My understanding of the Ritual grew and I learned about the accomplishments and struggles of the fraternity at large. A very pivotal moment for me was speaking in the Hall of Chapters to brothers from across the nation. Wooden allowed me to gain wisdom, insight, and personal growth, and I would recommend it to every undergraduate Beta out there.”

-Brent Gibala-Broxholm ’17 __________

Stillwagon, Hudson, and Gibala-Broxholm with chapter advisor and Wooden facilitator Joel Mullner ’07

This summer, five of our brothers attended one of the award-winning leadership development programs sponsored by Beta Theta Pi or the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). Andrew Getz ’17, Brent Gibala-Broxholm ’17, Will Hudson ’17, Dan Mascio ’16, and Deane Stillwagon ’17 attended the John and Nellie Wooden Institute for Men of Principle, which was held on the campus of Miami University and at Beta Theta Pi’s Administrative Office in Oxford, Ohio. Getz also took part in the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI), which was held at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.

The brothers reflected upon their experiences and how they continued to develop their leadership abilities through these educational programs.

“My experience at Wooden was quite transformative.

Having the opportunity to meet Betas from around the country was a great blessing afforded to all the Wooden Institute graduates. Listening to others’ experiences in Beta and discussing difficult topics led to growth for all involved. At the end of the day, the best times were had having deep discussions with my chapter brothers.

Wooden was a great experience and I would recommend it to any Beta who has not yet attended.”

-Deane Stillwagon ’17 __________ “I value my experience at the Wooden Institute greatly. It was challenging but ultimately extremely rewarding. I immensely enjoyed taking a deeper look at our Ritual in order to better understand what it truly means to be a Beta. I also made great connections with brothers from chapters throughout the country. Wooden is an incredible program and I am very pleased that our Good and Great Fraternity supports the undergraduates wholeheartedly through high quality programming such as Wooden.”

-Will Hudson ’17

“While at UIFI, I was surrounded by people with such knowledge, drive, and passion for Greek Life that one couldn’t help but feel inspired - both participant and facilitator alike. The curriculum forced critical thought about the Greek system in its entirety and pushed those who participated out of their comfort zone to force new ways of thought. It made me a better leader, fraternity man, and brother of Beta Theta Pi. It is not something I will soon forget.”

-Andrew Getz ’17

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Andrew Getz (right) with fellow Beta Chapman Fleming, East Carolina ’17, who also attended UIFI during the same session.

THE BRIDGE BUILDER

VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1

Class of 2014: Where Are They Now? An update on some of our recent graduates

Clar delivers Millor Orator Address

Ken Clar graduated with his B.S.B.A. in management, and is now working in Providence, Rhode Island, with Textron, Inc. He is currently a compensation analyst in the Human Resources Leadership Development Program.

Joel Baker also stayed in Cleveland to attend Case Western Reserve University after earning his B.S. in biology at JCU. He is in a two-year Master of Science in Anesthesia Program, which prepares him to be an anesthesiologist assistant.

Bence Toth earned his bachelor’s degree in communication and serves as the director of digital marketing for Universal Windows Direct. He resides in Rocky River, Ohio.

Chris Saniuk ’12 received his master’s degree in business administration. He lives in North Royalton, Ohio, and works as the Midwest regional sales manager for Engineered Controls International.

Former president Ken Clar ’14 followed in two of his predecessors’ footsteps (J.J. Kuczynski ’10, Andy Lane ’12) as the only student to speak at graduation when he gave the Millor Orator Address during Commencement on Sunday, May 18.

In his remarks, Clar stressed the value of a John Carroll degree and reminded his peers that “it’s easy to forget what’s important - so don’t.”

To see video and the full text of Ken’s speech, visit jcubetas.org.

Eta Epsilon Class of 2014: Clar, Baker, Troy Murphy, and Toth (missing: Mike Moccia)

Snaps and Shout-Outs Celebrating accomplishments and life events of our members Steve Henderson ’15 will act as one of the co-leaders of this fall’s Manresa Retreat. Congrats to Steve, as well as to Tim Ficke ’15 and Immer Chriswell ’16, selected to join Steve on the team!

Congratulations to Ben Rossi ’13 and his Beta Sweetheart, Sarah, newly engaged to be married!

Sarah also happens to be the younger sister of Nick Skiviat ’12.

In other engagement news, Jeff Bartolozzi ’10 recently popped the question to his girlfriend, Joy. Together, they have a little twoyear-old girl, Molly.

Andrew Getz ’17 became the first re-founding father of the Theta Delta colony at The Ohio State University. Getz transferred to OSU over the summer.

Rossi and Skiviat

Brent Gibala-Broxholm ’17 was elected as the vice president for programming to finish out the 2014 term. He will work with the chairs for service, philanthropy, alumni relations, social, and brotherhood.

WWW.JCUBETAS.ORG

Doug Gault ’09 and his wife, Ashley (pictured left), are expecting their first child in October!

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THE BRIDGE BUILDER

VOLUME VI, ISSUE 1

Catching Up with Nick Orlando ’11 One of Eta Epsilon’s Founding Fathers

Nick Orlando ’11 is a founding father, holding #5 on the roll of the Eta Epsilon Chapter. During his time as an undergraduate, Nick was a three-term executive board officer and now serves as the president of the new Eta Epsilon House Corporation.

The Bridge Builder recently had an opportunity to catch up with Nick to see what he’s been up to since graduation and to learn how Beta has made a difference in his life.

BB: Looking back on your undergraduate Beta experience, what was your favorite Beta moment?

Nick: During the summer of my junior year, I was able to call upon my brothers to organize a serenade as part of my marriage proposal to my Beta Sweetheart, Katie.

BB: What have you been doing since you’ve graduated?

Nick: I haven’t gone far in the physical sense—I still live in the Cleveland area. Since graduation, I married my wonderful wife, and we now have a daughter, Abigail, who is two years old. I currently work as a Lead Software Engineer at TMW Systems in Mayfield Heights.

MUTUAL ASSISTANCE

BB: Have you been able to stay in contact with many of our brothers?

Nick: Absolutely. One brother from my graduating class works with me, and the chapter Alumni Association is continuing to plan regular events.

Facebook and email also keep me in touch with the rest who have moved out of the area.

BB: Do you think that Beta has impacted your life even after your graduation from John Carroll?

Nick: Our commitment to be “Gentlemen, Leaders, and Scholars” doesn’t stop after graduation.

Consciously living our Three Great Principles and “earning my badge” every day has in no small part contributed to my professional success.

INTELLECTUAL GROWTH

TRUST

RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT

Eta Epsilon Chapter John Carroll University 1 John Carroll Boulevard University Heights, Ohio 44118

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Orlando with his daughter, Abbie

INTEGRITY

Save the Date of Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 for Carroll’s Got Talent, our chapter’s annual philanthropic talent show to benefit the Milestones Autism Organization.

Last year we raised over $2,000, and hope to top that number this year!

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