President's Message

President's Message

President's MessageYou may have heard the old saying, “What a difference a day makes!” In my case, however, my “day” as an Archon is now nearing the end of its sixth year, and I can’t help but reflect upon the wonderful journey that we have shared together at Phi Gamma Delta.

As I look back, I am reminded that although our mission of Building Courageous Leaders remains deeply rooted in our core values of Friendship, Knowledge, Service, Morality and Excellence, many things around us have changed the way we operate. The COVID-19 pandemic, an entirely disruptive event, enabled us to find ways of embracing technology. We changed the mode and frequency of Archon and chapter meetings, recruitment formats, staff and volunteer visits, and the general administrative functioning of our organization, as fewer of us could be in the same place at the same time. Some of these changes are with us to stay, and they are beneficial to us in many ways.

I am also reminded that change is a constant factor in life and what matters most is how we anticipate those changes, adapt to them and use the new scenarios to our advantage. Successful organizations recognize the need to change for the better. What makes these organizations thrive is their members share clear, elevating goals, unified commitment, standards of excellence and principled leadership. While transforming themselves, they remain true to their core values which continue to endure and promote success.

What happens to organizations which cannot, for one reason or another, successfully transform themselves

to address changes in their environments or competitive circumstances? Let’s look at the history of American railroads.

One hundred years ago has been described as the golden age of railroading in the United States. Rail transportation systems comprised the primary means of intercity passenger travel and the shipment of freight. Most mail moved by train, as clerks sorted letters aboard rolling post office cars. The Pullman Company lodged as many as 40,000 travelers per night aboard specially outfitted sleeper cars. Small packages moved swiftly through the efforts of the Railroad Express Agency, and many of the country’s finest restaurants were found in railroad dining cars.

Today, we find most of these functions are being performed by companies that hail from modest beginnings and grew by unrelenting attention to customer service and maintenance of their core beliefs. For example, Walmart began as a local company, and the entire airline industry grew in response to a need to move people more quickly. Many restaurant and hotel companies have prospered by focusing on their markets and their cultures.

The secret, then, lies in the ability to identify new ways of meeting continuing needs and to provide a better way of doing things. As such, we are reminded that change is an integral element of success.

At Phi Gamma Delta, many things have changed about our Fraternity since our founding. Our organizational structure is different, we govern ourselves in a different manner and our Ritual has evolved over time. All

these changes have been good for our Fraternity. For the most part, they have occurred because our members have seen the need to act, formulated a plan of action and moved forward as quickly as possible. What has remained constant, however, is an adherence to the beliefs that unite our brotherhood and continue to propel us into the future. Our values are the glue that holds us together and provides the basis for our achievements.

Phi Gamma Delta of today is different from the Phi Gamma Delta of yesterday. Just as the Phi Gamma Delta of tomorrow promises to be different from today, while continuing to yield the same beneficial influence to our members and to promote a pathway to lifetime fulfilment. We should be careful to embrace change that benefits our future and avoid the routes that obstruct our ability to accomplish our objectives or deviate from our longestablished principles of brotherhood.

My time as an Archon has been a personally rewarding experience for me, and I am forever grateful for your decision to entrust me with the responsibilities of the office of Archon President. As we go forward as brothers, I look toward a continuation of our success in our quest to create enduring friendships, stimulate knowledge and build courageous leaders. Thank you for everything.

Fraternally,

Nic Loiacono (Illinois 1974), Archon President