May Volunteer of the Month: TAMMY BAGNATO When most Fraters think of a Volunteer of the Month, they envision a member who wants to make a difference in the Fraternity. In this case, Tammy Bagnato, a Phi Mu and former TKE Sweetheart, has stepped up to help the Xi-Omega chapter at Virginia Tech. When the group faced difficult sanctions in 2009, she was instrumental in keeping the members focused on the positives to get them back to full recognition in the future. Her efforts did not go unnoticed. She says her deep connection to the Fraternity and efforts to help never really seemed like volunteer work. “It just seems natural to step in and give time and attention,” said Bagnato. “TKE has meant so much to all of us over the years, and these guys are amazing. Supporting this chapter is a labor of love. Ultimately, working with the guys is a gift from the heart, and it simply feels great to be a part of their lives and continue to develop new relationships.” She believes alumni have skills and life experience that the active brothers don’t have yet. In the winter of 2009, many of the active members thought life was over for Xi-Omega. Tammy and the alumni knew better. They offered patience and confidence. She said it is critical for volunteers to be able to see the big picture. “In my business life, I’ve had to be a planner, a strategist, a counselor, and someone who sees the future. Volunteers have to figure out when to
step in and when to stay out. This one has been the hardest. So, ‘letting go’ of things is not always easy. I’ve learned too that I have to be mindful of ‘risk’ without sounding too much like an old lady. We know more than they think we do, but we have to let them manage and learn on their own.” Her favorite moment as a volunteer was receiving a text message from Frater and Associate Regional Director Aaron Pattison (Beta-Sigma, University of Southern California) that the chapter had been reinstated. “Being called at about 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning this past fall by active brother Colin Kerr requesting that I drive out to the house was another great moment. The guys were out on the deck singing and playing guitar, having a great time on a beautiful sunny morning. Times like these are my favorites.” Outside of TKE, Tammy is a volunteer, teaching work-release prisoners in two county jail systems, including programs for personal goal setting, budgeting, decision making, and conflict resolution. She has also served on the Board of Advisors for the Xi-Omega chapter and numerous homeowner associations, among others. To have such an amazing woman helping Fraters at Virginia Tech is truly remarkable. She has made an incredible difference in their lives and epitomizes what it means to be a TKE volunteer.
VOLUNTEERS
“In my business life, I’ve had to be a planner, a strategist, a counselor, and someone who sees the future. Volunteers have to figure out when to step in and when to stay out.”
June Volunteer of the Month: DR. NIGEL HERNANDEZ “I get the opportunity to see firsthand what challenges our chapters and undergraduates face, and this allows me to influence changes and solutions at the regional or international level.” June Volunteer of the Month, Dr. Nigel Hernandez (Lambda-Lambda, Utica College), has served in various capacities including his current role as Grand Province Advisor in the Northeast. He said being a volunteer allows him the challenge of working with an almost unattainable goal for the Liberty Province. No matter how we define success, or planned for the academic year, something always seems to derail their plans and it becomes an uphill battle. “Fortunately, we have a world-class regional servicing team who are all proactive and dependable, which makes the experience worthwhile. As undergraduate or alumni Fraters, we can all point to something in our TKE experience that was a defining moment. Perhaps that moment was an increase in confidence, a first job lead or a lesson in leadership or running a business. Whatever it is, we owe it to TKE and our unique experiences as Fraters. Volunteering ensures that we prepare for our future so that our network continues to grow and our members continue to lead as better men,
building a better world.” He has many favorite moments because seeing the success in turning around chapters that are ripe with potential gives him a lasting intrinsic satisfaction. “Last fall we had such a chapter in this region; however, with a lot of time, determination, hard work, university engagement and the BuckPete workshop (Buckwheat and Regional Director Pete Dawson), they were transformed and took full ownership. A year later, hearing the school acknowledge them as a ‘fine example of fraternity’ was a stellar moment and testament to why we all do this.” He currently teaches the final MBA capstone course at the University of Maryland and has two other businesses. He volunteers with causes that resonate with his life experiences, interests and expertise. He is also active with the American Cancer Society, American Institute for Cancer Research, March of Dimes, and serves as a board director for the Center for Law, Policy and Justice, and the Center for the Study of Regulatory Affairs. Tau Kappa Epsilon thanks Frater Hernandez for all his hard work to help build Better Men for a Better World.
“Volunteering ensures that we prepare for our future so that our network continues to grow and our members continue to lead as better men, building a better world.”
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