A few thoughts to share on the heels of yesterdays National Association of Wabash Men (NAWM) election: The grace and friendship shown by so many has been tremendous. Thanks to the current board for their vote of confidence, and I strive to serve in the great traditions of those who have led - and served - before me. Occasionally, we get the chance to look back upon pivotal events in ones life that have conspired to make something else happen. For me, these would be 4th grade band, Philip Seward, and Greg Castanias. When I started in band, that set off a chain of events that led me to Smith-Walbridge Band Camp, where I would meet Stephen Pavy and Phil Seward. Both of them ended up at Wabash; Phil invited me to come visit. I got to know (and love) the school and Lambda Chi Alpha. Wabash prepared me very well for my 27 years (so far) at IBM. Fast forward to Greg Castanias, whose Chapel Talk during his tenure as National Association of Wabash Men President invited *all* alumni back - an inclusive overture that was as welcome as it was overdue, and I took it seriously. (Without Gregs personal engagement, I would not be involved today - always remember the power of personal connection.) I re-connected and increased my giving of time, talent, and treasure to our alma mater (the investment of each of those has been richly rewarded), and was elected to the NAWM board. It is an honor to work with such talented, committed, dedicated men. Its an equal honor to have been voted on yesterday to serve as VP for two years, then to try to match the great leadership of those who have contributed before me in a two-year term as President. These past few days have strengthened friendships with faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and students, and have also allowed the opportunity to forge new friendships with members of the class of 2018. Men across all four class years are to be commended for their intelligence and their thirst for knowledge; they are a welcoming, friendly group of gentlemen. I had the pleasure of seeing several men become part of my fraternity. We had the opportunity to break bread (well, pizza crust) with a new generation of men affiliating with the shOUT Network, as members of the community or as allies. I treasure my time on campus. There will be many more times there in the future. Theres much to accomplish, and we build from a position of great strength. Thanks for your kind words, support, congratulations, friendship, brotherhood, and love. I aspire to be worthy of it.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 02:26:29 +0000
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