tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60436225792063876952024-03-13T14:30:48.336-07:00Alex On the RoadAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-46351061963590676252012-04-24T12:55:00.000-07:002012-04-24T12:57:19.492-07:00Using Branding to Your Advantage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.imagemme.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/branding-and-seo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.imagemme.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/branding-and-seo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The concept of "Branding" should be nothing new for those students who are interested in Marketing/Advertising. As an undergraduate (man I sound old) this concept was just entering the fraternity lexicon. I distinctly remember one of my chapter brothers returning from a conference and uttering the following phrase:<br />
<br />
"We need to create a brand... from here on out we're putting 'Michigan Alpha' on the back of all of our T-shirts"<br />
<br />
I think we can safely say he missed the boat on this one. Branding is about more than simply something you put on T-Shirts.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/encyclopedia/term/82248.html" target="_blank">Entrepreneur.com</a> defines branding as "<em style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">The marketing practice of creating a name, symbol or design that identifies and differentiates a product from other products"</em><br />
<em style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></em><br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Think about that in terms of corporations you're familiar with. If you see a red background with white script letters - that's Coke. A mermaid in a green and white circle is Starbucks. A swoosh is Nike. These brands are consistant and work tirelessly to make sure individuals recognize their presence in a given environment.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Now the real challenge lies in how can your chapter create a brand, and use it to your advantage in recruitment. In my time at California State, Northridge I witnessed chapters exemplifying this perfectly and I'll use Sigma Alpha Epsilon as an example: </div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mE3eaMQ9dpjzMr3U5VoDeeypZp2D433NtOhGyprTHKlBFdvB7-ELQBk93KTAmL8u4LRlwMlG4Z6-TLVN_ai_TzxMcD3TNTMqTSEqNouruBKkm8NealKTNBCgAEIcL-iI_Zx0JHg527pP/s1600/SAE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mE3eaMQ9dpjzMr3U5VoDeeypZp2D433NtOhGyprTHKlBFdvB7-ELQBk93KTAmL8u4LRlwMlG4Z6-TLVN_ai_TzxMcD3TNTMqTSEqNouruBKkm8NealKTNBCgAEIcL-iI_Zx0JHg527pP/s320/SAE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Take note of certain aspects of this: colors, symbols, themes, simplicity, cleanliness, and the lack of drug, alcohol and sex references. If you're lost on where to start look towards your international organization who probably has symbols, colors and tag-lines for you to use. Many campuses also have groups of graphic design students who are looking for opportunities to boost their portfolio (often times free of charge).</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
The next step is to use the brand in all outgoing messaging by the chapter which includes:</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
- Facebook Fan Page (Profile Picture and Cover Photo)</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
- Chapter Website</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
- Flyers</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
- Bulletin Boards</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
- Posters </div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
- Recruitment Packets</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
- T-Shirts/Apparel (for males and females)</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
- Table Skirt</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
- Banners </div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
- Stationary</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
- <a href="http://bit.ly/Hw33Je" target="_blank">Summer Mailers</a></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
- <a href="http://bit.ly/zGngpi" target="_blank">Scholarship Applications</a></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG2vEBTr92spcChb_dYbA2njxIiRL9QejI19clMGNB6hEhKmqNul1CrUyQUSFCfrEgVhO5jMnS5ouDXD909FCtvmBc9tpapIfuhQXk98YcSqysD8TqnM_htSCRW9dAZr90oS1pdyPr4oP/s1600/SAE+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG2vEBTr92spcChb_dYbA2njxIiRL9QejI19clMGNB6hEhKmqNul1CrUyQUSFCfrEgVhO5jMnS5ouDXD909FCtvmBc9tpapIfuhQXk98YcSqysD8TqnM_htSCRW9dAZr90oS1pdyPr4oP/s320/SAE+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Facebook Cover Photo</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The key to any branding campaign is consistency. It got to the point where I could tell something was an SAE advertisement based on the colors alone. That should be your goal. A strong branding campaign can set a chapter apart, especially when competing with 10, 20 or 30+ other organizations on a campus.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Has anyone else seen examples of good (or bad) chapter branding campaigns?</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-78377078443244933522012-04-16T11:22:00.004-07:002012-04-24T13:05:06.689-07:00Summer Recruitment Part 4<a href="http://cdn.nyulocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/college-freshman-290x290.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://cdn.nyulocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/college-freshman-290x290.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 290px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 290px;" /></a><br />
Hopefully at this point you have executed a successful Summer Recruitment program and have numerous guys signed before they step on campus (assuming that it's within the rules). The real magic happens once those men you recruited turn around and start recruiting for you.<br />
<br />
Think about it, you now have 5, 10, 15, 20+ New Members who attended high schools, live in residence halls and are taking freshmen classes. Your newest members are generally your most excited so use them! Here are some strategies to utilize them to their full potential:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://phiredup.com/files/Mens_Mind_Joggers.pdf#page=2">Mind Joggers</a> - Sit your new members down and have them do Mind Joggers to add many more names to your Names List. Then turn around and invite those people to your small recruitment events.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://phiredup.com/files/Six_Cylinders_67_Ideas_updated_2.28.2011.pdf#page=26">3x7 Challenge</a> - This activity will get your New Members actively recruiting in their classes. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://phiredup.com/files/Six_Cylinders_67_Ideas_updated_2.28.2011.pdf#page=33">5x5 Challenge</a> - Another activity to drive up the number of names on the Names List<br />
<br />
<a href="http://phiredup.com/files/Six_Cylinders_67_Ideas_updated_2.28.2011.pdf#page=35">Move In</a> - Does your campus offer some form of a move-in program to assist other students into their residence halls? If so encourage both your older and new members to volunteer as this is a great way meet new people. <br />
<br />
Answer Booth - Every incoming freshmen is going to have questions: Where's the book store? Where should I eat? What classes should I take? Where's the bus stop? How do I get football tickets? This is an opportunity for both new and old members to come together and help answer these questions. Set up a table in a main area or in a residence hall. Make sure you're not only answering questions but also collecting their contact information for the Names List.<br />
<br />
Sports - Have your new members go through their residence halls and invite their floormates out to play the sport of your choosing. Most former high school athletes will be jumping at the chance to play as well as to meet new people on campus.<br />
<br />
By doing some of these activities in the first 1-3 weeks of school your chapter can double or triple the size of your new member class. Hopefully these posts will serve as a guide to starting/improving your chapter's Summer Recruitment program. There is an enormous opportunity to grow your chapter exponentially by following some of the basic strategies outlined in these posts. It may not be perfect act first, but you have to start somewhere.<br />
<br />
I'd love to hear success stories come September.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://media.lawrence.com/img/photos/2006/06/30/frat_recruitment_shaking_ha_t460.jpg?926875e5be5f93a8dc1e86b8d949ee54b77d1e0d"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://media.lawrence.com/img/photos/2006/06/30/frat_recruitment_shaking_ha_t460.jpg?926875e5be5f93a8dc1e86b8d949ee54b77d1e0d" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 250px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-89452964064394195262012-04-12T11:53:00.003-07:002012-04-24T13:04:50.163-07:00Summer Recruitment Part 3<a href="http://media.columbiamissourian.com/multimedia/2010/08/09/media/College_Tour_Guides_Miss_t_w600_h1200.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://media.columbiamissourian.com/multimedia/2010/08/09/media/College_Tour_Guides_Miss_t_w600_h1200.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
After creating a flawless Summer Recruitment foundation there's only one question left: where do you find people?<br />
<br />
Here's a couple strategies:<br />
<br />
High School Lists - Have each member reach out to the college counselor from their high school to get a list of students coming to your university. Now have them expand their reach to other high schools in the district/region.<br />
<br />
Sorority Referrals - Do you have friends in sororities? Of course you do. The premise is simple; ask them who they know coming to your university. There are two ways this can be done. You could <a href="http://bit.ly/HEiQVo">do a formal presentation</a> . This involves dressing up, going to their meeting, making them laugh and finally asking them for referrals. Informally, you could simply reach out to sorority women and ask them who <span style="font-style: italic;">they</span> know coming to your university.<br />
<br />
Alumni Referrals - What a great way to engage alumni! Ask them to help you recruit. Does your chapter have an alumni newsletter? The answer better be "yes". Add a small box in your next newsletter that outlines how your chapter is looking for high caliber men like themselves and what a huge help it would be to the chapter. <br />
<br />
Organization Referrals - There are hundreds of state and regional organizations that you can contact for referrals. A short list would be: Student Council, National Honors Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, DECA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Eagle Scouts... the possibilities are endless.<br />
<br />
Lists - I was recently talking to a Greek Adviser who told me "I have a list of all incoming freshmen males with names, phone numbers and emails. All they have to do is ask for it". I recommend asking the Greek Adviser, Director of Admissions, New Student Orientation and anyone else with access to freshmen for a list. The worst that can happen is they say no, at which point you thank them for their time and find the next person to ask.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tutorialchip.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/HTTP-Status-Code-List.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.tutorialchip.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/HTTP-Status-Code-List.gif" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 230px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Tabling - If your university offers some kind of "preview day" where incoming students come to learn about the school and take tours use this opportunity to <a href="http://bit.ly/HEkdDB">table</a> somewhere on the tour path. Offer information on classes, general advice or just water on a hot day. Make sure you're also collecting their contact info and putting transferring it to the <a href="http://bit.ly/Isy3WZ">Names List</a>. <br />
<br />
Member Positioning - Let's take the previous suggestion a step further. Instead of tabling during the tours, why not have your members be the tour guides? This automatically puts them in a position of power and the ability to collect their contact information. As a recruitment chair you should explore the different opportunities to put your members in these types of positions.<br />
<br />
Freshmen Scholarship - I've written extensively on the topic <a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-chapter-scholarship.html">HERE</a>, <a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-chapter-scholarship-part-2.html">HERE</a>, <a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-chapter-scholarship-part-3.html">HERE</a>, <a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/03/creating-chapter-scholarship-part-4.html">HERE</a> and <a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/03/creating-chapter-scholarship-part-5.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
Other Chapters in Your Area - Contact the other chapters of your organization in the area and set up a referral exchange. Ask them to compile a list of people they know coming to your university in exchange for a list of everyone your chapter knows going to there's. <br />
<br />
That should be enough to keep your Summer Recruitment teams busy. If not, remember that any activity or interaction that adds names to your Names List will drive results. Check back tomorrow for how to double the size of your new member class in the first two weeks of school.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-40754511470714582222012-04-11T09:06:00.005-07:002012-04-24T13:04:24.394-07:00Summer Recruitment Part 2<a href="http://www.answers4families.org/system/files/u3/autism.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.answers4families.org/system/files/u3/autism.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 175px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
After covering the basics, the next step is to set up the structure that will propel your chapter to success in summer recruitment. Remember that the key to recruitment is making friends. Therefore the foundation for your summer recruitment plan should be to create opportunities to build relationships. Crazy right?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Regional Teams</span><br />
Split up your chapter into teams based on where they will be during the summer. For some groups, this may be regions within their state. For others, you may have teams all over the country. For those members who do not live in an area that sends a lot of people to your campus, there are vast opportunities that they can assist with online. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Team Captains</span><br />
Each of your regional recruitment teams needs to have a captain. This will be your main point of contact for the team as well as the person that is responsible for holding the rest of the team accountable.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Expectations</span><br />
These can vary depending on various factors such as team size, distance, ext - however I would recommend that each team is responsible for one in-person recruitment activity each week. It doesn't have to be a big event, it doesn't have to include every team member and it doesn't need to be advertised on Facebook. Get together for a <a href="http://phiredup.com/files/admin/Small_Activities_Ideas_Fraternity.pdf">small event</a> and invite Potential New Members. Additionally, each group should add a set number of names to the <a href="http://bit.ly/Isy3WZ">Names List</a> each week. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Alumni Engagement</span><br />
Instead of <span style="font-style: italic;">telling</span> Potential New Members about how strong your alumni network is, here's a chance to <span style="font-style: italic;">show</span> them. Invite alumni in the area out to some of these events, and see what doors they can open for you (think: sports tickets, rounds of golf, ext). This is not only a way to impress PNM's but also to build strong relationships with your alumni.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Budget</span><br />
With a vast majority college students, finances are an issue. The thought of having to pay for weekly events out of pocket is enough to turn people off from the idea of Summer Recruitment. Set aside part of your Spring recruitment budget for the summer teams that can cover some/all of the expenses incurred by the teams as they do their weekly events. I'll go as far as to say your Return on Investment for Summer Recruitment will be far better than that of formal recruitment (think of all the money you're saving by not buying wings and t-shirts for 50 members and their girlfriends?).<br />
<br />
Stay tuned tomorrow to find out how to find people to invite to your small events.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7ehHZ-u8KTnRIK5K7C5W9gJtOKz6J7AK2EP61-NRG2q-weW5bJhgDnms3_-bx5HSjoo410oJpG9mIUVIasVVc4Nia5R45pUELLbD1mPNJuR8xbP0Hcn_xNu5Nsoroa5lmK3qNEFN0z54/s1600/Alum.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730196780934152722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7ehHZ-u8KTnRIK5K7C5W9gJtOKz6J7AK2EP61-NRG2q-weW5bJhgDnms3_-bx5HSjoo410oJpG9mIUVIasVVc4Nia5R45pUELLbD1mPNJuR8xbP0Hcn_xNu5Nsoroa5lmK3qNEFN0z54/s200/Alum.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 132px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-85289915081989373322012-04-10T11:25:00.004-07:002012-04-24T13:04:35.551-07:00Summer Recruitment Part 1<a href="http://images2.layoutsparks.com/1/210989/beach-paradise-deault-trees.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://images2.layoutsparks.com/1/210989/beach-paradise-deault-trees.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 140px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
Ah it's almost summer - which means no more classes, fun in the sun, eagerly awaiting <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1132767-michigan-football-2012-5-ways-that-michigan-can-beat-alabama">college football season</a> and a huge wasted opportunity. That wasted opportunity is summer recruitment. <br />
<br />
Think about it. Summer is the perfect time to get a head start before the thought of recruitment crosses other chapter's collective minds. If you have never done summer recruitment it may feel a little bit strange. The goal of this series of blog posts is to take out the guess work and give you a path to follow. <br />
<br />
On to the basics:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Rules</span><br />
Acquire a copy of your IFC Bylaws or set up a meeting with your Greek Adviser to learn what you can/cannot do for summer recruitment. Sometimes there are restrictions on contact, bid distribution or eligibility. Make sure any and all plans abide by the appropriate policies. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Names List</span><br />
The <a href="http://www.phiredup.com/index.php?option=com_wordpress&p=140&Itemid=2">Names List </a> is probably the single most important tool available to you for Summer recruitment. It allows you to keep track of the potentially hundreds of Potential New Members that you will be interacting with. It also serves as an additionally layer of accountability if used correctly in the sense that you will be able to keep track of which members are recruiting.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Motivation</span><br />
It's going to be hard to convince every member of your chapter to recruit over the summer. My advice: take baby steps. Rally your <a href="http://bit.ly/IJLlwN">horses</a> and create a committee of members who are dedicated to the cause. As the saying goes "the first step is the hardest". After one successful summer recruitment period (which you'll have if you keep reading these posts) it will become a habit.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Planning</span><br />
Your summer recruitment plan should be completed before members start their exams. It should clearly lay out member expectations, a rough calendar and a budget. All these aspects should be distributed and understood by your horses, if not your entire membership. Chances are your Leadership Consultant, Alumni Adviser and/or Greek Adviser can look over your plan and give feed back.<br />
<br />
Coming up later in the week I'll cover structure, expectations, strategy and how summer recruitment can make fall recruitment that much easier.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-87831241312844889972012-03-31T21:49:00.017-07:002012-03-31T23:33:41.354-07:00Bossypants<a href="http://www.scenicreflections.com/files/Tina_Fey_Wallpaper_JxHy.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.scenicreflections.com/files/Tina_Fey_Wallpaper_JxHy.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />On the long drive from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City (13 straight hours) I had the pleasure of listening to Tina Fey's <span style="font-style:italic;">Bossypants</span> on audio book. My interest was solely on the entertainment factor. However something caught my attention that tied in perfectly to recruitment and Social Excellence. Now I have a reason to combine my professional life and my celebrity crush on Tina Fey.<br /><br />For those of you who don't know, Tina Fey studied improv before hosting Weekend Update and impersonating Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live. After detailing her lessons at Second City in Chicago, she lays out for the readers the simple rules of improv comedy:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. Say "Yes"</span><br />When it comes to improv, this shows respect for a co-worker who sets a scene. However, in the recruitment world the word "yes" opens up a lot more doors than "no".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. Not Only Say "Yes", But "Yes And"</span><br />This shows genuine interest in what the other person is saying and provides an avenue for additional diologue. To only agree with the other person is just another conversational road block, offer something in exchange to keep things fluid.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. Make Statements</span><br />Unless you're in the middle of a formal interview or police interrogation, its probably common courtesy to allow the other person to ask questions. This is accomplished by simply making a statement and allowing the other person an opportunity to flip roles. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4. There Are No Mistakes</span><br />Tina continues with "There are no mistakes, just opportunities". Every conversation, every question and every answer is a new opportunity to open up or learn something new about the other person. Don't regret anything and just go with the flow. Some of the best innovations in recent memory have been accidents....ask Pfizer.<br /><br />Unlike the improv show <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whose_Line_Is_It_Anyway%3F_(U.S._TV_series)">Who's Line is it Anyway?</a></span>, the points do matter when it comes to recruitment. Remember these simple rules to improve both your conversation and your improv skills. If you haven't experienced it yet, I highly recommend <span style="font-style:italic;">Bossypants</span>. Just be warned it has some crude language - and if I'm saying that you should know what you're getting into.<br /><br /><a href="http://binside.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/10/05/tina_fey_sarah_palin.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 150px;" src="http://binside.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/10/05/tina_fey_sarah_palin.png" border="0" alt="" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-86608545759178884332012-03-05T16:08:00.004-08:002012-04-24T13:04:04.132-07:00Creating a Chapter Scholarship: Part 5<a href="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/replicate/EXID27365/images/Inception-Extractor.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/replicate/EXID27365/images/Inception-Extractor.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 360px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
Its a little later than I would have hoped, but here is the 5th installment of "Creating a Chapter Scholarship". Hopefully by this point you have done the following:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-chapter-scholarship.html">Agree to Start a Scholarship</a><br />
<a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-chapter-scholarship-part-2.html">Create an Application</a><a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-chapter-scholarship-part-3.html">Distribute that Application</a><br />
<a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/03/creating-chapter-scholarship-part-4.html">Follow-Up with Applicants</a><br />
<br />
This final post is where all it all comes together. This is how to take a scholarship applicant and bridge the gap to get them to accept a bid. It may be vastly overplayed, but its based on the movie <span style="font-style: italic;">Inception</span>.<br />
<br />
For those unfamiliar, <span style="font-style: italic;">Inception</span> is a tactic used to influence people's thoughts and decisions based on small, sometimes inconsequential, events. Another metaphor would be to "plant a seed".<br />
<br />
The concept is very simple. Throughout some form of follow-up meeting, seek to find out what an individual can gain from joining a fraternity. In my scholarship interviews I use the following set questions to to get my answers:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">"What do you hope to do professionally after you graduate?"</span><span style="font-style: italic;">"What types of things do you need to improve on or accomplish to get to that point?"</span><br />
<br />
There are a wide variety of answers to the second question that are applicable: leadership, community service, networking, getting involved... Hopefully these ring a bell as advantages of joining a fraternity. Take note, but don't make your pitch yet. I actually write these answers in the margin of my page so I can reference them later. Continue through the interview as normal.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XPHjSUWA62vH_eFOk7Sl58kC6bRNvB3lS1OiZrUXZGwC7wmD54FsKGQ6cB7iDG0yLND9DvKFPfNWw-0pmdLFcmHXIQ44K7oa4ZfEYasSFkrJ1ZJ3wFR8lMm9f35kxS9w5xMP6xIbUbGj/s200/SorcererMickey.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XPHjSUWA62vH_eFOk7Sl58kC6bRNvB3lS1OiZrUXZGwC7wmD54FsKGQ6cB7iDG0yLND9DvKFPfNWw-0pmdLFcmHXIQ44K7oa4ZfEYasSFkrJ1ZJ3wFR8lMm9f35kxS9w5xMP6xIbUbGj/s200/SorcererMickey.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 156px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">This is where the magic happens...</span><br />
<br />
At the end of the interview act like you're required to give an <a href="http://www.phiredup.com/index.php?option=com_wordpress&p=95&Itemid=2">elevator pitch</a>. Nonchalantly weave their answers to the above questions into your pitch. Then, you should have some form of professional-looking handout that gives information about your organization and your chapter.... again, something you "have to give them". <a href="http://www.phiredup.com/index.php?option=com_wordpress&p=154&Itemid=2">Shake their hand </a> and say it was great to meet them, and if they have any questions about the scholarship or the organization they can contact you.<br />
<br />
The key is in the follow up. If the applicant contacts you, great. If not, in a day or two follow up with them via text with: <br />
"Hey its Alex from XYZ, I was wondering if you got a chance to check out that folder?"<br />
<br />
Chances are they respond something to the affect of: "yes, it looks interesting"<br />
You respond with "Do you have some time to meet up this week to learn more about it?"<br />
<br />
... and there you have it, you've just booked a 1-on-1 recruitment meeting through a scholarship. The rest is up to you to communicate the value of joining your organization and make sure to sure their answers from above. If you went through something close to the event discussed in <a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/03/creating-chapter-scholarship-part-4.html">Part 4</a>, you should have an even bigger advantage in having a larger amount of personal connections with each applicant.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-51083583538543369512012-03-02T12:39:00.003-08:002012-04-24T13:03:43.201-07:00Creating a Chapter Scholarship: Part 4<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_-Vc14x6QjBLSGo4V9n6J6wAjs6XiWUCro7kZNQFxzN5Gec5J4TE8kZHmuu2xARwudtHsG5Uy671xPO_eF-g8DqJVZc7mHr3zGWtNnBykivML7lrHQsbWYi8_QKvrkkSDOBFEuw0VUTO/s400/Winter+2006+080.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_-Vc14x6QjBLSGo4V9n6J6wAjs6XiWUCro7kZNQFxzN5Gec5J4TE8kZHmuu2xARwudtHsG5Uy671xPO_eF-g8DqJVZc7mHr3zGWtNnBykivML7lrHQsbWYi8_QKvrkkSDOBFEuw0VUTO/s400/Winter+2006+080.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 150px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
Welcome back for Part 4 of "Creating a Chapter Scholarship". After deciding to <a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-chapter-scholarship.html">start a scholarship</a>, <a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-chapter-scholarship-part-2.html">creating an application</a> and <a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-chapter-scholarship-part-3.html">distributing that application</a> it is now time to figure out what to do with all those applications once they are turned in. <br />
<br />
The generic answer would be to interview the candidates one on one either in person or over the phone. But the goal of the scholarship is to recruit these elite students. How can you leverage the scholarship into signed bids? What I'm about to suggest is a little out there, and requires a fair amount of effort to pull off:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">What if you had a day long "interview" that incorporated multiple aspects of fraternity life while at the same time provides an opportunity to create positive relationships with all of your candidates?</span><br />
<br />
This event would need to be planned far in advance, noted on the application and requires the time commitment of chapter members. To me the day would be split into three basic areas: Philanthropy, Leadership and Athletics<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Philanthropy</span><br />
At some point in your day long interview take current members and the applicants to preform some act of Community Service. Find something relatively close. In my original brainstorm for this I thought of building a house for Habitat for Humanity. You can use this time to observe how applicants interact in a group setting and take advantage of the opportunity to build personal relationships. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Leadership</span><br />
This is the most formal part of the day and it can be broken down into two separate parts. The first is an individual interview. This would involve standard interview questions to get to know the applicant on a deeper level. The individual connection created through this interview is important when it comes to recruiting them. The interviewer is going to know that person better than most and will be in a better position to make a recruitment pitch when the time comes.<br />
<br />
The second aspect of the leadership section could be one of two possible activities:<br />
<br />
1) Have each applicant create a presentation in advance about a topic of their choice and present it to the applicants and members. This activity shows the applicants interests as well as presentation skills and public speaking.<br />
<br />
2) Hold a Group Interview. There are multiple team exercises out there created to force a team to work together towards a common goal. A personal favorite of mine is to give each group a random objects to "invent" some new productive and present a sales pitch to the group. This activity allows for members to observe how applicants work in a team setting and what their strengths are.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://campusrec.sc.edu/intramurals/files/2010/10/IM_FlagFootball_102910_03-440x290.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://campusrec.sc.edu/intramurals/files/2010/10/IM_FlagFootball_102910_03-440x290.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 145px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 220px;" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Athletics</span><br />
The last portion of the interview day can be devoted to athletics. Choose large team games that allow for adequate relationship building and also make sure that there is a mix of members and applicants. It doesn't have to be anything super competitive but rather an opportunity to run around and encourage applicants to start viewing members as part of a "team". Instead of <span style="font-style: italic;">telling</span> applicants about what a strong brotherhood you have, this is your opportunity to <span style="font-style: italic;">show</span> it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Sample Schedule</span><br />
8 AM – Meet in Union/Breakfast<br />
8:30-11:30 – Community Service Project<br />
12-1 – Lunch<br />
1-5 - Individual Interviews/Group Interview/Presentations<br />
5-6:30 – Dinner<br />
7-9 – Athletics<br />
9-9:30 – Debrief/Snacks/Hand out Recruitment Materials<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Goal</span><br />
From a recruitment standpoint, the goal is for members to make personal connections with the applicants. They should individually follow up with those people and continue to build that friendship. If this event occurs over the summer before the applicants get on campus, make plans to do something with them in the first couple days after the arrive. Chances are they're going to need someone to show them around town.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-74953533550504278142012-02-29T10:36:00.002-08:002012-04-24T13:03:24.785-07:00Creating a Chapter Scholarship: Part 3<a href="http://www.wwwebtax.net/images/operators/getting-the-word-out.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.wwwebtax.net/images/operators/getting-the-word-out.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 273px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 235px;" /></a><br />
Happy Leap Day. Welcome to Part 3 of "Creating a Chapter Scholarship". Parts 1 and 2 can be found <a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-chapter-scholarship.html">HERE</a> and <a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-chapter-scholarship-part-2.html">HERE</a>. Today's installment is all about distribution. The next step after creating the application is sending it out for applicants to fill out. Before the application goes live, make sure to have all the details from <a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-chapter-scholarship-part-2.html">Part 2</a> set in stone. This especially applies to how applicants turn in their applications. Before diving into these different methods research the different regulations for your campus in regards to recruiting and marketing.<br />
<br />
The following are different ways to increase the number of applicants:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">University Resources</span><br />
You're looking for any office/department/individual who can assist you in directing people to your application. Assistance may be in the form of an email, allowing you to leave flyers or putting a link on their website. Some good places to look are:<br />
<br />
- Office of Financial Aid<br />
- Greek Life Office<br />
- Academic Departments<br />
- International Student Office<br />
- Veterans Office<br />
- LGBTQ Office<br />
- Athletic Department<br />
- Leadership/Community Outreach Office<br />
- Multicultural Affairs Office<br />
- Office of Admissions - see if you can acquire a list of all incoming students (including transfers)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">High School Outreach</span><br />
Every Spring/Summer incoming Freshmen are hunting for scholarships to help fund their education. The following are ways to reach out before potential applicants graduate high school:<br />
<br />
- Have members ask their former teachers/coaches/administrators for referrals<br />
- Offer to volunteer at a college night <br />
- Speak to local Parent Teacher Associations (PTA's) - If you're offering thousands of dollars in scholarships, what parent isn't going to go straight home and force their child to apply?<br />
- Go through school/region based organizations such as Student Council, National Honors Society, Youth in Government, Boys State, DECA, 4H, Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, ext<br />
- Reach out to Guidance Counselors and ask them to pass the application to students coming to your university<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On Campus Marketing</span><br />
Most universities offer some form of orientation over the summer to get new students acclimated. This is a great marketing opportunity.<br />
<br />
- Have members involved in the orientation program. They provide access to a large number of students and can direct them to the application<br />
- Have a table at one of the orientation events to pass out applications, or flyers leading them to an online version of the application<br />
- Create banners, bulletin boards and flyers and post them where appropriate<br />
- Place a large banner on your chapter facility<br />
- Ads in the campus paper<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Digital Marketing</span><br />
Based on the amount of time students spend online, it would make sense to focus some time and effort into digital marketing such as:<br />
<br />
- Facebook. Everyone has one. Post a link to your scholarship on your Fan Page as well as individual member's pages<br />
- Internet Scholarship Sites. There are dozens of these sites that promote scholarships such as <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.fastweb.com">Fastweb</a> and <a href="http://www.cappex.com/">Cappex</a><br />
- Chapter Website. Make sure there is a very visible link to the chapter website. If you want to get really fancy you could purchase a domain name and create an entire website to promote your scholarship<br />
<br />
Make sure to check back tomorrow for how to turn a scholarship event into a recruitment event.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-33661609285296652572012-02-22T13:22:00.001-08:002012-04-24T13:02:58.860-07:00Creating a Chapter Scholarship: Part 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoC_B6Z_nffHqslgwyA0G-KTVxYkYoFPxSYkArwWy5l4VD1khef-o-vqll52lBHDE0NwOegoEYwn_JTOveU0YxzX3VawCXiLBdF6Zl19FDyKPIX3qnHsdTW_4q6QHoVvErvQI5GZO0eI0h/s1600/app.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712115459338255586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoC_B6Z_nffHqslgwyA0G-KTVxYkYoFPxSYkArwWy5l4VD1khef-o-vqll52lBHDE0NwOegoEYwn_JTOveU0YxzX3VawCXiLBdF6Zl19FDyKPIX3qnHsdTW_4q6QHoVvErvQI5GZO0eI0h/s320/app.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 213px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Welcome to the second installment of "Creating a Chapter Scholarship". Part 1 can be found <a href="http://apcarrick.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-chapter-scholarship.html">HERE</a>. After deciding to start a recruitment scholarship, the next important part of the process is creating the application process. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Name</span><br />
Your scholarship needs an appealing name that will encourage people learn more about it. Very few people are going to look at the "Lambda Alpha Mu Epsilon Scholarship". There are a couple different areas of inspiration that you can turn to so as not to re-invent the wheel:<br />
<br />
Organizational Mottos- Example: Men of Principle (Beta), True Gentlemen (SAE), Greatest Version (Phi Delt), The Pen is Mightier (AXD)<br />
<br />
Organizational Symbols- Example: Sword & Shield (Phi Delt), White Cross (EX), Lyre (AXO)<br />
<br />
Organization/Personal Values- Example: Love, Honor, Truth (SN), Scholars, Leaders, Athletes, Gentlemen (Pike)<br />
<br />
Campus Specific- Example: Future Tiger, 12th Man, Cameron Crazies, The U<br />
<br />
These areas are not mutually exclusive. Feel free to mix and match until you find an attractive title.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Description</span><br />
Somewhere in the application you need to answer the following questions:<br />
Who are you (organization)? <br />
Why are you giving out the scholarship?<br />
Who is eligible to apply? <br />
Who do I contact with questions?<br />
What is the scholarship for?<br />
What awards are available?<br />
What are the criteria to win?<br />
When are applications due? <br />
When will winners be notified?<br />
How will winners be notified?<br />
How are materials collected?<br />
Do I have to join the fraternity to win?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Potential Collectables</span><br />
There is a wide variety of information you can collect from an applicant. The amount of the potential scholarship can dictate what is appropriate. No one is going to write 10 essays to win $250. Here are some possible ideas:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Form Data</span>: Name, Address, Phone Number, Email, GPA, Interests, Involvement, Leadership, Employment, Hobbies<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Essays</span>: See Below<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Letters of Recommendation</span>: How many? From who? How should they be collected?<br />
Resume<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Transcript</span>: To prove grades<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Professional Photo</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Essay Questions</span><br />
The goal here is not to punish applicants, but rather to learn more about them. Make sure to outline the formatting requirements and be clear as to which questions to answer and their length. Additionally, you want to tailor your questions to a potential recruitment pitch by asking things such as:<br />
<br />
What is the importance of networking and how does one build their network in college?<br />
What is the importance of involvement and how has involvement impacted you?<br />
What are your goals and how to you plan to achieve them?<br />
What is your greatest accomplishment?<br />
What is your favorite leadership quote and how does it apply to your life?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Collection</span><br />
How should applicants turn in their application? I'm of the opinion that sending in a paper application makes things seem more official. The only facet to that is that there has to be someone collecting them on the other end ie: you can't have people send them to the chapter house if there's no one there. Another option would be to use digital resources such as GoogleDocs or having an applicant email everything.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-78423106784987408212012-02-21T14:49:00.001-08:002012-04-24T13:02:01.332-07:00Creating a Chapter Scholarship<a href="http://www.alertmagazine.org/images/scholarship.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.alertmagazine.org/images/scholarship.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 268px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 381px;" /></a><br />
Often times we as Greek professionals suggest to our chapters to create a scholarship for incoming freshmen as a recruitment tool. However, the help and advice generally ends there. Recently I have had the opportunity to work with groups in creating these programs and realize there's a huge amount of work that goes into the process in order for it to be successful. What started as a simple idea for one blog post has now turned into a five day mini-series.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Purpose</span><br />
The goal of a scholarship is two-fold. The first is to recognize outstanding incoming freshmen coming to your university. The second is to add those names to your <a href="http://www.phiredup.com/index.php?option=com_wordpress&p=1154&Itemid=2">Names List</a> in hopes of recruiting those outstanding individuals into your chapter.<br />
<br />
For many chapters, this opportunity will give you the first crack at a huge base of incoming students. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Amount</span><br />
The amount that is offered will dictate how elaborate your scholarship process can be. How many people are going to jump through hoops to apply for a $250 book scholarship? The answer is not many. If the price is right, a chapter is able to require a lot more time and effort from the applicants. As a general rule I would recommend that a scholarship be over $1000 to attract the highest caliber applicants. <br />
<br />
Another aspect is how the scholarship is marketed. Imagine you have $4000 to work with. Does it sound better to advertise four $1000 scholarships, or up to $4000?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Funding</span><br />
The next hurdle is where the funds for this scholarship will come from:<br />
<br />
Chapter: If you have a large chapter that can afford to budget the entire thing, that makes life easy. While some may argue that dues should be "spent on the active chapter", an investment in a scholarship will go a long way to insuring the future success of the organization. <br />
<br />
Alumni: This is opportunity to go to your chapter's alumni and say "We have a recruitment plan that will increase both the quantity and quality of our membership and we need your help funding it". Some chapters have found success targeting alumni from a specific era or a position such as past chapter Presidents.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Oversight</span><br />
If your chapter chooses to create a scholarship (which it should), someone needs to oversee its execution. Every group is set up differently but I would recommend this falling to either the Recruitment Chair or the Scholarship Chair and their respective committees. If those positions are unable to handle the task, a new officer position could be created/appointed. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay tuned the rest of this week for posts related to: Creating an Application, Distribution, Process and Inception</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-30371446261184239762011-09-06T21:52:00.000-07:002011-09-06T21:56:15.412-07:00The Gate Keeper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXTKxEcMcTXQq5OflNrMpKvwaBk3S7_JSnKIPWuqaSGQsLjuxwOOZjxDpmVnjNfnF7Lvqk6EqBMx87ayz_81q-dhXZbet1h5KOPXflmr8PvMTAm5els0RGAHzGZIqa8uoc34Q2uRD2R0t/s1600/ghostbusters_gatekeeper-Zuul.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXTKxEcMcTXQq5OflNrMpKvwaBk3S7_JSnKIPWuqaSGQsLjuxwOOZjxDpmVnjNfnF7Lvqk6EqBMx87ayz_81q-dhXZbet1h5KOPXflmr8PvMTAm5els0RGAHzGZIqa8uoc34Q2uRD2R0t/s320/ghostbusters_gatekeeper-Zuul.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649476751187922434" /></a><br />How many times have you had difficulties scheduling a meeting or getting a reply from someone in a position of power? This is an occurrence that happens in all professional fields. Often times people are so concerned with the person or task in question, they forget about the Gate Keeper:<br /><br />gate·keep·er<br />[geyt-kee-per] <span style="font-weight:bold;">noun</span><br />1. A person in charge of a gate, usually to identify, count,supervise, etc., the traffic or flow through it.<br /><br />In laymen’s terms, the Gate Keeper is the person in charge of managing information. That information can be in the form of a meeting request, room reservation or anything else that requires action from someone else. Often times these individuals are overlooked and underappreciated. Its amazing how much of a difference small talk, a smile or a Thank-You note* can make. If someone helps out you or your organization, make sure to recognize those Gate Keepers that make it possible…they’ll be much more likely to assist you again in the future.<br /><br />Take a minute to think of all the Gate Keepers you deal with on a regular basis. I challenge everyone reading this to actively show appreciation in some way shape or form to at least one of the Gate Keepers you just brainstormed. I guarantee you will not be disappointed at the results. <br /><br />*Words of Wisdom – I highly recommend hand written Thank-You notes for just about anything. Everyone loves getting mail and hearing how much people appreciate them.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-13476198889883709502011-04-14T09:46:00.001-07:002011-04-14T11:32:11.691-07:00Hello AgainWow, it struck me that I haven't written anything in since the end of November. For those of you who are desperately interested in my life, here's a quick recap of what I've been up to:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">December</span><br />- Drove the 11.5 hours from Fayetteville to Oxford, OH<br />- Spent a day in the office <br />- Went back to MI for the holidays<br />- Spent Christmas in Cleveland and NYE in Ann Arbor<br /><br><br /><a href="http://imgboot.com/image/acarrick/family.jpg"><img src="http://imgboot.com/images/acarrick/family.jpg" border="0" width="456" height="342" alt="Image hosting by IMGBoot.com" /></a><br />Who doesn't love awkward family photos?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">January</span><br />- Returned to the office on Jan 3rd<br />- Worked conferences in St. Louis, MO<br />- Drove back to Oxford<br />- The next day I flew to Los Angeles for a week to work at UCLA - got stuck in the snow in Minn for 5 hours on the way there. I was able to meet up with my Big Brother Kellyn Parker and the legendary Jon Buck and learn about "The Colonial".<br /><br><br /><a href="http://imgboot.com/image/acarrick/ucla.jpg"><img src="http://imgboot.com/images/acarrick/ucla.jpg" border="0" width="456" height="342" alt="Image hosting by IMGBoot.com" /></a><br />Myself and a couple of the UCLA (CA-G) guys before we played musical chairs at half time of a WBB game in front of all 34 people that were there. Photo courtesy of Tyler Wong (CA-G)<br /><br><br /><br />- Flew back to the office<br />- The next day I drove the 11.5 hours from Oxford to AR.<br />- 20+ inches of snow cancelled life down here. School was canceled 7 out of 10 days.<br />- Flew out to Austin, TX for the General Officers Conference to learn about the roll out of <a href="http://www.phidelt2020.com">Phi Delt 2020</a>. Got a chance to meet a good number of our volunteers as well as see the LBJ Presidential Library and 6th Street. A Special Thank-You to Province President Joe Kohout for his guidance and leadership in the face of adversity.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">February</span><br />- The beautiful Christie Low flew in for a weekend and I got a chance to show her the sights. <br /><br />- Arkansas Alpha was installed. We enjoyed hosting Executive Vice President Bob Biggs (GA-E) as well as President of the General Council Scott Meitchen (UT-A). I also got a chance to talk to John Tyson of Tyson Chicken. Incredible guy - very down to earth. It was also great to have Steve Curtright and his friend Ben Wankum here for the weekend. I couldn't have survived the weekend without them. Photos courtesy of AR-A Sweet Heart Tori Pohlner.<br /><a href="http://imgboot.com/image/acarrick/img5636.jpg"><img src="http://imgboot.com/images/acarrick/img5636.jpg" border="0" width="456" height="342" alt="Image hosting by IMGBoot.com" /></a><br />The remaining Fall '09 guys who waited 542 days for this.<br /><a href="http://imgboot.com/image/acarrick/img5647.jpg"><img src="http://imgboot.com/images/acarrick/img5647.jpg" border="0" width="456" height="342" alt="Image hosting by IMGBoot.com" /></a><br />The entire group post-Installation<br /><a href="http://imgboot.com/image/acarrick/img5678.jpg"><img src="http://imgboot.com/images/acarrick/img5678.jpg" border="0" width="456" height="342" alt="Image hosting by IMGBoot.com" /></a><br />President of the General Council Scott Meitchen presenting the charter to Arkansas Alpha President Tyler McKimmey<br /><a href="http://imgboot.com/image/acarrick/img5663.jpg"><img src="http://imgboot.com/images/acarrick/img5663.jpg" border="0" width="456" height="342" alt="Image hosting by IMGBoot.com" /></a><br />Steve Curtright, Ben Wankum and I<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">March</span><br />- Started and completed a full "Colony to Chapter Transition Manual" which is the first resource of its kind in the Greek world.<br /><br />- During Spring break I drove from: Fayetteville to Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor to Oxford, Oxford to Ann Arbor and finally Ann Arbor to Fayetteville (2,300+ miles). It was great to be in the office for a couple days to catch up on things and recharge the batteries. Sometimes I think people at GHQ forget what I look like. I also got a chance to participate in the Bi-Prov conference at the University of Michigan. Shout out to Sigma North for our future win in the Iron Phi Challenge. Four chapters set a goal to raise over $25K for ALS and the PDT Foundation. It was also great to have General Council Member-At-Large Chris Brussalis (PA-D) and Past President of the General Council Mike Scarletelli (MI-D) in attendance. It was also great to be re-united with "The Team", even though it was only for a short while.<br /><br /><a href="http://imgboot.com/image/acarrick/christire.jpg"><img src="http://imgboot.com/images/acarrick/christire.jpg" border="0" width="456" height="342" alt="Image hosting by IMGBoot.com" /></a><br />Christie and I watching the Pistons beat up on the Knicks<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">April</span><br />- Started the month off right with the greatest (read: worst) April Fool's Day prank that has ever been played on me. Thank you Steve Curtright.<br /><br />- Took a trek up to Springfield, MO to visit the men of Missouri State University (MO-E) for a three day visit. It was great to work with them and together I think we came up with some great ideas for improvement. I look forward to seeing their progress in the future. I was also fortunate enough to stay at the humble abode of Mu South Province President Joe Passanise (MO-E) and for that I am grateful.<br /><br />- This past weekend was ROW Week, which is a large end of the year music festival where each fraternity hosts a musical act in their front yard. We brought in <a href="http://www.myspace.com/biggigantic">Big Gigantic</a>, which is a mix of techno and saxophone. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and we had zero issues, which made my life easier.<br /><br />- At the end of the month, I'll be traveling to Southwest Oklahoma State University (OK-G) to assist with their Installation. <br /><br />These last couple months have flown by. I feel like the next time I blink I'll be back in Oxford. I also want to give a public congratulations to our new group of consultants that will be joining the Dream Team in June: Andrew "Wally" Cole (IN-E), Alex Stefanic (SC-G) and Mike "Rogo" Rogowski (OH-A).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-12969625211319893002010-11-20T11:37:00.000-08:002010-11-20T14:36:02.527-08:00Michigan vs. Arkansas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh424PKBkOIc5HOh0aZBVkslNH7BRT6ZLU4sxsmhAvvrov7jtTr2EIjUvdPRvbBSPyeNVc0zbU21OvrRaR-BVonia45DjoZAoBJdz-Mx8Fn3Ydo69JBY95GcTA2bQj_RHnrLYi7ARHZsRk2/s1600/100_0496.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh424PKBkOIc5HOh0aZBVkslNH7BRT6ZLU4sxsmhAvvrov7jtTr2EIjUvdPRvbBSPyeNVc0zbU21OvrRaR-BVonia45DjoZAoBJdz-Mx8Fn3Ydo69JBY95GcTA2bQj_RHnrLYi7ARHZsRk2/s200/100_0496.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541754894506248450" /></a><br />Lately my Arkansas peers have been trying to compare their football program with that of Michigan's. The number of "Michigan Sucks" I have heard recently has been absurd. Those of you who know me well know that I do not take that lightly. However, I will let the numbers do the talking. For good measure, I've included a head to head comparison of Denard Robinson and Ryan Mallett. Also, I have limited the scope of my comparison to football and will not dive into comparing the two institutions in any other fashion.<br /><br />*Note - Before anyone makes any claims about Big 10 vs. SEC competition, lets remember that from 1915-1991 Arkansas played in the Southwest Conference against: Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, SMU, TCU, Houston, Texas Tech and Rice<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">First Season<br /></span>M: 1879<br />Ark: 1894<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Head-To-Head Record<br /></span>M leads Ark 1-0 after Michigan won the 1991 Citrus bowl 45-31<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Stadium Capacity<br /></span>M: 109.901 (largest in the country)<br />Ark: 76,000<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">All-Time Record<br /></span>M: 884–305–36 (.736) (Highest wins and win percentage in NCAA history)<br />Ark: 661–447–40 (.593)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bowl Record<br /></span>M: 19–20 (.487)<br />Ark: 12–22–3 (.324)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">National Titles<br /></span>M: 11<br />Ark: 1<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Conference Titles<br /></span>M: 42<br />Ark: 13<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Consensus All-Americans<br /></span>M: 77<br />Ark: 23<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Heisman Trophy Winners<br /></span>M: 3 (Tom Harmon, Desmond Howard, Charles Woodson)<br />Ark: 0<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">College Football Hall of Fame Inductees<br /></span>M: 36<br />Ark: 12<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Current NFL Players <br /></span>M: 31 (Tom Brady, Chad Henne, Jake Long, LeMarr Woodley, Zoltan Mesko, Steve Hutchinson, Dahani Jones, Steve Breaston, Braylon Edwards)<br />Ark: 16 (Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, Peyton Hillis, Ken Hamlin)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Superbowl MVP's</span><br />M: 3 (Tom Brady x2, Desmond Howard)<br />Ark: 0<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Football Player Graduation Rate<br /></span>M: 77%<br />Ark: 52%<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Number of D-1 Programs in the State<br /></span>Michigan: 5 (Michigan, Michigan State University, Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, Western Michigan) (Bonus: D2 4-Time National Champions Grand Valley State University - '02,'03,'05,'06)<br />Arkansas: 1 (University of Arkansas)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Number of Professional Sports Franchises in the State:<br /></span>Michigan: 4 (Pistons, Red Wings, Lions, Tigers)<br />Arkansas: 0<br /><br />The reason I include the previous two statistics is because it factors into atmosphere and perception. I have gotten dogged lately for some of my comments regarding SEC football. My point is that in Arkansas, there are no other in-state teams to cheer for. The closest teams to Fayetteville outside of the Razorbacks are in Kansas City, Dallas or Memphis, which are all over four hours away. This is much different from the state of Michigan, where there are five D-1 college and four professional teams that are battling for position within a fan's sport space. Additionally, there is the added factor of in-state rivalries, as well as the proximity of rivalries in adjacent states (Notre Dame and Ohio State). If I am feeling inspired later this year, I'll write an extensive blog post on these topics<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ryan Mallett vs. Denard Robinson</span><br />Denard: 6', 197 lbs, Sophomore (First Season Starting)<br />Mallett: 6'6", 238 lbs, Junior<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">QB Rating<br /></span>Denard:157.7 (14th)<br />Mallett: 166.5 (4th)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Completion Percentage<br /></span>Denard: 63.3% (37th)<br />Mallett: 67.3% (11th)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Passing Yards<br /></span>Denard:2229 (42nd)<br />Mallett: 2967 (7th)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Total TD's<br /></span>Denard: 30 (16 Passing, 14 Rushing)<br />Mallett: 28 (24 Passing, 4 Rushing)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rushing Yards<br /></span>Denard: 1538 (2nd) (NCAA Single Season QB Rushing Record) <br />Mallett: -20 (Really?)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Denard</span>: First QB ever to Pass for 1,500 yards and Rush for 1,500 yards in the same season.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Immeasurables<br /></span>- The Victors - best fight song in college football<br />- Michigan vs. Ohio State - Greatest rivalry in all of sports. Started in 1897 and has been played 106 times. Michigan leads the all-time series 57–43–6<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sources:<br /></span>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_football<br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arkansas_football<br />http://espn.go.com/college-football/statistics/player/_/stat/passing/sort/collegeQuarterbackRating/year/2010/group/80<br />http://stanford.scout.com/2/952555.html<br />http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1704437/the_best_college_fight_songs_top_5.html?cat=33<br />http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/20074/robinson-sets-record-puts-u-m-on-board<br />http://espn.go.com/nfl/players?college=45<br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Conference#Members<br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCAA_Division_II_National_Football_Championship<br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superbowl_MVP<br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan-Ohio_State_rivalryAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-9664021547148994852010-11-16T13:11:00.001-08:002010-11-16T14:36:11.367-08:00General Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33-csmjS08KC8b7eRWrpSb_NnD4LrXi2Owr4YBGOftViyG2BJH1v8X0pnbGS1lA86LLtBwiYVuTmLsrotME4d6Sl2j6sv3mb9Mx2TwFMN_KXuwre-8LahMppdV5nWQwriiJBXk1ISuteY/s1600/denard-robinson-indiana.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33-csmjS08KC8b7eRWrpSb_NnD4LrXi2Owr4YBGOftViyG2BJH1v8X0pnbGS1lA86LLtBwiYVuTmLsrotME4d6Sl2j6sv3mb9Mx2TwFMN_KXuwre-8LahMppdV5nWQwriiJBXk1ISuteY/s320/denard-robinson-indiana.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540280026502537522" /></a><br />Hello Friends,<br />I apologize for the lack of updates recently, I've been lacking creative inspiration.<br /><br />Arkansas has been treating me well. The weather was holding out in the 60's up until Saturday. I get strange looks around campus when everyone else is bundled from head to toe and I'm still in shorts and short sleeves. One of the many benefits to being from Michigan.<br /><br />Last Saturday was the last Arkansas football game here in Fayetteville. I know I've written about my disappointment in SEC Game Day, and I have to say that feeling persists. I understand that its hard to get excited when the last game is against powerhouse UTEP, but Game Day is Game Day. I'll take my Big 10 football any day. On a happier note, I've been really excited about how many Michigan games have been an ABC/ESPN. I've only had to watch 2 games on my computer. <br /><br />Last week we had officer elections for next semester. For a new group participating in elections for the first time, I was impressed with how smoothly it went. There were bumps along the way, but those will be ironed out in the coming weeks when the Bylaws are revisited. I'm very excited to work with our new board, and have been planning a Transition Retreat for the last couple days. In putting this whole event together, I forgot how much I love doing event planning/programming. <br /><br />For the last week or so I've been reading Decision Points by George W Bush. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it. As someone who marched down Pennsylvania Ave during Bush's second Inauguration with a sign that read "Worst President Ever", I have to say I'm impressed. Its easy to demonize W and the decisions he made (especially when you are young and impressionable by the Main Stream Media). The book is organized thematically, as opposed to Clinton's book which was chronological. The book has a lot of W's voice, which makes it an easy read. <br /><br />Reading Decision Points has also renewed my interest in going into politics in the future. Everything is so fluid and exciting. At every point in the book I imagine myself in the situation and it excites me. I'll hopefully look into opportunities next year. I'm hoping Brett Vasicek can get me a job with new Michigan governor Rick Snyder.<br /><br />I'm excited to go back to Michigan for Thanksgiving, even if its only for a couple days.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-39467626919662599422010-10-13T11:30:00.001-07:002010-10-13T11:47:35.121-07:00Bucket List<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XpMdoxBaCQO9giICQH-PL2ytN2ZDp7v2Vll_0fOVzx4QJrstxaEJY1sBbYlPO-snjmp3nnog8cDQWAmVhwxjTAxAPcgSmMmhaN3gqkR-wjuv96fOqHywFxZLFmi6iK0jk7IhVJiTKMEV/s1600/bucket-list-poster.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XpMdoxBaCQO9giICQH-PL2ytN2ZDp7v2Vll_0fOVzx4QJrstxaEJY1sBbYlPO-snjmp3nnog8cDQWAmVhwxjTAxAPcgSmMmhaN3gqkR-wjuv96fOqHywFxZLFmi6iK0jk7IhVJiTKMEV/s200/bucket-list-poster.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527604017904922162" /></a><br />I feel like recently everyone has been making a bucket a list lately. For those of you who have been living under a rock, a bucket list is a list of things someone wants to do before "kicking the bucket". <br /><br />I've made a couple of these throughout the years, but they've been lost from the various times that I have picked up and moved my life. Sadly, when college-aged students write these, they tend to revolve around alcohol and sex. I'm going to move beyond those. Here is what I've come up with so far:<br /><br />- Be on the receiving end a giant check <br />- Be a part of a flash mob<br />- Be an extra in a Hollywood movie<br />- Visit every state<br />- Have a Ben & Jerry's flavor named after me<br />- Have my picture on the front page of a major newspaper<br />- Throw out the first pitch at a major league baseball game<br />- Run a half marathon<br />- Go to a Newcastle United match in England<br /><br />....and that's all I could come up with right now. I'll be adding to it as I continue my travels.<br /><br />What's on your Bucket List? Best answer (as judged by me) wins a prize!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-10525854372424394892010-09-29T13:04:00.000-07:002010-09-29T13:37:29.251-07:003 Words<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCa_YaeDBsf0lhkr6N6KBr518sPQYLihwHjPCSetDRJNlafqMOVfD7ivFjJG-48WjJhU9X5V5pEdJURarSMnTTL1iRavCdyi5BpB_BYBRqwsNzBVpgv08vehLYzGuQweVPG7Z-4qG7Kmh/s1600/leadership.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCa_YaeDBsf0lhkr6N6KBr518sPQYLihwHjPCSetDRJNlafqMOVfD7ivFjJG-48WjJhU9X5V5pEdJURarSMnTTL1iRavCdyi5BpB_BYBRqwsNzBVpgv08vehLYzGuQweVPG7Z-4qG7Kmh/s200/leadership.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522437139848947970" /></a><br /><br /><br />Recently I had a friend ask me to read her application for a leadership position. One of the questions on it was to "use 3 words to describe yourself/leadership style". I do really like the question, however, I think there are some really good answers, and some terrible ones.<br /><br />In the near future when I am elected Emperor of the World this question will appear on all official applications. Any responses that include: responsible, organized, integrity, respectful or similar words will be thrown out. To me it shows a complete lack of creativity, and panders more towards what the candidate assumes I would want to see.<br /><br />But do not fret, for I have devised some stellar answers to this ultimate question:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Forward Thinking</span><br />How many times have you sat in a meeting where the same topic is talked in circles countless times? If you're like me the answer is thousands. Some people would rather debate a problem ad nausium instead of taking the next step to devising a plan to deal with it. By replying "forward thinking" you're telling your future boss (me) that you are not a circle talker, but instead focused on solutions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Goal Oriented</span><br />Let me preface by saying I strongly dislike being forced to sit down and write goals. However, being a goal oriented person implies that you're not some schmoe just looking to fill the status quo. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Infectious </span><br />This is a personal favorite of mine because the person reading the application will be caught completely off guard thinking that you contracted a rainforest disease on Spring Break. However, the word infectious stands for a concept that I believe strongly in: "Positivity is Contagious". This positivity can be exemplified in many ways such as body language, laughter, jokes, camaraderie or even something as simple as smiling. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Adaptable </span><br />How many situations have you been in where everything goes 100% according to plan? If you answered anything other than 0, you're lying. The ability to go with the flow is paramount when dealing with high pressure situations. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Values-Based/Mission-Driven</span><br />These words play an especially large role when looking at working with large non-profit organizations like.... an international fraternity or the YMCA (both employers of mine). This allows you to encompass all those traits that I said not to use into one catch-all. In addition, it shows servant leadership - be it serving a community, organization or cause. This answer also screams good character.<br /><br />A couple last pieces of advice on how to answer the question. <br />1. Don't make up words. Always double check to make sure your advective+suffix actually exists. Nothing worse than trying to apply to a leadership position and you make up a word like "respectableness".<br />2. Stay away from words that imply control. By these I mean "Compulsive", "Obsessive", and "Anal Retentive". While you're point may be that you have a strong attention to detail, these words invoke images of some of the worst people to have in a group situationAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-8153961528808141742010-09-15T08:32:00.000-07:002010-09-15T08:53:27.892-07:00Nutrition<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pzrservices.typepad.com/advertisingisgoodforyou/images/2007/05/15/geico_caveman.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 365px; height: 365px;" src="http://pzrservices.typepad.com/advertisingisgoodforyou/images/2007/05/15/geico_caveman.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This week I'm lucky enough to have Steven Fleming, another Phi Delta Theta Consultant here with my in Fayetteville for recruitment. Steven is not only a great friend an consultant, but also very knowledgeable about fitness and nutrition; he's taken on the role of psuedo-staff nutritionist. <br /><br />As many of you can imagine, trying to stay in shape and eat correctly can be difficult while on the road. Many of us don't have access to kitchens to prepare our own food. This leads to lots of eating out, which obviously isn't the healthiest choice. There's only so much Subway someone can eat. Steven turned a couple of us on to the Paleo diet, which centers around trying only eat things that were around 10,000 years ago. More or less, the diet tries to cut out simple carbs: breads, pastas, potatoes and rice.<br /><br />Do you have any idea how much of these things we consume everyday? I a typical meal is was possible for me to eat all four of these things. Think about all the things this includes: sandwichs, pasta, french fries, mashed potatoes, sushi, stir fry...the list goes on and on. If you don't believe my try it for a day.... even try it for a single meal.<br /><br />I've been eating lots of meat, fruit, vegetables and nuts. Salads have become one of my biggest friends. I never in my life thought that would be the case (you have to watch out for the dressing though). I won't bore you with all the scientific reasons with why it works, because to be honest I don't 100% understand it myself. Those of you who know me know that I'm not much of a science person.<br /><br />This new diet has me feeling great. It, coupled with going to the gym three days a week and running 4 days a week, has allowed me to drop close to 20 pounds since I've been here.<br /><br />My goal is to run a half marathon and become an Iron Phi at some point this year. I need to figure out where and when I'm going to be certain places to make sure I can actually do it. Also, Props to my chapter brothers John Hacker and Karl Cran for already joining the Brotherhood of Athletes this summer<br /><br /> For those of you interested in checking out more:<br /><a href="http://paleodiet.com/definition.htm">Click here for a definition </a><br /><a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/">Mark's Daily Apple</a> is a blog that updates everyday and is full of good information.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-402262061810205892010-09-07T12:36:00.001-07:002010-09-07T13:03:48.421-07:00SEC Speed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4d9VbSidakR1Ku8gOuaKCdDJannwi5zxNMfmIq0D-jnKUkVpCxbxuakqVGcRz8tu_BvTDmFPIhiyWgFKjSLxcn7koWsLj05ri_FSdldtGeyRqmPsA2xs1cw3XYRqBQnNkUe7MGXhZtsb/s1600/t1_mallett.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4d9VbSidakR1Ku8gOuaKCdDJannwi5zxNMfmIq0D-jnKUkVpCxbxuakqVGcRz8tu_BvTDmFPIhiyWgFKjSLxcn7koWsLj05ri_FSdldtGeyRqmPsA2xs1cw3XYRqBQnNkUe7MGXhZtsb/s320/t1_mallett.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514264475729329970" /></a><br />This past weekend was my first experience with SEC football atmosphere. Coming from a large football school, I was interested to see how football saturdays compared in a different part of the country. Here are a couple of my observations:<br /><br />- The game started at 6PM, and most people didn't seem to start tailgating till around 1-2PM<br /><br />- The Parents Club provided food for the alumni and undergraduates here at the Phi Delt house<br /><br />- A lot of their pre-game festivities fell more into the "tail-gating" category in parking lots, even for students<br /><br />- Walking down the sidewalk with red solo cups in completely normal, which my Ann Arborites consider a mortal sin<br /><br />- There was a more-or-less single file line down the sidewalk for students to get into the stadium... not the angry mob I'm used to<br /><br />- A majority of fans (students included) left by halftime<br /><br />- Students don't have a "student football T-shirt", or a "Go Greek" shirt<br /><br />- Most students wear polo's, button downs or blazers to the game. And Everyone wears red, one of the advantages of only having one dominant color<br /><br />- The Arkansas game wasn't even on TV and was blacked out on ESPN3.com<br /><br />- They lit off fireworks after EVERY touchdown.... against powerhouse Tennessee Tech.<br /><br />- I was of course wearing my white Michigan jersey around the house and asked repeatedly about Ryan Mallett. I'll be happy as long as our games continue to be on basic cable.<br /><br />I didn't actually attend the game, as I didn't want to spend money to go watch a beat down. I'll be looking for tickets for the next couple games here, including Alabama, so I can give you the rundown from inside the stadium. Another weird football thing - they play two games in Little Rock, on the other side of the state. That leaves students with roughly 4-5 home games here in Fayetteville.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-77698812665812375952010-08-31T09:04:00.000-07:002010-08-31T09:47:43.904-07:00Connections<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgco0E7bFa-NafRRlUpYjjzm3ncQh1eRV-1FmxRcLel8A1LdAoqpFHJyyLDUSW7BNYwCL7jQ60CitxmeI4j9K5cFp_e0mktwzFeD9hkHJxRX_IEbXUk-JIxJyRjZyLXWSK-RvVJ69DgaB/s1600/PDT79.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgco0E7bFa-NafRRlUpYjjzm3ncQh1eRV-1FmxRcLel8A1LdAoqpFHJyyLDUSW7BNYwCL7jQ60CitxmeI4j9K5cFp_e0mktwzFeD9hkHJxRX_IEbXUk-JIxJyRjZyLXWSK-RvVJ69DgaB/s320/PDT79.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511614852824862258" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday as I returned to the house after my morning run, I came across a friendly looking older gentlemen on the front porch clearly waiting to get let in. I introduce myself even though I'm dripping sweat and breathing heavy. He introduces himself as "Dr. Chuck" and tells me he's from Baton Rouge, LA and was in Little Rock for his 50 year med school reunion, and he figured he'd stop by to see the renovated house which he donated money to. Right off the bat he wanted to find his composite, which luckily was right in the main room. He began to tell me the backgrounds of every man in the composite and you could see the viable smile on his face. He assured me that I didn't need to stay with him and that I could go shower. Luckily Afshar was in the dining room and was quickly able to take my place as host.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div>Later in the Day I met with Ashley Tull the Senior Associate Dean of Students. He made a very clear observation that the chapters with the strongest alumni support are the most successful on campus. The same is true for the opposite. We also went on to discuss the connection between Greek Life and donations to the University. What is it that makes Greek alumni feel so much more connected to the campus? In a conversation with CAB chairmen Matt Durrett, he put it bluntly: "You don't see old guys from the 4th floor of Pomfret (Residence Hall) having a reunion every year". He went on to explain that his pledge class has reunions every year and they still reminisce about they good memories they had not only at Phi Delta Theta, but at the University of Arkansas.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPBVTwKu3gnpohQ9nxmlKptYv0cH7L_AhR2DVE66IRQhWyapVZoW-KmnrrXc-QDCJjuTqKkgX4ZdlcgrWitCDfI6rlTkkATXldkoy-DD8E7kHoc38lMLto_mqRWJ0Ld5tz6gnaiW-LwhY/s400/FD.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 233px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511612310574781394" /></div><div>So next time you see an alumni peering into the windows, don't look at him like a leper. Greet him with a wide smile and a firm handshake. Take the time to listen to his stories and laugh at his jokes. Keep them connected to both the chapter and the university, Because one day in the not so distant future, that's going to be you.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Photo 1:Michigan Alpha Christmas in 1979 - Courtesy of Tom Horlacher</div><meta charset="utf-8"><div>Photo 2: Michigan Alpha Founders Day 2010 - Courtesy of Greg Karmazin</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-50161758111848348592010-08-25T11:08:00.001-07:002010-08-25T14:20:51.362-07:00Week 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRgGt15hPIK62dVdFS2tpBFjY1J2mBLGmx_KqpSh6Kr46F1tZEqMO03N5oJFxubAkD4k9SypaoOPnLCKVpPoPsTDRHEnvpHwsa3Lx0ZPBSOYIozLiaDvSq1nXyZivrLaTpWgBlcNvLpUF/s1600/forbes_0413_p100.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRgGt15hPIK62dVdFS2tpBFjY1J2mBLGmx_KqpSh6Kr46F1tZEqMO03N5oJFxubAkD4k9SypaoOPnLCKVpPoPsTDRHEnvpHwsa3Lx0ZPBSOYIozLiaDvSq1nXyZivrLaTpWgBlcNvLpUF/s320/forbes_0413_p100.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509411111352785250" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So I've been in the beautiful city of Fayetteville for almost a week now. I've spent my time meeting with the colony members, PNMs, and campus leaders. I've always been fascinated by how Greek Communities differ between campuses. Below are a couple interesting facts I've found:</span></span><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">- Chapters down here are HUGE. Sorority rush just finished up and almost all of the the chapters have over 100 new members. The largest fraternity, Kappa Sigma, is well over 200 men.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">- However, the reason for that is they have fewer chapters. Arkansas has 13 IFC chapters and 8 NPC sororities as opposed to 31 fraternities and 16 sororities at Michigan<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">- Fraternities down here actually have "formal rush" similar to sororities. Groups of PNM's are lead from chapter house to chapter house and as the rounds press on, more and more people are cut.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">- At the end of fraternity recruitment, PNM's pick up an envelope with only one bid in it based on mutual selection<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">- Much of fraternity recruitment is done over the summer. Chapters hold large events in large feeder areas (Fort Smith, Little Rock and Dallas). Some guys are committed to joining before they even step onto campus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">- The alumni support for our colony is incredible. There is a group of local alumni that attend every colony meeting. Its unlike anything I've experienced. I also have a meeting with Skip Rutherford, who is the Dean of the Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">- Having a house owned by the University is an interesting situation. We have a Graduate Assistant that acts like an RA, minus the "community programming". Also during move-in I had to fill out the same kinds of forms I did when I first moved into Bursley.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">- The amount of guys who know coming into school that they want to rush is much higher than I'm used to.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">- Girls planning on rushing actually move-in early and rush takes place the week before classes start. The girls know where they got bids to before they go to their first class. I think this makes a lot of sense as opposed to monopolizing the first 2.5 weeks of class.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Just thought some of you might like to know. Comments Welcome</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-42032105751646562452010-08-23T07:26:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:43:18.782-07:00RIP Gabe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw45o7YD7PtsEVbQtyAADdsHXdb6gz9dakUhoSevHp_ex_Fc6AdJMHPmzau89aJSwvAjsTR-Ia5zaeIvpujNbyXa4ixa8zN74t2HQ6ouQey0Qf-kRC_TqefAcY3S6bl-n9dfo0aHZaNmG_/s1600/photo.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw45o7YD7PtsEVbQtyAADdsHXdb6gz9dakUhoSevHp_ex_Fc6AdJMHPmzau89aJSwvAjsTR-Ia5zaeIvpujNbyXa4ixa8zN74t2HQ6ouQey0Qf-kRC_TqefAcY3S6bl-n9dfo0aHZaNmG_/s320/photo.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508615806039058290" /></a>
<br />So this morning I got news that one of close friends, Gabe, had committed suicide back in his home country of Sweden. Details are scarce and this time but the news hit me pretty hard as we were co-counselors for weeks at a time. It inspired me to write this post, not only as a memorial to him, but as a reminder for everyone else.<div>
<br /></div><div>Gabe was a teenager when he took the long journey from Sweden all the way to Oscoda Michigan. At that point his English wasn't perfect, somewhat broken in fact, but his attitude and enthusiasm made him an instant favorite among the staff. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>His hobbies included aggressive skating, making techno music and gymnastics. He brought the same passion from these activities and brought them to job of Camp Counselor. He inspired group after group of Metro Detroit youth with his infectious smile and playful demeanor. We grew very close throughout the summer as we learned about each others lives and cultures. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>After camp ended, we parted ways promising to keep in touch. We did for a short while, and then the twists and turns of life made keeping in contact an afterthought. I haven't spoken to him in close to two years, and now I won't have the chance to. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>I challenge each and every one of you to reach out to someone who you haven't spoken to in a long time</b>. This could be anyone from a family member to an old high school friend, because you never know when you'll no longer have the chance.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>"<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;">"They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints in our hearts, and we are never, ever the same again. "</span></div><meta charset="utf-8">Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-24081068560714621092010-08-21T06:55:00.000-07:002010-08-21T07:28:25.849-07:00Fayetteville First Impressions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgp4IH9myeuXDvaAEyG5vqW-JbfDpU1FVGdctYsbnEOrdG6rXkZdbwAAuYx0y3a3RuDGs-MutxTOdfUynMHn6YQhijD_HFQOl3qheGoPOZew-5cd52b0J_mDvhhscJlBqaG_7tD3Nwwwro/s1600/Arkansas_Razorbacks_ua6_large.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgp4IH9myeuXDvaAEyG5vqW-JbfDpU1FVGdctYsbnEOrdG6rXkZdbwAAuYx0y3a3RuDGs-MutxTOdfUynMHn6YQhijD_HFQOl3qheGoPOZew-5cd52b0J_mDvhhscJlBqaG_7tD3Nwwwro/s320/Arkansas_Razorbacks_ua6_large.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507869029262583106" /></a><br />So I finally arrived in Fayetteville after my two six-hour drives from Oxford, OH to Arkansas. The drive itself was pretty uninteresting. I scanned for radio stations the entire trip. The highlight was driving right next to the St. Louis Arch.<div><br /></div><div>Upon arriving at the house, one of the first people I met was Mar Teze, the Greek graduate assistant that lives in the house; he functions like an RA. He's working on his doctorate in Higher Ed and was an Alpha Phi Alpha advisor for a couple years before coming here.</div><div><br /></div><div>I moved everything I own into my new room, which is roughly the size of a dorm room. Luckily my room would normally be a double, so I have two of everything, including two beds pushed together. Right now I have the entire hall to myself, but eventually freshmen who accept bids will be moving in around me. It'll be exciting to actually have people around me.</div><div><br /></div><div>The most rewarding part so far has been getting to know the guys in the house. The first night I went out to dinner with two of the officers and they gave me the low-down on how things used to be in the chapter. In addition to that, a lot of the guys have stopped by my room to introduce themselves and just hang out.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have our first Colony meeting monday night, and I have a lot of preparing to do to make sure the year gets started on the right foot.</div><div><br /></div><div>And for those of you who missed it, here's my video of my trip down: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7Nvw_qJ-xw">here</a></div><div><br /></div><div>High: Finally getting all moved in</div><div>Low: Trying to run around Fayetteville = mountains</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-3987590938218122942010-08-15T10:16:00.000-07:002010-08-15T10:52:36.583-07:00Calm Before The Storm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpY233x2PzGH-Jm2phzueREgPdcPhPXnQ3PTe_NN5gqAqvjTkJyQzvM5xe5UL7UIFregBJg9ye5GKKeJGsEH7bP2VpFglyRgWgLdANzWaTWs84FpvsKR8xcub5MhglM99XU4SHIxlr8YI/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpY233x2PzGH-Jm2phzueREgPdcPhPXnQ3PTe_NN5gqAqvjTkJyQzvM5xe5UL7UIFregBJg9ye5GKKeJGsEH7bP2VpFglyRgWgLdANzWaTWs84FpvsKR8xcub5MhglM99XU4SHIxlr8YI/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505693984026674722" /></a><br />So this past month has flown by. Tomorrow the staff is heading to Purdue for a training visit. I'll be returning with a few others Tuesday night, spend Wednesday morning packing my materials and hitting the road to Fayetteville Arkansas. I plan on stopping for the night to stay with one of my chapter brothers in St. Louis. In total, the drive is going to take about 12 hours.<div><br /></div><div>I'm excited to get down there. We've been training non-stop since I got here on July 5th, and we really tightened the screws this week to get everyone ready to hit the road. It reminds me of my time playing high school football. As a linemen, we practiced hours a day for weeks hitting the same people over and over again. We would do the same drills, same film sessions and same simulations until finally we were able to go out on that first Friday night under the lights and had the privilege of finally taking it out on someone in different colored jersey. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's how I feel now. We've done training, case studies, practice presentations, tests, pop quizes, conferences, risk management training.... You name it and we've probably been exposed to it. We as consultants can only pretend to be helping people for so long, finally we get a chance to go out and make a difference with real people and real chapters. The most exciting part is that I know eventually there's going to be a curve ball, something we didn't train for.</div><div><br /></div><div>Its going to be an adventure. My hope is that I can stay connected to everyone I care about despite being 12+ hours away. Write me emails, comment on my blog, even send me letters/packages. Any small act will be greatly appreciated. I've already learned how difficult keeping friendships together can be.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those that missed it, here's my short ELI video I created:</div><div><object style="background-image:url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/KyHR_TNy6hQ/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KyHR_TNy6hQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KyHR_TNy6hQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div><div>High: Getting ready for a new chapter in my life</div><div>Low: Packing up my life for the second time in just over a month</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6043622579206387695.post-88370604334815841312010-08-09T20:38:00.000-07:002010-08-10T10:21:06.820-07:00Buck Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoC_rIXm4z9oi6x076TbH6kdTA7KifAvfct8GCNOTSy7sxt_Jfus-k2sPy25TNUAPnjQDMIGRQ2GRrX-4bBHT7QukpRhnQrDTmgaR66IDjGGVkaIMuhHnlgGoOy3MEz5J-ef-dHcb4Bfip/s1600/photo-3.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoC_rIXm4z9oi6x076TbH6kdTA7KifAvfct8GCNOTSy7sxt_Jfus-k2sPy25TNUAPnjQDMIGRQ2GRrX-4bBHT7QukpRhnQrDTmgaR66IDjGGVkaIMuhHnlgGoOy3MEz5J-ef-dHcb4Bfip/s320/photo-3.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503627797293695170" /></a><br />A week ago today we were wrapping up the Emerging Leaders Institute, which is our largest undergraduate leadership conference with close to 400 participants. We as a staff logged incredible hours over the 5 day affair. After one of the days I was unable to spell my name backwards and had no idea what day it was. After we finished on Tuesday morning, the consultants had the rest of the day off, and needless to say we slept most of the day.<div><br /></div><div>At points during the weekend it was really hard to keep a positive attitude, or even fake a smile if things were rough. I found myself constantly asking if all the work we were putting in was worth it. The weeks of preparation and the 20+ hours a day were mentally and physically draining.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was not until today, almost a week later, that I found my answer. I was given the tedious task of typing the six written responses of roughly 200 evaluations from the conference. What started as mind numbing quickly became incredibly rewarding. The responses people wrote were truly inspiring. I got to physically read how much we inspired another person, and you could feel the excitement jump off the page. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some of the responses (emphasis mine):</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-"If I knew then what I knew now, <b>I would kill to go ELI</b>"</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Going from being nervous about the conference <b>to not wanting to leave</b>. I learned so much and have met many new brothers. I am <b>rededicated and refocused</b> to being a <b>leader</b>"</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-"</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I would love to come back, but I would love for another Brother to have the <b>opportunity</b> to experience this! Thank You!"</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Overall I found this to be a great experience in growing in the<b> spirit </b>of Phi Delta Theta."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fantastic. All new initiates should be <b>required to attend</b>."</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It reminds me a lot of the <a href="http://www.ordinarypeoplechangetheworld.com/articles/the-starfish-story.aspx">Starfish Story</a>. While the conference itself was huge drain on myself and everyone on staff, I lost track of individual victories being scored in every chapter meeting, every general session and every educational session. Reading those comments was probably the most rewarding part about being on staff so far.</div><div><br /></div><div>High: Spending the weekend with Christie - including King's Island and Rascal Flatts</div><div>Low: Having to come back to reality Monday morning.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167117777992467489noreply@blogger.com1