post-graduate fraternity life

Written By Matthew Eisenberg Greek life isnt just for three or four years. Its for a lifetime. There are more than 9 million college students who are part of a Greek organization, according to the USA Today. After graduation, however, those people may branch off to pursue other jobs. Doctors. Lawyers. Accountants. Writers. Psychologists. Yet just because four years run out doesnt mean the bond between man and Greek life needs to end. Erik Cote, DJ Mahoney and Jaime Mor all graduated from Quinnipiac in 2013. They were in three separate organizations: Cote in Pi Kappa Phi, Mahoney in Sigma Phi Epsilon and Mor in Delta Tau Delta.

Before college, they each had different plans on what they wanted to do after school. Cote had planned to work in business. Mahoney, initially a theatre major who switched to media studies, wanted to become a casting director for TV. Mor wanted to pursue his doctorate in physical therapy. Despite graduating, they all continue to work in Greek life. Cote works for PiKapps national organization as a regional director. Mahoney works for the University of Pacific as a residence director for Greek life. Mor continues to work for Quinnipiac as the Greek life assistant for the student center. I felt a deep connection to not only my chapter but also being a part of the Greek community, said Mahoney, who was SigEps vice president of programming in 2012 and was the Interfraternity Councils executive vice president in 2011. Knowing that I could potentially play a role in creating

that experience for others has been the driving force for my pursuit to work in this field. Cote, one of PiKapps founding fathers, served as secretary for three semesters and was on the Fraternitys recruitment committee. Working for national headquarters now, he is a leadership consultant who works with 10 chapters in the Northeast and trying to expand the Fraternity to other schools. This past fall, he recruited at Ball State University and Florida Atlantic University. As a leadership consultant, he helps chapters set goals pertaining to size, service, GPA requirement and campus involvement. Every school is definitely different, Cote said. QU generally has larger chapter sizes and a higher percentage of students who are Greek than the average university. Cote said Greek life opened a lot of doors for him at Quinnipiac,

helps execute several programs over the course of the year, including Greek Welcome Week, Hazing Prevention Week, Ritual Week and Greek Week. In my opinion, Greek life is the only type of involvement that encompasses the holistic student experience, Mahoney said. When chapters are performing successfully, they have the ability to do more and have a greater impact than other student organizations. Mor has worked with Courtney McKenna, associate director of Student Center & Campus Life, for more than three years, including one year as an undergraduate intern. He helped Quinnipiac transition from deferred recruitment to fall recruitment. I personally think it was extremely successful, which I also believe has been the opinion of the majority of chapters, Mor said. All of the Fraternities were able to take a nice sized class while also having the ability to be as selective as they all pleased. The amount of men that expressed interest in fraternities off the bat was incredible, and I think that is a direct reflection of how well the community is doing at this point in time as well.

Pictured: DJ Mahoney

Pictured: Jaime Mor holding up his diploma after last years graduation ceremony.

which led to his positive experience. I had a pretty open mind, Cote said. I knew every school would be different, and that to be successful I was going to have to meet chapters where they were at. I thought it would be a great opportunity to give back to the Fraternity, but also a good transition from school into working. Mahoney said he went to the University of Pacific to pursue his Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership with an emphasis in Student Affairs. He also works as a residence director in the Housing and Greek life office, where he oversees the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity house. I learned the importance of community and how it can foster immense change and growth on campus, Mahoney said. I also learned how beneficial the student/advisor relationship can be. Now moving towards the role of an advisor, I think I understand better that the Student Center and Campus Life staff always wanted the best for me and were always available as a resource for knowledge, challenge, support, and care. Mahoney is also an advisor for Pacifics IFC, which governs the four fraternities on campus. He

Once Mor received continued acceptance into Quinnipiacs physical therapy program, it was decided in his mind he would stay at the place he called home for four years. I couldnt turn that opportunity down to live out my dream, Mor said. When I made the decision to stay at QU for grad school, the opportunity to work as the Grad Assistant was presented and once again I could not turn down the chance to apply. They all still have plans to pursue their respective careers, but realize what importance Greek life has had with them in their lives. I think whats been really cool is to see how being Greek is a lifelong experience, Cote said.

a balancing act: managing collegiate extracurriculars

Written By Charlie Doe Those unfamiliar with Fraternity life often preface questions about the Greek system by asking if one is, in a Fraternity or belonging to a Fraternity. These questions are certainly welcomed, as every

Pictured: Eric Cote

fraternity man prides himself on the singular Fraternity he belongs to. In actuality, belonging is at the heart of why many of us joined these organizations in the first place. Fraternal life, as we all know, provides a structure unlike any other while on a college campus. Fraternity life does not replace family or friends from our respective hometowns, but it does foster a unit, a group that can be called upon for anything at anytime. Beyond our own organizations, each Fraternity man knows he belongs to the interfraternal community. Our differing values, colors, and letters aside, Fraternity men joined fraternities for similar reasons. We consistently strive to be the best versions of ourselves, and have surrounded ourselves with men like us. We love our own organizations, but find solace, not disdain, in knowing that our colleagues have found similar joy from other organizations as well. What many outside of Greek life do not understand is that men do not simply belong to a Fraternity. Being a part of a Fraternity is more of a commitment than I personally realized before my recruitment process, and I have a much less serious workload than many of my brothers and other Fraternity men. It is truly a testament to the hardworking mentality of Fraternity men that, on our campus, Greek life holds a grade point average above that of the all-campus average. All members of our seven fraternities do much more than simply belong to respective chapters. Many of these men also dedicate significant time to extracurricular activities as well, from philanthropy events, to cabinets within their organizations, to other groups on campus as well as holding jobs. It would be rare to see any Fraternity mans rsum ending his involvement with simply his Fraternity. Instead, these men pride themselves on being involved in numerous organizations and activities

Pictured: Zach Zealor courtside at a QUs Mens Basketball game.

on campus, striving to make a difference in each way they can. This outside involvement coupled with the rigorous academic program of Quinnipiac University demonstrates the heart of Fraternity on our campusbalance. Balance is the key to collegiate success, and Fraternity men are clear examples of this. While all Fraternity men seek to find balance between Greek life and academics, some outstanding men add in an athletic career to the mix as well. Athletics tone the body in addition to the mind, and allow these select men to compete at a high physical level. Possessing the physical gifts to compete athletically at the collegiate level is an achievement in itself, but the mental strength to succeed athletically and academically deserves more credit. Ryan Sessa, a new brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon and an active member of the New Blue Rugby Club, has firsthand experience trying to balance his new member period along with his athletic interests. It does get difficult at times having to deal with rugby, school, and SigEp. I have to really schedule my time and make sure I complete all my assignments for school, stay involved with

my Fraternity, and make it to practice for Rugby. Despite these difficulties, Sessa has found success because of a clear dedication to excellence. Despite taking more on his schedule than most fraternity members, Sessa maintained an exemplary GPA, was present at numerous events for his fraternity and in the larger Greek community, and was an active member of the rugby team, showcasing how balance is present in the lives of fraternity men. Members of athletic teams are not the only men who showcase a balance in academic and athletic rigor. Multiple fraternity men serve as managers of athletic teams, including Zach Zealor, brother of Pi Kappa Phi and manager of the mens basketball team. As manager, Zealor is present at every mens game, both home and away. While this job certainly has its perksZealor traveled to St. Thomas for the Paradise Jam last yearit also is a massive time commitment. Zealor must coordinate food before and after each game, set up the ticket list for attendees, and prepare film to scout opponents. In addition to his duties as mens basketball manager, Zealor is a physical therapy major, an

successful, athletically active, and serve as ideal role models for all fraternity men on this campus. Each organization sports men like these, and this campus is proud to call all of these balanced men members of our interfraternal community.

of people who always seemed to be raising money for something, hanging out together, striving for personal betterment, and leaving their mark on our campus. To put it another way, they were actively living the legend here at QU. This community, which I was lucky enough to be able to join spring of my freshman year, has helped shape me into the man I am today. While I have had the pleasure of assuming several roles in my own Greek organization, none of them gave me the array of experiences and tools to succeed professionally as much as my time on the Interfraternity Council Executive Board. In the Greek community here at Quinnipiac we have 4 pillars that we strive to achieve in our every day lives. While they are all important, there is one in particular that I was able to focus on during my tenure on the IFC Executive Board: Leadership through strength of character. Coming into the newly created position of Director of Fraternal Standards, I had no previous executive board experience and had no precedent or expectations

a personal story: ben jerome-lee

Written by Ben Jerome-Lee Each persons collegiate experience is unique. The timeless expression you get out what you put in is very applicable here, and my parents never failed to remind me as I was preparing to enter my freshman year at Quinnipiac. During my first semester in Hamden I was consistently searching for something to get involved in on campus, some sort of community to channel my energy into, but above all one I identified with and would be proud to be a part of. Before long I started to notice these groups

Pictured: Ryan Sessa helping New Blue in a scrum

orientation leader, and serves on his fraternitys executive board as the risk manager. When asked how he manages these varied responsibilities, Zealor responded candidly, The funny thing is, everyone always says the more involved you are, the better you do in school. I have seen that firsthand. I started out just doing managing, but once I joined Pi Kapp my GPA went up significantly. Then, this past year, I took on more roles in the fraternity and this semester will be my best academically. Is it hard to do? Yes, but the best things in life are not easy and you need to work for them. The busier I keep myself, the less free time I have to goof off because I need to study. I still have fun though, it just comes down to time management which was preached to me when I arrived as a freshmen at Quinnipiac. Zealor and Sessa are just two examples of the constant efforts by fraternity men on this campus who have excelled because of their considered commitment to finding balance in a wholesome college life. These men are academically

Pictured: Ben Jerome-Lee promoting Fraternities Against the F Word in front of the Arnold Bernhard Library

for the position set before me. This presented me with a very unique opportunity which spoke directly to the adage my parents consistently reminded me of before I first stepped foot on campus: you get out what you put in. I very quickly came to the realization that this opportunity put me in a position unlike any other I had ever been in. I was working on an executive board with some of the most dedicated and involved members of the Greek community, along with professionals from the Student Center, the Office of Residential Life & Student Affairs, and the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life. Not only was I working with these people on a professional level not unlike the environment I would be in once I graduated and entered the workforce, but I was the leader of my own smaller team in the Judicial Board, which I met and worked with on a regular basis to look at case studies, review any cases that were brought to us, and develop our professional skill set. In order to maintain my grades, fulfill my duties on the IFC Executive Board, and work two jobs, I quickly realized these combined were a challenge I would either have to rise to meet or fall behind. Far from being vexed by the amount of additional time and work I would have to put in to maintain a satisfactory GPA, Executive Board role, and income, it dawned on me that this was an opportunity for me to grow in ways I had never had the chance to before. I relished the opportunities to go to leadership conferences, professional workshops, etiquette trainings, coalition meetings, the list of opportunities I was afforded goes on and on. The thing I relished the most, however, was the chance to strengthen something intangible: my character. Through all of the meetings, late nights with my Judicial Board, spirited debates with my fellow Executive Board

officers, conferences, etc. The realization of what exactly was happening to me wasnt always apparent. Since character isnt something that can be quantified, it took some personal reflection to really take stock as to how much I had grown through my Interfraternal experience. Once aware of it however, it is by far the thing I gained that I am most thankful for, because I know I couldnt have gotten this kind of experience anywhere else. As my next to last semester as an undergraduate comes to a close, and my term on the IFC Executive Board along with it, I can honestly say that because of my Greek experience here at QU, I grew more in my 4 years here than I had in my previous 18 combined.

the interfraternity council presidents address

Written By Michael Weiner After our election in November of 2012, the current Interfraternity Council has sought to better the quality of our Fraternity community through the organizations of which it is comprised. Much has occurred over the past year, and we have seen all of our organizations, including the Interfraternity Council, grow in various respects. When we came into our positions on the council, we took the momentum brought by our predecessors to finalize the new, non-deferred recruitment schedule and put it in place. Our chapters were able to admirably adapt to the new recruitment and all did very well in numbers and the quality of men that were recruited. Additionally, we welcomed Beta Theta Pis national staff onto our campus as they

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Pictured: The 2013 Interfraternity Council at the Fall Greek Assembly. From left to right: Jonathan Quick, Bret Kurtz, Ben Jerome-Lee, Ryan Laguna, Michael Weiner, Theo Siggelakis, Connor Hadley, and Michael DePasquale.

begin recruiting for their new chapter on our campus. They have recruited many quality men to be their founders and will continue to do so into the next semester. As a council, we have sought to not only improve the chapters on our campus, but also to improve the Interfraternity Council and its efficiency and effectiveness as well. A major part of our achievements on the council has been the revisiting of the documents that govern the actions and proceedings of the council and Fraternity community. We have passed legislature that streamlines our election process and made many recruitment changes in our constitution and by-laws that give the chapters more freedom to recruit the best men possible on this campus. Additionally, we have cosponsored speakers with various organizations to come to our campus, including the AcademyAward winning screenwriter of Milk Dustin Lance Black, and also Chuck Erickson, an openly gay man who spoke on the issue of LGBTQ rights in the Fraternity System. We have also continued with Fraternities Against the F-Word for the second year and had our first Greek Speak event, which brought some of the community members favorite professors to speak in the style of TedTalks. The members of the Interfraternity Council and the leadership of the chapters have been in the community long enough to see its explosive growth over recent years. This is a fantastic development of our Fraternity and Sorority Life community, but it also presents a challenge to those that comprise it or ever will comprise it. As members of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Quinnipiac University, we must always be pushing to do what is best and what is right for ourselves, our chapter and interfraternal brothers, and for our University. As long as we never accept

mediocrity, we will continue to be the community of achievementoriented, compassionate leaders I have come to know and love.

Interfraternally, Michael Weiner

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the interfraternity council newsletter

fall 2013 edition

Created and Designed by: Bret Kurtz Writers: Michael Weiner Matthew Eisenberg Ben Jerome-Lee Charlie Doe Special Thanks to: The Carl Hansen Student Center Staff The Panhellenic Council & Community The Fraternity & Sorority Life Office: Courtney McKenna Greg Fink Jaime Mor Megan Hoffay