Fraternity Life is Learning to Lead

Name: Jason Gangwer
Class of: 2012
Hometown: Virginia Beach
Major(s): Art History and Business
Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi

What made you decide to join a fraternity?

If you had told me I was going to join a fraternity before I arrived at college, I probably wouldn't have believed you.  In fact, I even lost some sleep over the decision before I finally made the choice to join.  The reason I decided to join was because I looked up to the men currently in the fraternity.  They were each role models of how to get the most out of the four year college experience and out of life long after graduation.  While committing to an organization for the rest of my life seemed intense at first, I realized that the more I put into my college experience, the more I was going to get out of it in the long run.  By living, working, learning, and playing sports with the fifty or so other men in my fraternity I continue to equip myself for life's countless challenges.  Through the cooperation and efforts of this small, determined group of men, I have learned that anything is possible. 

What does being in a fraternity have to do with leadership?

Everything about the fraternity experience relates to leadership development.   Fraternities were founded with the goal of holding its members to a higher standard of living through a collective association of common values.  True leaders turn visions into realities in the same way true fraternity men live their values everyday.  Turning a collective vision into a reality is the very definition of leadership.  As fraternity men use individual and organizational communication skills, goal setting, project planning, public relations, and time management skills they are learning leadership skills that prove invaluable in every walk of life. 

How has your fraternity experience helped you to develop as a leader?

As I continue to learn and grow as a leader and as a person, the values of my fraternity are always in the back of my mind.  Everything that I do is a reflection of my fraternity's members, past, present, and future.  The community of integrity created within my brotherhood holds me accountable for all my words and actions even when no one is watching.  These values and qualities are what have made me successful as a leader on campus and given me a drive to leave this campus and this world better than I found it. 

What support has your fraternity given you as you’ve grown as leader?

I continue to find myself far from my old comfort zone as I serve the fraternity in a variety of ways.  From planning a philanthropy event to setting up the annual composite, the roles I have played during my relatively short time on campus have allowed me to gain the experience necessary to lead with patience and determination.  Whether I succeed or fail I always seem to have the support of my entire fraternity.  From serious, hour long talks about my future to a passing wave on the Terrace, I am constantly reminded of how much my brothers care about me every day.  College can sometimes be stressful or overwhelming, but my brothers help me see beyond the problem of the week.  My fraternity reminds me of the importance of shared bonds and collective association.  I can count on any brother to offer honest feedback and guidance when I need it the most.  The support offered by the men in my fraternity allows me to exceed my own expectations and dream beyond anything I could imagine.  I do not tell my brothers enough: I would not be the person I am today without them.