ADG's Principles: Building a Solid Foundation for Life
By PETE MANNING
National Director of Alumni Affairs
Alpha Delta Gamma's principles have been the foundation for many men's lives. Those principles have helped to mold college students into men with strong character, morals, and ethics. These men have gone on, using their individual talents in a variety of ways, to become leaders and build stronger, more successful communities. ADG has had many brothers go on to become very successful in such areas as academia, athletics, business, politics, etc.
I recently asked two Past National Presidents, Anthony DeSantis and Andy Schoettker, about what ADG has done to help them prepare for their current careers and how it has helped them in life. I believe their answers are insightful, and illustrate how both have incorporated what ADG stands for into their daily lives. As you read them, I suggest everyone consider how you might answer these questions, and how important Alpha Delta Gamma is to you.
Background: Andy Schoettker is an alumnus of Rho Chapter and graduated from college in 1981. He is currently with Procter & Gamble as Treasury Banking Team Leader. Anthony DeSantis is an alumnus of Psi Chapter and graduated in 1996. He is
currently Director of Housing and an Adjunct Professor at Nova Southeastern University in Miami.
Question: Can you tell me how being a member of ADG has helped you in becoming a successful businessman, member of your community, family man, etc?
Andy: ADG has helped me in my communication and interpersonal skills with the people I work with. I am also of the opinion that if a problem arises or something difficult comes along, I shouldn't complain about it, but fix the problem. My experience as National President helped me to gain this knowledge and experience.
Anthony: ADG has not only developed me as a man, but also as a leader. By becoming active in my chapter and on the national level, ADG has helped me with my decision-making abilities and to become a well-rounded person overall.
Q: What kind of traits does ADG promote that you would say companies look for in new employees?
Andy: Like I said in my last answer, the ability to lead and help become part of the solution, instead of just standing by and doing nothing. I believe that is an attractive quality to employers. I believe that ADG fosters many of the qualities that businesses look for in potential candidates for their companies.
Anthony: Many men who are in today's workforce have been part of a fraternity. That being said, many men understand the commitment and dedication it takes to be a member of a fraternity. Since ADG and my brothers allowed me the opportunity to grow as a leader and help ADG, I became a more developed and well-rounded man, as well as a better prospect for potential employers. So I would say commitment, dedication, leadership, organization, etc. are all things that ADG helps develop that the business community looks for in a new employee.
|
|
( Presidents Breakfast Convention in New Orleans 2003 )
Q: Do you think the 5 S's helped make you a better person? If so, in what ways?
Andy: Yes, I think the 5 S's are very important and have helped me in my development. I believe that volunteering one's time makes a stronger community. I also like to keep in contact and get together with my ADG brothers. School Spirit and Scholastic helped make me a better member of my college community. Lastly, self reflection and looking inward to improve oneself, is always a key to growth.
Anthony: "To this day I still live my life by the 5 S's. On a monthly basis, I work on volunteering my time on or off campus. Since I work at a university, I attend numerous athletic events. As a doctoral student, I spend most of my spare time studying, reading, writing papers, etc. I also feel it is important to spend time with my fraternity brothers and alumni throughout the year. Lastly, I always feel it is important to take the time for self-reflection for yourself on where and what you want to be in life.
Q: Have the connections you have made while being an active helped you in business? Do you think staying in contact with the alumni of you chapter and other chapters has helped in your business career?
Andy: I have spent my career at P&G, so not directly in business, but indirectly my brothers have always been there to talk to or to get advice from. I would say ADG has helped brothers nationwide through contacts with other brothers.
Anthony: Out of the 200 numbers I have in my cell phone, 150 are brothers. So, I guess that tells you how ADG has helped me throughout the years on both a business and personal level.
Q: Overall, do you think, by joining ADG, you have become a more successful person?
Andy: Definitely. ADG has helped to mold me into the man I am today.
Anthony: I truly love the memories and experience Alpha Delta Gamma has provided me. I always try to do my best to keep in contact with those brothers and alumni who have made a tremendous impact in my life. I always look forward to attending convention, meetings or events to catch up with those people who have changed my life - my Alpha Delta Gamma brothers.
|