 | | Collegiate Spotlight |
|
| Greek Spotlight: Jonathan Chow (Beta Theta Pi) |
|
Activities at UCI you are involved in?
Since I wasn’t that involved at my high school, one of my main goals
coming into college was to be more involved on campus. I got a head start
on this goal by getting involved with ASUCI my freshman year. I’m
currently an intern with student services in addition to being the
assistant coordinator of the Vendor Fairs. Something new I participated
in this past quarter was the discussion leader program for the University
Studies 2 course. It was a very unique experience because I got to work
with freshman students, teaching them about various topics such as campus
resources and the different majors offered at UCI. With each of my
involvements on campus, I realize that I grow as a person while at the
same time finding them to be very rewarding.
How has being in a fraternity changed your college experience?
Being in a fraternity has definitely changed my college experience in many
ways that I continue to discover to this day. I am more involved on
campus than I ever expected to be which helps me stay busy. I’ve
developed brotherly bonds that will last even after I leave this
institutuion and I’ve made memories that I’m sure I’ll never forget.
Being in a fraternity has also further cultivated my people skills. I am
grateful for this not only because it helped enhance my college
experience, but because it is something I can use even after graduating.
What events have you gone to that are sponsored by your national
fraternity?
One unique thing about Beta is that it hosts a multitude of leadership
opportunities. The main event that I’ve recently attended is Beta Theta
Pi’s General Convention. The General Convention is basically a huge
family gathering. Betas from all over the country and Canada, come
together to recognize each other’s achievements and meet some new faces.
This past convention was the 170th annual one which just goes to show how
much history Beta has. I would say that the main highlights of the
convention were the amazing hotel accommodations, meeting Betas from all
around the country, and of course shaking hands with the Senator of Indiana, Richard G.
Lugar. In the future, I plan to attend more events sponsored by Beta such
as the Keystone Regional Leadership Conference and the John Wooden
Institute.
|
| | |
| Chris Cobb (Sigma Chi) |
|
Years as a Greek: Fall 2006-Present
Past activities at UCI?
-UCDC
-Federal Highway Administration Summer Internship, New York City
Who/what has influenced you in your fraternity to become a strong leader within your chapter?
I originally felt that after my first year of college, I hadn’t accomplished anything special in the time that was supposed to be the “best of my life.” I joined Sigma Chi with the goal of making something great happen, but I had no direction. Sigma Chi helped me find passions and provided outlets to carry it forward. The older actives were models for becoming a leader. You really begin to resemble the people you surround yourself with, and it was fortunate to have such motivated leaders around. I saw them as people I wanted to become and the rest was history.
How do you explain the success of your chapter at UCI, and in terms of being one of the top Sigma Chi chapters in the nation?
The success we’ve had here at UCI begins with the people. The people make the chapter and only with effort can things happen. We’ve been lucky to have brothers who wanted to change their surroundings for the better. After that, we luckily have brothers who want to support each other and see each other succeed. It takes one guy to plan an event and another 20 to show up for it.
What are some of your future goals after graduating UCI?
I would like to go to work for an engineering firm, possibly outside of California. Eventually I want to receive my professional engineering license. I want to travel as much as possible too.
|
| | |
| Jason Brothers ( Pi Kappa Alpha) |
|
Why did you want to join an IFC fraternity at UCI?
I joined a fraternity in the fall quarter of my second year here at UCI because although I had already experienced a year's worth of college life, I felt very little attachment to the campus in general. I was initially very skeptical about the idea of joining a fraternity, but after rushing and getting to know the members of Pi Kappa Alpha, I chose to join because I immediately saw the benefits and opportunities that came with joining such an esteemed brotherhood of scholars, leaders, athletes, and gentlemen. Being an ex-varsity athlete in high school, one of the most enjoyable things that going Greek has provided me with the opportunity to once again athleticily compete at a high level against other competitive fraternity sports teams.
Who/what has influenced you in your fraternity to become a strong leader within your chapter?
At the end of the day, I work as hard as I do to be a leader within my chapter because I have been blessed with so much since the time I joined Pi Kappa Alpha. I have been granted opportunities to travel the country for leadership training provided by the International Fraternity, I have gained opportunities to compete with my brothers and excel on the sports fields, I have gotten to live the college experience and make the most of my youth, and most importantly, I have gained a network of friends and brothers that will be with me for the rest of my life. I stepped into positions of leadership early in my fraternity career, and I have continued to serve my Fraternity in various positions since then because I want my organization to continue excelling in the greater interests of myself, my brothers, and brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha that will come after me.
What are you proud of being a member of your fraternity?
I am very proud of the high standards to which we hold our members, and that we as an organization excel in all facets of Greek and campus life without compromising the values and the standards that have existed in our fraternity since its inception. We hold our members to high GPA, community service, and philanthropic standards, and absolutely stress the fact that we expect brothers of our fraternity to be nothing but gentlemen- all while still presenting our members with the opportunity to partake in a highly enjoyable college experience.
|
| | |
| Marudeen Aivaz (Sigma Pi) |
Marudeen is far ahead of his peers in every aspect. As a third year at the young age of 19, he has obtained an analyst intern position with Harvey & Co, a prestigious merchant banking firm that focuses on distributing private equity capital into middle market businesses. Marudeen is also currently working for  Congressman John Campbell, helping him support California's voice at the national level. Marudeen has also gained local political experience while working for California Assemblyman Chuck Devore who represents California's 70th district and is now running for the United States Senate.
Marudeen is actively involved in Sigma Pi Fraternity, volunteers at a local Alzheimer clinic and can always be found in the gym. Academically he maintains a 3.45 GPA while building a foundation for his future success.
|
| | |
| Christian Medero (FIJI) |
|
Activities at UCI:
Social Ecology Mentorship Program 07-08
Associated Student of UCI 07-present
>Event Planning Assistant 07-09
>Vendor Fair Coordinator 07-09
>Academic Affairs Vice-President 09-10
Randy B. Lewis Leadership Conference 2009 Planning Committee
Greek Week Finance Executive 09-10
Who/what has influenced you in your fraternity to become a strong leader within your chapter?
There have been many people that have influenced me to be an influential and strong leader. My two biggest influences however have been my big bro, Sammy Kordi, and my pledge bro, Simon Contreras. They’ve both helped shape me into the leader that I am today. Even thought I’m extremely involved with work and ASUCI, I still remain a very active member in my chapter. Before I was in a fraternity, I was always focused on work and school, but the fraternity has taught me that there was more much in the college experience that just keeping my head in the books.
What are you proud of being a member of your fraternity?
I am proud of being a member of Phi Gamma Delta because I joined a fraternity of men that are willing to lend a helping hand whenever possible. I take pleasure in being in the company of well-rounded individuals that compliment my values, goals, and aspirations in life.
What has being in a fraternity offered you?
Being in a fraternity has offered me the opportunity to truly live the college experience. I was a commuter student for my first two years at UCI, I now live at the FIJI house in Arroyo Vista and I know I would still be another commuter student had it not been for Phi Gamma Delta. My chapter has also pushed me to achieve my academic best at UCI, which I have; my best academic quarters have been when I was Greek.
|
| | |
| | |
|
