2015 Gamma Alpha Commander Spencer Neeley believes that the more you invest into the chapter, the more it will offer you in return. That’s why he plans to work hard to develop strong leaders in the active chapter, and maintain strong relationships with alumni members. In this Q&A, Spencer shares why he joined Sigma Nu, the goals and challenges he’ll face in 2015, and why he thinks Sigma Nu stands apart from other fraternities at Tech.
Why did you join Sigma Nu?
I joined Sigma Nu because I felt most comfortable at our house during rush. All the brothers I met were down to earth and genuine, and I wanted to be a part of that.
What has been your best fraternity memory to date?
My best memory is the Alumni Party we had before homecoming during my sophomore year. I remember talking with brothers who lived on our property 60 years ago, watching them take over the dance floor and act as if things hadn’t changed since they were in my shoes. It was a very rewarding experience.
Why did you decide to run for Commander of Gamma Alpha?
As a brother, I have benefited from all the brothers who have come before me, and it was important for me to invest my time and effort so present and future brothers could benefit in the same ways.
What are your goals as Commander in 2015?
As Commander, I hope to continue increasing our overall involvement in community service, work more directly with Wiskott-Aldrich Foundation to surpass our record in donations, foster creativity from our Officers to provide new and unique events, and continue to develop the strong brotherhood that we have already built.
What challenges do you face, and how do you plan to overcome them?
The regulations of Greek life on our campus, and nationally, continuously evolve and put more pressure on the chapters to change with it or get left behind. My executive committee members and I are working hard to stay updated on these policies and keep our chapter well informed.
What is your advice to incoming pledges and future generations of Sigma Nus at Tech?
Sigma Nu is led by young men who really care about this fraternity and their brothers, and rewards its members with amazing memories, lifelong friends, and fantastic alumni connections. The more you invest into the chapter, the more it will offer you in return.
In what ways has alumni participation influenced the active chapter, in your opinion.
The alumni have been an unbelievable resource for our chapter, and have inspired many recent alumni to remain heavily involved with the fraternity. We would not be able to thrive as we have without their continued support and wisdom to guide us through tough decisions.
In your opinion, what makes Sigma Nu stand apart from other fraternities at GT?
Sigma Nu stands out because our brothers are truly genuine. We strive to be the best versions of ourselves and push each other to grow and become gentlemen, scholars, and affect positive influence in our community.
Why would you encourage more alumni to become involved with the chapter during your presidency?
The alumni are an amazing resource for this fraternity, and through their continued participation, they demonstrate the true strength and value of our brotherhood. Their guidance allows us to continue improving our chapter and our organization. Interacting with brothers from 30, 40, or 50 years ago also helps our current chapter appreciate what Sigma Nu has to offer, now and later in life.
What are your plans/goals for after graduation?
The first thing I am going to do is travel. I love immersing myself in different cultures, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and of course eating crazy foods that I won’t be able to find in the southern United States. After seeing more of the world, I plan on finding a job somewhere, although there is a wide range of possibilities and I’m not quite sure exactly where I will end up.
Contact Spencer at [email protected].