Delta Chi - Kansas State University

W hile most KSU fraternities could coast on reputation and numbers, Tony McClain '00 and his Delta Chi brothers were tasked with building a reputation and role on campus. "I joined Delta Chi because of the people, and because of the unique opportunities it provided. I was initially introduced to the fraternity through an assortment of friends from high school—guys like Eric Rohleder '98, Mitch Fiedler '99 , Ryan Gedney '99, Bryan Wagner '99, and Jamie Lewis," he said. BUILDING A CAREER Tony interned for Delta Chi Headquarters as an undergraduate, which led to working as a Leadership Consultant after he graduated; he later became the Director of Chapter Services. Eager to put his political science degree to use, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he gratefully rented a room from Aaron Otto '98. Tony spent several months as an intern for the House of Representatives while bartending on Capitol Hill before landing a permanent job in the U.S. Senate. Tony's 20 years in the Senate have been rewarding and humbling, but they've never been boring. He's visited troops in war zones overseas, traveled to military bases and visited with veterans groups across the country, and had the privilege to work with people of unforgettable vision, passion, and character. Tony has received a number of awards for his support and legislative efforts on behalf of service members, veterans, and their families, including the "Freedom Award" from the Military Coalition; the "Legislative Staff Award" from the Reserve Officers Association; the "Legislative Proponent Award" from the Association of the United States Navy; and many more. What he's most proud of, however, is the legislative victories he's achieved with his colleagues through the years. "There is no bigger motivator than knowing your work can directly contribute to improving the lives of others. That's the North Star—that's what makes it all worthwhile." WORKING TOGETHER PAYS OFF Tony has Delta Chi to thank (from the college years to his time on staff) for teaching him to effectively work with others to produce better outcomes. This translates directly to his work in the legislative branch. "When identifying a solution to a problem, you should solicit multiple perspectives and engage them every step of the way. The end result is change brought about by collective buy-in," he explained. "That's effective when it comes to chapter- level issues, and it's effective when it comes to policymaking." OUR BROTHERS ARE WORTH IT To this day, Tony is in frequent contact with Delta Chi brothers from K-State. Schedules don't always align, but when they do, he remembers their relationships have never skipped a beat. Between those friendships and life skills, Tony is thankful and humbled to receive the Distinguished Delta Chi Award. "It's offered me an opportunity to reflect on the various life lessons, and I'll forever be indebted to Delta Chi for that." Tony lives in D.C. with his wife, Carrie, their children, Carter and Olivia, and Labradoodle, Thor. You can reach him at anthonymcclain@gmail.com. Delta Chi at Kansas State University | Delta Chi at Kansas State University | Spring 2024 Spring 2024 T H E S C I M I TA R T H E S C I M I TA R Left: Tony behind Staffing Chairman Jon Tester at a hearing for the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Center Left: Tony with Joe Biden, then Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in Ramadi, Iraq in 2007. Center Right: Tony (right) celebrating passage of the PACT Act with Jon Stewart, with whom he worked closely for several months in 2022. Right: Tony with Aaron Otto '98, Mike Sarow '00, and Steve Howe '02 at Founders' Day. HOW TONY MCCLAIN '00 DISCOVERED HIS LIFE'S WORK From Aggieville to Capitol Hill "Above all, Delta Chi always provided that comfortable sense of never being alone because you were always part of something bigger than yourself."

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