Delta Chi - Educational Foundation

Page 3 The DelTa Chi eDuCaTional FounDaTion www.dcef.com T urned off by the treatment of pledges he saw at many fraternities, Mike Carroll, Auburn '71, had nearly ruled out the possibility of joining any organization when he transferred to Auburn University as a sophomore. But what he saw at Delta Chi changed his mind. A feeling of family came through at the chapter from the brothers, their housemother, and even the staff working in the kitchen. The close sense of community from Delta Chi gave Mike the freedom and support to explore opportunities throughout campus. As an alumnus, it was Gary Monk, Auburn '65, who reignited Mike's passion for Delta Chi when he asked Mike to attend the 1981 convention in Indianapolis. "I was inspired by that convention," said Mike. "I thought that I would never find the abundance of friendship later in life that I found as an undergraduate. I found that bond alive and well with other Delta Chis around the country. It was like an extension of family." In 1984, Mike served as vice regent for Region VIII and was asked to fill the regent position, when Keith Shriver took employment out of the region. He was elected regent at the next Regional Conference. In 1987, Mike was elected to "CC" (international secretary); in 1990 "DD" (international treasurer); and in 1992, "AA" (international president). Mike has also invested in the lives of young men in the Auburn chapter and in 1989 helped to start and has maintained involvement with the Georgia Tech chapter. "There's never been a time when a positive fraternity experience could be more beneficial for young men. If young men surround themselves with people who share similar goals and aspirations, they are more likely to reach their own. Fraternity is an opportunity to learn and gain experience that does not happen in the classroom. Fraternity is where men learn about themselves through others who are committed to the common good and supporting the efforts of the organization. Nothing takes the place of personal relationships, whether they be family, friends, associates, or co-workers. Fraternity is where I gained a greater appreciation for people and relationships. My hope is that each chapter brings out the best in the individual, providing a culture where we always 'do the right thing,' accept responsibility, look out for one another, while making a positive contribution to the chapter and friends for life. Mike's commitment has also been seen through his financial investment in Delta Chi. At this summer's convention, he was acknowledged as a New Founder, which is the level reached when a donor contributes a total of $100,000 to the Educational Foundation. Mike's portrait will be commissioned and proudly displayed at Auburn's chapter house and Delta Chi's headquarters in recognition of this achievement. "You can't repay Delta Chi for the opportunities you've had. You can only support it to make sure that the same opportunities are there for those who follow. Achieving New Founder was a milestone and I hope at some point I can do a lot more. It is humbling to be in the company of the men who have reached this level and greater." Mike lives in the Atlanta area with his wife, Patti, and works with the textile firm Norman W. Paschall Company. He can be reached at mike@paschall.com. Mike Carroll, Auburn '71, Recognized as New Founder arizona STaTe alumnuS FinDS WayS To give BaCK To unDergraDuaTeS J ason Michael Walker, Arizona State '05, stood in a unique position during his undergraduate days. Shortly after initiation, he and his new brothers discovered that the chapter would be losing their house at the university. Members ran for the exits at the news, but Jason Michael and four of his friends chose to dig in their heels. Rather than abandoning the organization they had just joined, Jason Michael and his friends took on the leadership positions that had been vacated. "The five of us who were initiated immediately became the new executive board," said Jason Michael. "The experience changed me because I had to become a leader right away." While there wasn't a great deal of support locally, Jason Michael quickly found that Delta Chi stretched to a national level. He attended regional conferences and the national convention, experiences that energized him and provided tools for trying to build the chapter back home. "I realized during those years that Delta Chi is not just your local chapter. Wherever you go, you can find someone who is a brother. As an alumnus, I now want to give back so that another chapter doesn't have to go through the difficulties that we did. Seeing the big picture and supporting both the national organization and local chapters means a lot to me. Giving back to the Educational Foundation means that the national fraternity can help shape people in chapters all over the country that I can't reach out to." Jason Michael earned his bachelor of interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in business and communications from Arizona State and a second bachelor's degree in environmental science and an MBA from University of Phoenix. He now works with the University of Phoenix as a finance manager focused on military students, helping them to successfully utilize their benefits. He is an environmentalist as well and works in his free time with environmental nonprofits to inspire sustainable choices in his community. The experience of being a Delta Chi shaped his abilities for life after college, equipping him to lead and relate to others in the positions he holds today. "I'm a more prepared person because I'm a Delta Chi. It enhanced my spirit of giving back to others and I probably wouldn't be as strong of a leader today if I hadn't had those experiences. At the time, as an undergraduate, I didn't realize all I was gaining, but looking back, I appreciate it more than ever." Jason Michael lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and has a 14-year-old daughter, Arya. You can reach him at walker.jasonmichael@gmail.com.

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