Theta Xi - Bradley University

THE TAXI NEWS PAGE 2 Tips from a Theta Xi Ed Malinowski '95 Shares His Strategies for Achieving Greatness A fter a brief career as a chemist, Ed Malinowski '95 made a shift to the technology industry. He has provided services to IBM, Hyatt, the Pentagon, and the White House Executive Center. Now, Ed explores new territory as the chief information officer of Shangri-La Hotels, based in of Hong Kong. He traces his origins of success back to his humble beginnings at Bradley University. "This all began from answering telephone support calls in Morgan Hall and fixing printer jams in various campus computer labs." Amid the competition of today's corporate world, Ed has achieved both professional and personal bliss. He has chosen to confide in you, his Alpha Sigma brothers, to share his strategies for success. As an undergraduate at Bradley, Ed gained personal strength through support from Theta Xi. He explains that finding a group of peers who will both support you and allow you to develop a strong sense of self is a difficult feat in college. "Theta Xi forced me to challenge my assumptions, to see things from a myriad of views, and, most importantly, to become the man I was to become and not the man some clique wanted me to be." When embarking on a career, Ed stresses that your college major in no way dictates the whole of your profession. "There is a wealth of other opportunities open to you if you broaden your view— skill and experience are far more significant than education alone." "Passion, though, is most important," Ed says. "Rather than defining yourself by what you are doing, define yourself by what you aspire to become." He explains that anything is possible for a person with passion. "This will allow you to move towards the things that drive you, instead of the things that keep you where you are." At the end of the day, Ed reminds us that only you can define true happiness, since it is different for every person. "Figure out early on what happiness looks like; don't waste years in pursuit of things that someone else tells you constitute success." To be a strong Alpha Sigma alumnus, Ed emphasizes contact with the undergraduate chapter. "We are the ones who can offer mentorship, guidance, and input from 'those who have gone before' and we should make ourselves readily accessible." Ed lives in Hong Kong with his wife, Amber, and their two sons, Edward Joseph III (2) and Nikolai David (3 months). He teaches martial arts, practices photography, loves to cook, and has a deep appreciation for wine. His favorite activity is "chasing around Eddie while Niko is strapped to my chest like a needy potato—something of which I will never grow tired." E-mail: alucard@vitriolic.org committed to Brotherly loyAlty And AcAdemic excellence M ax Rydell '17 has been honored as the first recipient of the Blue Iris Scholarship, sponsored by the Theta Xi Foundation and Wayne Janus. Max's commitment to his education and the support and values of Theta Xi have created a winning combination. Max decided to join Theta Xi to open himself up to new experiences and opportunities. He has quickly formed a bond with Alpha Sigma brothers and has already acquired the values of responsibility, loyalty, and brotherhood. Max adopts the first purpose of Theta Xi as motivation for maintaining a successful GPA. "The first purpose of Theta Xi clearly outlines that we are here to receive an education. I place my studies above all else, because that's what I'm here for." As a management and leadership major with a focus on human resources, Max seeks a career where he can directly help others. Max's free time consists of spending time with his brothers and playing volleyball. He offers support to brothers who hope to improve their grades. "Don't wait until you're at the edge of failing to start putting in the effort. Set your goals on day one and keep on track to reach them every day." Chapter Officers President Andrew Potter '16 Hudson, Ill. (309) 825-4640 pr.thetaxi@gmail.com Vice President Kyle Gehling '16 Carol Stream, Ill. Treasurer Trent Hootman '16 Canton, Ill. Recruitment Chairman Clay Darrow '17 Hudson, Ill. (309) 826-7894 rc.thetaxi@gmail.com House Manager Conner O'Neal '17 Mt. Prospect, Ill. Secretary Andrew Wiersema '17 Chadwick, Ill. Scholarship Chairman Dakota Mahan '15 Pekin, Ill. Philanthropy Chairman Max Rydell '17 Elgin, Ill. Social Chairman Michael Kull '15 Bloomington, Ill. Membership Educators Josiah Jackson '15 Canton, Ill. Alexander Vallejo '15 Sugar Grove, Ill.

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