Delta Chi - Kansas State University

KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY page 3 W hen Brian Waldschmidt '99 came to Manhattan, it didn't take him long to realize the network of friendships he had already created. "I joined Delta Chi because of all the connections I made through my brother, Bobby Waldschmidt '97. It was a no-brainer because as soon as I joined, I knew I had gained an instant family. Also, the friends that my brother had made pretty well wouldn't leave me alone until I followed suit. It's so easy to get lost in all of the people that attend school, but Delta Chi helped make the transition so much easier." As an undergraduate, Brian served as chairman on the philanthropy committee and earned his degree in agricultural education with a minor in animal science. Since graduation, he has put his degree and his Delta Chi experiences to good use in his community. Brian serves as county commissioner (District 1) for Harper County, Kan. Along with raising four children with his wife, Kasey, Brian maintains his passion for agriculture by running cows, managing his own farm, and helping his dad on the family farm. Brian also sells real estate, specializing in agricultural land and recreational properties. "Delta Chi helped me become who I am today in part by teaching me the value of truly listening to people." Being an agriculture major in a fraternity with few who shared the same major provided Brian with unique challenges, but Delta Chi always made him feel connected. "While living at the chapter house I met many members that didn't share the same interests, but I realized that being exposed to people's differences is what made me learn how to communicate with those different than myself. That knowledge has helped me in my real estate career as well as my time as county commissioner. There are many times that I need to be able to strike up conversations to make things work and Delta Chi helped me to develop that skill." "I've taken my oldest two boys, Ethan (10) and Cooper (8) to see the K-State campus and they have asked a lot of questions about Delta Chi. I've told them that if they ever decide to attend K-State, that there will be a place waiting for them when they get there. They, as well as myself, are excited at that thought. I also have two younger ones, Sadie (4) and Noah (2)." "How could anyone that's met Aaron Otto ever deny the impact that guy has had on any of us. Truly a one-of-a-kind man whose generosity and true interest in my life as well as the lives of many others is unparalleled. There are many brothers that come to mind, but a few that really stick out are Aaron Marshall '00, Craig Bezdek '98, Bryan Wagner '99, Eric Nelson '00, Matt Killingsworth '02, Matt Troup '01, Erik Klahn '99, Peyvand Honargohar '00, Jason Ary '00, Matt Howe '98, Justin Knopf '00, Brandon Konda '99, and Andrew Marciniak '00." DELTA CHI KANSAS STATE SERVICE SERIES • Highlighting Those Who Serve • How Brian Waldschmidt '99 and Aaron Otto '98 Give Back Through Public Service B rian advises undergraduate members to always keep the doors of opportunity open. "I've made it a habit to look at any and all prospects and consider every one of them. Whether it be possible jobs or potential business deals, being open to opportunities is crucial." Aaron encourages undergraduate members to learn through leadership and involvement outside of the classroom such as Student Government Association or a campus club. "There are a number of internship opportunities available in which an undergraduate can both gain valuable work experience and make great networking connections for possible jobs in the future." Finally, both brothers advise all members to get to know people around you and truly find out who they are. Don't be afraid to ask for help when needed and don't be afraid to admit you don't know all of the answers. In addition to Brian and Aaron's public service, Mark Page '94 currently serves as a city council member in Corvallis, Ore., and Justin Knopf '00 serves on the USD 306 Southeast of Saline school board. B efore serving in his current role of executive director for the Johnson County Airport Commission, Aaron Otto '98, wore many badges, but perhaps none greater than that of Delta Chi "AA." Yet, even before that, Aaron started as an associate member while the Kansas State Chapter was still a colony. "In 1994 we had a great deal of excitement, but we were still trying to figure out what it meant to be a fraternity, to provide programs and services to our members. I relished the opportunity to be part of building something great through the first or second annual events." As an undergraduate member, Aaron had the chance to serve as the housing chair, "F," and associate member counselor. Through these positions he learned valuable life lessons about servant leadership and how to build consensus within a group. "Those types of life lessons learned through my experiences in college have proven invaluable in my professional career. I was fortunate to have the leadership of brothers like our ABT president, Tom Haney '70, "BB," Dr. Alan Brightman, Kansas Chapter '67, and housing corporation member, Don Edwards '74." County Commissioner Brian Waldschmidt '99 Executive Director for the Johnson County Airport Commission Aaron Otto '98 Message to Undergraduates from Brian and Aaron If you have served on any publicly elected, appointed office in any level of government, or if you have served in the military, please contact Aaron Otto at ottomatic98@hotmail.com.

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