Beta Theta Pi - Michigan State University

THE THE DRAGON'S WAGON DRAGON'S WAGON G A M M A P S I C H A P T E R O F B E T A T H E T A P I Fall 2022 (Continued on page 2) FOUNDING FATHER Not every fraternity experience begins with a first impression of a chapter. In some cases, that chapter may not even be there yet. Back in 2011, Kevin Adams '15 and the Founding Father class sought a "different sort of fraternity experience" by building a new brotherhood through the shared ideals and values of Gamma Psi Chapter. While working toward dual degrees, Kevin served as vice president of education in 2013- 14. "A key goal of ours was balancing the history of the fraternity—so brothers had a connection to the wider organization and the values—and opportunities to both apply the values to their lives and integrate into the fraternity." Kevin had the responsibility of helping new members unlearn fraternity stereotypes and instead form a foundation for their brotherhood based on genuine connections and relationships. "Education, or any exchange of information, is not only about the information itself, but also about connecting with people, understanding their perspectives and needs, and trying to have a conversation together about how that can be applied to move forward and improve." DEGREES ON DEGREES Kevin earned a bachelor's degree in environmental geosciences with a concentration in geophysics from Lyman Briggs as well as a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies in social science—liberal studies with a minor in environmental studies. "The idea was to have both the physical and social background to work with environmental problems, particularly climate change," he said. After his time at Michigan State, he worked toward a master's degree in environmental studies at the University of Colorado before relocating to Stockholm, Sweden. CLIMATE DIPLOMACY After working as a research fellow at the Stockholm Environment Institute, Kevin's career now focuses on international climate diplomacy. He is currently the lead climate finance negotiator for the United States at the U.S. Department of State and advisor to Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry. "Combating the climate crisis is a critical area for U.S. diplomacy," Kevin said. He is at the forefront of UN conferences on climate change, sitting at the table for the U.S. delegation to negotiate international progress at conferences like COP26 in Glasgow and COP27 in Egypt. Kevin considers genuine relationship building to be the most instrumental lesson he learned in Beta Theta Pi, as it factors heavily into successful diplomacy. "Beta was an excellent example for me of how you could build really deep relationships that go beyond talking about sports or your studies," he said. "It was a group of people who really knew one another, held each other accountable, and went out of their way to care and be there. Those kinds of connections are so valuable, and they are essential for talking about difficult issues and finding ways to grow or improve." ADVICE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS For current undergraduates, Kevin advises them to actively seek out opportunities they want to experience. "I contacted a professor at University College London directly and set up an opportunity to work together," Kevin said about his 2014 research stay in London. "There are so many opportunities around MSU just waiting to be seized and where showing up is half the battle." Kevin also acknowledges the importance of letting your life path fluctuate. "When I initially Growing from the Ground Up Kevin Adams '15 on Being a Founding Father and a Diplomat for Climate Change "When an opportunity arises, it is so important to be able to reevaluate with an open mind and allow yourself to change course. For me, the main question has always been: 'Where can I do the most good right now?'" T his year, Gamma Psi Chapter turns a new corner—one we've been heading toward for years. We finally have a home that is all ours. We've moved into a permanent home; one we are going to be making uniquely Beta and uniquely Gamma Psi. I must thank my fellow board members. The entire group put in hours and hours (and more hours) of work to make this a reality. It was no easy task. I am so proud to be their brother, and a brother to all of you. With that said, we are not done. The work never stops. This brotherhood takes work to maintain, and I know we are all willing to do it. Now that we have a home, we have a launching pad to reshape our approach to enhancing our alumni relations and reconnecting graduates to campus. I look forward to seeing you all this fall at Homecoming, and as always, I'm here for my brothers. Yours in -kai-, Frank Mercadante '15 Beta Tau Alumni Corporation President Our Efforts to Maintain the Brotherhood A House to Call Home

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