Theta Xi - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

While a company commander in the NROTC, I approached my executive officer about an idea that I felt would benefit the entire unit. I had thought this out for days and was proud of the suggestion that I offered. He looked at me blankly and emotionlessly responded, "Have you instituted this in your own company?" My answer was no; I saw his lesson immediately. If I thought an idea was so useful and impactful, why didn't I implement it within the span of control that I already had? Many times, we want others to adopt our ideas for improvement, yet we haven't fully implemented them ourselves. Rensselaer's motto during my years was, "Why not change the world." From that lesson, I believe the first step should be: "Why not change ourselves." www.alpha6294.com Alphabet D uring his sophomore year, Kevin Guldner '08 (A1578) received an invitation to the Alpha Chapter house from a fellow member of his Naval ROTC unit. None of the fraternities Kevin explored as a freshman appealed to his values, but he noticed a unique camaraderie among the brothers of Theta Xi. "I learned that many others at Rensselaer had joined a fraternity to gain the status of the letters they wore—but the reputation of the letters is truly built and maintained by the action of the brothers who wear them," Kevin said. "Constant focus on Theta Xi's ideals was necessary to uphold our legacy, and I was constantly learning through trial and error how to contribute and help guide those around me. This focus on virtue and integrity has stayed with me since." Looking back, Kevin sees how influential Theta Xi's lessons were in his path. As an associate member, he learned how to present respectful disagreement from a subordinate status, potentially persuading leaders to adjust plans for mutual benefit. He was honored to serve his brothers across two terms as vice president, learning the difference between his previous "positional" authority and the need to gain (and keep) buy-in from those he now had to lead. "One could say it was a crash course in leadership, and I have taken those lessons with me throughout my military career." A LIFELONG DREAM From a young age, all Kevin wanted was to become a Navy fighter pilot. He realized his dream through many challenges and detours and has now flown F-18 Super Hornets for 15 years. Today, he serves as the base executive officer of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, the Navy's premier research and testing facility for new weapon systems. He was recently selected as the commanding officer of the Navy's Advanced Jet Training Squadron, working with the next generation of carrier-based combat pilots. Kevin's career has taken him all over the world, including six years stationed overseas. He met his wife during his first tour for Forward Deployed in Japan. Kevin has flown many combat missions in Iraq and Syria. Most recently, he provided close air support for American forces in the final days of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. "All in all, I couldn't ask for a more rewarding job." LOOKING FOR LEADERS Between his military service and family, Kevin has not been as active with Theta Xi in years past as he'd like. He is now looking for opportunities to give back to today's brothers—including connecting with those interested in a military career. "Theta Xi offers many opportunities to hone your leadership skills," he said. "I'm looking to mentor those who want to lead and share with them the lessons and mistakes that got me where I am today." Kevin lives in Ridgecrest, California, with his wife, Airi, and two young daughters, Kiyona and Ayana. He can be reached at kevin.guldner@gmail.com. A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP WHAT THE BROTHERHOOD MEANS TO KEVIN GULDNER '08 (A1578) Kevin flying at the weapon station test range in China Lake, California. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO UNDERGRADUATE BROTHERS?

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