Alpha Gamma Rho - Penn State University

ΑΓΡ gamma crescent Gamma Chapter of alpha Gamma rho fraternity at penn State I SprinG 2014 N ot long ago, I received a text message from one of our undergraduates, Sam Black '11 (Γ1592), who is off campus this semester with an internship at the Hershey Company in Hershey, Pennsylvania. He shared this comment with me in reply to my question about how the internship is going, "Hey Greek. It's going great. Working in the industry has taught me more than any class has. I really like the corporate culture and my job is really interesting." Although you may feel I am over thinking the comment, let me share some thoughts on what it meant to me and why I believe it is a perfect example of the support our undergraduates need and want from alumni. I have known Sam since he joined Gamma three years ago. He has held two executive team positions—VNR finance and VNR planning—and did a phenomenal job in both. When he came to Penn State he was enrolled in the School of Hospitality Management and had every intention of a career in the hotel/restaurant business. I graduated in 1972 with a degree in hospitality management, so Sam and I had a bit in common. He questioned his career choice and spoke with me about it on numerous occasions, and, in the end, made the decision to change directions and go into supply chain management. Two years ago, Sam was contemplating running for the noble ruler position. He would be an excellent noble ruler, but we also had another very qualified person who wanted the job. Sam again called me to seek my advice and counsel. At the time, we had an urgent need in the finance area at Gamma. I shared with him the significant guidance and support he would receive from our alumni finance chairman and how the finance position may provide a better foundation to his career. Sam did become VNR finance and the lessons learned from the position had a significant impact on his growth. Fast forward three years when I received Sam's message. Although I am 40+ years older than he, we both made an effort to get to know each other since he became a brother. He is very comfortable in communicating with me and sees me as a mentor, friend, and brother. I am someone who can provide advice and counsel to help him make a better decision. I share this scenario with you to make you think about the guidance, support, and mentorship you personally received as you pursued your career aspirations. When I was in the house, we had a few men who were in pre-veterinarian medicine. To get into vet school it was critical to obtain references, advice, and counsel from an existing professional in the field. Those who had a good mentor and support system had a much better chance of getting accepted. It's not only the pre-vet students who need support—all of our undergraduates need alumni support in whatever career choice they select. Brothers, when I graduated I did not come back to the house for 35 years. I regret that it took me so long to realize the importance of giving back and understanding how and where I could make an impact. I ask you to get involved. Our undergraduates need and want your support; you can make a difference! Fraternally, Brian "Greek" Sarris '69 (Γ960) Gamma Alumni Association President (215) 872-4517 briansarristraining@gmail.com Undergraduates Need and Want More Alumni Support—How You Can Help Inside 2 thank you, loyal alumni and friendS 3 AGR hitS the BookS thiS SprinG 4 AGR ShowS a touCh of ClaSS 5 ConGratulationS, GraduatinG SeniorS 5 welCome, new memBerS The Legacy Continues: A Q&A with the Moore Family B ill '55 (Γ694), Walt '86 (Γ1293), and Jake Moore '11 (Γ1589) reflect on their time in the Gamma Chapter, share some of their favorite memories, and explain what Alpha Gamma Rho means to them. What is your first memory of Alpha Gamma Rho? Jake: I can't say it's my first memory, but I recently found out that at a little over a year of age I spent the night in the rack with my parents when they returned to Penn State for a weekend not long after graduation. I thought this was funny because I can say that I was probably the youngest legacy to spend a night at the house. It must be in my blood. (Continued on page 2)

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