Delta Tau Delta - Cornell University

DTD 2 THE CORDELT A s a freshman at Cornell University, Stephen Shapiro '86 desired to connect with a diverse group of individuals with differing interests and backgrounds, as well as find a place he could call his home away from home. Delta Tau Delta provided both the opportunity to create lifelong friendships with individuals whom he is proud to call his brothers and a place that he could truly call home. "My Beta Omicron brothers have been and continue to be some of my biggest supporters and were a critical driving force in my becoming the person I am today. ey encouraged me to develop social skills, leadership skills, and a high level of creativity that would benefit me significantly when pursuing personal and professional interests," he says. Having supportive brothers in the chapter to look up to encouraged Stephen to expand his involvement in Beta Omicron by pursuing leadership opportunities. As social chairman, Stephen was able to showcase creativity and leadership abilities that shed a positive light on the chapter. Stephen also served on the undergraduate council, which allowed him to visit other Delt chapters and get involved with the fraternity on a national level. "Being a member of Beta Omicron helped me realize who I was as an individual and who I wanted to become. My brothers challenged me every day to be the best version of myself, and I cannot thank them enough for helping me become a better person." As an alumnus, Stephen has maintained connections with Allen Wong '85, Don Staffin '85, Mark Sheraden '85, Tony Lacke '85, Aaron Osofsky '85, Steve Getman '86, and many others. One of Stephen's most cherished memories is when Allen and Don were stranded in London, Stephen's home at the time, due to the tragedy that struck on September 11, 2001. Stephen says, "e week we spent together in London was a wonderful and meaningful experience in light of a terrible event. e bond between brothers lasts a lifetime, and whenever I have the opportunity to connect with them it brings back wonderful memories of my college years. ose were incredibly formative and enjoyable years." Stephen's dedication and involvement with Beta Omicron carried on aer graduation, as he leapt at the opportunity to give a presentation to members of the Delt chapters in Boston. It is Stephen's hope that his commitment to Delta Tau Delta will inspire current and future undergraduate members to maintain lifelong connections with their own chapters. As a professional speaker, Stephen has the unique opportunity to travel the world and educate audiences on innovation and creativity. He has given over 1,000 speeches in 50 different countries, and is eager to continue impacting lives through his speeches. When he is not hard at work, Stephen enjoys watching and performing magic. He and his fiancée, Elenie, are loving their new home in Orlando, Florida. Stephen is looking forward to reconnecting with brothers at future alumni gatherings and says, "I am amazed how everyone looks the same aer 30 years; there must be something special in the Delt water at Cornell!" You can contact Stephen at inquiries@stephenshapiro.com. How Beta Omicron Changed My Life Stephen Shapiro '86 ankful for a Lifetime of Friendship and Support from Brothers Mark Sheraden '85, Tony Lacke '85, Aaron Osofsky '85, Miriam Osofsky, Allen Wong '85, Elenie Tsarhopoulos, and Stephen Shapiro '86 enjoyed having the opportunity to reconnect and share memories. Bonded by Brotherhood Joe Wilson '76 Dedicated to the Future of Beta Omicron B rotherhood is not only for four years; it is for life. For Joe Wilson '76, this could not ring more true. Becoming a part of Delta Tau Delta not only allowed Joe to develop inseparable bonds with many brothers, but also to exceed expectations and strive for excellence in virtually every aspect of his life. Joe says, "My experiences in the chapter helped me grow personally and professionally. e men of Beta Omicron are some of the best friends I could ever ask for, and I wouldn't trade that for the world. I could not be more thankful to be part of this organization that will continue to thrive for years to come." One unique asset that sets Beta Omicron of Delta Tau Delta apart from other fraternities is the strong alumni involvement in the chapter. Joe is thankful to have formed important connections as an undergraduate with two alumni in particular, Eastern Division President Wayne Sinclair, Gamma Delta '68 and Field Representative Keith Steiner, Alpha '73, who have both gone on to be important leaders with the national fraternity. ese alumni encouraged Joe to pursue leadership within the chapter as social chairman and eventually as chapter president. One of Joe's most cherished memories as president was receiving Beta Omicron's first Hugh Shields Award on behalf of the chapter from Wayne. e Hugh Shields Award is presented to the top 10 of Delta Tau Delta's 130 chapters. "Having the rare opportunity to receive this prestigious award on behalf of the chapter and being recognized for our hard work and dedication is a moment that I will never forget. It means so much to me seeing the men of Beta Omicron carrying on the powerful legacy today and continuing to strive for excellence." As an alumnus, Joe's involvement with Beta Omicron remains strong. When he attended his first Karnea, which meets every other year for the International Fraternity, in 1974 at Tan Tara Lake, Missouri, Joe created several connections and friendships with Delts from chapters all across the U.S. Joe has attended every Karnea since then, and enjoys the unmatched camaraderie he shares with alumni who attend. As a 40-year member of the House Corporation and having served as House Corporation president for nearly 20 years, Joe takes pride in the continued success that the chapter has undergone. "Beta Omicron would not be where it is today without the tireless support of alumni. ey provide (Continued on page 4)

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