Frater Listed on Who's Who of American Universities and Colleges

Frater Jason Meade (Tau-Theta), a 21-year-old Monroe, Conn. native, was recently invited into the "Who's Who of American Universities and Colleges," a listing of only the top 10 percent of all college graduates.

Meade, one of four seniors at Fairleigh Dickinson included in this year's edition, is studying biology and chemistry at the New Jersey college, where he has a 3.86-grade-point average. In addition to serving as president of the school's biology and chemistry clubs, he is an editor of "The Metro," the school's newspaper.

Frater Jason's road to college, however, was not a traditional one. Instead of attending public schools, Meade was home schooled by his mother, Lisa. Discussing his unusual high school years, Meade said it made him the person, and the student, that he is today.

"It definitely prepared me for college - without a doubt," he said.

Although he knew he was doing well at Fairleigh Dickinson, the invitation came as a shock to him.

"I was honored," he said. "It's amazing."

After graduation this spring, Meade hopes to attend medical school and is leaning towards a specialization in cardiology. He said his love of medicine started while he was a Monroe EMT volunteer.

"I fell in love with medicine and how the body works," he said. "When I first became an EMT, it just felt like a natural fit."

He explained that practicing medicine is a perfect combination of his passions for science and for helping people. In addition to EMT service, he also enjoyed being a volunteer firefighter.

At school, Meade is an active frater of the Tau-Theta Chapter. He said that for him, the balance between school and social life has always been easy. Being home schooled is the reason why, he said.

"You just have to know when to bite the bullet and do work," he said. "You have to know your own strengths and weaknesses."

Lisa Meade echoed these sentiments, explaining that her son has always been a self-starter. As his teacher, she said they had a strong bond built on trust and responsibility.

Although home schooling seemed daunting at first, Lisa Meade said it gave Jason the opportunity to really focus on the subjects he loved. She said it taught him to be organized and well balanced, both of which have helped him reach such a high academic standard in college.

"He's a really good independent learner," she said. "He had the passion, he had the determination, and he had the drive."

Meade said she could not be more proud of her son. The honor is a special one and is especially validating, she added, considering the trepidation he encountered because he was home schooled.

"He's really worked hard for it," she said.

Frater Jason is a Life Loyal Teke. The Offices of the Grand Chapter extend a heartfelt congratulations to Frater Jason, the Tau-Theta Chapter and his family.

Adapted from the Monroe Courier Online Edition. If you would like to see your chapter news here, contact Communications Coordinator Tom McAninch.