July Volunteer of the Month: David Wallace

"A professional Greek" as he is called by many, Frater Dave Wallace (Zeta-Theta, Western Illinois Univ.) attributes his work in higher education and Greek Life to his positive experience in TKE. But it is his volunteer work which has been turning heads in the TKE Nation.

"Volunteering for TKE is important because my livelihood is based on the experiences and the leadership that started during my undergraduate years," said Frater Dave. "I believe it is necessary for the active men of our chapters and colonies to have alumni involved in their life and chapter to create and hold the chapter on course."

When new men enter a chapter or colony, most have little experience working within a group of diverse individuals. A volunteer can be an essential resource for both new and upperclassmen. These mentors can give a unique perspective on where the chapter has been and where it needs to go to attain or continue excellence.

"To be a successful volunteer you need three things," said Frater Dave. "First is continual education. One must know and understand the culture of the institution, the chapter that the institution is at, the current generation of men, and how things have changed on a macro level concerning national and local policies regarding fraternal organizations. Second is that a volunteer needs to develop his or her listening skills to discover what the chapter needs and how best to respond to those needs. Lastly, a volunteer needs to be present. The more time a volunteer can spend with a group, the better the relationship with the men will be."

Though Frater Dave works as a Coordinator of Greek Housing Programs on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, most of his time is spent even outside his job on Greek Life working on national committees for TKE and Beta Theta Pi. He serves the Midland Empire Province as a Province Advisor and Board President of the Board of Advisors for the Zeta Theta Colony at Western Illinois University.

Read more about Frater David Wallace in the Summer 2008 edition of THE TEKE.

Nominate a Key Volunteer for this honor by contacting Communications Coordinator Tom McAninch.

If you would like to see your chapter news here, contact Communications Coordinator Tom McAninch.