Staff of TKE - Emily Garrott
Emily Garrott
TEF Development Coordinator
INDIANAPOLIS - In the summer of 2010, a photographer named Brandon began taking photos of thousands of New Yorkers. His goal was to put a face to the image that people had of the different New York boroughs and its inhabitants. As if overnight, Humans of New York became a worldwide sensation.
We looked at the Humans of New York project and realized we faced a similar challenge. Many individuals outside of the Fraternity's immediate points of contact do not truly know who is answering the phone, posting on social media or handling various tasks at the organizational level. For that reason, we are excited to launch the first edition of "Staff of TKE." Every two weeks we will highlight a new individual on TKE's Professional Staff. Each post will include two photos and a candid conversation. Enjoy!
Name: Emily Garrott
Position: TKE Educational Foundation Development Coordinator
School: Mercer University
Sorority: Phi Mu Fraternity
Twitter: @EMarieGarrott
Email: EGarrott@tke.org
Contact Emily for questions regarding the TKE Educational Foundation, Better Men for Better World Courtyard, March TNT Tournament and Tiger Tour 2015.
Easy question first. What is your favorite season?
Fall, for sure, and not because of pumpkin spice lattes. I’m not that basic, I promise! The weather in the fall is always perfect, and it's football tailgating season so that helps.
Where does your allegiance lie for football?
Definitely my Mercer Bears because that's where I went to school, but being from the South you have to have an SEC team so I rock the red and black for UGA. Go Dawgs!
Are you missing the Georgia winter?
After the beautiful snow leaves and we’re stuck with negative temperatures, it gets harder to say Indianapolis winters are bearable. Working with such a welcoming and open group of men and women has been great, although I still miss Georgia things: big hats, horse races and people saying, "y'all."
Care to explain the Kim Possible photo next to your computer?
When I was a consultant with KDPR before joining staff in 2013, I traveled to Indianapolis a couple times for work that I couldn't do remotely from Atlanta. I became friends with a lot of the TKE staff and they gave me the Kim Possible poster because I would show up, fix problems and disappear. I've kept it for inspiration when I’m faced with a difficult situation.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I love going to concerts and just being with friends. I also sing with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir as an Alto, so music has always been a passion of mine. Outside of that, I volunteer with the local Phi Mu chapter at IUPUI. I'm the Provisional Member Advisor so I make sure all of their new members are properly educated on the history of Phi Mu and guide them through initiation. I tell people that I help TKE through my work at the Foundation during the week and save time for my vibrant Phi Mus on nights and weekends.
What's it like working for the Foundation?
It's a fulfilling job because I get to hear from scholarship recipients and Leadership Academy graduates. The letters they send in are heartwarming, and it's great hearing and seeing the tangible impact a scholarship can have on an individual. The impact we make is extraordinary. I've always wanted to work for an organization whose mission is clearly outlined and transparent. That message is evident here.
What is the Tiger Tour?
First, you need to have the context of how the Tiger Tour came to be named. Buckwheat is one of my favorite people of all time. He has a nickname for everyone he meets, so once you get a name from Buckwheat, you know you're in his good graces. I said something witty to him one time and he shot me a look and said, "Tiger!" So now he calls the office and asks for Tiger. Now Buckwheat and I travel to visit the winner of the annual TNT Tournament and he refers to it as the Tiger Tour. I think we even have a hashtag!
Are you ready for this year’s TNT Tournament?
I'm always ready. It's just a question if the chapters are ready for Tiger. TNT is an exciting fundraiser and excellent way for alumni to get re-engaged with their chapter. It's not a campaign that a lot of other Greek organizations are doing, so we can proudly say that TKE is making history. The tangible impact that comes from TNT is awesome, and with Conclave coming up this is a great opportunity for chapters to send a large group of representatives to New Orleans.
What's the deadline coming up that people should know about?
Applications to be considered for a TKE Educational Foundation scholarship must be submitted by March 15. People can apply on the TKE website and it's very easy. There is over $75,000 in scholarships available and you don't need to have a perfect GPA or over-the-top involvement to be a recipient. Anyways, you get to talk to me so it's a win-win for everyone.
We can't end this interview without talking about your cooking abilities.
When Buckwheat and I visit chapters on the Tiger Tour, he makes a huge feast for the winner and I make pies, cookies, brownies and all kinds of desserts. When I'm back home in Indy, I always have a Sunday feast with friends. It's about getting together, forgetting any troubles and just enjoying each other's company. Just call me a southern belle: I’m a lady who loves to get everyone together for a party. And there’s nothing better to draw a crowd than a lot of good food!
The next edition of "Staff of TKE" will appear Friday, March 6.
For more information, please contact:
Daniel Klopfenstein
Communications Specialist
317.872.6533
DKlopfenstein@tke.org