On Monday night at the Greek Dedication Ceremony, Brother Mike Zarro was recognized as the Greek President of the Year by the Order of Omega Greek Honors Society. The chapter is very proud of Mike's accomplishments and have been greatly inspired by Mike's leadership. To read the Diamondback are that included Mike's award, click here.
Below is the speech given by Matt Supple to announce Mike as the winner:
It is my
distinct honor to introduce this year’s recipient of the Order of Omega
Outstanding Chapter President of the Year Award. This award is given each year to the chapter
president who represents the ideals and values upon which Greek-letter
organizations were founded. To win this
award, a person must embody leadership, scholarship, service, and integrity.
The recipient of the 2008 Outstanding Chapter President of the Year Award truly exemplifies what it means to be values-based. Through this person’s leadership, the chapter has significantly addressed very difficult issues such as sexual assault, hazing, membership development, and chapter operations. They have addressed outdated traditions, refocused attention on the importance of initiation, addressed the objectification of women, and worked to increase involvement of all members. Through this person’s leadership, inappropriate chapter norms have definitely been challenged.
In the application, this person wrote: “the duty of the chapter president is to be the ultimate role model for the members. Serving as an example is an extremely important responsibility.” More than any other aspect of their presidency, this quote symbolizes this chapter president’s leadership philosophy. This person has definitely modeled how to address difficult issues as well as how to challenge chapter norms that are inconsistent with the values of the organization.
A member of the chapter wrote “[This
person] is responsible for the overall direction of the chapter. [This person]
really stood up to the major issues the [chapter] faced. Through everyday
actions, [this person] has been a reminder of the values upon which [our
chapter] was founded and has motivated the general [membership] to live those
values also. Every member of the chapter is a better [person] for having been
led by [this person].”
The Executive Director of this person’s
national chapter said “[this person] is a quiet [person]…certainly not the more
animated stereotypical cheerleader that many consider essential to effective
leadership and motivation. In fact, [this person’s] wise use of power, [their]
ability to relate to [the members] both as a leader to be respected and a
[member] to be confided in were keys to the chapter’s success. [This person] recognized the potential mine
field and not only led the chapter away from destructive organizational
thinking but set new goals, made corporate changes, and worked with [the]
chapter to see and work toward a new, stronger reality. The overall effect was
the chapter being named the [top chapter in the country] for 2008.”
Without further ado, it is my
personal honor to present the Outstanding Chapter President of the Year Award
to a person who has demonstrated a strong commitment and passion for bettering
his chapter and addressing behavior that is counter to the values of the
chapter. Please join me in congratulating
tonight’s winner,