Name: Tom Narvaez
Major: Political Science minor Criminal justice
Year: Junior
What organizations are you involved in at VCU?
I am the President of Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity (AKL), Vice President of the Pre-Law Society and also, the Fraternity Liaison for College Republicans here at VCU.
When did you join AKL and what’s your position?
I joined AKL my freshman year of college during the fall 2010 semester.
Why did you choose AKL?
I wanted to get involved and serve the community and university, and I believed this was the best way to do so. Also, the guys I met during recruitment really sold it to me. I felt as if we already had a friendship even though we had only met a couple hours ago.
What’s your favorite thing about AKL?
My favorite thing about AKL is our involvement on campus. We hold a Halloween watch every year, volunteering to help out and patrol in neighborhoods around Richmond, to ensure children are safe. This year actually marks the 25th anniversary for Halloween Watch here at VCU. Last year we received recognition from Governor McDonnell.
Photo: At the 24th annual Halloween watch
What is AKL’s message?
Men of character committed to make a difference.
What is your biggest accomplishment so far?
I think my biggest accomplishment so far was my internship this past summer with House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor. It was an extremely competitive position and I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to work with him. It was a great experience and I learned so much from it. It has changed my career plan slightly. Who knows? I may run for public office down the road! Another big accomplishment I recently received was my new internship with Williams Mullen in Downtown Richmond.
What motivates/influences you?
What motivates me? I have to say my family. I come from a business family and they have worked hard their entire lives. Everything I do is so that later down the road I can be there for my parents, just like how they have been there for me since day one. Another influence would be the leaders I have come to meet. I admire their dedication to better America and fight for what is right.
If you inherited a million dollars overnight, what would you do?
I would put that money to work. I would invest part of it to keep generating a cash flow. Next, I would donate to the Alpha Kappa Lambda Education Foundation. The opportunities that are provided through the foundation for ensuring children receive the adequate education they need are incredible and have the potential to do so much more.
And lastly, do you have any advice for college students seeking to join a fraternity?
Be yourself and don’t pretend to be someone you are not. Get to know each and every fraternity before you make a decision. Make sure you are joining a fraternity for the right reasons and not just for the perks of the social life. Everyone can have a good time, but not everyone can be a fraternity man. It takes time, dedication and commitment.
