Name: Robert Ellis VereenHometown: Greenville, South CarolinaMajor: FinanceÂ
What has been the most memorable/favorite thing you’ve done as Kappa Sigma’s president for the 2014-2015 school year?Any president can attest to the difficulties surrounding someone who chooses to lead an organization. However, there are always memorable moments which make a president truly proud to lead his or her organization. My most memorable moment as the president of Kappa Sigma has been the change that I have begun to see in some of our members. I have always strived to be a catalyst and role model for the rest of my fraternity and, while it hasn’t been a walk in the park, I am grateful that my brothers elected me to this position and have continued to believe in me throughout my term. If it wasn’t for their constant encouragement, I would not be here today.
Did you come across any challenges while leading an organization? If so, what has that taught you?Being president holds several challenges, many of which can completely drain you of any motivation if you’re not careful. However, the biggest challenge I faced was my own personal battle. The night I was elected president of Kappa Sigma, I went straight to my car and called my parents, crying tears of joy and excitement for the opportunity I had been blessed with. An entire semester later, I was in my car again, talking to my parents about the possibility of resigning. My biggest challenge came in the wake of my decisions; decisions which I do not regret to this day. I was faced with a personal battle; call it quits and move on, or fight harder for what I believed was right. With the support of some of my fraternal brothers and my faith in Christ, I chose to continue leading as president. To this day, I know that I made the right decision. Overcoming that challenge taught me to believe in myself and not let my past keep me from looking to my future.
What else are you involved in on campus?I am a bible study leader through Baptist Collegiate Ministry as well as a member of the finance club here at Winthrop. In years past I have been an Orientation Leader, Resident Assistant, and a member on the Council of Student Leaders.
What does leadership mean to you?Many people believe a leader is someone who leads from the front, but a true leader leads from the back. Leadership is about empowering others to accomplish their goals. A leader understands the strengths of everyone around him and provides the tools so that they may succeed. Whether it’s a president or a hardworking citizen, everyone is a leader. The important thing is believing in yourself and having faith in doing the right thing.
What is the one piece of advice you can give?Throughout my experiences in life, one thing I have learned is the importance of action. I have always found my motivation through my faith in Christ. I have seen several talented people throw away their abilities because they lacked the motivation and desire to act. Hard work is the one talent that you aren’t born with, but one that can only be developed through rigorous discipline and a constant hunger for achievement. Find out what motivates you and keep your mind focused on that.
Why did you come to Winthrop?I came to Winthrop because I wanted a small college feel while receiving an education that would prepare me for the real world. Without this university, I would not be where I am today.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?I hope to have my own family. As I have changed, what drives me has changed as well. I may be young, but I realize the importance of striving to create a better world for the next generation; a world that my children will live in. I know that Christ has big plans for my future and I want to work hard in every aspect of my life so that those plans can come to fruition, not just for me but for my legacy as well.
What do you see for the future of the Winthrop Kappa Sigma chapter?Many in this country believe Greek Life is beginning to lose its fervor on college campuses. However, I believe it’s an opportunity, with the spotlight on Greek Life, to truly show the nation and the world how amazing we can be. The future of Kappa Sigma here at Winthrop is no different. We are a fraternity of men, and when we are faced with change, not only do we embrace it, but we lead others to do what is right.Â
photo from the Kappa Sigma Nu Upsilon Facebook Page