Oglethorpe chapter President Barry Rowan ’14

In the Spring 2014 semester, Oglethorpe University welcomed the newest chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Sigma Alpha Pi. The society is dedicated to helping in its members’ personal growth and development and community development and leadership. In the society’s words, “We Build Leaders Who Make A Better World.”

According to President Barry Rowan ’14, the initial goals of the chapter include establishing a leadership success networking group that can define the personal, professional, and academic goals for members, and providing a network of support in achieving those goals.

Since 2001, Sigma Alpha Pi has sought out academic leaders who are dedicated to community action, volunteerism, and exemplary leadership within their university and society. Sigma Alpha Pi doesn’t have a professional majority within its constituency, but rather focuses on encouraging fraternization amongst students of various academic and social backgrounds.

To become a member, there are four main steps in the semester-long process: (1) Students must attend orientation. Orientation allows students to get to know their executive board members, while also giving students the opportunity to learn more about the central tenets of the society. (2) Students must participate in Leadership Training Day, a seminar on how to become leaders within social groups. (3) Students must attend at least three of the live broadcasts regularly given by the National Office. (4) Finally, students are randomly selected and grouped into Success Networking Teams to provide students with peer leaders with whom to bounce off ideas and set personal goals.

In addition to President Barry Rowan ’14, the inaugural members of the executive board are Vice President Donald Warden ’16, Secretary Luise Hessing ’16, Treasurer Matthew Roberson ’16, and Success Networking Teams Coordinator Ty Murphy ’16. Dr. Danny Glassmann, associate dean of students and director of residence life, advises the society.

Sigma Alpha Pi has been enthusiastically received on campus and currently there are 120 members working towards induction, with some having already met the requirements. The expected induction date for the newest society members is set for late April 2014.