For many fraternity seniors, life is consumed by what is next after college. Finding a job, relocating, and growing relationships take priority, and involvement in their chapters takes a back seat. However, for some like recent ATO graduate Brian Schwartz ’15, he was compelled to give back to his chapter right away and took on the role of alumni board treasurer.
“After graduation, I just felt called to serve and still felt I had more to give back to ATO,” Brian said. “As an undergraduate, I was the exchequer (treasurer) and had a great relationship with my predecessor, who provided a general understanding of the job. It came down to my having the time, and ultimately, I still wanted to engage with the chapter that has done so much for me. There is a lot left in me to help foster these brothers.”
Coming into Penn State, Brian knew right away he wanted to go Greek. His father, uncle, and a few other relatives had positive experiences, and Brian wanted to follow suit. After the various recruitment events, it was Gamma Omega that stood out. “On a campus of over 40,000 people, I wanted to get involved and find my pocket,” Brian said. “Alpha Tau Omega just had a grand presence in the middle of the Greek community, and I was impressed with the chapter’s diversity and how dedicated they were to philanthropy.”
Throughout his undergraduate experience, Brian enjoyed immersing himself in the chapter’s philanthropic efforts, especially THON. He also enjoyed the date functions hosted by the chapter because he got to spend more time with his now-fiancée, Brittany, and his brothers.
With the fun also came some struggles, and during his first year, Brian suffered academically. His grades were suffering so much that his parents threatened to pull him from school. However, Brian pulled himself up and got his grades on track, and graduated from the college of business with a degree in supply chain. “I think the most important thing undergraduates should know is that you need to bust your butt; there is not a day off,” he said. “Some days will be a struggle, and you will not always get the recognition, but you need to find something that spurs you and to be your own engine.”
Brain and Brittany relocated to Michigan, where he took a job with General Motors. He manages a 30-million-dollar transmission parts inventory and forecasts all the transmission demand on a global level for one of the most complex global supply chains in the world.
Though this keeps him busy, he still makes Gamma Omega a priority, and he encourages any of his alumni brothers to get involved if they feel the same call. “I think that Greek life as a whole is often admonished incorrectly by the general public. Greek life is a wonderful thing.” Brian said. “I believe that the power of many is greater than the power of one. As an organization with common goals, we can achieve great things. Anything that I can do to promote that culture and my organization is in my mind good work and beneficial to the community.”
Brian is studying for the GMAT, which limits his free time, but when the opportunity arises, he enjoys golfing and skiing. He can be reached at [email protected].