Spring 2014 Alumni Spotlight: Drawn to ATO Brotherhood for Life

Dann Cornali ’73 was taken by surprise, as he was not told of his award until the night of the celebration.

When Dann Cornali ’72 joined Alpha Tau Omega as a freshman, he was drawn to the brotherhood because of how it stood out from other fraternities at Penn State. “It sounds like a cliché, but I was drawn to the people. The brotherhood at that time and the pledges from our class were unlike all other fraternities, to say the least! We were diverse yet common in many ways.”

As he began to form relationships with his brothers, Dann created long-lasting friendships he has learned to appreciate and be thankful for over the years. “I didn’t know it until years later, but the core value of friendship is so important. You can read about it and think you understand it, but not until you need it and in turn, can give it do you truly grasp its meaning.” The memories he made with his brothers during his undergraduate years still stick with Dann, including “everything from the outrageous fun to the private late-night talks wondering just what the hell the future held.”

Since graduating from Penn State with a bachelor of science in finance, Dann has stayed active with Gamma Omega. While he served as chapter president during his undergraduate years, he has also served as house corporation president for two separate tenures as an alumnus. He has taken the leadership lessons he learned as a Gamma Omega and used them to create a successful, busy career. Dann is director of human resources for HRI Inc., a large heavy-highway construction firm that does business in multiple states and is located in Happy Valley.

He has also learned many lessons from his business career and wants to share them with ATO undergraduates and younger alumni. “Work to live, don’t live to work. Establish your life/career plans, but don’t fear failure, change, or difficult times. They are all part of the process and make you stronger. Learn to move vertically and horizontally. Respect others and their opinions. It’s not necessary to agree, but grant them respect. Accept your strengths and weaknesses and whenever possible, always deal with the former. Lastly, if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, take others with you.”

Dann Cornali ’73 accepts the Lifetime True Merit Award at the 100th celebration.

Dann stays in touch with a few of his Gamma Omega brothers, including Lou Mastrini ’71, Vince Colistra ’72, and Van Arvin ’71, whom he speaks to regularly on the phone and in person. On special occasions, he sees Tom Diehl ’71 and other brothers. Dann feels it is important for all alumni to reconnect and stay in touch with the chapter because they can “offer help if needed, be a sounding board, or play devil’s advocate. Alumni can ensure we don’t ever relive some of our past and provide yet unknown young men the same or similar opportunities we were all presented with.”

Dann and his wife, Alicia, live just outside of State College with their youngest son, Dmitri. His other son, Nic, lives in Georgia and his daughter, Lisa, lives in California. Free time doesn’t come often as Dann is busy with family, volunteer work, charities, coaching youth sports, and playing golf. Dann very much enjoyed the 100th weekend and greatly appreciated seeing and spending time with friends and brothers. He can be contacted by e-mail at dcornali@hriinc. com or at his office at (814) 278-6805.