Leaders pass the torch
Published Dec. 5, 2006
Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association executive board members passed the torch to their successors at the Reynolds Alumni Center on Monday night.
The event began with outgoing officers addressing the new members of the boards.
"You will really tackle really tough issues," IFC spokesman Matt Sokoloff said.
Katie Pollock, outgoing PHA vice president of new member education, told the new officers to have fun in the positions, learn a lot and seize the day.
Each new member of the IFC board promised to uphold a vow spoken by the person whom they were succeeding.
"To hold the welfare of Interfraternity Council as your goal at all times, to work in harmony with your fellow officers and to positively represent the entire fraternity community at all times," each outgoing member read to his successor.
Outgoing IFC President Dan Fletcher included a bit of advice before the vow was given.
"Be sensitive to the wishes and needs of the IFC members," he said.
PHA executives were read virtually the same vow, but outgoing PHA President Erica Lindner read it to each of the new board members. Each outgoing board member had a candle. They transferred the flame to their successor, then blew out their candle.
Lindner hesitated when it came time to blow out her candle.
"I don't think it has sunk in yet," she said.
IFC President Jim Barry said he has learned from Fletcher about the demands of the position.
"Organization and communication are key," Barry said.
Fletcher said having Barry replace him presents a unique situation. The pair have been friends for three years, and Fletcher said Barry has succeeded him in roles on other boards in the past.
"It's been sort of a running relationship," Fletcher said.
Fletcher also offered advice for Barry.
"Stay the course, don't let yourself get down if you encounter opposition," he said.
PHA President Tara Smutz said Lindner had given her advice about handling her position as well.
"Really pay attention to everybody's opinions," she said. "Use all the resources we have available."
Smutz said her first goal as president was to discuss the possibility of enacting no-frills recruitment, something that has been discussed for years. No-frills recruitment involves eliminating costs and decorations associated with recruitment, and instead focusing on talking to potential members.
Both outgoing presidents reflected positively on their terms.
"We set goals at the beginning, and we accomplished them all," Fletcher said. "Anyone would look back on that with a little bit of pride."