by Sarah “Red” Mente, Theta Tau Communications Coordinator, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, (Pi Gamma, ’20)
This year, for our wedding anniversary, my husband and I decided to get a new refrigerator for our home. After some considerable planning and saving, the order was placed and I was tasked with cleaning out the old fridge. Once the interior was thoroughly emptied, I closed the door and set to work on removing the memorabilia from the outside.
As each item came down I was reminded of the people and places associated with the pictures and even the magnets that I walked by every day.
The oldest magnet on my fridge I bought from Bourbon Street, when my chapter went to the first Southeast Regional Conference hosted by Nu Epsilon Chapter (Tulane University) right after its installation. That trip has always been special to me, as it’s where I met many of our national volunteers who encouraged me to volunteer after graduation. Grand Regent David Parker (Lambda Gamma, ‘13) was editor-in-chief of The Gear at the time, and he encouraged me to join the committee for The Gear, our national magazine. Being on that committee set the trajectory for the rest of my volunteer experience. I served as editor for nine editions and then, after a brief time as Great Lakes Regional Director, I was hired full-time as Communications Coordinator for the Theta Tau Central Office, where I continue to oversee the completion of the publication.
Since graduation I have collected engagement, wedding, and birth announcements from many of my chapter brothers (sometimes all of the above from the same couple). Combined with the holiday cards from consecutive years and Polaroids from past brother events, they tell the stories of lasting relationships and growing families. This largely reflects our own experience. My husband and I are both brothers from the same chapter, and we welcomed our first child into the world this year. We took many “Brosgiving” photos to add to the fridge this year.
I have a magnet from Pittsburgh, when I went to visit the Nu Delta Chapter as Great Lakes Regional Director. It’s also where Theta Tau hosted Leadership Academy right after I started working for the fraternity full-time. Between those two trips I met so many brothers who left a lasting impression on me. Seeing brothers outside my region, whether it’s a chapter visit or a national event, always reminds me of the larger impact we have as Theta Taus.
After I started volunteering, more holiday cards and family photos infiltrated my refrigerator door! National volunteers have sent us pictures of their families and their furry friends, which have filled out every bit of empty space I had left. I’ve spent countless hours with national volunteers. Whether it’s training, committee calls, conferences or just social calls, every occasion has been filled with fellowship and brotherhood, even from states away.
When I stopped to look at all these people who have made such a positive impact on my life, my chapter brothers and the brothers I’ve met through volunteering, I felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude. Theta Taus around the globe have, directly or indirectly, shaped my whole world. The holidays often come with a tone of reflection. I hope this article serves as a reminder to reach out to your brothers, wherever they are, and connect with them during this holiday season.
