Will Steitz, North Carolina State ’19, has been awarded the Borradaile Undergraduate Award. The award is presented to an undergraduate member who has contributed to the chapter’s overall success, led by example, and demonstrated a true understanding of brotherhood.
Will was initiated in spring of 2019 at the re-chartering of Chi chapter. He never had any intention to join a fraternity in college, but the brotherhood among Chi colony grew on him and from the moment he associated, he was driven to make an impact on the newly reestablished chapter and the North Carolina State community. After initiating, he ran for Vice President of Community Service and was elected. He proceeded – as the nomination from a chapter brother submitted said – to “revolutionize” the role.
“One of the most remarkable aspects of Will serving as Philanthropy Chair was the way he approached it. He saw his position as a way to encourage everyone in the chapter to live by the creed and its values. He constantly preached that the work we do through community service was a way to be a man of character and to bare our Mark of Distinction,” the nomination read. He established several reoccurring philanthropy events such as the Chi sponsored highway, percentage nights at restaurants, and a large-scale community-based event the chapter hosted spring 2020. To Will, philanthropy was not a checklist item but something necessary for the character of the group. His enthusiasm turned the work into a brotherhood experience where they bonded through raising money and rallying for causes that mattered to them.
Will attended every single philanthropy event Chi hosted and nearly every other service event on campus. “He motivated this chapter to become more than just a social organization, but a force for good on the campus of North Carolina State and the surrounding community.”
Currently Chapter President, Will’s dedication to the chapter has only increased and he shows no signs of slowing down. As the chapter is still new on campus, they have run into on-campus housing problems. Unfortunately, North Carolina State will be demolishing the house the chapter currently lives in. Will has worked tirelessly with the Board of Governors, the Housing Corporation, the Fraternity and Sorority Life office, and the Resident Council to find solutions. While this is an ongoing and uphill battle, the future looks optimistic thanks to his hard work.
Will has also prioritized improving events the chapter hosts, including philanthropy events, social events, and alumni events. “Will’s leadership is really encouraging the growth of our chapter and is igniting a spark in everyone to strive to live by our values.” When a chapter brother suffered a personal emergency, Will went out of his way to raise $350 from friends, family, and alumni to support the brother – without disclosing any private details. This money helped pay for gas, food, and other expenses throughout a hard time, a huge relief for a friend he had not known very long and a demonstration of his commitment to Phi Tau values.
Will, who will be a senior this fall, has been active in Phi Tau National Programs such as Presidents Academy, Regional Conferences, and Building Men of Character Retreats. He is a Business major with a concentration in Supply Chain Management. An excellent student, he has earned Dean’s List every semester. This summer he is interning with John Deere in Wisconsin. Congratulations, Will, and Go Far!
Want to share a story with us? Submit news here.