Arizona Board Regent Treasurer Lyndell Manson addresses Sigma Nu fraternity in inspiring event

6 minutes

 

 

When many people think about a fraternity, they think of the prolific social events that stereotypically go hand in hand with Greek life. When the students of Sigma Nu reflect on what a fraternity means to them, they think of community, leadership and development. 

Sigma Nu’s foundation is “a proud and colorful one. Founded by three cadets at the Virginia Military Institute in a period of division in America, known as the reconstruction era, Sigma Nu represented a radical departure from the times. Going against the turmoil, North America's first ‘Honor’ fraternity, Sigma Nu, was established. Arizona State University Sigma Nu was founded in 1955.” 

“Sigma Nu remains focused on ethical leadership. It is paramount that as student leaders, we not only actively engage in the communities within ASU, but to also inspire the same in others,” Ralph Ortiz, Sigma Nu involvement chair and Sun Devil studying astrophysics at The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said.

In their active engagement, Arizona State University’s chapter of Sigma Nu has grown to the largest fraternity on Campus, the “top Sigma Nu Nationally” and has amassed an impressive collection of achievements such as; Arizona State University Fraternity of the year (2020-2021), (2021-2022), (2022-2023); Arizona State University Student Body President (2021-2022), (2022-2023) and more than a million in funds donated to their partnered philanthropy, Childhelp.

“Sigma Nus do everything to the fullest, if you are going to do a job and don’t intend on giving it your all, then you shouldn’t do it,” Scott Wiegold, Sigma Nu chaplain / junior active educator and ASU undergraduate student studying supply chain management at W.P. Carey School of Business, said.

Beyond tangible achievements, the members of Sigma Nu seek to develop their personal qualities and professional skills through inspiring events and conferences such as that lead by the Arizona Board of Regents Treasurer, Lyndel Manson. 

Regent Manson was appointed by governor Doug Doucy in November of 2016 to the Arizona Board of Regents. Manson also holds positions as the chair of the Strategic Initiatives and Planning Committee, and as a member of the University Governance and Operations Committee. Regent Manson has had a historic career, and even before being appointed to the board, has made a huge impact on Arizona’s education and childcare systems.

 

 

According to the Arizona Board of Regents website:

“Manson served as president and treasurer for the Northland Preparatory Academy Board of Directors, during which time the Flagstaff school was consistently ranked among the country’s top 100 high schools and enrollment increased by 88 percent. The school’s footprint also doubled and the operating budget increased from $2.4 to $4 million. As Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation Board of Directors president, grants committee chair and board member, her actions directly contributed to the self-esteem of foster children while enriching their social, athletic and educational opportunities. While working for the DeMiguel Elementary School PTO as president, secretary and site council member, she increased fundraising and volunteer involvement for the Flagstaff organization.” 

 

Manson’s impact has also made its way to ASU. In her February 18 event, Manson spoke to the members of Sigma Nu, giving them invaluable information on how to improve their leadership skills and continue the impressive legacy of their fraternity.

“What I took from Lyndel’s speech was her emphasis on servant leadership and doing things for the right reasons,” Jake Crosby, W.P. Carey School of Business student and Sigma Nu’s chapter secretary, said. “As someone who feels the younger guys in our chapter can turn to and observe, I felt a heightened responsibility to continue to work hard and set an example. Lyndel’s section reminded me of a quote I heard recently, ‘If you have the ability, then you have the responsibility.’”

“Lyndel’s leadership philosophy of surround yourself in a healthily competitive environment struck a chord for me,” Oscar Perry, Sigma Nu social media manager and W.P. Carey School of Business student, said “When she laid out the example of U of A, ASU, and NAU all working to be better, yet working towards the same goal, I think it fit very well into our chapter. We really are all trying to be better than one another and beat standards set by each other but we all support and push each other too.”

Regent Manson has always focused on Arizona’s youth, and providing them with the opportunities and knowledge to achieve success in the same ways she has. The stories of her experience not only provided amazing professional advice, but also helped demonstrate healthy ways of balancing professional and personal goals. Particularly, through her story of initially rejecting a position on the Arizona Board of Regents to focus on herself and her family. 

“It was quite impressive that Regent Manson could initially turn down the position on the Arizona Board of Regents to focus on family and the important things in life,” Ortiz added “It’s a crucial reminder that there is no need to rush and force things in life. Sometimes, we have so many doors open at one time and we have to realize where we can responsibly contribute our time, energy, and focus in a meaningful way.” 

Jackson Bush, Sigma Nu’s chapter president and dual-major Sun Devil studying finance and economics at W.P. Carey School of Business, admires Manson’s commitment to what is really important in life.

“Lyndel’s willingness to originally turn down being on the Board of Regents appealed to me,” Bush said, “It didn’t make sense for her and where she was at in her life and I commend her for that. A message I have been spreading to the chapter is why we get involved, which is for the betterment of our organization and community. We don’t serve for personal benefit or to build our résumés.”

“A strong servant leader pushes for doing things they truly care about and will give their 100%,” he added.

The importance of events like this cannot be understated. Universities are essential for the exchange of knowledge and many students in university are at the most pivotal times in their lives. Creating environments where experienced professionals can impart their knowledge onto eager students not only helps to develop those students skills, but also actively builds a culture of support and engagement. 

“Being able to encourage our peers to participate in organizations that empower student leadership - such as Student Government, research on campus, and many Greek Leadership initiatives - is even more possible when we get to learn from national leaders and continue improving our leadership strategy,” Ortiz said.

“In our chapter, our President will set goals, and our committees such as philanthropy, social and brotherhood will compete with one another to execute the goals set while all working together and helping each other out,” Perry said “It really is a great environment to be in and Lyndel’s speech is closely correlated. We really are all helping build one another up as leaders.” 

The impact of experience can never be underestimated, including both the experiences of the past and the experiences to come. The biggest moments for growth, the most rewarding accolades, the pain and the pleasure, all of it comes after you dive head first into the present with active engagement. 

With the prestige of multiple presidential and board positions, and list of titles that clearly demonstrate a well-spring of experience, Regent Manson undoubtedly has her flowers. And like any good leader, she has been hard at work planting them back around Arizona. The ASU community is excited and ready to see how the recent seeds planted with Sigma Nu will blossom into more incredible community impact.