For many of us, AZ was an important part of our Penn State experience. Whatever your key takeaways from your time at Penn State, I think we can all agree on this: AZ’s impact extends far beyond our brief time at the chapter house.
Here are 5 reasons AZ still matters after you graduate, according to your fellow Brothers and Sisters:
"I'd say my experience before, during and after AZ has been centered mostly around friendships. Most of my professional networking has happened as a result of dairy-specific organizations (DSCI, Holstein Association, etc.). I'll leave with you with a few more bits of AZ impact that I still use in leadership roles today; 1. The courage to stand my ground even when I knew others didn't agree with my opinion. 2. How to recruit people. 3. The importance of listening to learn from others." - Jay Shaffer '73
"Opportunities to develop leadership skills, have good friends, work together on projects; assimilate new members into the AZ traditions and standards." - Bill Bowers '69
"In my professional career, when I mention being an AZ, the level of respect is always ratcheted up a notch or three. As a writer, often interviewing people who were inexperienced with the press or who had a bad experience with the general press not understanding farmers or agri-business, there was a need to establish rapport and bona fides. I first experienced the respect Alpha Zeta commands when I applied for admission to a dual degree (bachelor of arts and bachelor of science). When I mentioned I lived in a fraternity house, the deans’ faces across from me got glum. When I mentioned which one, the lead dean simply picked up a pen and signed my application. End of interview. The worst response I ever get from being an AZ is when someone is an AGR or Farmhouse…but, after some good-natured teasing, there is tacit admission that AZ rules." - Curt Harler '72
"Being a member of a self-functioning "home" played an important part in me being able to progress to later groups of people." - Karroll Kershner '62
"Having the goal of helping to guide young people in very positive directions so that their future would lead them into a successful agricultural-related career." Richard Kessler '62
Do you have your own AZ story to share? Visit the Submit an Update page to send it in and we’ll include it in our next e-letter.
