The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation is committed to bettering the lives of its undergraduate members and awarded $56,000 in scholarships for the 2011-2012 school year. Andrew Duble from Illinois Psi-Omega at Northwestern University received $2,500 through the Frank C. Ginocchio Professional Staff Leadership Scholarship. He will be graduating this December with a degree in political science and minors in business and history. The Record spoke to Duble about his award and how Sigma Alpha Epsilon has contributed to his college experience.

You were the first-ever recipient of the Frank C. Ginocchio Scholarship, which recognizes brothers who have made a positive influence in the field of risk management. What did you contribute to receive this award?
I served as Vice President of Risk Management on the Northwestern Interfraternity Council and dealt heavily with increasing the safety of the Greek community. We completely rewrote the risk management protocols to increase transparency and cooperation between IFC and all 17 chapters on campus, utilizing SAE’s risk-management documents as one of the model templates. The following year, as President of the Interfraternity Council, I was able to oversee the largest recruitment of men into Greek life in more than ten years, thanks to extensive marketing efforts and the implementation of a new recruitment database. Furthermore, my executive board and I continued the frank, open discussions regarding risk management, which led to a decrease in the number of student hospitalizations on campus because of alcohol, and prior to deferred recruitment.

What was the hardest part about taking on these roles?
The hardest part of taking on leadership roles is knowing how to work with people who have different temperaments and personalities and getting them to work toward achieving a common goal. Learning to recognize individuals who operate better by themselves and figuring out when I needed to intervene were critical skills I learned as my chapter’s Pledge Archon and House Manager. My experience translated directly to my tenure as President of IFC. Serving with other highly motivated leaders on campus as well as leading and representing all 17 chapters, I learned who I could trust with critical tasks. SAE taught me how to operate as part of a team and how to lead men – skills I could not learn in the classroom.

What other leadership positions or awards have you received?
In addition to my positions on IFC and in the chapter, I was the 2011 Homecoming King and a peer adviser for incoming freshmen during their orientation.

Do you think you would have accomplished as much if you had not joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
Absolutely not. SAE has taught me invaluable skills from leadership to organization to problem-solving I never got in my classes. The Fraternity has taught, molded and tempered me into the man I am today, teaching me servant leadership, goal-setting and interpersonal skills. This training prepared me to deal with conflicts that arose in my roles outside the chapter. In addition, the men at Illinois Psi-Omega are not only my brothers, but my family as well. I am always encouraged by the men I share life with, and I am thankful for the impact that they have had on my life. Joining SAE was, hands down, the best choice I have made at Northwestern. It’s opened many doors for other student groups, friendships, career advice and networking.

How have you benefited from this scholarship award?
I took a gap year after high school prior to applying to Northwestern and worked for my parents. I worked to pay for my freshman year of college, and I used the money from this scholarship to pay for the rest of my college textbooks. I am extremely grateful and honored to have won this scholarship, which has been of utmost importance to continuing my education.

What are your short-term plans after you graduate?
After graduating, I plan to travel for a few months before attending law school the following academic year.

What are your long-term professional goals?
I am interested in corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions from the legal side. My family has a number of entrepreneurs, and I know I have the entrepreneurial spirit inside me as well.

What will it take for you to consider yourself a success?
That’s a tough question and something that has evolved continuously as I’ve grown. First and foremost, my faith in Christ and personal integrity determine my success. Additionally, as long as I can be honest with myself and say that I gave 110% at whatever I’m pursuing, I consider it successful. Success is getting back up every time you get knocked down, no matter how hard, how long or how many times you have to stand again.