Volunteer Profile: Jerry Sweeney, Indiana ’81
Growing up in a family as the second of five brothers helped me develop a strong sense of brotherhood long before my college days at Indiana Alpha. The concepts of unity, teamwork, tradition, and standing up for each other were strong lessons of my youth. I thoroughly enjoyed my fraternity experience at Indiana University, and after exploring many of the fraternities on campus, I chose Phi Delta Theta as the best fit for me because of the sense of brotherhood I experienced. My family is somewhat unique in that each of my brothers chose their own path, leading to membership in the Miami Triad. My older brother Jim became a member of Beta Theta Pi, my younger brother Greg became a member of Sigma Chi, and my youngest brother Robert became a member of Phi Delta Theta at Purdue University (1991).
The bonds of brotherhood I established at Indiana Alpha have led to lifelong friendships with brothers that I still speak with weekly. As recently as this past week, I shared memories of our days at Indiana Alpha with members of my pledge class. We all laughed about the memorable times we spent together and discussed plans for our next adventure together.
Serving on the board of directors of Indiana Alpha for nearly thirty years has allowed me to stay in touch with many generations of brothers. As I enter my fifteenth year as president of the housing cooperation, I can see the positive results in the preservation, maintenance, and improvements of the chapter house, as well as in the chapter’s financial stability, through my assistance with chapter management.
There have also been many instances over the course of my forty-plus-year career in technical sales in which I have encountered members of Phi Delta Theta in business relationships that proved mutually beneficial. Membership in Indiana Alpha has also strengthened my connection with Indiana University through participation in campus and fraternity events over the years.
Who or what inspired you to become a volunteer?
I was inspired to become a volunteer by Indiana Alpha Brother Fred Dunn, ’65, who served Indiana Alpha as chapter adviser for more than thirty years before serving General Headquarters as province president of Kappa South. Fred’s family tradition with Indiana Alpha dates back to the chapter’s founding in 1849. Fred’s dedication to inspiring active chapter members to set goals and achieve measurable benchmarks made a strong and lasting impression upon me when I served as president of the Indiana Alpha Chapter. Fred helped me to understand that success does not happen by accident but through planning and execution. This spirit of cooperation and teamwork led to the chapter achieving Gold Star recognition during my tenure as chapter president. The Gold Star was truly a team achievement, and I was honored to represent the success that our chapter collectively achieved. Each year, I encourage chapter members to work toward excellence and seek recognition through awards from the national General Headquarters.
What would you tell someone who is considering volunteering for Phi Delta Theta?
Most people have the capacity to volunteer with organizations and contribute time and money in exchange for thanks or recognition. The real motivation must come from within, rooted in the belief that your contribution, whether recognized or not, can make a significant, positive difference in the long term. Seeing the chapter’s success and continued tradition over the years has been its own reward.
How have you stayed connected with Phi Delta Theta after graduation?
I have stayed connected with the members of Phi Delta Theta through lifelong friendships with brothers from my time at Indiana Alpha, as well as through participation in the housing corporation and alumni events at Indiana University.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my four children and the values that my wife and I taught them, which guide their lives. They have each grown into successful, productive members of society, with incredible achievements in their own lives. I am also proud of my dedication to Indiana Alpha over the years, and I believe the organization is better off for my participation. Phi Delta Theta has made a positive difference in my life through the pursuit of the Fraternity’s founding principles, enjoyment of brotherhood and community participation, and my contribution to the continuation of the fine tradition of Indiana Alpha. I am also very proud of the Indiana Alpha Chapter’s achievements over the years I have been involved in chapter management.
Do you have any advice for current students?
While many students pursue fraternity life for social adventure and a good time, I would encourage members to seek a higher purpose in their participation. Some members see the Fraternity as something they did for a couple of years in college, but I urge them to recognize that the lessons learned through participation can provide lasting benefits throughout their lives. Beyond friendship and unity, learning teamwork, working toward common goals, building relationships through networking, and making a meaningful contribution can benefit many areas of their lives for a lifetime.
