Volunteer Profile: Richard Olmstead, Wyoming ’73
Three things are brought to mind as I reflect on my time on campus at the University of Wyoming. They are my lifelong friendships with my Phi Delt brothers; the opportunity to serve in leadership positions in both the Wyoming Alpha Chapter and the Interfraternity Council (IFC); and the opportunity to travel with my Panhellenic president counterpart to discuss the opportunities of Greek Life on the University of Wyoming campus with high school students across Wyoming.
I must first confess that I have not stayed closely connected to Phi Delta Theta since my graduation in 1973, until recently (within the last five to six years). I did start supporting the Foundation with small donations, but I was never really involved with the Fraternity. I had gone off to serve in the US Navy and wasn’t close to Laramie. I had one brother (Dennis Shepard) who always let me know what was going on—and still does today. About six years ago, I was contacted by former Senior Vice President of Advancement Steve Bloomer. He wanted to meet with me to discuss the Fraternity and the Foundation. In particular, we talked about Campaign 2030 and my interest in supporting the campaign. That meeting piqued my interest and re-energized my involvement. It just happened that I was looking for an organization to support, and Phi Delta Theta fit the mold. And, I guess, the rest is history.
I am very excited to see the return of Wyoming Alpha to the campus in Laramie. I volunteered to be a member of the chapter advisory board, but had to withdraw because I was asked about my interest in joining the Foundation Board and was subsequently elected to serve as a Trustee. I will assist the emerging chapter however I can, as I want it to be successful. I had a great experience at UW, and I want that for all the Phikeias.
As I have been contacting Wyoming Alpha alumni, I make it a point to tell them things are different today than they were when many of us attended UW—for the BETTER! I discuss the leadership training opportunities available today that did not exist in 1968 when I joined as a new member. I explain to them that for these opportunities to continue, the Foundation needs our constant financial support. I also highlight the massive amounts of grants and scholarships the Foundation is awarding each year. Lastly, I let them know that no contribution is too small. I tell them that every dollar counts. Donate your ten dollars and feel good about doing so! Make it a monthly pledge and feel even better!
Volunteerism was a part of my childhood. It was instilled in me as I worked alongside my father. He volunteered every year as a baseball coach, driving all over town to pick up my teammates who had no transportation to the ballpark. He was a member of the Cheyenne Kiwanis Club. I was very proud to be sponsored by him as I joined Kiwanis. I worked with him at all of the club’s fundraisers and service events. And, I felt good doing so. There are three “Ts” to volunteering. Time, Talent, Treasure. If something is important to me, I will make it a priority and give it the time needed. My talents are used as I am able. I am also blessed with a good life and give of my treasure as I can. All three of these give us opportunities to give a hand up to someone less fortunate than ourselves. Each organization I am involved with has a different focus, but they are all trying to make the world a little better for those they serve.
Volunteer organizations need good leadership just as much as for-profit organizations. And in some respects, it is harder in a nonprofit. I hear people say you “can’t fire a volunteer.” But that is not true! If a volunteer is not performing, they need to be replaced. It is hard for a leader to tell a volunteer/friend they are being let go. How do you do that and keep them actively involved? It is hard, but I will say it is necessary. As a leader, I would reason that they are letting everyone down, not just me. Giving back, volunteering, has its responsibilities. When you say you will do something, you must follow through on your word.
I wish more alumni knew about the impact our Phi Delta Theta Foundation is having on our young brothers. It is not only the dollars being awarded through grants and scholarships. It is the opportunities afforded to an undergrad that go far beyond the classroom. It is the lifelong friendships. It is the training and leadership opportunities of Kleberg and McKenzie. It is the opportunity to meet brothers from all over our Phi Delta Theta family. These all go beyond the dollars we provide, but those dollars are where the opportunities begin.
To the younger generation of Phis, you give so much of your time on campus to supporting chapter events. Don’t let it be forgotten once you graduate. Stay involved. Mentor new brothers. Continue to make things better. Pay it forward to help ensure the success of future generations of Phis.
As part of this year’s Day of Giving Chapter Challenge, I’m proud to support Wyoming Alpha as a challenge match donor. Every gift made to the Chapter Challenge will be matched, so your support goes twice as far in helping rebuild and sustain a strong chapter in Laramie. I hope you’ll join me at https://phideltatheta.crowdchange.net/.
