Alumnus Profile – John Thompson, Mississippi State ’09
After graduation, John Thompson, Mississippi State ’09, carried lifelong engagement forward through his work with the Foundation, service as a volunteer, and ongoing connection with brothers around the world. A recent trip to catch up with friends reminded him once again of the bonds that continue well beyond his undergraduate years.
How have you stayed connected with Phi Delta Theta after graduation?
Right after graduation, I had the privilege of working with the Phi Delta Theta Foundation as a development officer. That role connected me with Phi Delt on an international level and gave me the chance to meet so many more Phis, both younger and older. Today, I stay involved by volunteering for our chapter advisory board. But what really has kept me connected is the use of technology. I’m in a few different group texts with one being upward of thirty Phis. We also started doing video calls. Imagine twenty of your closest friends on one video call. It’s pure chaos. It’s also incredibly grounding to remain in such close fellowship with the men I share this lifelong bond with we call Phi Delta Theta.
Who from your fraternity experience inspired you? What experience has inspired you? Have you ever told them that?
It might be cliché to say that every Phi I’ve met has inspired me in some way, but it’s true. That said, if I had to single out one person, it would be Dana Juett of Texas Epsilon. Dana has since passed, so I never had the chance to tell him, but this is my way of acknowledging him. He was a special man. He was joyful, warmhearted, and sincere in a way that left a mark on me. I only met him a few times, but his presence was unforgettable as were his stories. Beyond that, it’s really the collective friendships and connections that have inspired me most. As men, we don’t vocalize this enough, but having a group of brothers to lean on through both the highs and lows of life has shaped me for the better.
What accomplishments or career milestones are you most proud of, and how do you attribute them to your Phi Delt experience?
I don’t live my life in pursuit of accomplishments for their own sake, so this is a hard question to answer. But I will say Phi Delt deserves credit for shaping the kind of example I strive to set. The Cardinal Principles have always resonated with me, and they continue to guide the way I try to live. In addition, the Fraternity’s commitment to developing leaders has left a lasting impression. I value that focus, because the qualities of a great leader are also the qualities that help you live a life of meaning and purpose.
Do you have advice for current students?
Fully enjoy your undergraduate fraternity experience. It’s something you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life, but don’t let it end there. Be intentional about staying connected. Seek out and meet other Phis outside your chapter, get involved where you can, and keep those bonds alive. Brotherhood is one of the most meaningful gifts Phi Delt gives you, and it only grows stronger when you nurture it.
