Senior accounting major Conner Taylor recently received national distinction after achieving Gold Level Certification from Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity for volunteerism and leadership.<\/p>\n
Taylor, who is president of Delta State\u2019s chapter, was one of only seven students across the nation to receive this distinction.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an unreal feeling, and it\u2019s a sense of accomplishment that very few members of the fraternity all over the country get to experience,\u201d said Taylor, a Cleveland native. \u201cIt is something that I didn\u2019t think I would be able to achieve the first time I went to a Pike University event.\u201d<\/p>\n
Taylor said he is humbled to be recognized for volunteerism and leadership \u2014 traits he has always put at the forefront.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have always been involved with volunteering throughout my life, whether it be through church, RUF at Delta State or Pi Kappa Alpha,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have a duty to help those in need. It doesn\u2019t mean giving a handout to someone undeserving, but lending your time and talents to a worthy cause.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLeadership is an important quality because it molds young people into successful adults,\u201d he added. \u201cThe most important thing about being a leader is that you don\u2019t have to hold an official leadership title to be a leader. There are many leaders in my fraternity who have never held office but are influential members in the chapter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Vernell Bennett said she was also thrilled with Taylor\u2019s recognition.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is great news because Conner has worked hard throughout his matriculation here at DSU,\u201d said Bennett. \u201cScholarship, volunteerism and service are at the bedrock of his success as a Statesman.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStudent Affairs is constantly striving to produce holistically well-rounded students,\u201d she added. \u201cWe want students to be scholars and civic-minded with a social conscious. Conner is the epitome of just that.\u201d<\/p>\n