At Arizona State University (ASU), a leader emerged from the vibrant corridors of Sigma Nu – Zeta Upsilon Chapter, embarking on a journey that would redefine student governance and outreach. Will Hanson, with his roots firmly planted in Greek life and his eyes set on broader horizons, has become a beacon of change and a proponent of student empowerment at ASU.
Hanson’s ascent to Senate President of the Undergraduate Student Government Tempe was fueled by a conviction that he could significantly impact the university landscape. “There’s a lot of opportunity here that many students are not well informed about… my goal in my position as Senate President is to initiate better outreach for these programs and empower students to utilize their voice effectively,” Hanson said. This vision of amplifying student voices to influence administrative decisions is a testament to Hanson’s commitment to making ASU a more inclusive and responsive community.
His journey in Sigma Nu was a crucible of leadership development, providing him with a multifaceted perspective on governance and collaboration. From serving as Brotherhood Chair to Alumni Relations Chairman, Hanson honed his skills in cross-collaboration and democratic transformational leadership. “The leadership model that I learned as a pledge and studied more during my active membership has cultivated me into becoming a democratic/transformational leader,” Hanson reflects. His ability to inspire his team and push beyond perceived limits has not only marked his tenure as Senate President but has also set a new standard for student leadership at ASU.
Hanson’s impact extends beyond the Senate chambers. His roles within ASU and the broader community, from being an Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering Senator to Vice President of Outreach for The Leadership Forum showcase his diverse leadership capabilities. His involvement in projects like the NASA L’SPACE Mission Concept Academy and his efforts to end hunger around ASU highlights Hanson’s commitment to service and innovation.
As graduation approaches, Hanson is not slowing down. His next venture, developing an app called Vently, aims to revolutionize how people connect and build relationships worldwide. This endeavor, born from his experiences in Greek life and his entrepreneurial spirit, will see him moving to San Francisco to bring his vision to fruition. Beyond this, Hanson’s aspirations for attending the Thunderbird School of Global Management and eventually entering the political arena reflect his unwavering desire to contribute positively to society.
Hanson’s story is a powerful narrative of how fraternity and sorority life can be a springboard for significant achievements in student governance and beyond. “Attending Arizona State University and joining Greek Life was one of the best things I’ve ever done,” Hanson states, reflecting on the journey that has shaped him into the leader he is today. His legacy at ASU and within Sigma Nu – Zeta Upsilon is a testament to the transformative power of leadership, vision and the relentless pursuit of improvement. Hanson’s contributions to ASU and his future endeavors in technology and management underscore the profound impact Greek life members can have on their communities and the world at large.
