Alex Radz, a junior at the University of Colorado – Boulder, has recently been elected as the External Affairs Student Body President. As a proud member of Chi Psi – Alpha Psi Delta, Alex’s journey through fraternity life has profoundly shaped his leadership skills and commitment to the Boulder community.
The Decision to Run
Reflecting on his time at Colorado Boulder, Alex describes it as the greatest experience of his life. “I have developed meaningful relationships, prepared for my professional career, and grown into the man I am today,” he shares. His decision to run for student government was driven by a desire to give back to a school that has given him so much. His campaign focused on making the Boulder campus and community safer and more connected.
Chi Psi: A Foundation of Leadership
Alex credits Chi Psi with providing him with the necessary leadership development for his role in student government. From his freshman year, he was surrounded by fraternity brothers who were community leaders both on and off campus. Notably, Chi Psi has a long lineage of members who have served as student body presidents. These alumni, despite their busy professional lives, were instrumental in guiding Alex and his running mate, Tyler, through the election process. “They were always one phone call away when we needed advice,” Alex recalls.
Campaign Platform: Community Connection and Safety
Alex’s campaign platform was built on three pillars: community connection, buff wellness, and campus safety. He advocated for more engaging on-campus events and mentorship programs between different classes to foster a sense of community. Understanding the importance of mental health, particularly men’s mental health, Alex emphasized greater focus on mental health initiatives. His commitment to campus safety included improved transparency between campus police and students, increased awareness of fentanyl dangers, access to Narcan and test strips, and better off-campus lighting.
Advocating for Fairness in Fraternity Life
An essential aspect of Alex’s platform was addressing the financial disparities faced by IFC on the Hill fraternities at CU. Currently, these fraternities, despite being composed of fee-paying students, pay significantly more for lecture hall and rec center facility rentals compared to on-campus student organizations. Alex is determined to change this policy, ensuring that IFC on the Hill fraternities are given fair prices, aligning with the fees paid by other student organizations.
Brotherhood and Support
Alex’s election campaign was a testament to the strength and support of his fraternity brothers. More than 50 brothers dedicated countless volunteer hours to the campaign, tabling, reaching out to their networks, and even gathering votes from abroad. “The countless volunteer hours the brothers gave to our election is the sole reason for our victory,” Alex acknowledges, highlighting their genuine desire to see their brothers succeed.
Inspirations and Future Goals
Alex draws inspiration from his parents, who have always been his biggest supporters. Their dedication to family and unwavering support have been pivotal in his journey. As for his career goals, Alex is still exploring his path, with interests in finance and sustainability. He aspires to achieve financial stability to pursue non-profit work and leave a positive impact on the world.
A Transformative Experience
Alex’s experience within Chi Psi has been immensely influential in building his character and leadership abilities. He has developed vital skills, learned to interact with people of diverse backgrounds, and built a robust professional network. The meaningful relationships he has formed within his fraternity are relationships he will cherish for the rest of his life.
As Alex Radz steps into his role as External Affairs Student Body President, his fraternity experience and unwavering commitment to the Boulder community position him to make a significant impact. His journey exemplifies how fraternity involvement can shape and inspire leaders dedicated to serving their communities.
