Fraternity and sorority life provides students with more than just camaraderie—it offers a foundation for personal development, leadership, and professional success. One compelling example of this is Nathan Lupstein, a graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU) and former president of Sigma Nu fraternity, whose experiences as both a fraternity leader and student body president shaped his path to a thriving role at Google as an alumnus.
A Fraternity Experience of Lifelong Value
Nathan describes his Sigma Nu fraternity experience at NIU as “incredibly enriching,” noting that being part of a community of “ambitious, dynamic students united in a purpose and legacy of leadership” helped him grow in multiple dimensions—personally, academically, and professionally. Fraternity life wasn’t just about social activities; it was about fostering leadership skills, building a legacy of service, and inspiring a vision of success both on campus and beyond.
As a chapter president, new member director, alumni relations chair, and historian, Nathan had ample opportunities to lead. These roles allowed him to hone his ability to create a vision, engage meaningfully with collaborators, and navigate complex challenges—skills that have proven invaluable in his post-college career. His fraternity roles were a perfect training ground for learning how to manage interpersonal dynamics, inspire teams, and solve problems, preparing him for greater leadership roles in student government and beyond.
From Fraternity President to Student Body President
Nathan’s involvement extended far beyond his fraternity. On campus, he served as student body president, president of the pre-law honors society, and vice president of programming for campus activities, among many other roles. His fraternity played a pivotal role in his successful run for student body president, not just through the support of his brothers, but also through the inspiration he drew from the fraternity’s culture of service.
“So many members of our chapter, past and present, have been dedicated to creating a better experience for all students at our university, through student government and beyond,” Nathan says. This legacy of leadership within his fraternity motivated him to pursue a position that would allow him to make a meaningful difference for the university community.
As student body president, Nathan spearheaded several initiatives aimed at improving student life. Among his accomplishments were creating a Director of Environmental Affairs within the student government to lead sustainability initiatives, founding the national No Shame Campaign to promote mental health awareness on college campuses, and integrating sexual assault prevention and education into student orientation.
The Transition to a Professional Career
Nathan’s experiences in fraternity and student government directly translated to his professional career. Today, he works as a talent strategist at Google, where he creates programs to help identify and support top university talent in their search for internships and full-time employment. His ability to engage stakeholders, foster collaboration, and think strategically—skills developed through his leadership roles in his fraternity and on campus—have been key to his success in the workplace.
Continuing the Legacy of Service
Nathan hasn’t forgotten his roots. He remains involved in his fraternity by leading workshops for undergraduates, mentoring collegiate members, and providing scholarship support. His commitment to service continues to influence the next generation of fraternity leaders, ensuring that the legacy of leadership he experienced will live on.
Fraternity Leadership: A Stepping Stone to Success
Nathan Lupstein’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that fraternity and sorority life can have on shaping the future of young leaders. His involvement in both fraternity life and student government provided him with invaluable experiences that set the stage for his career success. For fraternity and sorority members, engaging in student government and other leadership opportunities can be a transformative experience—one that not only enhances their college years but also prepares them for a lifetime of achievement. Whether it’s in business, government, or any other field, the leadership skills honed through fraternity involvement often prove to be a cornerstone of future success.
