Nick Bement, a senior at Indiana State University and a proud brother of Pi Kappa Alpha’s Theta Omicron Chapter, exemplifies the profound impact of fraternity life on leadership development and campus engagement. A Legal Studies major from Terre Haute, Indiana, Nick’s journey through both his fraternity and student government underscores how shared values, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence can drive transformative change.
Fraternity as a Foundation for Leadership
Nick’s leadership journey began within his fraternity. Holding multiple positions—from Involvement Chairman to Chapter President—he gained invaluable experience that shaped his ability to lead effectively. “Being a member of Pi Kappa Alpha has profoundly shaped my leadership experience by providing opportunities to develop essential skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and implementing a vision,” Nick shared. “My chapter emphasizes lifting each brother up to their highest potential, which has helped me grow into the man I am today.”
Under Nick’s leadership as Chapter President, the Theta Omicron Chapter achieved remarkable milestones:
- Raised $12,500 for philanthropy
- Contributed 3,500 community service hours
- Earned the highest GPA among IFC fraternities
- Secured the chapter’s 16th consecutive Robert A. Smythe Award, placing it in the top 10% of Pi Kappa Alpha chapters internationally
These achievements reflect the values Pi Kappa Alpha instills in its members, fostering both personal and collective success.
The Role of Brotherhood in Student Government Success
Nick’s fraternity experience extended beyond the chapter house, playing a pivotal role in his election as Student Government Association (SGA) President for the 2023-2024 academic year. “Much of the success my Vice President, Chase Pondel, and I achieved during the campaign was due to the support we received from our brotherhood,” Nick explained. “As the largest chapter on campus, our brothers helped inform students across campus about the importance of Student Government and the election, including those who may have never voted before.”
This collective effort demonstrates the power of fraternity life in fostering civic engagement and supporting members in their pursuits.
Transforming Campus Through Leadership
As SGA President, Nick spearheaded initiatives that addressed critical campus issues, from mental health to sustainability. Among his administration’s accomplishments:
- Mental Health Matters Campaign: Launched a statewide initiative, added mental health resources to student IDs, and distributed over 1,000 pieces of clothing to promote mental health awareness.
- Sycamore Safe Campaign: Increased campus safety awareness through events like the first-ever “Sycamore Safe Day” and self-defense workshops while fostering stronger relationships between students and campus police.
- Sustainability Campaign: Installed four new water bottle refill stations, saving over 7,500 plastic water bottles.
- Life Skills Workshops: Organized events teaching practical skills like changing a tire, financial literacy, and cooking.
Nick credits his fraternity for instilling the skills and confidence needed to lead these impactful initiatives.
The NIC Perspective on Fraternity Leadership
Nick’s story aligns with findings from the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), which highlights the significant contributions of fraternity members to campus leadership and civic engagement. According to NIC research, fraternity members are more likely than their peers to hold leadership positions, volunteer, and engage in philanthropic efforts. Nick’s achievements exemplify these trends, showcasing the unique value of fraternity life in shaping future leaders.
A Vision for the Future
With aspirations to become a practicing attorney in Indiana, Nick is poised to carry the leadership lessons learned through Pi Kappa Alpha and SGA into his professional career. Reflecting on his journey, Nick emphasized the importance of teamwork and support: “None of this would have been possible without a great team supporting me in both organizations. They deserve just as much credit.”
Nick Bement’s story is a testament to the transformative power of fraternity life and campus involvement. By combining the principles of brotherhood with a commitment to service, Nick has not only left a lasting impact at Indiana State University but also set the stage for a lifetime of leadership and excellence.
