Mayor Bill White said Thursday night at the Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Balanced Man Scholarship Reception that leaders are people who do the best with what they have.
"The best leaders are people who make it happen," White said. "If you’re in a tight situation, at school or work, these are the people who make it happen."
Biology freshman Thomas Frank received the $1,000 William "Buck" Caulfield II Balanced Man Scholarship and a letter from Gary C. Kief, chair of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation and President of Stiletto Entertainment.
The Balanced Man Scholarship recognizes incoming freshmen for high school achievements in academics, athletics, leadership and community service.
White also stressed the importance of moderation, stating that people who balanced different aspects of their lives, such as spirituality and public service, ultimately lived happier lives.
"I think it’s great to recognize somebody not just for one thing, but for multiple things. As somebody who went to college on scholarships, any scholarship is appreciated," White said.
Sigma Phi Epsilon as a fraternity looks for individuals in the community who make balance a priority in their lives.
"If you’re a fitting balanced man also, not only are you balancing scholarship and social aspects, you’re also exemplifying in leadership abilities," construction management sophomore David Cumming said.
Frank is a musician and an accomplished scholar, who earned an International Baccalaureate diploma and played varsity athletics all four years of high school.
"My greatest musical achievement was getting to play at Carnegie Hall," said Frank, who wants to study medicine at Johns Hopkins University or Harvard University.
Frank said that having people who want to follow you is the best way to become a leader.
"Having a personality that people enjoy and want to look up to you. Being friendly to everybody and always having the will to work without anyone pushing you but yourself," Frank said.
The William "Buck" Caulfield II Balanced Man Scholarship has been awarded to promising incoming freshman from the Delta chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon since 1993. The scholarship is funded by an endowment from William Caulfield, former chapter advisor.
Caulfield’s endowment forms a portion of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation, which also bestows scholarships in recognition of undergraduate achievement in academics and campus activities.
