Alumni Profile – Chapter Advisor: Travis Roberts, Lambda Beta (UWF) ’12

Gamma Chi Chapter Advisor Travis Roberts, ’12 answers our questions and shares his thoughts on the task and privilege of shaping the future lives of Sigma Chi undergrads.

1. What is your best memory from your Sigma Chi days?
   My best memories are the Chapter meetings where we could have fun but also learn from each other in a business meeting setting. Yes, there are formal business items to go over, but it’s also a time for us to come together once a week and get to know each other more than the average friendship.

2. How do you benefit from the fraternity experience as an Alum?
   As an alumnus of Sigma Chi, I serve as a Chapter Advisor for the Gamma Chi Chapter, Univ of Maryland-College Park. I love this role in that I help shape the future in these young men. I guide them with their goals and processes to ensure the Fraternity’s ideals and mission is continually met.

3. What is your advice for today’s active Brothers?
   My advice – don’t be afraid to ask for help or call each other out. Today’s higher education student struggles with “getting people into trouble” but my philosophy is that we can only do better or be better if we hold each other accountable and be vulnerable. By being vulnerable, we establish trust, and with trust, there is more accountability.

4. Did you land a job thanks to Sigma Chi networking? Or have you made other fraternity connections through your career? Share the story of how your membership in Sigma Chi has benefited you in your professional life.
   I did! My job title is the Assistant Director for Fraternity & Sorority Life at American University located in Washington, DC. I would not be here today in the field of Fraternity & Sorority Life without joining and getting to experience Sigma Chi. I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to have Brothers who supported me throughout my life so far, and I cannot wait to continue to create more relationships.
5. What do you think is more important when it comes to career success; being prepared or being willing to take risks?
   I believe it’s about being prepared. If you know the job you want to do in the future, research what the job description is. From this description, figure out what can you do now to build up your experience so you have the skills and knowledge ready for that dream job. I also think success is built upon preparation when it comes to anything in life – preparing for meetings, for trips, etc.

6. Why did you join Sigma Chi? Share your reasons for pledging as an undergrad, and how your membership still has a positive impact on your life today.
   As an undegrad, we all have the hesitation to join given today’s society and climate towards the fraternal experience. The stereotypes are out there, but was the fraternity experience for me? As an openly gay male, I felt even more hesitation because I didn’t know if I would be accepted or to be taken advantage of. However, through the recruitment process, I walked into a room of open arms, welcoming me into the lives of the current Brothers – even when I had no idea who they were walking into the room. Walking out of the room, I knew these were the guys who knew how to treat others with fairness and kindness, regardless of your background or convictions.

7. What is your favorite/most memorable Sigma Chi tradition?
   My most memorable experience is my own pledge experience. The Chapter I joined was a brand new chartered Chapter – Lambda Beta in March of 2008. I joined in Fall 2008 having known the founding Chapter members and everyone in between – which is not like any other chapter experience. Through my new member experience, I was able to understand the difficulty and hard work behind creating a Sigma Chi chapter, which allowed me to appreciate the Chapter so much more!

8. If you could go back to re-live any single moment from your fraternity days, what would it be and why?
   This is a tough one as there are many that come to mind. I would have it would be those moments where I was challenged. When I was called out or told I wasn’t doing something well, that helped me realize I knew my fellow Brothers were only helping me be better.

9. How would your life be different today if you had never joined Sigma Chi?
   My life would be totally different! I work with fraternities and sororities today in higher education so I don’t know what I would be doing today without having joined Sigma Chi. I teach and guide students in leadership positions according the Sigma Chi ideals EVERY DAY and know I am doing good by them.

10. What did Sigma Chi teach you about leadership?
    Sigma Chi taught me that even though you’re a peer/Brother to the Chapter Members, you’re always holding each other accountable – whether in an officer position or not. If you’re able to make the tough decisions in holding those accountable, then I feel you’re being a leader.

11. Are you married? Kids? Any new or current career plans or goals?
    Not married, no kids. Career goals would be to stay within the field of Higher Education, specifically working with fraternities and sororities. I love helping students with their leadership and communication skills to better the university and fraternal community.

12. What would you like to see more of from Sigma Chi as an alum?
    As an Alumnus, I would like to see Sigma Chi show more support for Alumni. With today’s climate of the purpose of fraternities and sororities, the focus is heavily on the undergraduate experience. However, I think Sigma Chi can also have a strategic goal to work more with Alumni and Alumni volunteers more.