FRATERNITY FUELS PASSION AND PURPOSE

By Executive Director Ronald K. Ransom II Butler ’00

After facilitating a chapter retreat last year, I received an unexpected email from an undergraduate member. He thanked me for my time and asked if I’d consider being his mentor — a question I had not anticipated.

Some helpful context: A few months prior, I finally signed up for the Wineman Mentoring Advantage Program (MAP), which connects Phi Psi alumni with undergraduate brothers for personal and professional growth. I had hesitated because, as Executive Director, I wasn’t sure any member would ask me to be their mentor. But it’s a Phi Psi program, I’m an alumnus, and I love working with students — so why not?

I told the student yes. And our journey began.

Since then, we’ve had regular calls, impromptu conversations, and random texts. Most chats aren’t about the fraternity — they’re about life, challenges, and sharing lessons from my successes and failures. To be clear: This hasn’t been a teacher-student relationship.

I’ve gained just as much, if not more, from him than he has from me.

His energy and positive outlook remind me why I do the work I do. His interests provide me with new insights and perspectives. His questions challenge me to reflect on my experiences. Above all, each interaction reminds me that while the world constantly changes, many questions we face remain remarkably familiar.

You might be thinking, “Cool story, bro. What’s your point?” I have one, I promise. I had wondered why a 19‑year‑old college student would want to talk to me. Don’t get me wrong — I talk to college men all the time when I visit chapter houses and attend fraternity events. But intentional, ongoing interaction is different.

Here’s the point: Young men are looking for someone to help them navigate life’s questions, and a mentor can provide an ear and thoughtful advice. And every alumnus qualifies. Each of us has life experiences worth sharing, and mentoring can be as meaningful for the mentor as for the mentee.

MAP has had some early traction, but with your help, we can make it the centerpiece of development for our undergraduate members through one-on-one interactions.

Sustained relationships create space for real growth for all involved. They also reinforce the truth many of us learned as undergraduates: Brotherhood is not a season of life; it’s a lifelong commitment.

Mentors played a vital role in my growth. While I never joined a formal program, I can easily name those who influenced me: my dad and uncles, Mr. Bell and Mr. Brown from high school, and in college, alumni like Ray Volpe Butler ’78, Mickey Rogers Butler ’89, and Bob Marchesani IUP ’79 (Butler ’94). Professionally, Shawn Collinsworth Indiana State ’91 gave me my first Phi Psi opportunity and remains a trusted advisor, while Paul Wineman Washington ’55 always challenged and supported me. It only seems fitting that I participate in a program dedicated to Paul’s passion for guidance and instruction.

You may be all-in already, but if you’re skeptical, why not try to prove me wrong? Signing up for the Wineman Mentoring Advantage Program only takes a moment. And, you never know whose life you’ll impact. It might be your own.

 

 

Ronald K. Ransom II

To learn more and get involved with MAP as a mentor or mentee, click here!