83 RD GRAND CHAPTER MEETING: SPVP SPOTLIGHT
Journal: What are some things you hope to do for your province while being SPVP? Thompkins: As Senior Province Polemarch of the Northeastern Province, I want to improve old pro- cesses by enabling technology and removing the need for paper. I want to establish an improved pipeline for Undergraduates to Alumni Chapters by establishing better chapter advi- sory relationships and an incentive based dues structure. MIDDLE WESTERN PROVINCE Gerald Hawthorne St. Louis (MO) Alumni Chapter Time serving as Senior: 2 Years
obtained and the overall experience was well-received. Journal: What does being a SPVP mean to you? Thompkins: As the highest elected official in the Northeastern Prov- ince, it is an extreme honor and a quite humbling experience to have the brothers in the province use their electoral voice in your favor. Being the SPVP means you have a huge responsibility to execute the vi- sion of the Province Polemarch and to make the province better than it was after you leave. It is my duty to continuously seek to understand the intricate details of running the prov- ince, to establish a network internal and external to the province and to keep “teachable moments” at the forefront of my growth in Kappa. Journal: Describe the importance of the relationship between the SPVP and the Province Polemarch. Thompkins: The relationship between the SPVP and Province Polemarch is extremely critical. The Grand Polemarch provides his vision to the Province Polemarch who, in turn, is dependent on the Senior to help execute that same vision. They don’t have to agree on everything, but they need to establish open and honest communication with each other that will hopefully establish respect of each other’s opinions and ultimately will present a single voice within their province. This demon- strates unity between the two high- est ranking officers in the province. Journal: Why do you feel the role of SPVP is so important? Thompkins: The SPVP is in all in- tents and purposes, 2nd in the peck- ing order and must prepare himself to become the Province Polemarch. As such, he must act as a “sponge” to the experiences from the past and present Province Polemarch in preparation for the day he is called to serve in an elevated capacity.
Describe the importance of the relationship be- tween the SPVP and the Province Polemarch. Hawthorne: The most important building block of any team is trust. It is critical the Province Polemarch and SPVP have a relation- ship build on trust and service to the Brothers. Journal: Why do you feel the role of SPVP is so important? Hawthorne: The role of SPVP is the train- ing ground for servant leadership. It is in this position that Seniors are exposed to the daily management of the province. Journal : What are some things you hope to do for your province while being SPVP? Hawthorne: My only goal as SPVP is to gain valuable experience serving the Brothers.
Journal: What is one signifi- cant initiative you lead as SPVP (for your Province and/or Grand Chap- ter)? Hawthorne: I Chair our CRWLC as well as manage the data collection for Program Documentation. Journal: What does being a SPVP mean to you? Hawthorne: Being a SPVP means having integrity and be- ing trustworthy. This roles allows me the oppor- tunity to work tirelessly every day to never let the Brothers down.
Journal:
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THE JOURNAL FALL 2017 | 123
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