ALUMNI NEWS
“One of the tenets I hold onto most is the concept of altruism –unselfish concern for the welfare of my brother, whether it’s my Kappa brother, blood brother, or euphemistically - the hu- man race. I need to be concerned and I need to make an impact that goes beyond me.” His dedication to making an impact in the community is one of the many reasons he has earned considerable local and national recognition. He was voted KA Ψ Undergraduate of the Year (and later Man of the Year); he’s served as an advisor for three separate chapters; chaired National Founders’ Day and Kappa Debutante events and served in several provincial leadership roles. In addition to fraternity involvement, Comer is a member of the Board of Trustees for both Stillman College and LeMoyne-Owen College; a life mem- ber of the National Black MBA Asso- ciation (where he chairs the national board); was one of Black Enterprise Magazine’s 2018 Modern Man 100 honorees, and was named to National Black MBA Magazine’s Top 50 Under 50 Executives list. Comer takes advantage of the many opportunities he has to talk with high school and college students, stressing the importance of planning ahead. “I always pose the question ‘what’s your vision for your life?’ You’ve got to have an endgame, and you’ve got to put in the work. Luck is opportunity meeting preparation.” Comer says becoming a Life Member was an easy decision for him. “I made the decision to pledge Kappa based on the individuals I saw in the organization. It’s just as relevant for me today as it was when I first start- ed.”
actions with people. The Golden Rule says ‘treat others the way you want to be treated.’ I call my version the ‘Platinum Rule’ - treat others the way they want to be treated.” In any group dynamic Anderson says you will encounter people who disa- gree with you, or are reluctant to con- sider new ways of doing things. In his role as Polemarch of the Germantown (TN) Alumni Chapter, he’s learned that the best strategy in these situations is to make sure not to dismiss oppos- ing points of view. “In any leadership role, you often need to influence and persuade people to think or act in a different way. To do that, they need to feel that they are being heard, that they are valued. That’s one of the big- gest lessons I’ve learned in my various leadership roles within the fraternity and it holds true in my professional interactions as well.” Anderson says joining the fraternity in a graduate chapter versus undergradu- ate was the best decision for him at the time because as an undergrad, he “wasn’t ready.” “It’s analogous to owning a motorcy- cle,” he explains. “I got my first mo- torcycle when I was in my 40s, when I was mature enough to handle it. If I had gotten it when I was in my 20s, my immaturity at that point in my life would have caused problems.” “Becoming a Kappa man as a gradu- ate, at least for me, meant that I was ready to come in, focus on what’s re- ally important, roll up my sleeves and do good work.” Anderson enjoys sharing his insights on career advancement, including the importance of making the most of your strengths. “Be intentional about figuring out where you fit in - what you can con- tribute, where you can do good work and make a difference.”
Thanh Anderson (Memphis (TN) AL 1988) Vice President of Global Support Ser- vices, FedEx Logistics
Years at FedEx: 24 T hanh Anderson literally worked his way through the ranks to his current role of Vice President of Global Support Services at FedEx Lo- gistics (formerly known as FedEx Trade Networks). “I was a package handler – I drove tugs, loaded airplanes. I never would have imagined, 24 years later, that I would be in the position I’m in today – to have the opportunity to work not only with folks here in the US, but across the globe.” Born in Saigon, Vietnam, Anderson was raised in Warrensville Heights, OH. He received a four-year football schol- arship to Vanderbilt University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Hu- man Resources, specializing in Law. Since joining FedEx in 1996, Anderson has held numerous Human Resources leadership positions in areas that include Compensation, Employee Relations, Benefits, Recruitment and Projects & Analysis. In his current role, he oversees all HR policies, procedures and programs for FedEx Logistics team members in the U.S., Asia and Europe. “That’s one of the great things about FedEx – if it’s what you want, you can seek other opportunities, move around to different areas to pursue an area that you have a particular passion about.” He says one of the best lessons from Kappa Alpha Psi that has served him well centers on the concept of respect. “I have an amended version of the Golden Rule that helps guide my inter-
Publishing achievement for 105 years
THE JOURNAL 84 TH GRAND CHAPTER MEETING ISSUE | 125
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker