Outstanding Adviser

Alum Earns National Award for Supporting Role in Campus Fraternity

August 24, 2010

By Debra Cano Ramos

After Matt Della Mora (B.A. business administration-management ’07) graduated, he didn’t say goodbye to his alma mater or his fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau, Gamma Omicron Chapter.

A former chapter president, he joined the fraternity’s local Board of Governors in 2007 and served as finance adviser. A year later, he became chapter adviser — a role he continues today.

Now a property field representative for Mercury Insurance in Brea, Della Mora was recently recognized with the Outstanding Advisor to a Chapter award at the fraternity’s national convention in Denver. Della Mora was named Greek Alumnus of the Year in 2009 by the university’s Greek life community.

The Anaheim resident, who plans to return to Cal State Fullerton to pursue a M.B.A., recently talked about his work with the chapter, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

What does it mean to win the national award?

I appreciate this award because it shows that the hard work and dedication I have put into the chapter is being acknowledged on a national level. Chapter members have to complete a rather extensive application in order to nominate me for the award. So this shows me that the chapter members really appreciate the time that I put in, which in turn helps them to make their chapter better.

In what ways do you assist the chapter?

I do a lot with the chapter and try to relate what I do on their level. Throughout my time as chapter adviser, and even finance adviser, I have strived to make things better and more transparent for the individual member. I have worked with chapter members to develop programs, implement procedures and overhaul the chapter’s financial system. Ultimately, I try to set an example for the current members of what a fraternity man is, and should be, by striving to live the values of Phi Kappa Tau. Our mission as fraternity members is to champion a lifelong commitment to brotherhood, learning, ethical leadership and exemplary character.

Why do you remain active in the fraternity?

I have continued to be active with the chapter and national fraternity because it is something that I enjoy. I have met members from all over the country and keep in contact with eight fraternity members from eight different universities who I worked with as a character coach in the national organization’s Leadership Academy. It’s exciting to hear about their successes in their chapters. It makes me feel like I have done something to leave a good mark on someone else in this world. I have always felt that through life, it’s the people you meet, the things you experience and the connections you have that make your life more fulfilling. When I hear about fraternity members who I have met and the success in their lives and chapters, it makes me feel good because hopefully I had a hand in pushing them to be better and be more responsible citizens of their communities.

Why is it important to be involved in the university after graduation?

I think we can be examples to chapter members and guide them to become better men when they graduate. Also, looking back on my own fraternity experiences, I can help and guide them in the right direction to make the most their college education. One of the lines of our fraternity’s creed states, “I shall be loyal to my college and my chapter and shall keep strong my ties to them that I may ever retain the spirit of youth.” I think this is important because our time on campus is short, maybe four or five years, but the fraternity experience is eternal and lifelong. I am sure that my fraternity will outlive me, as it has already outlived our founders.

What do you want others to know about Greek Life organizations?

The general public, even the campus community, often doesn’t realize that fraternities and sororities are large, strong and powerful organizations that make a positive impact on the lives of college men and women. Yet, the most powerful impact is to the numerous charitable organizations they support. Phi Kappa Tau raises more than $100,000 annually for Hole in the Wall Camps, which sends terminally ill children to summer camp. Last year, the Gamma Omicron Chapter raised $16,300 for the camps. I think that is something that I am proud to stay connected to, want to maintain my connection to, and would help out with anytime.

Phi Kappa Tau was founded on March 17, 1906, at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. The Gamma Omicron Chapter was founded at Cal State Fullerton in 1960, the oldest fraternity on campus and in Orange County.

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Media Contacts:

Kandy Mink Salas, Dean of Students, 657-278-3211 or kmink@fullerton.edu
Maricela Alvarado, Greek Life, 657-278-3211 or malvarado@fullerton.edu
Debra Cano Ramos, Public Affairs, 657-278-4027; 657-278-2414 or dcanoramos@fullerton.edu