Five Questions with Man of the Year Connor Ganly (Butler)
Interview
“I can assure the committee that Connor is a man of the highest character who lives out the values of Love, Honor, and Truth…Connor is the quintessential gentleman, he sets the example for others to follow, and I am proud to know men of his character are integral players within our Legion of Honor.” That’s what then-Regent-Elect John Hearn (Georgia) said of Sigma Nu’s 2018 Man of the Year award winner, Connor Ganly (Butler).
We sat down with Connor to see what he though of receiving two of Sigma Nu’s highest undergraduate honors and what advice he has to share with those who follow.
What was your initial thought when you found out you were going to be honored as Sigma Nu’s Man of the Year?
Well, I initially did not think that I had been selected. I only glazed over the statement when I read the email on my phone and must’ve have misread it. However, upon re-reading the email when I got home and seeing that I was chosen as Man of the Year, I was ecstatic! I can recall sitting back and thinking about all those long Chapter or Executive Board meetings, and I just simply couldn't believe that my involvement with the Epsilon Mu Chapter had grown into national recognition. I couldn't help but think back to all the members of my Chapter, our alumni advisory board, and those brothers that I met from across the nation and how they all played a role in me receiving this award.
As an Alpha Affiliate you join ranks with some of Sigma Nu’s finest initiates. How does that feel?
It still doesn't feel real to me. I have looked up to so many individuals who have been named Alpha Affiliates since my first College of Chapters in 2014 when I first learned about this honor. To think that I now am not only grouped with those other Alpha Affiliates, but that I might also positively impact other initiates in a similar way is truly humbling.
You previously served as a Collegiate Grand Councilman. What was that experience like?
Serving as a Collegiate Grand Councilman was undoubtedly the most rewarding challenge that I have faced in my fraternal experience. Through this role I was able to serve our great Fraternity alongside some of the best minds, both alumni and collegians, that I have ever known, and I had so much to learn from them. All eleven of those men impacted me in different ways, and I only wish that we could've had more time on the High Council together. This role also allowed me to develop an even deeper appreciation for the work that goes on at Headquarters in Lexington. I think that, as collegians, we often take this work for granted.
Where do you think you’d be today without your collegiate Sigma Nu experience?
I'd like to think that I would've found a valuable leadership experience elsewhere, but I believe that the opportunities and challenges that are given to you as a member of a fraternity is unmatched in the collegiate world. You just can't get that kind of experience and those kinds of opportunities in the classroom or in traditional student organizations. Without my Sigma Nu experience I wouldn't be near the leader, employee, friend, brother, son, or grandson that I am today. I am confident that the lessons I learned and relationships I built during my undergraduate experience will influence me for the rest of my life, and I couldn't be more grateful for that.
What advice would you give to a newly initiated member of the Fraternity to ensure they make the most of their collegiate experience?
As with anything, you will get out of this experience what you put into it. My advice is don't hesitate to get involved early; take on leadership positions, speak up at Chapter meetings, stand up for what is right. You will face so many challenges as a Sigma Nu, and at times, it may seem impossible to overcome. If you give your absolute best effort, and aren't afraid to ask for help, good things will come to you and your chapter.