As the school year starts, a number of social fraternities and sororities are preparing for fall recruitment, welcoming those who want to “Go Greek.” Fraternities and sororities allow students to gain skills in management, take part in a number of social activities, and potentially make friends that can last a lifetime, while promoting the values of leadership, scholarship, and service. If one were looking for a man who personified the experiences and values gained through joining a fraternity, few would look no further than the Inter-Greek Senate Co-President Sean O’Connell.
Sean is a Senior Chemistry major with a Computer Science minor from St. Peter. He’s participated in Track and Field and joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon when he was a sophomore. Prior to this, he chose to come to Gustavus because he believed it would be the right place for him.
“I love the small community and being able to get to know each of your professors personally,” Sean said. “I love the amount of opportunities that this place provides to its students, and I think the campus is just downright beautiful.”
Sean’s been active with his Chemistry major both in and out of Gustavus. He was a lab tech during one summer, where he did a lot of quality control tests and analytical work, and he’s done research with Dr. Brian O’Brien. He had a strong idea chemistry would be his primary focus going into college.
“A hard worker, a true scholar, an athlete, a leader, a steadfast friend-he truly represents what makes me proud to be a part of our chapter.” — Will Riihiluoma
“I’ve had an interest in chemistry since high school,” Sean said. “I’ve always found it interesting and fun to be in the lab. Getting to see different reactions take place and then trying to figure out why it is happening the way it is, and then seeing if we can improve upon that. I see it as one giant puzzle waiting to be solved, and I enjoy that. I chose Comp. Sci. as a minor because of similar reasons. But it also happens to work well with my Chemistry major. Best of both worlds if you ask me!”
Sean’s passion for chemistry has been observed by many, including his advisor, Chemistry Professor Scott Bur.
“Sean is always excited about whatever he’s doing; it’s an enthusiasm that’s infectious,” Professor Bur said. “I’ve never seen Sean without a smile. Even when I’ve seen him under a lot of stress, he smiles and laughs. He’s also very curious; he’s often in my office asking me about something he’s just read about.”
After spending some time with the Greek community, Sean chose to join Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Since then he’s held a number of important positions in the chapter, including Social Chair and Vice-President. Currently he’s taken on the crucial role of the Co-President of the Inter-Greek Senate (IGS).
“I serve as Co-President of IGS alongside Kate Zitzmann,” Sean said. “Our duties as Co-Presidents are to run our IGS executive board meetings as well as our President’s meetings which each chapter is present at. We also meet regularly with our separate chairs on the executive board to help plan events and to act as an outlet if they need help with the event planning. We also communicate any changes or upcoming events to the Presidents of each chapter as well as the entire Greek Community.”
Throughout all his activities and accomplishments at Gustavus, Sean will remember his time at Sigma Alpha Epsilon the most fondly.
“Being a part of Greek life in general has made some of my favorite moments here,” Sean said. “There are too many great memories and friends that I have made throughout my time in Greek life for me to pick just one. I got to meet new faces and try new things that I might not have had the chance to do before!”
His contributions to the Greek Community have been well-received by the Eminent Archon of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and former Gustie of the Week, Senior Will Riihiluoma.
“Sean is a man who embodies much of what makes Greek life at Gustavus great. A hard worker, a true scholar, an athlete, a leader, a steadfast friend–he truly represents what makes me proud to be a part of our chapter, a part of our Greek system, and a part of the greater Gustavus community,” Will said.
As his time at Gustavus comes to a close, Sean can be expected to look toward the future with a smile on his face.
“As Sean has taken more classes and been exposed to new fields of study, he has taken decisions about what he wants to do after Gustavus very seriously. Now that he’s set his course, I expect he will chase his future with both the seriousness and the enthusiasm that he’s brought to everything else I’ve seen,” Professor Bur said.