Patrick McAndress

Year: Junior
Major: Accounting
Involvement/Leadership: President of Beta Theta Pi, President of the Cystsic Fibrosis Organization, Orientation Leader, Vice President of Scholarship for the InterFraternity Council, member of the Camp DreamCatcher committee.

What is your favorite thing about WCU? My favorite thing about WCU is the astonishing amount of ways to get involved on campus and make a name for yourself among the student body. There is something for everyone.

What makes you a successful leader? I feel I am a very personable and social which is necessary in leading any organization. Also, I have greatly improved my time management skills, which is something essential to any leader

How has/how do you expect your experience in student clubs and organizations to benefit you outside WCU? My extracurricular experiences here at WCU have greatly improved my resume and my qualifications for any position upon entering the real world. Companies nowadays are starting to place as much importance on involvement and leadership qualities as they do grades.

What advice can you give to new students to make the most of their time at WCU? GET INVOLVED. It doesn't matter which clubs or organizations you choose, but make an impact on this campus before you leave. The years will fly by and you may realize that you missed out if you do not get out there, meet people, and take part.

What advice would you give a new student about leadership and involvement? Provided you can manage your time and grades, get as involved as possible. I realized how much I missed by just sitting in the dorms my freshman year. It was then that I decided to find a few organizations to join and take part in. This eventually led to being the founder and first president of the Cystic Fibrosis Organization on campus, something I am very proud of.

What is the most important quality of an effective leader? Time management is the most important quality of a successful leader. Someone who cannot manage his or her own schedule can certainly not manage looking out for other's as well.

Who is the leader you most look up to or has influenced you the most? The Vice President of SGA, Amy Rae, has influenced me the most. She has constantly been there to encourage me and push me to my full potential. Besides that, I see how involved she is and how hard she works for the entire student body.

What has been your best experience as a WCU leader? I am a very social person, so I love the fact that I can walk down the street or go to an event and always know people there. So I would have to say besides recognition and awards, the effects it has on your social life are remarkable.

What are your plans for after you graduate? I am going to become a stock broker like my father at Boenning & Scattergood in Conshohocken.

Do you know a student leader who should be spolighted on our website? Email Natalie Shaak