Steve Brenoskie

Year: Senior
Major: Criminal Justice
Involvement/Leadership: Theta Chi Fraternity 2003-2005 (President, Vice President, Community Service chair), Friars' Society 2005-2006, Interfraternity Council 2004 (VP of Men's Health), ManUp of WCU 2004-2006 (President, Co-founder), InterGreek Council Camp Dreamcatcher Committee 2003-2004 (Morale Captain), Men's Issues Task Force 2004-2006, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Chester County 2004-2005, Student Government Association 2004-2005 (Senator for West Goshen Township), Air Force ROTC 2002-2006 (Morale Officer, Drill & Ceremonies Officer, Field Training Preparation Officer, Cadet Wing Vice Commander), Resident Assistant 2005-2006, Student Teach-In Committee 2004 (Coordinator of 'Situation with Iraq')

What is your favorite thing about WCU? West Chester is a university where leadership is encouraged and autonomy is ideal. The faculty and even other students like to lift the great student leaders up to a higher level of expectation which allows those leaders to grow and affect others.

What makes you a successful leader? A successful leader must be a people person. Granted, I have the ultimate chain of command image being part of the military, where when your leader tells you to do something (as long as it is not illegal or unethical) you do it. Through being a student leader you have less control over people so tact is everything: know your people, understand them, and work with them.

How has/how do you expect your experience in student clubs and organizations to benefit you outside WCU? It has benefited me immensely. While other students were stuck in their rooms studying constantly to get that 3.5+ GPA, I loaded my philosophical 'worth gun' with tons of irreplaceable life experience with leadership of real people. I didn't just study it. I applied it, evolved it, and continue to perfect it.

What advice can you give to new students to make the most of their time at WCU? Get involved. You don't have to overwhelm yourself with opportunity, but nothing can replace life experience in leadership. Also, learn to evaluate yourself truthfully and honestly. You should know what others see when they look at you.

What advice would you give a new student about leadership and involvement? Leadership and involvement provide you with tons of perks - life experience, lasting friendships, networking and opportunity. You can't get this by just going to class and doing well or even by just working. Although, having a job where you are not in a leadership position can teach you the ability to follow, which is a necessary trait for a good leader. You will not always start out in a student organization on the executive board.

What is the most important quality of an effective leader? I think the most important quality in an effective leader is integrity. As long as you always keep your integrity with whatever you do, no one can ever say you lost yourself or sold out. A person of their word dubs respect.

Who is the leader you most look up to or has influenced you the most? I think on a 'celebrity' level, Anthony Robbins, but on a more personal level - Charlie Warner and Pete Galloway. They've both been there through my run as a student leader and helped me through it.

What has been your best experience as a WCU leader? There have been so many it is hard to choose. I must say, being a part of the Camp Dreamcatcher committee that raised over $35,000 for the camp was quite an honor. Also, co-coordinating both the first ever Student Teach-In at WCU and also (through ManUp) the first ever Men's Day, which we are making a Men's Issues Week this spring.

What are your plans for after you graduate? I will be going active duty in the US Air Force. Right now I'm going to be a Security Forces 2nd Lieutenant at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. However, I applied to be a Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, but I don't find out about that until March. I will spend four years in the Air Force, but don't know if I will stay in or get out yet. My ultimate goal is to be some kind of federal agent.

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