EMBODY THE SPIRIT OF UNITY

By Marc Dumas DePaul ’93

Dumas

Today’s college students live in a world shaped by these events, yet many know them only from history books or fleeting social media posts. What happened to that spirit of togetherness? It feels harder to find those moments when we look past what divides us and focus on what unites us. Instead, we seem to draw stricter lines, retreating into echo chambers that only reinforce our own views. What lessons are we leaving them about unity, and what examples of leadership will inspire them to step up in the future?

When I helped start our group that became a Phi Psi Colony in 1991, I stepped into a group of men who, for the most part, came from a world quite different from mine. I’ll never forget sitting around late at night with brothers from the far-flung suburbs of Chicago and towns so far away from what I was used to, hearing about challenges and experiences I’d never encountered growing up on the South Side of Chicago. Their stories broadened my perspective, teaching me to see the world in new ways and appreciate lives vastly different from my own. I engaged in community service with those same men, feeding the homeless, playing with kids from the local Boys & Girls Club, and spending time with cancer patients who were facing some of life’s most difficult challenges.

It was those experiences as a member of Illinois Zeta that helped me understand this simple truth: It is our differences, not our similarities, that make this country such an extraordinary place to call home. Those experiences didn’t just shape my worldview — they inspired me to pursue jobs and a life path where service is my cornerstone.

In many ways, fraternity is where we can continue to foster citizens who understand and embody the spirit of unity and togetherness. Research shows this is already happening. Despite being less diverse than the university population, fraternity and sorority members report higher levels of interaction with people different from themselves than do other students. How do we build on this? How do we ensure that we’re broadening the horizons of our members — not to indoctrinate them with different viewpoints, but to help them understand why others see the world differently, and why the things that may be important to them may not be a priority for everyone.

There are many ways to do this, but I believe you hold one of the keys. Our young men need you — to show up and lead by example. The best way to foster growth in our undergraduates is sharing the wisdom and perspective you bring. By serving as mentors, volunteering your time, attending homecoming events, or participating in alumni gatherings, you create opportunities for meaningful conversations. They need to witness the power of connection — the ability to listen, understand, and find common ground, even amidst differences. These meaningful interactions create opportunities for our undergraduates to ask questions, seek guidance, and see firsthand what it means to lead with empathy, respect, and an open mind. They need to see that while we may not all view the world through the same lens, the lenses we view the world through aren’t that much different.

So, I’m asking you to take action. In the next year, dedicate a few hours to engage with our undergraduate members. Whether it’s attending a chapter meeting, a Founders Day event, or simply stopping by the chapter house, your presence can leave a lasting impact. Together, we can inspire a new generation of leaders who understand that the most profound change comes when we stand united.

Together, we can show them that unity isn’t just a lesson from the past; it’s the way forward.

BLSAOET,

SWGP Marc A. S. Dumas…