We recently had the opportunity to speak with Lambda DKE, Mason Morjikian '88. Brother Morjikian was kind enough to share with us how Lambda DKE prepared him to become the Chairman of the DKE International Board of Directors. In addition, he also shared his own Lambda DKE memories. 

Here's what Brother Morijikian '88 shared with us - 

Can you give us a brief summary of your life journey from your graduation from Kenyon in '88 to now? Are there any life updates you'd like to share with your Lambda Chapter brothers? I am originally from the NY area and moved back after Kenyon. I lived with some Lambda brothers in a NYC apartment until I was lucky enough to meet my wife, Livia, in 1995. We currently reside in Pelham NY. We have a son, who is junior at Bates College. My career has been in high-end floorcovering. I've worked for three prominent carpet brands in management roles. It's been a very interesting and rewarding experience, working with many talented people and intervals of travel to Nepal, India and China.    

What was it that propelled you to engage with DKE at the International level? How did a Lambda DKE rise through the ranks at Inernational to become Chair? It was somewhat of a long winding path: When I moved to NYC there were Lambda DKEs who were members of The DKE Club of NY (an affiliate of The Yale Club of NY) I joined that club immediately. I then joined the Board of Directors of the DKE Club of NY and still serve on that Board today. About a decade ago , DKE International was going through a difficult time and a leadership change. The DKE Club Board assisted DKE International during this time and I was asked to be the liaison to sit on both Boards. I've been on the DKE International Board since and was recently asked to serve as Chair.

Can you describe some of your responsibilities as Chairman of the DKE Board of Directors? What does this position entail? Are there any particularly challenging or rewarding aspects of the job? The DKE Board of Directors is an Advisory Board. We have a professional staff that runs the organization and the day to day programming. Our Executive Director is Doug Lanpher (Gamma/Vanderbilt 77).  He and his staff are fabulous. The Board works at a strategic level, reviewing and approving budgets, initiatives and programs. I really enjoy the Board, an outstanding group of men from all across North America. The Chairman runs the Board meetings and leads the discussion on various topics that must be voted upon. One of the challenges is to balance the need for the fraternity to evolve and grow while honoring the best parts of our legacy.

Why did you decide to become a DKE at Kenyon in the first place way back when? I arrived on campus early my freshman year for pre-season soccer training. There was a strong DKE presence on the team and from that early introduction, I never looked back.

What are the top 1-3 things you gained by becoming a Lambda DKE brother? Being a member of DKE added so much dimension to my four years at Kenyon: The structure, traditions, ritual and, of course, incredible amounts of humor. I made incredibly important friendships that continue to enrich my life today.

What are your favorite Lambda DKE memories? That might be impossible (or foolish) to list. I have so many fond memories:  Lambda Chapter meetings, pledge activities, and spring break trips. Some of the simple things, hanging out in the west wing, provide wonderful memories (mostly comic) that still cause me to chuckle today.

Are there any brothers you're still in touch with regularly? Or any brothers you fell out of touch with over the years that you'd like to reconnect with? Very much so. I’m touch with a bunch of guys. One of my pledge class brothers and our pledge master live a few blocks away in Pelham. Lambda brothers and their families are part of group vacations and trips, annual fly fishing trips, ski trips to Utah, etc. I love when paths cross and I reconnect with guys whom I’ve lost touch with.

You've been so generous as to donate to Lambda in the past. What inspires you to give back to the chapter? It is several things but primarily, I want do what I can to make sure that as each generation of young men arrive on campus they have the possibility of reaping all the benefits that I have from DKE. That matters to me.