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Recent graduate Lauren Walker was one of the recipients for the 2020 Sorority Leader of the Year award. She was honored at the 2020 Marauder Leadership Awards for her work as part of Millersville University’s chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. The early childhood education graduate is known for her dedication within her organization.
Walker joined the sorority based on their values of scholarship, service and sisterhood and the idea of finer womanhood. The organization encourages the highest standards of scholastic achievement and looks to foster a greater sense of unity among its members.
“I initially wanted to join my organization because the women demonstrated great qualities in their academics, social skills and participation in the community,” says Walker. “I wanted to be a part of a sisterhood that went beyond just the four years of college, but something I can be part of for a lifetime. The organization represented values and principles that I could see myself upholding on a daily basis.”
When it came to the Marauder Leadership Awards, Walker’s efforts for her organization made a significant impact. She was nominated based on her dedication and determination she holds for whatever she is a part of.
“I balance a lot of responsibilities but do so in a manner that makes myself reliable and effective in making sure that things run smoothly. I am very active in my community when it comes to supporting other organizations, networking and advocating as well,” explains Walker.
After leading Zeta Phi Beta for two and a half years, Walker felt honored to be recognized for her work by the school and her peers. “This organization has taught me a lot about myself and I am happy that the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership (CSIL) recognized me in regard to my organization,” she says. “CSIL was there in the very beginning helping me with policies and deadlines, and through to the end to help me pass the torch onto someone else. I am excited that before I graduated, I was able to leave with this accomplishment.”
During her time at MU, Walker was also the co-president and co-founder of the National Minority Teacher Association, a charter member of Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, the vice president of Cultural Greek Council, the secretary of MU ADAPT, and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Walker’s advice for anyone working for an organization is to work for a cause, not for applause.
“By that I mean do what you think is best for your organization whether people are going to be supportive or not. No one knows your organization better than you. As long as you’re upholding your values and mission to the forefront, you can accomplish greatness. Do not take on more than what you can handle, it’ll just be more stressful for you in the end. Always reach out to people and resources and delegate as much as you can.”
Walker will use the skills she learned from her organization within her career. This fall Walker is teaching 2nd grade and plans to obtain her master’s degree in language and literacy with a concentration in English as a second language.
More information about MU’s chapter of Zeta Phi Beta can be found at https://getinvolved.millersville.edu/organization/zetaphibeta.
A full list of the 2020 Marauder Leadership Award winners can be found at https://blogs.millersville.edu/villedaily/files/2020/04/2019-2020-Marauder-Leadership-Award-Winners-KB.pdf.
