Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Walt McConnell

Walt McConnell M.D., Bucknell '53 and Phi Lambda Theta alumn, turns 76 years old this October. Not simply satisfied with sitting back and letting the Golden Years go by, Dr. McConnell and seven other Bucknell/UPenn alumni are celebrating their health, lives, and love of their alma maters by biking across the country in order to raise over $2 million in scholarships. The trek, which begins September 9th in Santa Monica, CA and ends after 3,050 miles on the 27th in Atlantic City, NJ, is one of the most difficult routes in the world, crossing the deserts of the Southwest and the mountainous ranges of Colorado and West Virginia. Read more about the ride at the official website,Alumni Bike Race. In addition to this ride, Dr. McConnell is serving his second year as a member on Bucknell's Alumni Board and has planned his class's 5th and 50th Reunion. When asked why he remains so dedicated to Bucknell so long after graduation, Brother McConnell stated that it's all about giving back to Bucknell for four of the best years of his life.

Dr. McConnell described his time on campus, and more specifically in Phi Lambda Theta, was one of gaining great experiences. In the shadow of the Korean War, PLT attracted Walt through its environment of acceptability and lack of prejudices. PLT was the only fraternity on campus which had no qualms admitting men pertaining to any race or religion. "[You] learn through diversity: you know what others see in the world - how they see the world." In Phi Lam, Walt found a place which mirrored the ideals he held in his heart and "placed principles before all."

Past, current, and future Phi Lams and Chi Phis can learn much by Dr. McConnell's example. One should remain true to the ideals and principles within him, and not to forsake them due to social pressures. Leaders, Walt recommends, both on-campus and beyond can gain success through encouragement, support, and positive input. They become great not by being a dictator nor enabler, but by granting the opportunity for those being lead to explore trials on their own. Finally, to those who feel stress and pressure bearing down upon their shoulders, Dr. McConnell suggests to always stay active to keep young. As said by Theodore Roosevelt, "The race doesn't go to the swiftest or fastest man. Most often, the race is won by the man who thinks he can."

The Brothers of Chi Phi: Phi Lambda Theta wish Walt and the entire biking team the best of luck on their ride and all later adventures!