Anton Volkmann ‘17 ([email protected]), Vice President on the board, graduated in 2017 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and in 2018 with a M.Eng. in Engineering Management. He currently lives in Hoboken, New Jersey with his girlfriend where he works for Ernst & Young as a Manager in consulting serving clients primarily in the consumer products sector.
We recently caught up with Anton and recounted many great memories and the impact of Alpha Sigma Phi on his life. Here is what he had to say:
“I joined Rockledge, because it felt like the place where I’d have the most fun the five nights a week which didn’t form the weekend. Sure, the weekends were fun, but I think what set Rockledge apart was that the brotherhood was strong outside of the party environment.
As an undergrad, I held many positions in the house, ranging from Steward to Social chair to Secretary (those who know me know that I look most fondly back on my time as Steward).
One of my favorite memories was having a whiskey with my big, Michael Levy (grad year 2016), after every one of our prelims. That hour of time, 10 or so times a semester (thanks Cornell…), felt like the most genuine time and built a bond that will last a lifetime. Another memory I have is going to Montreal with Cameron Griffith ’18 for Fall break. While exploring the botanical gardens and the Olympic venue, Cam scored us box tickets to the Habs’ home opener against my favorite team, the Blackhawks. We both look back on this fondly every October now that we serve together on the Corporation Board.”
When asked about the impact Alpha Sigma Phi had on his life after graduation, Anton shares that the communication skills and connections helped him for the better in many areas of life. “Serving first in our undergrad leadership and now on our Corporation Board has taught me how to get things done with others, even when you passionately disagree. I can’t think of another organization through which I could’ve learned and practiced this skill. Additionally, I have gotten the chance to interact with alumni ranging from the 60s through today as well as with the current undergraduates. It’s been invaluable to learn about their experiences and see the fellowship they still maintain after what has been 50+ years for some. I’ve leaned on this network for career advice, personal advice, and even medical advice (shout out to our Chief Medical Officer, Jeff Snedeker!). I’ve built friendships with and been inspired by the service of folks I would have never had the chance to meet without Rockledge.”
What is the value of having Alpha Sigma Phi on campus in today’s world? How is it adding to the Cornell experience, and preparing undergrads for life?
Throughout the many years, the value that Rockledge brings to the lives of many young men is and always will be invaluable according to Anton. “Today’s society is a different world for undergraduates. Cornell is making it harder and harder to operate. However, undergraduates still have the same opportunity for fellowship as we have always had. They still have the same opportunity for service and leadership development, and as an alumni network, we will still provide them with the same career network. So long as Rockledge is standing, it will be a place to call “home” – literally and figuratively. Undergrads still need this. There is still value to a nightly sit-down dinner at 6pm.”
The invaluable experience of Alpha Sigma Phi is the reason Anton chooses to serve and donate. “Whether it’s redlining contracts with Whin Melville and Tom Pagani or participating in a work week with Lee O’Connor and others, it’s a LOT of fun. I get experiences that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to have at my age, and I get to do it for the benefit of our fraternity. Long term, it’s also critical that we maintain Rockledge as a physical place for future generations to thrive. Not only is it great getting to see the current undergraduates do what we all did when we were there, it’s also great getting to help our alumni relive these fond memories. Without our physical house, without our annual alumni activities, without an active chapter – we lose these memories, and we lose our “home.”
“Without Alpha Sigma Phi, I wouldn’t be the man I am today.”