Congratulations to National COY, Kristen Wilhelm!

Mar 21, 2019 – Wilhelm, Lindenwood (MO), was announced as National Collegian of the Year at the South Central LEAD Provincial Conference.

She was recognized for exemplifying the spirit of Delta Sigma Pi throughout her time in IMG_6631college, garnering the top honor for collegiate members. Kristen's involvement in the Fraternity spans across numerous executive positions including (in order) VP-Pledge Education, President, VP-Professional Activities, Webmaster and VP-Chapter Operations. Looking back, she recalls, "One thing I am passionate about is that I brought Operation Christmas Child to the Sigma Psi Chapter. This was an organization my church worked with and something we have done for a couple of years now. Basically what happens is that people pack shoeboxes full of educational things, and they are sent to children around the world who wouldn't otherwise receive a Christmas gift. Our first year doing it I got an email from a father of one of the recipients telling us that due to our contribution his daughter was finally able to attend school for the first time in her life." 

Outside of Delta Sigma Pi, she focuses her energy on the Lindenwood Initiative for Suicide Awareness, reaching out to those on campus who are struggling to provide hope. Kristen explains, "It's something I don't feel like gets the attention it needs because it's a 'dirty phrase,' or worse, is something people joke about. I have a ring I wear every day that is in the shape of a semicolon with the top dot in the shape of a heart. It serves as a reminder to always be kind to others because you never know what people are going through." 

Kristen studies Human Resources and Marketing at Lindenwood, and would love to somehow make a difference for employees within an HR department, since her first passion was law enforcement. Professionally, Brother Wilhelm works for Millennium Productions in St. Louis in the videography department. She also enjoys attending weddings and providing videography services most Saturdays, providing priceless clips to her clients. "It's a job that I continually love because it never gets boring," she says. "I've always been drawn to photography so this work has been a dream come true for me - even though it's only a part-time job at this point." 

When discussing her favorite thing about Deltasig, she says, "It sounds slightly corny, but it really is the aspect of Brotherhood. I love the fact that I have a group of people who are going through the same academic path that I am. I never have to worry about finding someone to help me with homework, I always know who I will be in a group project with, and when I have time in between classes there is always someone I can sit and talk to. It's difficult to make friends in college and Delta Sigma Pi makes it a lot easier. Plus, it goes beyond just the business side. I am very passionate about helping out and being a part of one's community. The Fraternity gives you a group to do just that."

Congratulations, Kristen!

To see a full listing of regional and provincial COYs, click here
Tags:
  • Award/Recognition