Foundation Focus – Volume 7 – Brotherhood in Action: How Mentorship Helped One Brother Find His Way and Give Back
November 25, 2025
2026 Winter Conclave, A Great Event for Resident and Graduate Brothers
January 29, 2026
A Brotherhood Built on Mentorship
When people talk about Alpha Chi Rho, they often mention friendship, leadership, or service. But at its core, our Brotherhood is built on something deeper: Mentorship — the steady, intentional act of showing up for one another across generations.
For Steven Jacobs, a 2025 graduate of Montclair State University and Brother of the Theta Chi Phi Chapter, that lesson began the moment he walked into his first Alpha Chi Rho recruitment event.
Finding a Place to Belong
“I never imagined myself joining a fraternity,” Steven shares. Like many students, preconceived ideas about Greek life made him hesitant. The stigma surrounding fraternities didn’t seem aligned with what he was looking for in college. But when friends encouraged him to attend recruitment events during his first fall semester, something immediately felt different.
“I didn’t feel like I had to act a certain way or fit into a stereotype,” he recalls. “I could just be myself.”
As Steven spent more time with the Chapter, his perceptions of Greek life began to shift. What stood out most wasn’t just the Fraternity’s commitment to service or philanthropy; it was the genuine bond among the Brothers and the way they consistently showed up for one another.
That sense of belonging became undeniable when he met his Big Brother.
“He didn’t fit the stereotypical mold,” Steven says. “He was confident, authentic, and unapologetically himself.” Through that relationship, Steven learned that brotherhood isn’t about sameness, it’s about embracing differences and growing stronger together.
“That’s when it clicked,” he reflects. “This was a place where I could grow, not just as a student, but as a person.”
Brotherhood in Action
Steven describes Alpha Chi Rho in two words: A support system. As an undergraduate, that support showed up through academic challenges, personal struggles, and the everyday realities of college life. But the bond didn’t end at graduation. Instead, it evolved into a lifelong network of guidance, encouragement, and opportunity; a Brotherhood that continues to root for one another’s success.
One of Steven’s most defining undergraduate experiences came through service. During his senior year, he helped organize an initiative in partnership with the Annietober 365 Foundation and Gift of Life, bringing a leadership workshop and bone marrow swab drive to campus.
During the event, they identified a potential donor match for a one-year-old boy battling an inherited immune system disorder. “That was the moment it all felt real,” Steven says. “Our work had a tangible, life-changing impact.”
It was a powerful reminder that mentorship and service shapes Brothers, and changes lives.
Learning to Lead — Together
Alpha Chi Rho consistently encouraged Steven to step outside of his comfort zone, a lesson that became especially real when he took on the role of Chapter President.
“I didn’t feel fully prepared at the time,” he admits. “But with the guidance and support of my Brothers, I leaned into the challenge.”
Through that experience, Steven learned that leadership isn’t defined by titles. It’s about service, accountability, and setting an example, even when it’s uncomfortable. He also learned the importance of reflection, taking the time to recognize progress, growth, and accomplishments.
Connections That Last a Lifetime
Life after graduation looks different, but the Brotherhood remains. “No matter how long it’s been since I’ve talked to my Brothers, I know they’re there,” Steven shares. “True brotherhood isn’t about constant contact. It’s about knowing you can always pick up right where you left off.”
That enduring connection is why Steven believes it’s critical for Graduate Brothers to stay engaged. Though they may be at different stages of life, they share the same values and a shared responsibility to support one another.
“Undergraduates are the ones who keep the Chapter and its traditions alive,” he notes.
“Without their dedication, milestones like our Theta Chi Phi Chapter’s 10-year anniversary this spring wouldn’t be possible.”
The Power of Mentorship
Some of Steven’s most impactful mentorship extended beyond Fraternity leadership and into his professional life. Older Brothers helped him secure internships, navigate career decisions, and think intentionally about his future.
As his career interests developed, those conversations deepened — evolving from advice about coursework to discussions about long-term goals and professional growth.
“That mentorship shaped who I am today,” Steven says. “And now, I feel a responsibility to offer that same guidance to others.”
Carrying the Legacy Forward
To Steven, being an Alpha Chi Rho man today means living the Landmarks every day, in word and deed, and holding himself to a higher standard even when no one is watching. It means recognizing that Brotherhood carries a responsibility not only to those beside you, but also to those who come after you.
That responsibility is something Steven has already embraced as a Graduate Brother. Following his undergraduate experience, he volunteered at the 2026 Winter Conclave, dedicating his time to educating and mentoring young Chapter leaders from across the Fraternity. By sharing his experiences, lessons learned, and leadership insights, Steven helped provide undergraduates with practical tools and perspective as they navigate their own Chapter leadership journeys.
“I hope Alpha Chi Rho continues to give future generations more than just a place to belong,” he says. “I hope it gives them a standard to live by.”
What makes Steven most proud is seeing today’s undergraduate Brothers take ownership of the fraternity, supporting one another with the understanding that this Brotherhood is meant to last a lifetime, not just four years. He believes that whether through volunteering, mentorship, or simply being available to listen, Graduate Brothers play a vital role in ensuring Alpha Chi Rho continues to grow stronger with each generation.
Because mentorship doesn’t end at graduation; it evolves. And by stepping forward to guide the next wave of leaders, Brothers like Steven help carry Alpha Chi Rho’s legacy forward.