Foundation Focus – Volume 7 – Brotherhood in Action: How Mentorship Helped One Brother Find His Way and Give Back

For Brother Honorable Glenn Slavin, the value of mentorship within Alpha Chi Rho became clear early in his time at Lafayette. Amid the roar of home football games and the camaraderie of tailgates, he met two Brothers who would go on to shape his path: Ed Landis and Jeff Ruthizer. Both were successful attorneys, active alumni, and deeply committed to the Chapter and the National Fraternity.

“They carried themselves with such confidence, but never arrogance,” Glenn recalls. “You just knew they were the kind of men who understood what success looked like. They were eager to help us younger guys, and they naturally became mentors to many of us.”

A Lesson for Life

One of the most impactful moments of Glenn’s early legal career came not in a courtroom, but through a quiet conversation with another mentor, Brother Don Jones. At the time, Glenn was juggling the intense demands of being a young law partner, a new husband, and a first-time father. One day, Don simply said, “You don’t seem like yourself lately.”

Glenn remembers that moment clearly: “I was trying to be everything for everyone; at work, at home, in life. Don looked at me and said, ‘There comes a time when a man should worry more about the expectations for himself than the expectations from others.’ That advice changed everything for me.”

Brotherhood Beyond College

The lessons Glenn learned from his mentors extended far beyond graduation. “Mentorship helped me see that Brotherhood isn’t just about friendship, it’s about a giving relationship,” he says. “We took an oath. Delivering on that promise means sharing what we know and lifting each other up.”

Today, Glenn stays in touch with Ed and Jeff. Whether it’s catching up over food and drinks in Jersey City or reuniting at Lafayette for a home game, those connections remain strong. “Everything about our relationship has always been honest and lighthearted,” he says. Ed and Jeff are two highly successful lawyers whose guidance was invaluable. Now serving as a Superior Court judge in New Jersey, Glenn credits much of his own professional success to them.

Carrying the Torch Forward

Now a mentor himself, Glenn pays it forward through Lafayette’s externship program, giving seniors the opportunity to shadow and learn from him. He also served as the 44th National President of the Fraternity and remains active in offering guidance to Brothers.

“Young people are often afraid to ask for help,” Glenn says. “But nothing happens until the ask is made. Alumni might not always make donations or attend events—but they’ll always share knowledge and wisdom when asked.”

His advice to undergraduates seeking mentorship? “Commit yourself to it. Great leaders are grateful when younger Brothers reach out for guidance. It’s how we ensure our Brothers grow into men of word and deed—good fathers, sons, husbands, and leaders in their communities.”

A Legacy of Love

Above all, Glenn credits Alpha Chi Rho with teaching him one of life’s most profound truths. “Even in your Fraternity, you might not like every Brother, but you love every Brother because of the code we pledged ourselves to,” he says. “That love, that commitment, is what Brotherhood and mentorship are all about.”

Car Rides, Computers, and a Commitment to Brotherhood: Spence’s Mentorship Journey

In the summer of 1980, Brother James Spencer first met the man who would shape his future in Alpha Chi Rho and beyond: Wes Dangler. At the time, Spence was an undergraduate at Clarion, and Wes, a charismatic, outgoing Brother and Executive Director of the Fraternity, invited him to ride along to a Chapter installation at Central Michigan University.

“It was a long trip, and we had plenty of time to talk,” Spence remembers. “Wes was personable and genuinely interested in people. That one car ride led to a lifelong mentorship.”

A Change of Plans and a New Direction

Spence had originally planned to go to graduate school, but after that road trip and many more conversations, he decided instead to join the staff of Alpha Chi Rho as a consultant. It turned out to be a defining decision.

“I don’t have any blood brothers, just older sisters; so the Brotherhood I found in Alpha Chi Rho and the mentorship from Wes really meant something to me,” Spence shares. “Wes gave great advice, but more importantly, he led by example.”

Spence eventually became Director of Chapter Services, a position Wes himself encouraged him to take. When Wes moved on to lead the Foundation, Spence became Executive Director of the Fraternity. Even then, the mentorship never stopped.

“He was still my mentor, just in a different capacity. I’d go to him and his wife Jackie for advice all the time.”

Leadership, with Integrity

The lessons Spence learned from Wes extended far beyond Fraternity operations.

“Wes was a high-ethics guy. He never lied. He never cut down others. He showed me that you could lead effectively while always being honest and respectful,” Spence says. “That left a real mark on me—not just professionally, but personally too.”

Years later, Spence served as an advisor for The College of New Jersey Chapter while working in the Development office. He also served as a past member of the Alpha Chi Rho Educational Foundation, and continues to volunteer for national Fraternity events whenever possible. “I always tried to carry myself the way Wes did when I was Executive Director,” he says.

Brotherhood in Action

Mentorship, for Spence, deepened his understanding of what Brotherhood really means.

“We sometimes forget what mentorship is. It’s about listening, leading by example, and being willing to give your time to help others grow. It’s also about setting expectations—what do you want to get out of the relationship?”

His advice to younger Brothers? “Be respectful of your mentor’s time. Be open to feedback. And remember… the more you put in, the more you’ll get out.”

Light Moments and Lifelong Lessons

Of course, it wasn’t all business. Spence fondly recalls some lighter moments with Wes, like when Headquarters got its first computer. “We were trying to digitize the finances. One of the consultants accidentally wiped the whole thing. Wes disliked computers back then, but after I helped restore everything, even he had to admit they weren’t so bad.”

Looking back, Spence sees mentorship as one of the greatest gifts Alpha Chi Rho has to offer.

“Wes taught me to be a better leader, but also to be a better person. I hope I’ve passed some of that forward to the Brothers I’ve advised, the staff I’ve worked with, and the friends I’ve made.”

*If you have any stories in regards to mentorship, please reach out to us!*

Headquarters Update

To preserve the integrity and appearance of Alpha Chi Rho’s National Headquarters, a series of much-needed renovations were recently completed. These improvements focused on key exterior elements of the property, including repairs to the garage, restoration of several sections of the exterior brick walls, and upgrades to the walkways and railings for improved safety and accessibility. These renovations not only enhance the structural stability and aesthetic of the building, but also reflect our commitment to maintaining a welcoming and professional space for Brothers, alumni, and staff. By investing in our headquarters, we’re investing in the future of Alpha Chi Rho.