Like others, it has been hard to pinpoint just one memory to share because there are so many. Mr. Copenhaver served as the Epsilon Alpha adviser for as long as I can remember, and after I was elected to serve as chapter president (1997-98), I would have to meet with him frequently to discuss chapter business. Two of those meetings stand out in my mind. At the beginning of the year, he sat down with me to share his expectations of the chapter. I remember him telling me that he was there for me whatever I needed during my term and that his door was always open. Many of my EA sisters can attest to the fact that he was always super supportive of our chapter and activities, but that he would not hover or interfere unless needed. Well, the chapter hit a rough patch during the Spring semester, and Ill never forget receiving a phone call that Mr. Copenhaver wanted to meet with me. I remember dreading that meeting. When I got to his office, he sat down with me and asked me to tell him what was happening. I explained the situation as best I could and fully expected him to have some choice words for me. Then he completely surprised me with what he said: Suzanne, Ive seen Epsilon Alpha go through some ups and downs. Its like a roller coaster. Im sorry that you are dealing with these issues. Is there anything I can do? Would it help if I came to a meeting? At the time, I was so worried that I had let him down and that he would be upset. But he made it very clear that he was concerned with how I was doing and that he wanted to see EA overcome these issues. He remained supportive of me and the other sisters as we worked through things that semester which we did. I knew then and there that he truly had my back. That’s the kind of man he was and I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to know him.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Dec 2014 01:37:51 +0000