More than 40 alumni and collegiate members of Elon's chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity gathered in Johnston Hall Friday morning to celebrate the achievements of Vice Adm. William E. Gortney '77 as well as the fraternity's graduating seniors.
Gortney will deliver the address at Saturday’s 121st Commencement Exercises Under the Oaks on the Elon campus.
Tait Arend ’96, a Kappa Sigma alumnus and major gifts officer for Elon, organized the event. Greg Hunt, an officer of Kappa Sigma’s national organization, visited campus and helped present Gortney the chapter’s first award for commitment to excellence, which will be given annually to an alumnus of the fraternity. The award is named in Gortney’s honor.
“He’s grown into what you might say is the ‘ultimate patriot,'” said Zene Fearing ’76, a close friend of Gortney’s.
Gortney then answered questions and reflected on his time at Elon and in the Navy, at once regaling the audience with stories about living in the Kappa Sigma “Neese House” and offering insights about leadership in today’s military.
“Throughout my 35 years in the Navy, our friendship has endured,” Gortney said to his fellow alumni. “The same thing that makes a good squadron makes a good chapter.”
He also encouraged the graduating seniors to follow their passions and work toward excellence – but to make sure that excellence is achieved on one’s own two feet, not on the backs of others.
“Integrity isn’t something anyone can take away from you,” Gortney said. “Only you can give it away.”