The Herbert F. Scobie Leadership School is the centerpiece of Triangle's educational programs. The Foundation provides funding to support the program by underwriting the cost of the weekend event.

The Scobie Leadership School attention is on Triangle’s younger members. The programming is geared towards those just entering the chapter and college and providing them a introductory course on leadership. The plan is these young men will begin to build upon what the learned at Scobie and refine their skills through their chapter and campus experiences. Just as the Presidents’ Academy is held in a secluded wooded environment, Scobie uses a wooded retreat center equipped with a high ropes course.

What Past Attendees Have Said

"In my opinion Scobie is a very important program.  Participants are challenged to determine what makes a leader great, and how they themselves might improve their leadership abilities.  The program was immersive and intense, and every member walked away with many good ideas for their chapters.

Our chapter in particular, is in need of programs such as this.  We are facing declining numbers, a very tight budget, and freshly initiated president.  We need leadership in our chapter, and the programs provided by the Education Foundation offer invaluable support."
-- Jeremy Zink niu03

"As a participant to this year's Scobie Leadership School, my eyes have been opened to many different aspects of being a good leader.  One of the most interesting things I have learned is how leadership involves collaborative relationships and not just one leader with many good qualities.  The opportunity to spend time with Triangles from across the nation has also been very valuable."
-- Russell Mailen kan04

"The Scobie Leadership School has been a great experience helping me to open my eyes to what I can achieve.  It has also inspired me to take a more active role in trying to improve the Illinois chapter as best I can.  I will definitely recommend it to future brothers.
-- Mike O'Malley ill04

"This weekend has been an incredible learning experience for both myself and the other Fraternity brothers from around the country.  I have engaged in many meaningful, insightful discussions that will undoubtedly aid me as a leader in the Tri-State chapter and in many situations and leadership positions in the years to come.  I have found many new ideas that I am eager to take back to my chapter and utilize to better it.  These include ideas in such areas as chapter leadership, personal responsibility, rush and recruitment, and upholding the Ritual.  Once again, thank you."
-- Kyle Whitenack tsu03

Organizations, and student organizations in particular, undergo constant change. One predictable change every group faces is the change in leadership. Chapter presidents are part of an elite group of leaders in the Fraternity. However, with the privileges of belonging to this unique group come certain responsibilities. Triangle’s National Organization recognized the need to make the transition of leadership as smooth as possible for the chapters. The Fraternity also saw the need to help chapter presidents develop and sharpen leadership skills that will impact their chapter, academic performance, and community.

After all, leadership skills are used in a variety of forms throughout one’s life. Developing these skills is a continual process. The effective leader must assemble a vision of a desired future state for the organization. While this task may be shared with other key members of the organization, it remains the leader's core responsibility and cannot be delegated. With a vision, the leader provides the all-important bridge from the present to the future of the organization.

After the leader creates a vision and mobilizes commitment, perhaps the most difficult challenge begins -- that of institutionalizing the new vision and mission.

The Steven L. Miller Presidents’ Academy was created to help Triangle’s newest leaders to develop their visions and implement them. The Steven L. Miller Presidents' Academy curriculum was designed to:

• Educate Chapter Presidents about the national fraternity
• Educate the Presidents on their positions and provide them with a greater understanding of the President’s responsibilities
• Provide ideas for building an effective team of officers and tips and resources to assist the presidents in fulfilling their responsibilities.
• Define who the Presidents want to be as individual leaders
• Help the Presidents understand personal and organizational values
• Improve the Presidents' ability to creatively, critically, and constructively think
• Enable the Presidents to apply the above elements to their Fraternity chapter and community

Another important element of the Steven L. Miller Presidents’ Academy is the ability of the chapter presidents to interact with each other. Rather than reinventing the wheel at each campus, the chapter presidents can learn from the curriculum and each other to overcome obstacles and develop new resources for their chapters.

A fraternity is about the development of people and will only be as strong as its members. The extent of that strength will be based on the character of the people and the experiences and education that they have acquired. For Triangle and its chapters to be stronger, its membership must be developed to be better leaders, students, and citizens. Through the Steven L. Miller Presidents’ Academy, Triangle’s training in this area starts at the top of each chapter.

What Past Attendees Have Said

“I am very excited to see what I can do over the next year as president, and I feel as though this weekend of activities and discussions has given me the necessary tools to get started on the right track. On behalf of every brother who attended this workshop I thank you for your support.”
-- Cory Hudson csu03

“Over this past weekend the presidents of all the chapters meet to discuss the purpose of Triangle and to redefine the purpose of Triangle and to redefine this purpose to something that fits our modern times. We concluded: The purpose of Triangle is to develop balanced men in the fields of engineering, architecture, and science by providing an environment which fosters personal growth and professional success.”
-- John Gable ps99

“I have learned many new things while at the Presidents' Academy, which I will take back to Nebraska with me. I am going to use my new found knowledge and skills to lead my chapter, as well as, the national organization”
-- Josh Henderson neb02

“With the skills and ideas I acquired at this retreat, I fell confident that I can lead my pothers in the coming semesters.”
-- William Newkirk umbc00

“We were able to exchange ideas on how to foster stronger brotherhoods, how to operate chapters more effectively, and how to ping Triangle to the forefront of the Greek community. There is so much I have attained this weekend that I can take back to my chapter”
-- Jeremy Coyle lou97

“This weekend has been incredible. I have had the opportunity to network with many brothers, active and alumni. Also the National Fraternity brought in two excellent facilitators to help us re-affirm our beliefs while creating focused visions to help my chapter succeed wherever we want. I am so excited to head back to Cincinnati and begin working with the chapter. This academy gave me the opportunity to identify some problem areas in our chapter and instilled in us the necessary tools to solve our own problems. Thanks again for helping to give me, and our chapter, this excellent experience.”
-- Adam Case cin01

“Being able to meet other brothers from around the nation lets me see that even though we go to different schools that we joined Triangle for a similar cause; that each of us wanted to get something more out of college than just an education, but also something more than friendships, a brotherhood that will last a life time.”
-- Steve Heimann mom97

Now in its fourth year the Educational Leadership Consulting Program has made a tremendous impact on the individuals, chapters and national organization of Triangle Fraternity. Through this proactive educational program, Triangle’s professionally trained staff is taking the Fraternity to the next level – organizational excellence built on individual member excellence.

Over the past three years this Foundation funded program has facilitated:

Over two-thirds of the chapters received a customized consultant visit from a trained professional staff member.

• Specialized chapter programs such as chapter retreats, one-on-one leadership mentoring, and personal development seminars.
• The development of a new Pledge Education Program based on providing individual skill training in areas that will better our members in all aspects of their lives.
• The creation of curriculum focusing on specific leadership skills, and management techniques for incoming chapter presidents for the new President’s Academy leadership program.
• Awareness, guidance, and focus on risk management issues, such as house safety, substance abuse, and individual responsibility.

This program insures the continued development of our individual members and foster continued chapter growth and development. By focusing on service to the individual member, the Fraternity is becoming stronger.

The results of these programs are very promising. The staff has received overwhelming support and appreciation for the programming that has been provided. In addition there are very clear results that point to this success.

Over the past two years we have seen a change in trends in both Triangle’s internal success as well as the Fraternity’s health in relation to other Greek organizations. Highlights of those trends include:

• An increase in our average chapter GPA.
• An increase in the number of chapters over a 3.0, which previously was on a decline.
• An increase in the average chapter size from 28 to 32 men. Other fraternities have experienced declining numbers over the past 4 years.
• An increase in the number of chapters, also on a decline in other fraternities.
• The development and implementation of the Leadership Advantage program, which is geared towards improving the recruitment of quality young men.

Needless to say Triangle has accomplished much in a short period of time. There are plenty of opportunities to continue to excel and meet the needs of each of our members and chapters to insure each excels in their own right. The continuation of the Educational Leadership Program is a key to the success of Triangle and its brotherhood.

Undergraduate Comments

“You have opened eyes already…you have got the kindle burning and it is catching fire quickly...one can see it in the activities around the house and how excited people are on this year’s growth and how excited people are on the awards we are striving for.”

"I'd definitely say that the ELC program has been one of the best things for our chapter. The UCLA chapter was a small chapter when I first joined, and I met Dave Fleischhacker (a former ELC team member) during my pledge quarter. It was with Dave that we had workshops and programming, which from what I've heard hadn't happened in the recent past. Since then, we have grown from a group of 12 guys to around 25. With the constant advice of the ELC program, we're able to improve our programs. Personally, Dave's helped me feel more motivated about working for the chapter, and encouraged me to attend UIFI, which was a spectacular experience. Overall, I'd have to say that the ELC program has been a great influence on both myself and my chapter."

“In November, the active chapter spent two days and three nights discussing the present and future of the Missouri Mines chapter. With the enthusiasm and guidance of Br. Guido uwm96 (a former ELC team member), we successfully identified major problems facing the house and brainstormed steps to begin solving the problems.” – MOM Chapter President

“Early this semester the chapter received a visit from Guido, National Consultant for Triangle and an incredible brother all around. He sparked a lot of new life into the house and into this tired old president. From the entire house: Thank you Guido—keep up the good work.” – Armour Chapter President

The Foundation provides support for the educational activities of Triangle in two primary areas, leadership development and financial aide. Each year the Foundation awards over $200,000 in support each year. The Foundation is confident this comprehensive support of our chapters and members will lead to well rounded leaders and community minded citizens in the fields of engineering, architecture and science. Each of the Foundation’s specific programs are outlined below:

• Educational Leadership Consultant Program
• Steven L. Miller Presidents' Academy
• Herbert Scobie Leadership School
• Dr. Robert Rosenberg UIFI Scholarships
• Leadership Advantage
• Technology Improvement Grants
• House Safety Grants
• Scholarships & Loans
• Chapter Endowment Funds
• The Melissa & John Gargani Fund