Meet The National Officers

Eric Whiteside

Founder & National President

Mr. Whiteside has been working his entire business career in with small business environment. Working for others in the traditional business world in his early career, he was often challenged to correct specific issues and problems within small business. His areas of concentration in area commercial credit training, financial strategic placement, company structuring and project management. The rewards of these challenges and the successes that followed, led to the passion for a transition to a full-time, independent small-business advisor, management consultant, and change agent. The last 11 years have been spent as a change agent, implementing change management in a wide-variety of business environments, including family businesses and closely held companies; working exclusively with business owners and principals. He is a member of Project Management Institute, Risk Management Association and National Credit Management Association. He has received executive education training at the following institutions: Harvard Executive Education Program 1998, Columbia University 1997, and Massachusetts institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management 2002, Duke University Fuqua School of Business Executive Education Program on Negotiation 1998, and American Management Association Advanced Leadership Program 2004 and Project Management Training at Midland Technical College 2007.

DBLCLAN an online gaming community was established in 2003 by Mr. Whiteside and co founders Wayne Hayton, John Lewis, Don Johnson and Larry Clark. The purpose was recruit mature gamers that all had a common goal of mentoring to the youth that played online. The initial member age range was 28-38 years old and the goal was simple have fun in playing on XBOX Live and provide positive reinforcement for youth exposed to online. Mr. Whiteside personal goal is to provide mentorship to online gamers through positive goal directed online communities with a purpose.

John L. Lewis

National Secretary

Mr. Lewis has spent the past 10 years of his business career working in the executive management and operations of the mortgage finance industry and the last 3 years in the real estate industry. His areas of expertise are in mortgage underwriting, secondary market mortgage portfolios, branch management, residential and commercial lending, and residential real estate sales. Mr. Lewis is a member of the National Board of Realtors, Spartanburg Board of Realtors, Mortgage Bankers Association, Risk Management Association, National Association of Sales Professionals, and American Management Association. He received his executive educational training at the following Project Management Training, Midland Technical College 2007, Darden School of Business Minority Business Executive Training Program, University of Virginia 2005, and Advanced Leadership Training, American Management Association 2004. Mr. Lewis has spent several years speaking before various youth organizations about the importance of business leadership and mentoring. Video gaming and the industry has always been and will always be a passion of Mr. Lewis.

Wayne Hayton

National Treasurer

Mr. Hayton is currently licensed in Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina in the Life and Health Insurance industry and is currently appointed with four nationally known Insurance Companies. He is also a Certified Police Officer in State of Tennessee and has spent the last fourteen years as either a full time or reserve officer and was the first sworn Reserve Officer for the City. Mr. Hayton was the Vice President of a Commercial Real Estate Development Company for six years developing numerous Shopping Centers throughout Tennessee and Virginia as well as overseeing the leasing and property management of close to one million square feet and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Mr. Hayton is a Veteran of the U.S. Navy and served in the Dental/Medical field aboard the submarine tenders USS LY SPEAR, USS EMORY S LAND, and the USS HUNLEY of which Mr. Hayton received numerous letters of accommodations. Mr. Hayton has a passion for video gaming even though he is a few years older than the traditional gamer, and is proud to have developed friendships as well as business relationships through what you would refer to as a video game. Mr. Hayton believes it is more than just a game.

Van E. stags jr

National Public Relations

Mr. Van E. Staggs Jr., is vice president of Public Relations for Delta Beta Lambda Fraternity, the first online video gaming fraternity that provides mentoring and full academic scholarships in the fields of video game design and technology to disadvantaged and deserving youths throughout the United States and abroad. At an early age growing up in Norwalk Connecticut, Mr. Staggs found the love for video gaming. He and his friends would meet every morning at the local arcade before classes, after school, and on weekends; not to mention playing at home on the Atari 2600. Twenty-five years later, he still has the same love for video gaming.

Mr. Staggs is a cum laude graduate of Benedict College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. While at Benedict, Mr. Staggs was active in Benedict’s upward bound program whose activities were to all designed to provide holistic experiences to enhance academic, social, and cultural development while establishing and cultivating partnerships and relations within the community. Over the past 12 years, he has held various upper management positions in several corporations. He is very active within his community volunteering his time to various social service organizations. He has also been very successful in the field of Real Estate as an investor and Commercial Real Estate consultant. Prior to his current position, he was employed as a loan officer with SunTrust Bank and Blue Ridge Savings Bank respectfully. He is the loving husband of Michele and decided father of two girls Abriella 5 years, and Aavyn 1year.

Charlie B. Williams III

National Technology Officer

Mr. Williams is the youngest out the group but is a prime example of the type of leadership qualities that DBL brings out in today’s youth. Charlie B Williams III (27) is a creative professional in the Gaming entertainment industry and is quickly making a name for himself in his chosen field of profession. Charlie Graduated from the Illinois Institute of Art in Schaumburg IL. Upon Graduating in 2004 he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Arts and Animation. This Eventually lead him to land his first Job with Electronic Arts where he had a pivotal role in creating assets for numerous titles thus having credits with Some of EA' s Biggest titles such as EA sports Fight Night Round 3 For XBOX 360 play station 2 Xbox and also being Credit on other block buster titles like EA DEF Jam Icon for the Xbox 360 Play station 3. After Charlie time at Electronic Arts-Chicago he then moved on to his current position at Independent studios by the name of High voltage Software and there sister company Red Eye Studios where he is Now a Lead Environment Artist.. Being a well round artist allows him to do to everything from corporate identity to brand management, as well as graphic and web design. Charlie brings over 6 plus years of artistic and technical knowhow to the DBL brand.

Press Release July 10, 2008

“FIRST ONLINE GAMING AND TECHNOLOGY FRATERNITY REVOLUTIONIZES SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR SPORTS GAMERS AND PROVIDES FORMULA FOR GAME DEVELOPERS AND ADVERTISERS TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO DISADVANTAGED YOUTH”

Spartanburg, SC-June 26, 2008, The explosive growth in internet users during the last few years has resulted in a large base of online game players. Given the popularity of playing games online, it is natural for advertisers to want to tap into consumers' enthusiasm. Studies have found that adult computer game players were relatively young and well-educated people with above average income. Delta Beta Lambda Fraternity plans to address the missing demographics and low-income youths. Information technology is one of the major forces influencing opportunities for youths. Young people have better educational, economic, and social opportunities if they have access to computer and information technology.

Technology is an essential tool in youth development. Access to information technology allows youth to learn marketable skills, find required information, and be heard by others. Ultimately, young people can make healthier life choices and alternatives if they have access to technology.

Delta Beta Lambda Foundation seeks the following objectives: (1) to provide access to the new technologies in ways that enable low-income youths to become active producers rather than passive users, (2) to use the new technologies to improve the dialogue between technology companies and low-income youth, (3) to help low-income youths to exploit the entrepreneurial and educational potential of information technologies, (4) to develop approaches to education that take advantage of the educational capabilities of the gaming and computer technologies, and (5) to promote the computers, gaming platforms and game development applications that foster educational development.

Delta Beta Lambda Fraternity is currently seeking project partners, stakeholders, and endorsers for its online sports competition social network for gamers called DBLLIVE. The site will give game developers, advertisers and other stakeholders an opportunity to foster corporate responsibility in addressing the disparity of low income youth access to technology. Twenty five percent of revenues from the site will be donated to the Delta Beta Lambda Foundation for the purpose of establishing technology scholarships and provide funding for foundation programs. The project will also focus on increasing the profitability and marketability of project stakeholders while establishing a median for communication with their demographic.

Contact:

National Public Relations Officer, Van E. Staggs Jr

Delta Beta Lambda Fraternity Inc

866-232-8137 Toll-Free

864-327-9170 Fax

Email Address: media@technologyyouth.org

Website Address: www.technologyyouth.org

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:	How much does it cost?
A:	Spring 2009 $100.00 Pledge Fee (one-time) $225.00 Initiation Fee (one time) $95.00 Semester Insurance/Membership Fee $8.00 University dues TBD Chapter dues Fall 2009 and thereafter $190.00 General Fraternity fees (per academic year) $15.00 University dues TBD Chapter dues Some of these costs can be offset by in scholarships, local, online community projects that are offered each year by the Delta Beta Lambda Foundation. One in three who apply will receive scholarships!
Q:	How much time do I need to commit?
A:	It depends on your role with the Fraternity. If you are chapter president, vice president, etc., you will have different responsibilities than a committee member. Either way, your responsibilities will require at least four hours per week the first year. If you choose to play on intramural teams and get involved in community service projects, the time will obviously increase. “The more time you put into the organization, the more you will get out of it.”
Q:	What is different about being a Delta Beta Lambda compared to other fraternities?
A:	Delta Beta Lambda is not a four-year commitment; it is a for life commitment. We believe in the creed: “Once a DBL, always a DBL, everywhere a DBL.&rdqou; Please refer to the advantages of being a Delta Beta Lambda on page 10.
Q:	What opportunities are available for leadership development?
A:	Within the chapter - chapter officer positions, committee chairs and inter-fraternity representative positions. Within Delta Beta Lambda – The Institute for Scholastic Innovator, DBLLIVE, DBLPRO, Annual Technology Youth Sports Tournaments and various other programs.
Q:	What support does the chapter receive from the General Fraternity?
A:	The chapter will have full advisory team consisting of a chapter counselor, risk management advisor, financial advisor, pledge education advisor and recruitment advisor. These advisors have completed General Fraternity advisor training and will support the chapter as mentors and advisors. In addition to receiving support from local advisors, the colony will receive on-site assistance from an education consultant in its first year and regular monthly visits in its second year and beyond. The chapter will also receive all of the Scholastic Innovator resources via our website and national convention.
Q:	How many Members are in Delta Beta Lambda?
A:	17 Brothers and sisters currently members of our organization
Q:	Are members involved on your development?
A:	Absolutely. It is an expectation that everyone during our development be involved in at least one other community project. We feel it is unhealthy for a person’s development to commit only to one organization. Experience is the spice of life.
Q:	What are the advantages of joining now, as opposed to next year?
A:	If you can manage your time wisely and commit yourself to your academics and extracurricular activities, the fraternity experience should not be a problem to balance. Shape your habits and they will shape you. Why would you want to put off a life changing experience? Ultimately, we hope you consider membership when you are ready. You are making history with an opportunity to be a charter member of your school chapter.
Q:	Fraternities have a bad name, which is why I didn't join to begin with. How will I not be associated with those stereotypes?
A:	Fraternities are very idealistic in nature. We strive to battle the stereotypes and misconceptions on a daily basis. We find once people/the community, give us a chance, they realize we are a great group of upstanding people. We are acutely aware that the actions of one can bring down the reputation of the whole. We have good accountability measures in place when things get on the wrong path. We believe our reputation and service to our community is our most valuable asset and we work very hard to have great relationships with everyone with whom we come into contact.
Q:	What is the social life like?
A:	Different strokes for different folks. We have brothers and sisters who choose not to drink. We have brothers who go out three times a week. We preach balance, moderation and personal responsibility to everyone in social settings. From a chapter- programming standpoint, we organize several community service events with sororities and other campus organizations. We plan video game tournaments, spring break trips, road trips to our annual convention, etc. Delta Beta Lambda is a video game and technology service fraternity, but we also understand that leadership, academics and community service go hand-in-hand with this idea.
Q:	What is The Scholastic Innovator Initiative?
A:	The Scholastic Innovator Initiative is a broad-based support mechanism that was created to help chapters strive to reach the vision of the Fraternity through the nine goals of the Initiative. It is not a cookie-cutter program, but instead challenges chapters and online communities to set their own goals that are realistic, manageable and attainable. The Scholastic Innovator initiative encourages chapters to improve continually by setting goals and holding themselves accountable to reach those goals. It serves as an opportunity to live up to the founding principles and goals of the organization.
Q:	I am not sure I like the image of “Frat Guys & Gals?”
A:	We are friends, scholars, leaders, athletes, ladies and gentlemen. We are committed to making a positive contribution to the university and to making our families and alumni proud. We pride ourselves in being different and committed to the founding ideals of our Fraternity.
Q:	I need a lot of time for studies, and will be taking grad school tests next year (or some time). Will I be able to balance all of this?
A:	Similar to the above, the experience is strengthened by academics, and we mutually support and assist each other to excel in classes. Delta Beta Lambda believes in devotion to the cultivation of the intellect and therefore the experience will not come at the expense of the student’s academic pursuits.
Q:	What are the requirements of being a member?
A:	Please speak with the President, Pledge Educator, and Recruitment chairman about membership and the responsibilities that come with joining Delta Beta Lambda. We want to make sure you know what you are signing up for. We have done you a disservice if you do not know what the requirements are before accepting a bid from our fraternity. There are monetary commitments, time commitments and, most importantly, moral and social conduct commitments. We firmly believe we do not make DBLs. We develop our future leaders. If your values are in line with what we offer, the decision to join our organization should be simple.
Q:	What has the fraternity done for you?
A:	Given me lifelong family members with a common mission to help people. We could not imagine our lives without this organization.
Q:	What is the Fraternity’s stance on hazing?
A:	We have policies against hazing of any kind, believing that such practices diminish the dignity of the individual. We work hard to create an atmosphere of respect within our chapter, honoring each member for his beliefs and values.
Q:	Why should I “Go Delta Beta Lambda”?
A:	“Delta Beta Lambda is an extremely diverse organization that accepts people from widely divergent backgrounds groups. This is one of our strengths. The General Fraternity is firmly dedicated to helping the undergraduates, community and industry is there when needed. This organization’s principles and the Scholastic Innovator and DepriTech Initiatives provide a great framework to make men and women into great people and finally, Delta Beta Lambda is family. These have been my best friends and will continue to be so.” - Eric Whiteside, Founder & National President ’07

Total Membership Fees

Application Fee $25.00 Initiation Fee $50.00 Online/Membership Fee $25.00

Our Goal

How we will reach our Mission and Vision

One: Cultivation of the Intellect

The achievement of intellectual excellence is an enduring object of Delta Beta Lambda life. Scholastic Innovator calls for the implementation of a comprehensive program of mentoring and incentives which will foster academic excellence. Scholastic Innovator sets specific annual chapter goals which relate to the all-member's GPA and the all-fraternity GPA. Perhaps of greater importance, commitment to the cultivation of the intellect in broader terms requires that the life style or culture of the chapter encourage and support academic achievement.

Two: Leadership Development & Self Governance

Implementation of Scholastic Innovator is dependent upon a continuing flow of responsible, innovative and talented leadership. Therefore, it is incumbent upon each chapter to identify future leaders, provide for their education and training, give them progressive leadership experiences, and help them assume positions of leadership within the chapter, the host academic institution and local and online community.

Three: Commitment to Community

The Mission Statement of Scholastic Innovator includes responsible citizenship as a key element. Scholastic Innovator calls for a commitment by the chapter and by each member of the chapter to make a meaningful contribution to his university, fraternal and local, online community. There is flexibility for chapters and members to choose a philanthropic interest and make an investment of time, talent and resources for the benefit of others.

Four: Education for "The Next Generation"

To encourage the development of educational and training systems more in line with the current and future needs of young people and their societies, to share experience and to investigate alternative arrangements, such as informal arrangements for the provision of basic literacy, technology training and lifelong education.

Five: Member Education

Delta Beta Lambda rejects hazing as a part of fraternity life. The Scholastic Innovator initiative emphasizes an educational experience which is morally uplifting and intellectually stimulating. Member orientation and education are aligned with the Mission and Vision of the Scholastic Innovator initiative. The education of prospective Delta Beta Lambda members includes an understanding of the Mission, Vision and Goals of the Scholastic Innovator initiative as well as participation in the work plans for implementation. Also required is a knowledge of Delta Beta Lambda history, mission and The Code of Delta Beta Lambda. The ongoing member education program teaches Delta Beta Lambda DepriTech program as the critical element of a distinctive and enduring lifelong experience of fraternity life.

Five: Responsible Personal Conduct

Being men and women of principle requires Delta Beta Lambda to live by the highest standards of social conduct. In recognition of the devastating effect that alcohol and illegal drugs have on our organization, the Scholastic Innovator initiative relies on the chapter to introduce and sustain a responsible alcohol management policy in accordance with local laws and rules of the host institution. The elimination of substance abuse through education, intervention, mutual support and progressive sanctions calls for and imposes the highest level of chapter self-governance, monitoring and discipline.

Six: Chapter Advisors

A network of advisors is a chapter resource of inestimable value. Faculty advisors can enrich the intellectual culture of the chapter. Advisors on chapter governance can assist with the administration of chapter affairs. Alumni advisors can help instill a sense of lifelong brotherhood & sisterhood and the importance of that bond to lasting friendships. Scholastic Innovator calls for building a comprehensive plan which attracts and welcomes chapter advisors and then employs those advisors as a team in the programs of implementation

Seven: Member Recruitment

The Mission Statement says that Delta Beta Lambda is dedicated to building men of principle. The process of consistently identifying good men year after year is a critical responsibility of chapter leadership. Scholastic Innovator calls for the implementation of a Delta Beta Lambda Member Recruitment Management system. Member recruitment management is a logical sequence of events. Recruitment through scholarship is a natural element of this goal, as it also relates closely to the cultivation of the intellect of our members.

Eight: Communication

Scholastic Innovator goals and action plans contain multiple references to the need to communicate. This communication is directed toward all of our constituents and is most effective when done proactively. Our primary constituents are: alumni, college faculty, online chapter members, administrators, prospective members and parents. Each of these groups will be interested and involved in the action plans for Scholastic Innovator. Each chapter and the General Fraternity must address the specific communication needs of each constituency.

Nine: Lifelong Fraternal Brotherhood & Sisterhood

It would not be difficult to argue that the goal of lifelong Delta Beta Lambda brotherhood & sisterhood should be the first goal of Scholastic Innovator. It is no less important because it is placed here. Rather, fraternal brotherhood is created and strengthened by the cumulative impact of the Scholastic Innovator initiative. The systemic effect of Scholastic Innovator serves to inspire a unique character of lifelong Delta Beta Lambda membership, one that is tested by the intensity and integrity of effort required for success and enriched by the shared responsibility for achievements that endure.

Vision Statement

Our Vision

Delta Beta Lambda will be the exemplary standard for collegiate fraternal societies.

Through the Scholastic Innovator Initiative, Delta Beta Lambda will have successfully implemented policies and programs to achieve these objectives:

• Delta Beta Lambda will be universally known as friends, ladies, gentlemen, innovators and scholars.
• Delta Beta Lambda will be acclaimed and respected by the academic, local, online and corporate community.
• Delta Beta Lambda will be endorsed by parents, CEOs, universities, scholars, philanthropists, governments and community organizations who will advocate membership for young men and women.
• Delta Beta Lambda will be in high demand by leaders of business, government and other professions.
• Delta Beta Lambda will engender bonds of friendship and comradeship which create a lifelong commitment to serve and support the Fraternity.

Mission Statement

Our Mission Statement

Delta Beta Lambda is dedicated to promote brotherhood and sisterhood for a global technology society through service, leadership development and lifelong personal growth of our diverse membership. Our organization aids the individual, builds the Fraternity and strengthens the host academic institution, online, local communities and corporations through lifelong devotion to intellectual excellence, high standards of moral conduct and responsible citizenship.

LIFELONG FRIENDSHIP -- forged by mutual obligations, oath and ritual, Delta Beta Lambda forms lifelong bonds of trust and friendship which are the foundation of the Fraternity's mission.

CULTIVATION OF THE INTELLECT -- Delta Beta Lambda membership encourages individual and chapter support of the academic and community service mission and provides opportunities for co-curricular learning and personal growth.

RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP -- Delta Beta Lambda participate in a system of self-governance, bound by trust and responsibility, which nurtures the development of social and leadership skills.

RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL CONDUCT -- Delta Beta Lambda is committed to standards of social conduct which are guided by principles of urbane, civil, courteous and responsible deportment.

COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY -- the experience of being a Delta Beta Lambda encourages men and women to serve their university, fraternal and local and online communities

Message From The National President

In today’s world of rapid technology growth you are faced with many educational opportunities that will affect the rest your life. The members of Delta Beta Lambda are committed to helping you make the decision that is best for your future. Whether through academic excellence, local or online community and leadership involvement, or simply our commitment to be responsible and honorable ladies and gentleman, Delta Beta Lambda sets the standard for fraternity.

Delta Beta Lambda will achieve unprecedented excellence at online and at any university we have chapters. We have plans for outstanding focused programs that will give many young women and men opportunities to grow in brotherhood & sisterhood, traditional and non-traditional and academic excellence. Even after graduation from university, the fraternal bonds of our association will continue to fuel a desire for success in all endeavors.

I invite you to become acquainted with the men and women of Delta Beta Lambda, for this is the best way to experience our fraternal life. Joining the fraternal system is one of the best decisions you can make, and I hope you take membership in Delta Beta Lambda into consideration.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by the ones that you did do. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

~ Mark Twain