Xerxes (Zak) K. Patel's outgoing speech as 2008 Reveille Club President - 18-Dec-08: Success Stories article: contact Xerxes (Zak) Patel

Being involved with the Reveille Club, in a small way, is like being back at Texas A&M. The Aggie’s saying that from the outside looking in, you can’t understand it and from the inside looking out, you can’t explain it still holds true for me and I’m sure for others in this club. I always have a sense of pride when I speak about The Reveille Club that mirrors my pride in Texas A&M. The Reveille Club has afforded me the opportunity to give back to Texas A&M and the Houston community; allowed for an extension of the Aggie Community; and provided me with a chance to visit with great friends and the opportunity to meet new ones.

Through the Reveille Club we all have contributed to the Aggie Network. It is one of our biggest assets and a key component as to why our school and its students have been so successful. Each week I have mentioned to one person or the other that if I can have an Aggie do a job, I will. I found my job, finance person, insurance, pest control, lawn care, air conditioning, banking, electric, promotional products and much more through this club. I have also been able to pass on contacts to fellow Aggies and friends alike. The great thing about the Reveille Club is that by helping others with fulfilling their needs, I have benefitted as well. I encourage each of you to continue to strengthen the Aggie Network and strive to help others in providing contacts or lending a helping hand.

6 ½ years ago I came to the Reveille Club for the 1^st time as someone had mentioned it to me when I was at a Howdy Club Happy Hour. I was in search of a job at that time. Within a few weeks, I got a job with a law firm. After the start of that job, I didn’t come back until the firm downsized. After some time out on my own, 4 ½ years ago, I came back to the Reveille Club looking for a job. I drug myself out of bed and made it to a meeting. I was greeted with friendly faces, encouraged to make contacts and continue to attend. The next week I returned and through networking visited with Patrick Mahoney. I gave him my resume and told him I was looking for work. A few days after that, I got a call from Pat telling me he was looking to fill a position and that to come meet with him. After a grueling interview I was offered the job, accepted it and immediately told Pat that I was taking a vacation.

Pat had told me, as well as the others in our Aggie dominated office, that lawyers who have been successful with him have regularly attended Reveille. It may have been said in jest, but the reality is that the statement is true. Pat has served as a mentor to me at work, at the Reveille Club and in life and I am grateful for that. Pat also encouraged me to take on a leadership role in the Reveille Club.

My father always told me that if you are going to be a part of something, you should labor to take an active roll in shaping the direction of your organization. I have done that with acting as an officer of this club for the last 4 years. Also, before assuming a formal role as an officer, I participated by attending board meetings and helping out the officers for ½ year before I took on the Secretary roll. Many of you have taken the initiative to help where you can in support of the Reveille Club. I continue to encourage each of you to lend whatever level of support you can. Without such support, the club would not be where it is today.

Being an officer or committee chair of this club is not easy. It takes dedication, determination, organization and a large time commitment. There are a lot of things going on the in background that are required to make the club run smoothly. I have been fortunate to work with great people this year and in years past who have labored with me to adhere to the core fundamentals and purpose in which this club was created. Knowing what it takes to be an officer or committee chair, I would request that we give a round of applause at this time for those are serving and who have served the club in a leadership role.

I had set out to accomplish certain goals during my time as president. They were:
    1.    Successful golf tournament
    2.    Change in location
    3.    Improved efficiency between the officers
    4.    Synergy with Houston A&M Club & Howdy Club.

In my estimation, it is my humble opinion that I, along with the help of my fellow officers, accomplished those goals. I believe the change in our venue has worked well and our meeting attendance has increased. I don’t doubt that it has a great deal to do with the food. With the other leadership of the Houston A&M Club and Howdy Club we have done a great deal of cross promotion and continue to build stronger bonds with each other to benefit all demographics of Aggies in Houston.

The Reveille Club has provided me with the opportunity for personal & professional growth. The challenges I have faced as an officer and the successes I have experienced have left a positive impact on my life. The Aggie Sprit is flourishing even though we are away from College Station and I’m always pleased to hear students comment as to our continued commitment to one another when they visit with us.

Though Freddy Wong’s vision and Rodney James’ efforts I have had the opportunity to participate in CAMP. Each week you hear us discuss the program and many of you have signed up to volunteer. This program is very special. The difference we are making in the children’s lives is evident and exciting. I am appreciative that I have the ability to participate in this program and that the Reveille Club plays a role in shaping young people’s lives.

I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to help in the formulation of the Reveille Club’s sponsorship of Ol’ Army Cycling which is an Aggie cycling team that participates in the MS 150. Riding for such a great cause is enhanced by getting to share that experience with fellow Aggies.

I have made many close and sure to be lifelong friends through serving in this club. As I pass off the torch to the capable leadership of Tim as the Reveille Club’s next president, I am excited about having the chance to relax and spend more time with each of you each Thursday morning.

There are many people to thank. Each person here has contributed and continues to contribute to the success of the Reveille Club. As I know that Noel is anxious to get to the ribbing, let me take this opportunity to single out a few people.

        Abeer Patel    -    I want to recognize the person who has supported me throughout this entire process, who listened to all my stories, put up with all the nights I was away at meetings or events, shared in my successes and accomplishments, saw may hair turn grey, suffered through having her sleep disturbed each Thursday morning, and who has made the effort to attend today, my wife, an AGGIE by marriage, Abeer.

        Tim Taite    -    Military precision, enthusiasm and attention to detail will continue to keep RC moving forward in a positive direction

        Matt Meyers    -    Hardworking and calm demeanor brought balance and fun to our meetings.

        Rodney James -    Dedication and willingness to take the initiative on many projects helped to strengthen our name on campus and made my life easier.

        Adriana Souciado -     Organization, contacts, creative thinking and initiative during the Golf Tournament. We worked side-by-side to have a very successful event.

        Pat Mahoney    -    Guidance and encouragement throughout my tenure as an officer.

        Stephanie Garner -    Cutting up with me we were in the treasurer/secretary rolls. Taking the initiative to forming the Aggie Womens’ lunch and attending all those Aggie Networking at Night meetings.

Freddy Wong - CAMP

Barry Griffen - Showed me by his actions how this club works and how we as Aggies reach out to others.

Bob Hancock - Helping me to straighten out the accounting during our transition period.

      Harry McMahan -
        Robert Dwyer
        Garret G. Pye
        John Steere

Finally, Nole Blocker -    Providing entertainment, banter and a starting point for nearly every breakfast. I’m going to miss calling on you buddy.

-    RC works - continue to network!

I now have the chance to sit back at the breakfasts and enjoy the fruits of my labor. I will continue to attend and make contribution to RC. I know that the incoming officers and officers to come in the future will continue to do a great job for the RC and have Aggies continued to be seen as leaders in the community. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you and the Reveille Club.