Kevin Grunder Jr. joined Stevens in December of 2021 and his final day was February 23. As Assistant Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life in the Office of Student Life, Grunder served as an advisor to 22 Greek-lettered social organizations, three governing councils, and two programmatic councils. Here he led efforts in risk management, social events, and hazing prevention, along with spearheading Primary Recruitment for the three governing councils of these organizations.
Grunder earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations and theater studies from Rider University, where he was part of Sigma Phi Epsilon and served on Rider’s Greek Council. During this time, he received the Frank J. Ruck Leadership Award through this fraternity. He then went on to earn a Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University.
Even after becoming an alumni in his fraternity, Grunder continued to be involved with Greek Life. He served one year as the Alumni and Volunteer Corporation (AVC) President for the New Jersey Zeta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He additionally volunteered for a year on the Essential Editorials Team for the Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors and currently serves as one of their Graduate Student Experience Committee Members.
Before becoming the Assistant Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life at Stevens, Grunder spent two years as the Program Coordinator of Student Engagement & Activities at Stony Brook University where he was an advisor for over 30 social, professional, and culturally-based fraternal organizations.
Lindsey Baratta, former president of Theta Phi Alpha, a Panhellenic Sorority, in 2023 and worked closely with Grunder. When asked about her experiences in working with Grunder, she stated: “Kevin has been an integral part of my success as a Greek leader and my times at Stevens at large. His positive outlook and unwavering commitment to the community and students was felt every single day.” Many staff in the Office of Student Life expressed their joy of working closely with Grunder and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
In his farewell email to the presidents of the organizations he advised, Grunder stated: “Working with Stevens Fraternity + Sorority Life over the last two years has brought me immense joy and pride.”
Campus fraternity and sorority life will continue to receive support from the Office of Student Life through Graduate Coordinator for Fraternity & Sorority Life Life Caitilin Gurgone, Dean of Students Ken Nilsen, and Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Student Life Dr. Leo Pedraza. Any questions regarding the transition can be sent to fsl@stevens.edu.
