Staff of TKE - Dakota Punzel
Dakota Punzel
Operations Specialist - Growth
INDIANAPOLIS - In the summer of 2010, a photographer named Brandon began taking photos of thousands of New Yorkers. His goal was to put a face to the image that people had of the different New York boroughs and its inhabitants. As if overnight, Humans of New York became a worldwide sensation.
We looked at the Humans of New York project and realized we faced a similar challenge. Many individuals outside of the Fraternity's immediate points of contact do not truly know who is answering the phone, posting on social media or handling various tasks at the organizational level. For that reason, we are excited to launch a new edition of "Staff of TKE." Every two weeks we will highlight a new individual on TKE's Professional Staff. Each post will include two photos and a candid conversation. Enjoy!
Name: Dakota Punzel
Position: Operations Specialist - Growth
Chapter: Troy (Lambda-Zeta)
Instagram: @Mykelray
Email: DPunzel@tke.org
Contact Dakota for questions regarding expansion, recruitment, philanthropy, and conspiracy theories about Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead.
Are you dressing up for Halloween?
Yes, I'll be dressing up as Johnny Bravo from the classic Cartoon Network show.
Is there a similarity between you and Johnny Bravo?
I suppose the hair, but I don't know if I'm as buff as he is. I know Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson dressed up as Johnny Bravo once. He's a much more accurate portrayal.
What's your message to our college members about proper Halloween attire?
If you have to ask yourself whether it's appropriate, it's probably not. Be original—have people nod in approval, not think "Oh, good, it's that guy."
What do you like to do in your free time?
I obviously like to watch Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead, but I just started boxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It's something I did before college for seven years, but when I moved to Troy for school, I didn't have the opportunity to continue my training.
Spoiler Alert: Is Glenn from The Walking Dead still alive?
I've done extensive research on this, because Glenn is my favorite character in the show. While I do not think he is dead, and there are many theories to support that—just Google it—one of the best parts of The Walking Dead is that they aren't wishy-washy with their writing.
Wait, what?
I think they are bringing him back. However, the way they bring him back could determine whether the show moves on with a well-written story. Personally, I would like to see him back because he is the show's only true moral compass.
What's your travel schedule for the next couple weeks?
I'm going to the Virginia Province Forum on November 7, which should be one the highest attended Province Forums considering the number of successful groups in the area. I'm looking forward to holding that event with Fraters Chris Niles and Tom Kuhn. After that, I'll be making another visit to the University of Pittsburgh (Tau-Phi) to prep them on spring recruitment.
What's the last word?
I am looking forward to helping chapters prepare for spring recruitment. I'm putting together webinars for all collegiate chapters and colonies to attend, so be on the lookout for updates. Finally, I can't end this interview without encouraging everyone to download the Official TKE App, which was perfectly placed on my computer screen for the photoshoot.
The next edition of "Staff of TKE" will appear Friday, November 13.
For more information, please contact:
Daniel Klopfenstein
Communications Specialist
317.872.6533
DKlopfenstein@tke.org