Creating great Legatus events is a team effort

Brian Dulin of Legatus’ Bucks County Chapter in Pennsylvania was selected for the 2020 National Program Chair of the Year Award in recognition of his ability to organize outstanding member events in quality settings in response to the interests of his membership. He received the award at the 2021 Legatus Summit East held in Palm Beach, FL, in January.

Living in the Philadelphia suburb of Warrington, Brian is executive vice president of Electrical Components International, a global leader in the manufacturing of wire harnesses, subassemblies, and other value-added assemblies. He joined the Bucks County Chapter in 2018 after attending a Legatus event as a guest, and he and his wife enthusiastically joined the following day.

What is your process for creating monthly member events for your chapter?

I am part of a team effort that is holistic in nature. Our events start with the selection of venues and arrangements for Confession and Mass, a cocktail hour, and dinner. We must also arrange the greeting and setup; plan support for the needs of our religious, priests, or seminarians involved; and book and coordinate our speakers.

What makes your events successful?

Again, it is a team effort. It starts with our chapter administrator, Jill O’Donnell, who shares in the responsibility of venue selection, arrangements, and executing the night of the event. The Chapter leadership is involved in discussing what went well and what can be improved, as well as overseeing the costs.

We welcome membership feedback, which is used for the continuous improvement of events, as well as recommendations for speakers or topics. Any suggestions received are weighed heavily when we select speakers.

We believe it is important to balance a number of factors when choosing speakers so that a variety of ages, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are shared. Topics are varied as well — relevant and relatable to what is going on in the world today.

What are some specific programs that your chapter members have particularly enjoyed, and why do you think they were successful?

One program featured Fr. Thomas Mary of Jesus from the Hermits of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Father Thomas Mary was from a Roman Catholic religious order reviving the charism and religious observance of the ancient Carmelite fathers. The Hermits are consecrated to a contemplative religious life of prayer and sacrifice. His powerful talk focused on the spiritual renewal of the Church and the sanctification and salvation of souls amidst a secular and hostile culture. Father’s zeal for the glory of God lifted all of us who were present.

The program was successful not just because of Father’s talk, but also the extra effort put in to find a venue to celebrate our event live amidst COVID restrictions. We selected the beautiful, historic, colonial-style Washington Crossing Inn, gathering outdoors under a large open tent. The cocktail hour and dinner were fabulous.

How do you believe your participation in Legatus has helped you personally and professionally?

The friendships I have developed at our Bucks County Chapter have deepened my faith and given me the courage to live it openly in my professional life. Through speakers, Legatus magazine articles, and interactions with my Chapter’s membership, I am learning how to be a better ambassador for Christ in the workplace.


Any other thoughts?

God led me to Legatus. I was searching in my heart for a group of people who had the same longing for Christ in their work lives. My parish bulletin ran a small advertisement about Legatus, and it instantly caught my attention. My wife and I attended, and I felt moved by the Holy Spirit to join.