Kent Kretzler '73 was recently elected and installed as the 1997 Potentate of Syria Shrine Temple at their annual meeting. He is the third youngest member of Syria Shrine Temple to achieve the position of Potentate during the 120-year history of the organization.
Kretzler received his bachelor of science degree in education with a
comprehensive social studies program which combined history, economics, and geography,
from Clarion University in 1973. In 1974, he completed work on a Master of Science degree
in communication at Clarion, and then taught 7th and 10th grade social studies in the
Keystone Oaks School District before becoming involved in the travel business.
Kretzler currently works with Travel Connections in Scott Township near Pittsburgh and has been a member of the Mason and Shrines since 1977. He is a member of the Erie, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia Shrine Hospitals for Children Board of Directors.
Besides his additional shrine duties, Kretzler was formerly active in Rotary and Chamber of Commerce projects, and is now active in alumni associations of Massanutten Academy and Clarion University. He was also named to North American Who's Who in American Business and The International Who's Who in Business.
Kretzler has known he was to become a Potentate since 1991. "It is a long and specific process," he says. "The officers of the temple look for leaders among the Shrine members. They look for candidates with a strong business background and a strong support for the childrens' hospitals. If a member is recommended, that individual is appointed to the "line" for seven years. The member will then run for the office for five years. That person will then be elected Potentate."
Looking ahead, Kretzler adds, "This is going to be a lot of work. I usually work an 18-hour day with my business and my shrine duties."
Kretzler believe he was always destined to go to Clarion University. "My mother graduated from Clarion and I have been going to Homecoming activities since I was four years old," he says. "It is always where I have wanted to go. I have a sister who went there, a brother-in-law who went there, and I hope my nieces will also go there.
"I had a terrific time while I was at Clarion. There are a lot of fond memories and I wouldn't trade the experience for the world."