CHAPTER NEWS
April 2015 - lambdachi.org - Issue #3
LAMBDA CHI ALPHA OPPOSES INADIANA’S RELIGOUS FREEDOM RESTORATION ACT (RFRA) INDIANAPOLIS — On Thursday, March 26 Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed into law the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). This controversial piece of legislation has the potential to create social implications such as the right for businesses to discriminate against members of the LGBT community. As an organization that represents over 11,000 undergraduates and approximately 150,000 living alumni and is headquartered in Indiana, Lambda Chi Alpha opposes such legislation. Lambda Chi Alpha has a long history of adopting progressive policies and being at the forefront of positive societal change. CEO Bill Farkas and Board Chairman Fletcher McElreath have joined several local organizations in drafting letters to Gov. Pence and other state representatives asking them to reconsider the bill. As a premiere, values-based institution, Lambda Chi Alpha relies on recruiting diverse men and women from all across North America to serve on Lambda Chi Alpha’s Professional Staff. Legislation such as the RFRA could hinder Lambda Chi Alpha’s efforts at recruiting the best individuals as the organization continues to grow. In addition, Lambda Chi Alpha frequently hosts conferences at its headquarters in Indianapolis, and throughout the state, something that may be more difficult to achieve if guests are reluctant to travel to Indiana. “Our fraternity is an inclusive organization for all men. We believe that the recent actions by Indiana’s top lawmakers do not coincide with the values that our fraternity practices,” Farkas said. Continued on page 25
Montevallo (Sigma-Epsilon)
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North Carolina-Charlotte (Beta-Upsilon) Chapter News
The chapter assisted at the local office of Habitat for humanity by helping to break down tables and put away things after the event was over. Another successful blood drive was also held this month.
North Carolina-Greensboro (Phi-Theta) Chapter News
The chapter held a successful philanthropic event on March 26, 2015, raising a substantial quantity of canned goods despite almost being rained out.
New Hampshire (Alpha-Xi) Chapter News
The chapter has been busy planning a gameshow philanthropy to benefit the American Heart Association. The chapter is extremely excited for the upcoming Inner Circle implementation retreat on April 18. Brothers helped clean up the trash revealed as the snow melts from the UNH campus.
Omega
George C. “Digger” Nelson (1991) died Feb. 23, 2015. He was 46 years old and had fought very bravely the last few years against multiple sclerosis. He was employed by Radio Shack and then the Lookout Mountain Police Department.
North Carolina State (Gamma-Upsilon) Chapter News
Chapter members volunteered at the Raleigh Food Bank.
North Dakota (Epsilon-Zeta) Chapter News
New Orleans (Lambda-Alpha)
Chapter members played in a boot hockey tournament as part of a brotherhood event.
Chapter News
Alumnus Robert Gettys (1975) generously donated a set of paintings showing the evolution of our coat of arms. On March 9-12 the chapter participated in Greek Week. It received awards for Outstanding Academic Chapter Achievement and Chapter Adviser Marco Perez won Adviser of the Year. Past President Kolby Heid won Outstanding Chapter President of the year.
Alumni News
Alumni brothers and undergraduates attended an alumni hockey weekend to watch a varsity hockey away-game at the chapter house. Alumni brothers attended the annual Minneapolis-based NCHC Hockey Tournament to cheer on the varsity hockey team.