Built By Brother hood
TIM GEREND: GROWTH THROUGH GRATITUDE
LETTER FROM EDITOR
Spring marks an important moment in the life of every Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter.
Throughout North America, Chapters are completing another academic year— celebrating accomplishments, preparing for Officer transitions, and reflecting on the experiences that have shaped their Brotherhood. It is a season of transition, as graduating seniors prepare for life after college, new Officers step into leadership roles, and Alumni Volunteers continue guiding the next generation of men.
In this issue of the Cross & Crescent, you will find stories that reflect both where Lambda Chi Alpha stands today and where we are headed.
Our cover story highlights Tim Gerend (Butler, '93), CEO of Northwestern Mutual, whose leadership journey began during his undergraduate years in Lambda Chi Alpha. His story is a powerful reminder that the lessons learned through Brotherhood—integrity, responsibility, and service—continue to shape leaders long after graduation.
You will also read about Undergraduate Members and Chapters who are strengthening the Fraternity in meaningful ways. From leadership development and service initiatives to Chapter growth and Alumni engagement, these stories demonstrate the commitment that continues to move Lambda Chi Alpha forward.
Across the country, Alumni Volunteers remain
deeply involved in supporting the next generation of Members. Their mentorship, guidance, and example help ensure that the principles and traditions of Lambda Chi Alpha continue to guide our Chapters.
The story of Lambda Chi Alpha continues to be written by the men who live its principles every day—in their Chapters, in their professions, and in their communities. Thank you for the role you play in moving that story forward.
In ZAX,
Tad Lichtenauer (Butler,
Editor
'87)
TAD LICHTENAUER
Chief Marketing Officer
ALYSSA TODD Graphic Designer
MACKENZIE COOLEY
Multimedia Content Specialist
NOAH DIAL
Partnership Engagement Specialist
CEO Update Leading with Purpose
High Zeta Summit 2026 Recap
Growth Through Gratitude
A Conversation with Tim Gerend
Spring Expansions 2026
The Fraternity of Honest Friendship: A Solution to the Male Friendship Recession
Chapter News
Turning Service into a Movement
Augie Pabst
Omegas
Purpose in Leadership
Dillon Sullivan
Partners
It Takes A Brotherhood: A Chapter’s Story of Perseverance & Devotion
A New Era of Brotherhood
Kenyon Alexander
Events
CEO UPDATE | TROY MEDLEY, CEO
LEADING WITH PURPOSE:
BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS
Leadership is not defined by titles, numbers, or short-term wins. It is defined by clarity of purpose, the courage to evolve, and the willingness to invest in people: most often when the work is hard and the outcomes take time.
As we reflect on the Fall 2025 semester, one thing is clear: Lambda Chi Alpha is not simply growing. We are leading with intention, discipline, and a long-term vision for what men need to succeed in today’s world.
Nearly seven years ago, our Board of Directors set us on a deliberate strategic path: to modernize the fraternal experience and transform Lambda Chi Alpha into the premier service-learning and leadership development organization for men. That strategy continues to guide our decisions and the results are beginning to compound
GROWTH WITH MEANING
This fall, Lambda Chi Alpha grew by 7%, far outpacing the fraternal industry average of roughly 1%. More importantly, that growth occurred across every Chapter size cohort, from our smallest Chapters to our largest. Growth was not isolated to a handful of campuses; it was broad, healthy, and values-driven.
We are also seeing renewed momentum in Chapter expansion, reopening two Chapters this semester with strong Alumni involvement and institutional support. But growth, for us, is never about numbers alone. We believe deeply that more men deserve access to a Brotherhood that helps them belong, develop character, and build competence for life
LEADERSHIP REQUIRES MENTORSHIP
One of the most sobering data points guiding our work is this: approximately 35% of our Undergraduate Members enter Lambda Chi Alpha without a father in the home. Time and again, our Members tell us they are seeking mentors: men who can guide, challenge, and support them.
This reality has reshaped how we think about Alumni engagement. We are no longer asking Alumni simply to “stay connected.” We are inviting them to lead: as coaches, mentors, advisors, and role models. Leadership development does not happen in isolation; it happens through relationships.
LEARNING THAT BUILDS REAL-WORLD SKILL
At the heart of this work is Lambda Chi Academy, a blended learning model that combines structure, accountability, dialogue, and application. Our Members are not just consuming content; they are practicing leadership through peer feedback, live discussions, and in-person application.
This approach recognizes a hard truth: knowledge alone is not enough. Skill is developed when Brothers help Brothers turn learning into action. Whether it is budgeting, recruiting, governance, or team leadership, our goal is simple: to ensure Lambda Chi men graduate more capable, confident, and prepared than their peers.
CULTURE IS A LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY
This January’s High Zeta Summit marked a pivotal moment for our organization. For the first time, Chapter Presidents and Ritualists were brought together, uniting operational leadership with cultural stewardship.
Great organizations do not run on strategy alone. They have soul. They have shared beliefs. Our Ritual, refined over generations, provides a moral and philosophical framework for leadership that is as relevant today as it was a century ago. By bringing our Chapter leaders together to engage deeply with those lessons, we are reinforcing that culture is not accidental. It is led.
LEADING THROUGH ACCOUNTABILITY AND CARE
Leadership also requires courage in moments of challenge. Our health, wellness, and risk work has shifted decisively toward proactive partnership, education, and self-governance. This academic year, we achieved record levels of cooperation with universities, secured non-punitive outcomes through education, and strengthened trust with campus partners.
True leadership is not about avoiding difficulty; it is about responding with integrity, transparency, and care for the men entrusted to us.
LOOKING FORWARD
The momentum is real; but momentum requires movement. As we pilot regionalization, expand Alumni mentorship, and continue refining our learning systems, our focus remains clear: building lifetime value for our Members.
Lambda Chi Alpha is not just a collegiate experience. It is a Brotherhood designed to support men in their moments of greatest challenge and greatest triumph — for life.
Leadership demands that we keep moving forward. Together, we will.
in ZAX,
SKILL IS DEVELOPED WHEN BROTHERS HELP BROTHERS TURN LEARNING INTO ACTION."
A Conversation with Tim Gerend GROWTH THROUGH GRATITUDE
By Tad Lichtenauer (Butler, '87), Chief Marketing Officer
When Tim Gerend (Butler, '93) joined Northwestern Mutual in 2002 as a young attorney, he never imagined he would one day lead the Fortune 100 company as Chairman, President, and CEO. For the Butler Alumnus and Lambda Chi Alpha Brother, leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about people, purpose, and culture.
“Leadership is never about you,” Gerend said. “It’s about the organization and the culture you create.”
EVOLVING AS A LEADER
Gerend admits that his view of leadership has evolved dramatically since his early days. He once believed leadership meant having a consistent style. Today, he sees leadership as highly situational.
“What’s needed at a particular moment depends on the context,” he explained. “Effective leaders know when to step in or when to pull back.”
He also recognizes the importance of self-awareness and humility. “We’re all works in progress. I’m still learning. Now, I have a better sense of my strengths, weaknesses, and where I need to rely on others.”
VALUES THAT SHAPE LEADERSHIP
For Gerend, leadership is grounded in gratitude, responsibility, and authenticity. He believes leading others is not a right but a privilege. “Leadership is a privilege, not a right,” he said. “Our primary value as leaders is trust. If people don’t believe what you say, it’s hard to lead.”
He often references a leadership philosophy from Gen. Stanley McChrystal’s Team of Teams, contrasting the traditional “chess master” approach—where the leader moves every piece—with the “gardener” model, where leaders cultivate an environment for people to thrive.
“I can’t control everything,” Gerend said. “But I can create an environment that enables people to be great
at what they do.”
LEADING THROUGH COLLABORATION
As CEO, Gerend leads nearly 30,000 corporate employees, financial advisors, and team members— many of them independent business owners—where success depends on alignment and collaboration.
“We design solutions together,” he said. “It’s slower and more complicated, but it gets better outcomes. When people help create something, they believe in it from the start.”
That co-creation mindset has helped build the most diverse and productive field force in the company’s history, grounded in shared purpose and trust.
LESSONS FROM LAMBDA CHI ALPHA
Gerend traces his leadership foundation to his time at Butler University, where he served the Alpha-Alpha Zeta as Treasurer, Recruitment Chairman, and President—experiences that taught him teamwork, mentorship, and the
value of seeing potential in others.
“The older Brothers saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” he recalled. “That encouragement changed everything. It taught me the power of lifting others up.”
He likens the role of older Members and Alumni to that of gardeners— nurturing the environment for others to grow.
“Encouragement and stewardship across generations is one of the best parts of a fraternity,” he said.
ADVICE FOR EMERGING LEADERS
When asked what advice he would offer to young professionals and students, Gerend didn’t hesitate.
“First, be great where you are,” he said. “A lot of people focus on what’s next, but the best way to get your next opportunity is to excel in your current one.”
He also emphasized curiosity and adaptability.
“The world is changing fast— especially with technology and AI. Leaders need to stay curious, keep
learning, and be open to change.”
Finally, he encouraged emerging leaders to take initiative.
“Raise your hand. Try something new. Don’t be afraid to fail. The best way to learn to lead is by leading.”
LEADING WELL
For Gerend, leading well ultimately means serving others and strengthening the organization for those who will come next.
“The best measure of a leader is how the organization thrives after you’re gone,” he said.
As he reflected on the Lambda Chi values of belonging, character, and competence, Gerend tied them to the core of effective leadership in any environment: authenticity, adaptability, and relationships.
“Even in a world of AI, leadership is still about people,” he said. “It’s about how you connect, how you enable others to be their best, and how you lead across differences. That’s what leading well looks like.”
“The Fraternity of Honest Friendship”:
A Solution to the Male Friendship Recession
By Gregory A. Castanias (Wabash, ’87), Grand High Pi
Ipulled my Pedagogus off the shelf the other day. Published in 1982, this Fortieth Edition of the Pedagogus bears on the cover these words:
Lambda Chi Alpha . . . The Fraternity of Honest Friendship
This was our “brand” back then. Today, we brand ourselves as “A bold way to a better world.”
Even though the word “friendship” has dropped out of our formal brand, it remains front and center as part of the Lambda Chi Alpha experience. And not just any kind of friendships, but true, authentic, deep, mutual, honest friendships between two men who each possess the kind of virtues this Fraternity was created to uphold and propagate within our world. Brands come and go, but honest friendship is an essential cornerstone of the Lambda Chi Alpha experience.
If you’re an Undergraduate Member of Lambda Chi Alpha, you’re already building friendships that can last a lifetime. I can personally attest that many of the men I met in 1983 remain close friends today. Though our lives have taken us to different places, our shared fraternal experience has only strengthened those bonds over time. Through my service with my Chapter’s Alumni Association, I’ve also expanded my circle to include Brothers from other generations and Chapters, men who have also become my honest, authentic friends later in life.
The Problem: Men Are Suffering A “Friendship Recession”
“The close communion of kindred spirits,” as our Fraternity’s Constitution puts it, has become a rarity for American men. A 2021 Survey Center on American Life study found a “friendship recession”: 15% of men report having no close friends, up from just 3% in 1990.
In Of Boys and Men (2022), Richard Reeves notes that these men are also the most likely to feel lonely. That loneliness is linked to depression, substance abuse, and a rising male suicide rate, and can also leave
young men vulnerable to extremism, violence, and other causes.
This should come as no surprise. For decades, media—from movies and television to podcasts—has celebrated a “Marlboro Man” ideal of masculinity: the lone cowboy, tough, stoic, and self-reliant. This image reinforces the belief that a real man needs no one else.
In When Boys Become Boys, Judy Chu argues that boys are conditioned early—even in pre-K—to suppress emotional intelligence and connection in favor of stoicism, competition, and aggression. Over the past two decades, increased screen-time, COVID, and shifting social expectations have only deepened this damaging loneliness.
But loneliness is not inevitable. Having even one close friend removes a man from the “friendship recession.” Friendship is inherently good and valuable—not only for the joy it brings, but for the stability it provides. A strong circle of friends becomes a personal cabinet of trusted advisers, helping a man avoid destructive choices and resist those who would lead him toward harmful paths.
And yet the stereotypical image of men is that they are friendless loners.
Aristotle: “Perfect” Friendships Of Equality And Virtue
Friendship—the antidote to loneliness—has always been central to fraternity. Lambda Chi Alpha exists to bring men together as closely as if they were brothers. Even Phi Beta Kappa, the original Greek-letter society, honors friendship, morality, and learning, with philia—the Greek word for friendship—signifying virtuous, affectionate love between equals, distinct from romantic or familial love. Our Creed calls us to “approach the ideal of perfect Brotherly love.”
Friendship itself takes many forms. Aristotle, in the Nicomachean Ethics, identified three:
• Friendships of utility are transactional, based on what each person gains. Remove the benefit, and the friendship fades.
• Friendships of pleasure connect people through shared enjoyment—sports, parties, games, or outings. When the shared activity ends, so often does the friendship.
• Perfect friendships are based on virtue: men who are good in themselves, who wish well for one another for their own sake. These friendships endure, independent of circumstance.
I am fortunate to count several perfect friends in my life, many of whom are Lambda Chi Alpha Brothers. These friendships may include shared activities—dining, cocktails, sports—but the bond runs deeper: virtue and mutual care underpin them.
Aristotle’s Athenian vision of friendship was echoed by Cicero in Rome, who wrote that true friendship exists only among good men, marked by loyalty, fairness, generosity, self-control, and strength of character. Quoting Ennius, Cicero described friends with whom one can speak as freely as to oneself, sharing joy in prosperity and bearing each other’s burdens in adversity.
Through Lambda Chi Alpha, we strive to form men of virtue who can be good friends and seek the same in others. Not all friendships among Brothers will be “perfect” in Aristotle’s sense—and that is fine. Many will be friendships of pleasure. Yet, because of our fraternal bond and shared virtues, even these “pleasure-based” friendships can rekindle over time, blossoming into enduring, virtuous connections—what Aristotle would call life’s perfect friendships.
Emerson: Truth and Tenderness
In his Essay on Friendship, Ralph Waldo Emerson described a rugged, demanding friendship much like Aristotle’s ideal—“not glass threads or frost-work, but the solidest thing we know.” He believed true friendship rests on two essentials.
First is truth: a friend is someone before whom we can be completely sincere, shedding pretense and speaking freely, “with the simplicity and wholeness with which one chemical atom meets another.”
Second is tenderness—what we might call emotional honesty or intimacy. To offer and receive such openness, Emerson suggests, is life’s great fortune.
He rejected the idea that friends must be identical or agreeable at all times. In fact, friction and individuality strengthen real friendship: better “a nettle in the side of your friend than his echo.” Authentic friendship, he argued, is an alliance of two strong, distinct natures united by deep mutual respect.
For Emerson, honesty and mutuality were friendship’s essential elements—captured in his famous line: “The only way to have a friend is to be one.”
Jesus: Love Each Other
Emerson saw friendship as a form of love—“entireness, a total magnanimity and trust”—while his friend Henry David Thoreau called it the “unspeakable joy and blessing” shared by kindred spirits.
Though Lambda Chi Alpha welcomes men of all or no faiths, its Ritual draws on enduring Christian teachings echoed across traditions. Proverbs 27:9 praises the sweetness of a friend’s heartfelt counsel, and the New Testament portrays Jesus and his disciples as models of honest friendship. In John 15:14–15, Jesus tells them, “I have called you friends… This is my command: Love each other”—a verse that inspired the name of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
Love each other. Brotherly love—philia—given and received, fully and mutually.
The Solution: Honest Friendship
We come to our Fraternity from every background—scholars, athletes, gamers; men of every orientation, race, ethnicity, and faith; from wealth or modest means, from traditional or nontraditional families. Yet, by choice, we unite under a set of virtues that aim to make us better men and strengthen our families and communities.
As Brothers, we also practice self-governance under our Constitution—a process that naturally produces friction. But, as Emerson noted, such friction is part of authentic friendship. Our Constitution itself declares one of our founding purposes: “To encourage and inspire fraternal feeling and cooperation, and to form unselfish and loyal friendships among its Members.” Even disagreements flow from this goal.
Article 1 of our Constitution makes it clear: we exist to “form unselfish and loyal friendships.” Our retired brand as “The Fraternity of Honest Friendship” still captures that aspiration. Friendship is not transactional or merely fun—it requires intention. Honest friendship, whether Aristotle’s “perfect friendship,” Emerson’s “solidest thing we know,” or Thoreau’s bond of sympathetic constitutions, is grounded in love: a series of deliberate, authentic, and caring actions, sometimes messy but always genuine.
Your working definition of friendship—your “TL;DR”—is simple: Love each other. Authentically, selflessly, and fully. Live it in your life, model it for those outside our Bond, and you’ll make your communities, and the world, better—while also cultivating a happy and good life for yourself and those around you.
I have had the privilege of serving as the Fraternity’s Grand High Pi since 2018. The Grand High Pi, also the Fraternity’s Chief Judicial Officer and Chancellor, is modeled on Anglo-European tradition. The Lord Chancellor, one of the oldest offices in English history, was the kingdom’s senior judge after the King, serving in the Court of Chancery to temper harsh common-law rulings—earning the title “Keeper of the Royal Conscience.” Similarly, the Grand High Pi, through the Grand High Zeta and judicial rulings, serves as the Fraternity’s conscience. This Essay seeks to memorialize a matter of conscience for the benefit of our Fraternity and its Members. Thanks to Brothers Michael Davidson and Simon Taylor for their feedback on an earlier draft.
AUGIE PABST AUGIE PABST
"THAT
MINDSET DEFINES HIS LEGACY— TRANSFORMING SERVICE FROM A SET OF EVENTS INTO A LASTING CULTURE."
Turning Service
INTO A MOVEMENT
By Noah Dial (Ball State, '23), Partnership Engagement Specialist
When Augie Pabst (Tennessee–Knoxville, ’26) stepped into his role as High Theta, he inherited more than a title—he inherited expectations and one daunting suggestion from Alumni: host an American Red Cross blood drive.
At first, coordinating with outside organizations, marketing to students, and ensuring participation felt overwhelming. But Pabst leaned in, asking questions and finding partners. What once seemed complicated soon became meaningful.
Under his leadership, the Chapter hosted a blood drive that collected 64 units and impacted 192 lives. What began as a campus effort quickly expanded to include faculty, staff, students, and community members. One couple from Michigan even stopped during a road trip after hearing about it on the radio—the husband a Lambda Chi Alumnus and inspired by the work of Epsilon-Omicron Zeta.
During his tenure, the Chapter expanded service across campus and into the Knoxville community. They partnered with Keep Knoxville Beautiful for neighborhood cleanups, supported East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and the East Tennessee Food Bank. There was even a huge turnout at Breakthrough T1D’s Walk at the Knoxville Zoo, despite the chilly weather. Pabst believed participation came from understanding impact. Service hours were required, but the real motivation was knowing that a single unit of blood can save up to three lives.
Behind the scenes, he planned months in advance, coordinated partnerships, and built committees so Brothers could share ownership of the work. He also created a detailed transition guide for the next Philanthropy Chair, ensuring the Chapter could continue building on what had started.
Now serving as IFC Vice President for Philanthropy and Service, Pabst continues encouraging collaboration across fraternities. His advice is simple: start somewhere, because there is always room to improve.
That mindset defines his legacy— transforming service from a set of events into a lasting culture.
Purpose in
LEADERSHIP
By Noah Dial (Ball State, '23), Partnership Engagement Specialist
For Dillon Sullivan (High Point, ’26), leadership began long before he was elected High Alpha. At thirteen, after months of worsening symptoms following a severe bout of the flu, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Rather than viewing the diagnosis as a tragedy, Sullivan experienced it as clarity. With insulin, fluids, and structure, the chaos his body had been experiencing finally settled. From the beginning, he understood the condition as a responsibility—one that required discipline, awareness, and daily attention.
“As long as I’m on top of things,” he says. “That’s my own personal control."
That mindset has followed him into adulthood. Living with Type 1 diabetes means managing a condition that never fully sleeps. Some nights still bring 3 a.m. wake-ups when blood sugar levels drift too high or too low. He walks the halls of his dorm to bring levels down or sits awake eating fruit snacks while waiting for insulin to take effect—quiet moments that demand patience and preparation.
Those experiences have shaped the leader Sullivan has become. Living with the condition has taught him accountability and composure, qualities that ripple outward to those around him. His friends and Lambda Chi Alpha Brothers have learned alongside him. Many even keep Coca-Cola and Welch’s fruit snacks in their dorm rooms—his go-to remedies for low blood sugar—ensuring that wherever he is on campus, help is never far away.
Sullivan’s experience also deepened his connection to the Fraternity’s partnership with Breakthrough T1D.
For him, the cause isn’t abstract. It’s personal. Yet he doesn’t see himself as inspirational. He simply focuses on preparation: managing his health, supporting those around him, and creating space for others to learn.
Type 1 diabetes is something Dillon Sullivan lives with every day. Leadership is something he practices just as often.
"...HE UNDERSTOOD THE CONDITION AS A RESPONSIBILITY— ONE THAT REQUIRED DISCIPLINE, AWARENESS, AND DAILY ATTENTION."
DILLON SULLIVAN DILLON SULLIVAN
A Chapter’s Story of Perseverance & Devotion IT TAKES A BROTHERHOOD:
By Walter F. Jenkins, New Hampshire ‘88
If the story of Alpha-Xi Zeta at the University of New Hampshire was to be written, its description surely would include perseverance and devotion, as well as strong leadership at critical times.
Alpha-Xi Zeta was installed as Lambda Chi Alpha’s 42nd Chapter on March 29, 1918, at what was then the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanical Arts.
experiencing both notable highs and difficult lows along the way.
Today, Lambda Chi Alpha stands as the oldest continuously operating fraternity at UNH and one of the few in the Fraternity to reach 108 uninterrupted years—an achievement made even more remarkable by nearly six decades without a permanent chapter house.
Alpha-Xi’s 2018 centennial marked a turning point. Amid reunions and shared memories, Alumni renewed their commitment to Lambda Chi Alpha by launching the New Hampshire Chapter Fund with the Educational Foundation to support scholarships and educational grants for Collegiate Brothers.
highlighted the need for stronger Alumni involvement. While the Chapter benefited from an active High Pi, broader advisory support was inconsistent and lacking.
To strengthen Alumni engagement, the Alumni Advisory Board was reestablished, and today a dozen Advisors provide guidance and accountability to support the Chapter’s growth.
For decades, however, Alpha-Xi faced a persistent challenge: the frustrating lack of a Chapter house owned by the Brotherhood. Since selling its home in 1967, the Chapter endured years of rentals, seven years without a house, multiple landlords, and three unsuccessful capital campaigns.
In January, the Alpha-Xi Zeta House Corporation purchased
spotlight spotlight
its former home from 1967 to 2005—and in August the Active Members will move into their permanent residence.
The road to that milestone, however, was far from smooth. A dedicated group of Alumni spent years searching for a suitable property and navigating Durham’s limited fraternity zoning. After exploring multiple options and cultivating a long-standing relationship with the former owner, they finally secured an agreement to purchase their future Chapter house.
To make it possible, the Alumni engaged Nick Bratvold, vice president for philanthropy with the Lambda Chi Foundation, as fundraising counsel and launched the Returning Home Campaign, reconnecting Brothers through personal outreach, virtual town halls,
e-newsletters, and reunions. The effort culminated in a December Brotherhood Celebration honoring two milestones: the campaign’s completion—raising over $1 million from more nearly 100 Alumni—and the initiation of Alpha-Xi Zeta’s 2,000th Brother earlier that day.
As Alumni rallied to secure a chapter house, the Collegiate Chapter launched a transformation of its own.
Under High Alpha Gavin Dunlap (New Hampshire, ’26), Members confronted internal shortcomings and raised their standards. This resulted in stronger engagement, renewed financial stability, and meaningful improvements across Chapter operations.
The Chapter's recommitment to its values earned major recognition
at the UNH FSL Awards in February, including Chapter of Excellence, Most Improved Chapter, Outstanding Extended Network, and Values-Based Program. High Pi Colin Frost (Syracuse, ’86) was named Fraternity Advisor of the Year, and Gavin Dunlap received Member of the Year honors.
Forged through years of perseverance and shared purpose, Lambda Chi Alpha at UNH moves forward
A NEW ERA OF BROTHERHOOD
By Mackenzie Cooley, Multimedia Content Specialist
F or Kenyon Alexander (Cal State Northridge, ‘26), the impact of joining Lambda Chi Alpha is simple.
“Before Lambda Chi, I was lost… now, I’m found.”
His story goes beyond membership—it’s about finding purpose, rebuilding a Chapter through hard decisions, and proving that values-based Brotherhood can transform lives. Today, Beta-Rho Zeta is thriving, but the road there wasn’t easy.
A “NEW ERA” BEGINS
Alexander joined in fall 2024 with 23 Associate Members; 17 remained by Initiation, forming what they call a “new era.”
Their Associate Member experience instilled strong values, but after Initiation, something felt off.
“The values… changed my life,” he said, “but we weren’t being as good as Beta-Rho could be.”
Instead of settling, they spoke up— sparking conversations that pushed the Chapter toward change.
THE HARD RESET
The Chapter chose to restructure and recommit to its values, emphasizing accountability and earned Brotherhood.
The result was difficult: 15 Associates dropped to just two. They chose to rebuild. That moment, he believes, defined the
Chapter’s future—and set the foundation for future growth.
BROTHERHOOD YOU CAN’T FAKE
As they rebuilt, authenticity became the priority. Recruitment shifted from persuasion to transparency.
Alexander even encouraged potential new members to explore other fraternities, believing the right ones would return.
“You can’t fake family… or real connections,” he said.
That authenticity stood out from the beginning—he still remembers Brothers celebrating his birthday on his first visit with a Rice Krispies.
A CULTURE THAT ATTRACTS PEOPLE
The shift in culture quickly gained attention. That fall, Beta-Rho Zeta welcomed 44 new Members into their Chapter.
By focusing on genuine relationships over image, the Chapter created something people wanted to be part of—and stay in.
A FRATERNITY, NOT JUST A “FRAT”
“We’re a fraternity… we’re Brothers,” Alexander said.
That distinction comes from living Lambda Chi Alpha’s core values and beliefs—leadership, duty, respect, service, honor, integrity, and courage.
A BROTHERHOOD FOR LIFE
Alexander credits Alumni support as essential to the Chapter’s growth.
“Who would we be without them?” he asked.
He hopes to one day give back in the same way.
“They’re not just words,” he said.
Lambda Chi's values drive both internal accountability and external impact.
“We want to make a difference… because we actually care.”
BROTHERHOOD WITHOUT HAZING
The Chapter’s culture is also defined by its commitment to no hazing in the Fraternity.
“We were initiated on true ideals,” Alexander said, not hardship-based bonding.
Instead, the experience centers on values and ritual.
“The rituals changed my life,” Alexander says. “They made me a better person.”
FINDING PURPOSE
Before Lambda Chi, Alexander said he was defined by social circles.
“I thought I was something I wasn’t,” he said.
Now, as Chapter President, he’s driven by responsibility to commit to his Brothers.
“It gave me a fire… to be a better man inside and outside of Lambda Chi Alpha.”
That transformation, he believes, is the true power of Lambda Chi Alpha. It's why he is committed to ensuring the Brotherhood he helped rebuild continues to thrive for generations to come.
2026 HIGH ZETA
For the first time, High Alphas and High Phis gathered at the High Zeta Summit, united by a shared belief that strong Chapter culture grows from shared values, clear purpose, and mutual trust. When that culture thrives, Brothers engage fully and give their best.
As the leaders who set the tone for their Chapters, High Alphas and High Phis explored how to place the true meaning of Lambda Chi Alpha at the center of their work. Through leadership, they shape culture, model expectations, and ensure every Brother experiences the purpose of Brotherhood.
The Summit combined role-specific programming with collaboration and connection, including a shared night at the Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat game. The experience reinforced a simple truth: when leadership is aligned and values are lived daily, Chapter culture strengthens and Brotherhood thrives.
2026 ZETA SUMMIT
“LAMBDA CHI ALPHA IS INVESTING IN LEADERS WHO SERVE WITH INTEGRITY AND VISION.”
Brendon Monteith, High Alpha Oregon State University
“I NOW HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO RUN A CHAPTER AND THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE.”
Austin Bagdasarian, High Alpha University of Tennessee, Knoxville
“I HAVE NEVER FELT SUCH A STRONG SENSE OF BROTHERHOOD IN MY LIFE.”
Grayson Davis, High Alpha Sewanee: The University of
the South
168 HIGH ALPHAS
107 HIGH PHIS
22 VOLUNTEER FACILITATORS
2 CHAPTER CHALLENGES
12k FENTANYL TEST STRIPS BUILT
82 UNITS OF BLOOD DONATED
1 NBA GAME
SPRING EXPANSION SPRING EXPANSION
2026 SPRING EXPANSION SPRING EXPANSION
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
8 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
CHAPTER NEWS
By Shelby Parr, Engagement Officer, Educational Foundation
AUTHOR NOTE
We are proud to highlight Brothers’ dedication to growth, service, and leadership. Whether these Brothers are Collegiate Members making a difference in their Chapters, or Alumni Brothers that are continuing their contributions that started many years ago, we are pleased to celebrate their impact.
If you would like to submit Chapter News, send an update to marketing@lambdachi.org.
ARKANSAS (GAMMA-CHI)
Ahead of the 2025 holidays, Brothers purchased items to go towards Toys for Tots of Northwest Arkansas. These items were delivered to children over the holidays making their season a little bit brighter. Way to lead by example Gamma-Chi!
BUTLER (ALPHA-ALPHA)
Butler Brothers and more gathered on November 2, 2025, to celebrate 116 years of Lambda Chi Alpha. They were joined by Fraternity CEO Troy Medley as they enjoyed dinner, speeches, and an Initiation Ritual Exemplification. Brothers in attendance ranged from 17 to 87 years old, fully showcasing that Lambda Chi Brotherhood is for a lifetime.
CENTRAL MISSOURI (LAMBDA-PI)
Lt. Col. Michael R. Toedebusch has been selected to serve as the next commander of the Missouri Wing of Civil Air Patrol, the nation’s volunteer organization supporting emergency services, youth leadership, and aerospace education. Toedebusch brings decades of experience at the wing, region, and national levels, having most recently served as Missouri Wing chief of staff for missions. His appointment reflects both continuity and a renewed commitment to developing volunteers and strengthening community impact.
DAYTON (SIGMA-ETA)
The recent anniversary celebration of the University of Dayton’s Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter was held on campus last fall. More than 50 Brothers and spouses gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sigma-Eta Zeta’s charter. The Chapter’s Alumni have met every two years since 2005 to renew old friendships and share fond memories of their most treasured collegiate days.
DEPAUW (XI)
Xi Zeta’s Alumni Group, the Darsee Club, gathered just before the holidays to celebrate the Brotherhood that persists throughout various generations. Brothers Jerry Hewlett and Chris Bear led a conversation amongst the group about the legacy in which they are leaving and how they can invest in future generations of Lambda Chis. Laughs were shared, memories were made, and relationships were deepened through these thoughtful conversations.
HIGH POINT (IOTA-PHI)
Brother Jedediah Negley shared that the Iota-Phi Associate Chapter proudly welcomed 13 Associate Members in their Spring 2026 class. The Brothers emphasized recruiting with intentionality, high standards, and that they successfully built a class to positively shape the future of Lambda Chi.
ILLINOIS STATE (BETA-OMICRON)
Lambda Chi showed out in Phi Sigma Sigma’s Mr Phi Significant philanthropy event at the end of the Fall 2025 semester. Brothers coordinated a routine and wowed the competition which led them to bringing home the Best Dance award.
NEW HAMPSHIRE (ALPHA-XI)
The Alpha-Xi Brotherhood celebrated two major milestones together on December 6, 2025. The first milestone being Lambda Chi’s return to their Chapter’s historic home at 10 Madbury Road. Collegiate Members will begin moving into the home in August 2026. The other major milestone was that the Zeta initiated their 2,000th Brother as the Chapter welcomed a Member class of 20. There is much to celebrate with the UNH Brothers.
SOUTH DAKOTA (ALPHA-GAMMA)
Brothers Griffin Petersen and Hari Kadarkaraisamy were nominated by peers for South Dakota’s esteemed Mr. Dakota Days title. While both Brothers ran and participated in Dakota Day events, Brother Petersen was crowned Mr. Dakota Days 2025. These Brothers were interviewed and voted upon by their peers, both proudly representing Lambda Chi Alpha among other student organizations that they are involved in across campus. Congratulations, Brothers!
TEXAS AT AUSTIN (ALPHA-MU)
Alumni Brother Charles Maddox was elected and installed as Potentate of Ben Hur Shriners in Austin, and President of the Texas Shrine Association. His wife is the First Lady of both Ben Hur Shriners and the Texas Shriners. Maddox spent five years as an Assistant Attorney General of Texas in the Civil Litigation Division and is currently with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office practicing Election Law.
VILLANOVA (BETA-IOTA)
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Brothers participated in a day of service at Devine Providence Village alongside Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. BetaIota assisted with projects around the community and got to meet with the lovely residents. Brothers showed great appreciation for the residents and volunteers that made the day of service possible.
OMEGAS
Reported as of August 1, 2025 to February 24, 2026
Angelo State University, Beta-Alpha
Paul Cormier
Mark Garcia
Auburn University, Omega
Walter Greer
Michael Vann
Ball State University, Iota-Alpha
Marshall Willis
California State University-Fresno, Iota-Gamma
Joseph Koontz
Clark University, Theta-Theta
Philip Johnson
College of William and Mary, Epsilon-Alpha
Howard Golwen
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania Mansfield, Beta-Omega
James Parson
Drury University, Theta-Sigma
Robert Drake
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityDaytona Beach, Sigma-Phi
Mark Rhodes
Georgetown College, Kappa- Omega
William Galloway
Georgia Institute of Technology, Beta-Kappa
Stephen Skalko
Gettysburg College, Theta-Pi
Kearney Kuhlthau
Indiana University Bloomington, Alpha-Omicron
Miller Hughes
Iowa State University, Alpha-Tau
Mark Bryant
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Sigma-Gamma
Michael Wixon
Lehigh University, Gamma-Psi
Richard Bell
Zoltan Fazekas
Marshall University, Zeta-Zeta
Steven Ferrell
John Vaughan
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lambda
Anthony Pappalardo
Millsaps College, Theta-Eta
Tomas Blackwell
Missouri University of Science and Technology, Alpha-Delta
Dale Emling
Gerald Helgeson
Gerald Stevenson
Oklahoma State University, Alpha-Eta
James Miller
William Terrell
Pennsylvania State University, Zeta
J. Campbell
Pennsylvania Western UniversityEdinboro, Beta-Delta
Fred Hillow
Purdue University, Psi
Brent Coy
Archer Davis
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Epsilon-Eta
William Gardiner
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Theta-Kappa
Stephen Burton
Sam Houston State University, Sigma-Mu
Jon Volkmer
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gamma-Nu
Cyrus Baker
Troy University, Sigma-Tau
Alex Carrigan
Douglas Sutton
University of Alabama, Alpha-Phi
Walter Forster
University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Gamma-Chi
David Compton
University of California-Santa Barbara, Zeta-Eta
John Bottger
University of Delaware, Lambda-Beta
Frank O'Toole
University of Idaho, Epsilon-Gamma
George Tomek
Rudy Zuberbuhler
University of Iowa, Iota-Chi
William Sherman
University of Kentucky, Epsilon-Phi
Gary Bates
University of Nebraska-Omaha, Iota-Delta
James Patton
University of New Hampshire, Alpha-Xi
Roland Conner
University of New Mexico, Zeta-Mu
John Eckert
University of New Orleans, Lambda-Alpha
Douglas Kirby
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Beta-Upsilon
Thomas Holcombe
University of South Dakota, Alpha-Gamma
Thomas Conway
Chad Grossenburg
James McGrann
Daniel Murphy
Reed Smith
Dennis Van Vactor
University of Southern California, Zeta-Delta
Kraig Nakano
University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Zeta-Phi
David Corbin
University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Epsilon-Omicron
Mark Patterson
University of Texas at Austin, Alpha-Mu
Roger Key
University of Tulsa, Epsilon-Upsilon
Robert Edscorn
Wabash College, Alpha-Kappa
John Fischer
Washington & Jefferson College, Gamma-Zeta
William Stitt
Wittenberg University, Nu-Zeta
Charles Yahn
Brothers in Service
Lambda Chi’s Lifesaving Momentum with the American Red Cross
When Brothers lead with purpose, patients win That’s exactly what Lambda Chi is delivering through its lifesaving partnership with the American Red Cross turning leadership into action and service into impact for patients and families across the country.
This year ’s High Zeta Summit took Lambda Chi’s commitment to new heights, culminating in 82 units of blood, potentially saving 246 lives. This fall, Chapters hosted blood drives on campus. These efforts collected over 798 units of blood, providing a tangible and immediate lifeline for hospital patients in need.
Every unit is a lifeline. Every Brother is a LEADER.
The momentum doesn’t stop there Over the past three years, our partnership with the Red Cross has resulted in the collection of 5,016 units of blood Because each unit can save up to three lives, that total represents 15,048 second chances at life real people in our communities who have a tomorrow because of this partnership and the Brothers who showed up
This is the Lambda Chi way: lead, serve, and deliver. From High Zeta Officers and Alumni. Chapters are proving what’s possible when Brotherhood meets mission.
Keep the Momentum Going
Host a Red Cross blood drive on campus or in your community. Donate and recruit bring a friend, teammate, or alum Partner with your Red Cross account manager to secure space, set goals, and promote.
Celebrate impact track units collected and lives touched
Together, let’s keep building a strong, sustainable blood program one that reflects Lambda Chi’s values and delivers hope when it’s needed most Th a nk you , Broth ers You r lea dersh ip is sa ving lives
Few fraternities lead as boldly as Lambda Chi.
We’re answering the call to meet the needs of young men today and providing purpose and connection through our Brotherhood and world-class learning
Lambda Chi has a special announcement to make about what’s next. We hope you’ll be there to hear it.
Join us this summer for our premier leadership gathering and help shape the future of our Fraternity. Learn
July 18-20, 2026
Kansas City Marriott Downtown 200 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Undergraduate Leaders and Alumni Brothers from across North America will come together for Lambda Chi Alpha’s premier leadership gathering—designed to shape the future of our Fraternity.
SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS
Saturday,July18,2026
Roll Call & State of the Fraternity Service & Stewardship DinnerMen With Purpose Special Announcement
Sunday,July19,2026
Ritual Exemplification
Order of Achievement Luncheon
Order of Merit Recognition Reception
Honors & Excellence Awards Dinner
Monday,July20,2026
Purple, Green, and Gold Closing Banquet
The 61st General Assembly and 2026 Stead Leadership Seminar are made possible by generous donors to the Lambda Chi Foundation.
LAMBDA CHI ALPHA ALUMNI HISTORY PROJECT
8,042 RESPONDENTS 8,042 RESPONDENTS 8,042 RESPONDENTS 5,511 STORIES COLLECTED 5,511 STORIES COLLECTED 5,511 STORIES COLLECTED
Lambda Chi Alphaʼs first-ever Alumni History Project gives Brothers the chance to tell their Lambda Chi story in their own words. These unique stories will be compiled into a book and digital archive celebrating our Fraternity and its rich history.
Phone lines close soon. Call 1-866-711-3928 by May 7, 2026. Learn more at lambdachifoundation.org/alumni-stories.
Our Brotherhood
EVENTS
Lambda Chi Alpha has over 200,000 living Alumni spread across the United States, Canada, and the world. Lambda Chi Foundation is committed to providing pathways for Alumni to remain engaged and connected through national, local, and regional events.
See below for a list of current events and stay up to date with future events by subscribing to our e-calendar at addcal.co/c/lambdachi
APRIL MAY
Do
Philadelphia Area Alumni Reception
5:00-7:00 PM
Liberty Hill
800 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
Drexel Epsilon-Kappa 85th Anniversary
6:00-10:00 PM
Sheraton University City 3549 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104
Butler Alpha-Alpha Honors Dr. Elgan Baker
11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Butler Lambda Chi House
721 W Hampton Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46208 16
Missouri State Beta-Psi Cross & Crescent Gala* 6:00-11:00 PM
Robert W. Plaster Student Union 1110 E Madison St, Springfield, MO 65897
*Register by April 20
WEEKEND
Indy 500 George Spasyk Memorial Weekend
Friday, May 22 - Sunday, May 24
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Visit addcal.co/c/lambdachi to learn more and register for these events.
317-872-8000 | lambdachi.org marketing@lambdachi.org
