Cross & Crescent

Over the course of the past few summer conferences, the undergraduate brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha have had a chant that is shouted for all to hear. That chant has been resounding in my head over the past month and it goes something like this, “Lambda Chi (hell yeah), Lambda Chi (hell yeah), aaaaawww yeah… I said it’s great to be a Lambda Chi, I said it’s great to be a Lambda Chi…” What better time could one ask for to be a member of Lambda Chi Alpha!

As our undergraduate brothers begin another academic year we are reminded of the excitement and vigor they must have as they usher in another year of friendship and fellowship with their brothers.

However, this year is different. This year, our undergraduate brothers have much more to look forward to when they return. Not only is this the year we celebrate our 100th birthday, it’s also the year in which brothers begin to work not only within but also between chapters. A revival of conclaves is on the horizon for the spring semester. Many opportunities exist for new friendships and ideas to pass from chapter to chapter.

True Brother Initiative

Another opportunity for our men is the development of the True Brother Initiative on the chapter level.

Since rolling out the True Brother Initiative over a year ago in Memphis, Tennessee, this values-based approach to brotherhood development is already having positive effects on both undergraduate and alumni brothers. At the international level, where more than 700 brothers have attended our last two summer conferences, as well as the local level, where Master Stewards and ELCs incorporate specific pieces of the initiative into chapter development, the light of Lambda Chi Alpha is burning as bright as ever.

As we enter into another century of Lambda Chi Alpha the entire brotherhood should be excited as we see our values, ideals, and ritual teachings inspire today’s and tomorrow’s leaders in Lambda Chi Alpha and throughout the rest of the world.

An exciting outcome of the True Brother Initiative is our ability to quantify if we are, in fact, developing our brothers along the right path to truly lead, the Lambda Chi Alpha way. Early results from the survey and assessment component of the True Brother Initiative indicates that chapters utilizing all components of the initiative score above the national norm in the developmental maturation related to self-esteem, self-awareness, empathy, altruism, and intimacy.

It is important our undergraduate and alumni brothers understand that the True Brother Initiative is promoting positive growth in the lives of our active brothers. These early outcomes are extremely encouraging and provide the brotherhood with affirmation that we are on a course that truly makes brothers better men.

Centennial Alumni Receptions

Lastly, as has been mentioned before, we will be holding 30 Centennial Celebration receptions across North America. September includes stops in Seattle, Portland, and Toronto, while October consists of visits to Philadelphia, Boston, Denver, Indianapolis, and Dallas.

At each reception a few unique Centennial Celebration touches have been added and will be on display throughout the events. Artifacts will be available for your viewing pleasure, along with three particular pieces that have not left headquarters in over a decade.

You can find out more about the Regional Centennial Celebrations by visiting www.lambdachi.org/regionalcelebrations.aspx or by sending an e-mail to Associate Director of Alumni Relations Dan Hartmann, at dhartmann@lambdachi.org.