Lambda Chi Alpha - University of Illinois

Fall 2018 Newsletter

Chi Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha at the University of Illinois

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Chi Zetagram 2 I had the privilege of attending the Lambda Chi Alpha General Assembly at Sawgrass in Florida, and there I met your chapter's High Pi, Steve Parsons ΦΒ341. He is as impressive a brother as anyone I have ever met. I was particularly pleased to be able to attend Saturday's awards luncheon, where Steve was bestowed the Fraternity's Order of Merit. We had a lengthy conversation about his thorough knowledge of our Ritual, and the importance of lifelong friendships that develop as Brothers in the Bond. Chi Zeta should be very proud of our good brother, Steve Parsons. In ZAX, Gregory A. Castanias, Wabash College '87 Grand High Pi, Lambda Chi Alpha Int'l CONGRATULATIONS, STEVE PARSONS ΦΒ341 Chapter Advisor Order of Merit Recipient Steve accepts his Order of Merit award. Steve Parsons ΦΒ341 (center) with High Alpha Matt Rowley '17 X2156 and High Iota Samit Sinha '17 X2182. Update on Recent Sanctions and Chi Zeta Response Y ou recently received a letter from your Alumni Association discussing charges of chapter hazing activities last spring, and the actions of Chi Zeta, the chapter alumni board, and Lambda Chi International to address them. As discussed with our visiting brothers at the board meeting this Homecoming weekend, much progress has occurred since the letter was written, and we want to keep you informed. As required by ΛΧΑ International, we have established an Alumni Control Board (ACB) to oversee operation of the chapter during the probation. Eight alumni volunteers of the ACB then interviewed each member of the chapter about the past incidents and the member's focus on the core values of Lambda Chi. Four active members and one associate member declined to participate and resigned voluntarily, resulting in 53 interviews. No additional members were expelled by the ACB after the interviews. Beneficially, your ACB members were very impressed by the character and dedication revealed by the undergraduate brothers we met with, who as a group have committed to moving Chi Zeta forward in the best direction and addressing what had been a climate of apathy with some members. We perceived no culture of disrespect or abuse in the chapter, notwithstanding the immature errors of a few men last spring (both in connection with the event and with failures to respond to the Dean's office as requested). All members have committed to supporting the important educational activities this coming year, with highly topical seminars on sexual assault, alcohol abuse, and other topics critical to a young man's growth and development. The commitment of our actives is shown by their strong support for values-based recruitment, resulting in a new AM class of 33, the largest fall class on campus. Several have expressed interest in the opportunity to lead the chapter as officers, and to otherwise support the important philanthropic and public service goals of Chi Zeta on campus. There is a renewed interest in intramurals and other athletic events to help build an even stronger brotherhood. Many also discussed a deeper focus on their study habits and goals. There is still a road ahead to put the past mistakes behind us with the right foundation for growth. ACB volunteers will be advising and working with each chapter officer over the next several months. The University will also be holding a hearing in the coming weeks, and we cannot predict that outcome. We can, however, guide our young brothers to accept responsibility and to improve and grow from the experience, and your ACB members are doing just that. Please join us in sincerely thanking those brothers who, along with Pete Kale '75 X1018, Dave Dutton '87 X1288, and High Pi Steve Parsons ΦΒ341, have committed their time as ACB members to support Chi Zeta and our future at Illinois. In ZAX, Alumni Association, Chi Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha

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