Chi Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha at the University of Illinois
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1319455
3 Chi Zetagram Getting to Know Justin Zylberman '12 X2018 Volunteer role: Marketing/Advertising Chairman Favorite Chi Zeta memory: While there are countless memories from my years at LXA, nothing will ever stand out quite like I-Week, culminating in the final initiation ceremonies. Over this process, the bonds and friendships formed with my classmates have lasted for years and are the roots of everything else that I was able to enjoy and accomplish as a member of LXA. Favorite Chi Zeta or Illinois event: Watermelon Bust Favorite spot in Champaign: Joe's Favorite hobby: Participating in numerous sports leagues, most notably soball Favorite TV show: Castle Favorite movie: e Replacements Favorite food: Lasagna Favorite vacation spot: Zurich Favorite sports team: Oakland A's I t goes without saying that there haven't been many positive things to take away from the pandemic. However, one benefit some brothers have found from their unexpected extra time at home has been looking back through old photos and other belongings that remind us of great times long ago. I don't know about you, but it never gets old going through my Lambda Chi memorabilia and reflecting on some of the best memories of my life. Before we knew exactly how serious the pandemic was, I received an email in March from Mike Schoenner, son of the late Ernst William Schoenner '43 X511, who passed away in 2017. Mike was going through some of his father's belongings and found a 78 rpm record of the Lambda Chi Alpha Chorus of the University of Illinois. e record featured "Sweetheart of Lambda Chi" on side A and "Andalusia" on side B. Brother Schoenner was a part of Chi Zeta's greatest generation and remained involved with the fraternity following graduation. Hearing stories like that from Mike are yet a reminder of how much Lambda Chi has meant to great brothers like Ernst. Aer Mike reached out to me, I went through some Chi Zeta archives to see what all I could find that included his father. I was delighted to come across an excerpt from the 1943 Illio yearbook that included Ernst as part of Chi Zeta's freshman class. I also found photos of him in the 1948 and 1949 editions of the Illio. When I reached back out to Mike to let him know what I found, he gave me a quick rundown of his father's successful life. Ernst grew up in Chicago and attended Schurz High School before attending UIUC. In the middle of his time at Illinois, Ernst joined the Marines and ended up in Okinawa. Aer World War II, Ernst returned to Champaign to complete his degree in electrical engineering. A year later, Ernst got married (Mike still had the list of wedding invites, and several Lambda Chis were in attendance). Ernst spent his entire career at General Electric. He eventually became the director of marketing of Large Lamps at NELA Park, GE's U.S. headquarters for lamps. In retirement, Ernst resided in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. He lived there until he passed away a few days aer his 93rd birthday, following a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's. Interestingly enough, I also spent my career as an electrical engineer. I'm proud to have followed in the footsteps of a brother who was committed to leading with loyalty and purpose. Lambda Chi is the special fraternity it is today because of brothers like Ernst. Fraternally, John Crook '72 X980 A Look Back on a Lambda Chi Legend Remembering Ernst William Schoenherr '43 X511 Welcome to the Alumni Board!