Lambda Chi Alpha - Oklahoma State University

lambda chi alpha alpha eta alumni association SPRING 2021 EDITION ALPHA ETA NEWSLETTER oklahoma state university I must admit that Animal House is one of my all-time favorite movies. However, this is not the image that any fraternity wants. Sadly, even today when a fraternity is in the news, it is usually linked to alcohol-fueled behaviors. Thankfully, this is beginning to change. There is a Forbes article by Brandon Busteed entitled, "From Beers to Careers: The New Value Proposition of Fraternity." I want to share a few observations and facts from the article. Busteed shares that "historically, like higher education enrollment, fraternity enrollment has grown during soft economic times. Something about the value proposition of fraternity during tough economic times resonates. Research suggests that membership in a fraternity increases the likelihood of graduates both feeling more prepared for life after college and more engaged in their work later." At the national level, several fraternities, including Lambda Chi Alpha, are beginning to focus on career, work preparation, and job outcomes. At a time when students and parents are questioning the value of higher education, it is great to see fraternities taking the lead to add actual value to the experience. Lambda Chi Alpha has launched an intensive training program for officers that yields certificates aligned with their roles in leadership, finance, recruitment, and development. The goal is to have officers leave with both the leadership experience and a credential on their résumés. When we think of work-readiness support, we must include the valuable alumni network and the connections made through fraternity involvement that help members get jobs. Alpha Eta has taken the lead. Two years ago, David Reynolds AH1367 began hosting a meeting for seniors with each making a presentation on their majors and work experiences to Alpha Eta alumni. As we look back on our Alpha Eta experience, 165 brothers can take great pride in having helped provide a facility that makes it possible for us to recruit the best. To share the fraternity experience with top performing brothers and involved alumni creates the opportunity for connections that will last a lifetime. You need to join that elite group! In closing, I remind you that even though we have commitments of more than $4 million, we need to raise another $500,000. It's as easy as writing a check, so consider making that first- time gift or increasing your original pledge. A donation of appreciated stock might be timely for you. Please, keep supporting Alpha Eta as we work to retire the debt on our beautiful new home. Your support, in turn, also helps us positively impact the lives of our brothers for generations to come. In Z.A.X., Steve Holton AH910 Campaign Chairman steve@cnbpoteau.com A Timely Change in Priorities Good News Supporting Greek Life J ust last summer, Dr. Gary Pike, a prominent researcher from Indiana University, found that fraternity and sorority members benefit both inside and outside of the classroom from their involvement. The study confirmed: Membership in a fraternity or sorority improves the learning gains students make in the classroom, and our members are more academically engaged than their peers. Fraternity and sorority members are more involved in campus activities than other students, and our organizations promote both personal development and the satisfaction they have in their college experience. As our organizations seek to enhance inclusivity, our members actually report higher levels—than non-affiliated students—of interaction with people different from themselves. And, these benefits are even greater for first-year students, as they join our organizations and find community and belonging. This leads to stronger retention and higher graduation rates among Greek students than their peers. Some of Alpha Eta's seniors excited to become alumni.

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