Lambda Chi Alpha - Oklahoma State University

PAGE 4 W illie Baker AH872 was invited to the Alpha Eta Chapter House during open recruitment by a couple of high school buddies who were then pledges. There, he met Linn Welch AH823 the Chapter's rush chairman, who sealed the deal for him at the Coachman. "I felt very fortunate to pledge Lambda Chi Alpha," Willie said. "I thought it was a great fit for me with a few familiar faces and a bunch of guys who were all down-to- earth." Willie learned a great deal as a pledge about getting along with others and working together as a team. He also realized that, to make things work, he had to be disciplined to get everything done properly, including classwork and Chapter activities. As an active member, Willie always enjoyed rush recruitment week. One year, he served Alpha Eta as summer rush chairman, where he had the privilege of representing the Chapter as he traveled across Oklahoma meeting many potential new members and their families. He also served a term as social chairman. Initiation week was always a highlight as well, and he particularly recalls the special meal on Friday nights. "The Friday night meal was courtesy of the greatest cook and confidant ever—our dear beloved Thelma!" Even as an alumnus, Willie has remained active in the brotherhood. "The relationships that were forged during my four years of living in the house have lasted a lifetime," Willie said. "I have been able to maintain a close relationship with many of my brothers and some I have contact with on a weekly basis. We were all proud to be Lambda Chis, and that made us want to share our experience with others." He has served on the House Corporation for 30 of the last 40 years, keeping him connected with his fellow alumni and the active Chapter. He was also the Chapter advisor for Alpha Eta for eight years, a position he describes as both inspirational and challenging. "Attending executive committee meetings on Sunday night was always interesting," Willie said. "It seems like there was always someone there who was really pushing the envelope." When asked why he chose to support the Riding for the Brand: 100 Years, Pride- Loyalty-Brotherhood capital campaign, Willie simply said: "We needed a new house when I pledged in 1965—enough said!" As for how he might encourage others to get involved, Willie wants everyone to think about what they gained from their fraternity days. "We need to make it possible for others to have as good, if not a better, experience than we had," Willie said. "A new house is something we all dreamed about for the last 50 years. When this opportunity arose, I felt there was no question about being involved; I only questioned how much I could do." Outside of his involvement with Alpha Eta, Willie is an attorney in private practice in Stillwater. "I was leaning toward law for a long time," Willie said. "When my roommate, Bill Sayers AH859, signed up for law school, that helped make up my mind." He also served in leadership positions with the Oklahoma Bar Association, serving as President in 1997, as well as sitting on numerous boards and committees in the Stillwater community. Willie can be reached at williebaker@biclawfirm.com. A BROTHER SINCE 1965 Willie Baker AH872 Outlines His Lifetime Commitment to Lambda Chi Alpha "I was, and remain to this day, very proud to be a Lambda Chi. I realize that I was fortunate to have the opportunity to join because some members cared enough to ask me to visit the house and talk to the rush chairman. I had a fantastic Big Brother, Roger Maxwell AH774, who is still a very close friend, and I have quite a few other brothers that I count as best friends as well. I would be remiss if I did not mention the gratitude I have for Darton Zink AH1400 and the leadership he has provided in revitalizing our alumni organization and getting us on the right path financially. And then there is Steve Holton AH910, who has ramrodded the giving campaign and done an incredible job! A huge thanks to all those who have contributed as well."

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