Chi Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha at the University of Illinois
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1463465
Chi Zetagram W hen students start their college career, they often look for that place or group to fit in—one where they'll make lifelong friendships, learn new skills and values, and have somewhere to call home during the tough four years. For Brian Nicolls '13 X2031, it came down to the people at Lambda Chi Alpha. "I didn't go into college thinking that I would join a fraternity at all, but once I started coming around to the house and meeting the guys who were already a part of the fraternity and who were going to be a part of my recruitment class, it was the best place for me," Brian said. Chi Zeta impacted Brian's life during and after college by boosting his social life and networking opportunities. "I can tell that many of the people I met and hung out with at Lambda Chi will end up being some of my lifelong friends," Brian said. "Beyond that, they've also expanded my network outside of my major in college into different industries, backgrounds, and university networks since we've graduated." Brian fondly remembers connecting with his brothers during Crank Week and philanthropy events. "Despite some of the unruliness that Crank Week generally caused, it was always a great series of brotherhood events that really brought the entire house together for a fun week of events and camaraderie," he shared. In his personal life, Brian is a project manager and geotechnical engineer at Stantec; he enjoys it and how it has benefited his career. "Stantec has opened a lot of doors for me and allowed me to develop my career how I want, through either the projects I want to work on or the responsibilities I take on, whether that's being the technical lead on projects, project management, or business development," Brian said. Brian is excited to continue his education and started pursuing his MBA at Kellogg University in the fall through the evening and weekend program. "It has been a great experience for me so far, and I think it'll really help my career continue to grow as I diversify my skill set to focus on the business side of consulting," he said. Brian married Colleen, an Illinois alumna, on August 21 in Chicago. In his free time, he loves being a part of Chicago's Touch Rugby Club. He also enjoys staying active by participating in a variety of recreational sports, including softball, beach volleyball, soccer, and kickball. Brian wishes his Lambda Chi Alpha family a happy new year. "I hope that everyone and their families are staying safe and healthy during the ongoing pandemic!" Connect with him at brian.nicolls@gmail.com to let him know how you're doing. C hi Zeta needs your help spotlighting brothers in future issues of our alumni newsletter. Do you know a U of I Lambda Chi who's making a difference in the world during the coronavirus pandemic? Are you one of them? We want to hear from you! Tell us stories about healthcare heroes, men handling crisis management, brothers who are involved with nonprofit or volunteer organizations that are community lifelines—any brothers with purpose whom we should feature in a future Chi Zeta Chapter publication. Let's shine some light on our courageous brothers. If you have a suggestion, please contact our communications coordinator, Riley Kimsey, at rkimsey@penningtonco.com with "Chi Zeta Spotlight" in the subject line. Thank you for staying connected with Chi Zeta. We appreciate your support and are excited for your input on who we should feature! Brian Nicolls '13 X2031 and Colleen at their Chicago wedding in August. Brian and Colleen. Lifelong Friends and Networking Opportunities Brian Nicolls '13 X2031 Reflects on Lambda Chi Alpha's Impact on His Life Help Us Highlight Our ΛXA Brothers D o you have any photos to share from your undergraduate years? We'd love to feature them in a Chi Zeta newsletter! Send us your pictures with ΛXA brothers and they might appear in our next publication. Image submissions can be sent to our communications coordinator at rkimsey@penningtonco.com. Please include "LXA IL Photos" in the subject line. We appreciate participation from alumni brothers and can't wait to see the memories you share with us. Send Us Your XA Photos!