Lambda Chi Alpha - Oregon State University

Page 4 AΛ 's 1968 i-Class brothers are rallying to ensure a bright future for ΛXA at Oregon State. Greg Romans '68-807, Mike Driscoll '68- 811, Dennis Zerba '68-812, Dennis Rutledge '68-817, and Doug Hallander '68-819 are working together with brothers from their era to raise awareness of this critical time in the history of ΛXA at Oregon State. As a result of their teamwork, the 1968 i-Class already stands out as a leader in terms of participation rate and dollars pledged to the campaign. Their shared experience, through the college years and beyond, inspires them to help Lambda Chi keep impacting the lives of young men far into our second century. Dennis Zerba provided his perspective on the importance of the Building for Our Second Century campaign: "Our chapter house is no longer an asset but a liability when pitching a safe and fun environment to potential members (and their parents). It can no longer provide an attractive option for students wanting the same great Lambda Chi experience I had." "Right now, we have a strong undergraduate membership, both in numbers and quality," Doug Hallander said. "If we wait until the current house is completely unlivable, the remaining membership likely won't be as strong—resulting in two big problems to correct." The brothers all recognize this problem's significance and are devoted to helping build a new home. That's why they're committed to supporting this campaign through the i-Class competition. "There should be an urgency about moving this project forward." Why It Matters Brother Rutledge recalls his Alpha Lambda housemates as a group of diverse yet like- minded young men. They had a variety of passions and were always up to something interesting—some were in Navy ROTC like him—and they all cared deeply about their studies. "It was comforting to know that, whenever I had a problem with a class, there was a brother across or down the hall who had taken the same class before me," he said. "What a great resource!" Brother Zerba got to know the brothers through a couple of acquaintances from his home in Eastern Oregon, deciding to join and move into the chapter house in the winter term of his freshman year. "With their support, I was able to focus on my academic endeavors and develop a strong sense of what it was like to live with people from diverse backgrounds," he said. "That served me well in my career and life in general." Brother Zerba and his wife, Claudia, made the very first pledge to the Building for Our Second Century campaign; Brother Rutledge and his wife, Sharon (a Lambda Chi Crescent), proudly joined them. Fellow i-Class brothers who've followed suit in the giving challenge include Mike, Greg, and Doug (whose wife Debbie, served as one of the first 'House Girls' for the chapter. Debbie is Dennis Zerba's sister). All of the 1968 donors share a passion and appreciation for Lambda Chi's impact. Greg Romans credits Brother Zerba with helping him find his way in his early career, for example. "I wasn't a top student in high school, and I knew I would need the help of others to learn discipline and do better," Greg said. "The support and guidance from my fraternity brothers, who were all focused on creating successful careers, set the tone for my own success. I hope more young men have that same opportunity." "I've talked with multiple brothers from our class about why it is no longer practical to maintain the existing house—and that there should be an urgency about moving this project forward," Brother Zerba said. How to Move Forward "The success of the campaign will depend on the total number of brothers who chip in some amount," Brother Rutledge said. "Even a small amount from one individual given annually over 10 years can make a huge difference in our total funds for the project. With over 1,300 active alumni, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make sure Lambda Chi Alpha continues to prosper on the Oregon State campus." "The 10-year option makes it easier for younger brothers to participate," Doug added. "If able, those who have made a five-year pledge can also extend that to 10 years, thereby doubling their gift." "It's about helping sustain our tradition by providing a first-class facility—for new and older members to take pride in, and for current and future members to grow in many different ways," Brother Zerba said. "All contributions will help this project become a reality." "The membership growth we've seen in recent years—especially during a pandemic—is astounding," Mike Driscoll said. "A new chapter house to support these members (and further growth) is definitely needed." "The success of the campaign will depend on the total number of brothers who chip in some amount." "When you go out to a great restaurant and have a wonderful dinner, you leave a 'nice' tip—one that you can afford but is a bit larger than an 'OK' tip," Brother Rutledge added. "If everyone gives a 'nice' amount that they can easily handle, I think we will all be blown away by the generosity of our fellow Alpha Lambda brothers." "As I near my final pledge payment, I will be looking to add to my donation," Greg said. Why It's Worth It Brother Rutledge has many close friends from his time in the old chapter house, but he had lost touch with some of his i-Class brothers over the years. Working on the campaign helped reconnect everyone and to meet members from other eras as well. AΛ'S STRENGTH IN NUMBERS 1968 i-Class Rallies for the Future of ΛXA at OSU Sharon and Dennis Rutledge '68-817. Dennis Zerba '68-812 and Greg Romans '68-807.

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