Lambda Chi Alpha - Indiana University

2 THE ORACLE In the Words of Tony Drake '84 Recognizing One of Our Most Dedicated Volunteers I was interested in Greek life from the time I first arrived on IU's campus, but I did not find a good fit until the second semester of my freshman year. My friend, Scott Behrens '84, had associated with Lambda Chi, and I accompanied him to learn more. I was amazed by the vast differences I saw in the membership! It was not a cookie-cutter house but instead a group of unique men from diverse backgrounds. As an undergraduate, I served as house manager for two years. (If you cared to look, my AO is scattered inside the walls of the house from the many remodeling projects we did.) When you have an amazing experience like I had, you can see the potential of what the current membership can and should be. Finding the house in disrepair when I visited for the 2009 Homecoming celebration spurred me to seek out ways to give back. And of course, I must credit Bob Disinger '83 for roping me into the fray! I volunteered as a member of the House Corporation from 2010 to 2019. As a team, we were able to make Lambda Chi relevant again on campus. We increased membership from 65 to 175 and the GPA from 2.9 to 3.5. I told the membership if they could hit a 3.5 GPA, I would build a full basketball court. Of course, they made quick work of that goal, and I followed through on my promise. "I learned so much from the undergraduate members while serving on the Housing Corporation. They taught me more than I taught them." We put $300,000 into house renovations over eight years, most of which was generated internally. We improved the kitchen and food service by prioritizing the hiring of quality staff, and our relations with IU improved dramatically as we worked with them to achieve common objectives. We became a model for rejuvenating a house on campus. All of this would not have happened without the hard work of alumni volunteers and excellent student leadership. But the work is not done! The current members need our help to make the house a better place. The officers need (and want!) guidance from mentors who have served in leadership roles before. If you're able to help, I encourage you to get involved in whatever way you can. After spending my early years learning the family business in Indiana, I earned a bachelor's degree in finance, and Cargill hired me right out of college to trade commodities in the agricultural space. After 22 years on the trading floors of Chicago and then New York City, I left to form my own execution/research/value-added firm. I sold that business in 2015 and semi-retired. My wife, Cathy, and I moved to Boise, Idaho, in 2019. We were ready for something new, and the West was calling our name! I am still working on a limited basis, but most of my time is spent volunteering with my church, the Boise Public School system, and the University of Idaho where I mentor students through a trading program. My two sons were both married in the past year, so we have added amazing daughters to the family as well. If you'd like to reconnect and talk Lambda Chi, you can reach me at tdrake1219@gmail.com. AAB INTRODUCES: Tony Drake Award Congratulations to the Inaugural Recipient T he AAB honored brother Tony Drake '87 for his years of dedicated service by creating an annual award in his name. This prestigious award is presented to a live-in undergraduate who embodies the principles of duty and loyalty that Tony exemplified in his tireless work for the Chapter and AO Housing Corporation. The award qualifications were crafted by Andrew Schmidt '13 and AAB member Emily Elswick, IU Gamma Phi Beta '96, who drew upon the outstanding qualities Tony exemplified as a brother. We are pleased to announce that Ethan Myers '25 is the inaugural recipient of this esteemed award, which includes $500 applied toward live-in expenses! As a junior, Ethan plays a crucial role in monitoring house maintenance issues, performing necessary repairs, and promptly notifying the House Corporation of any required work. Over the summer, Ethan led the installation of new window air conditioners in every room and ensured that rooms were prepared for carpeting and painting. He serves as HC's primary point of contact for information and support at the house. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ethan on this well-deserved honor! Ethan Myers '25 graciously receives the first Tony Drake Award.

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