Lambda Chi Alpha - University of Alabama

2 Chapter Goals Chapter Goals Reconnect with alumni. Increase the number of brothers in campus organizations. Give back to the community of Tuscaloosa. Mike Perkins, AΦ916 on Personal Development, Fraternal Bonding F rom lifelong friendships to self-confidence and leadership skills, Lambda Chi Alpha provided so much for Mike Perkins, AΦ916 as a young man. Despite a last-minute decision to attend e University of Alabama, Mike quickly discovered the Alpha-Phi Zeta house that felt like home as he grew through Lambda Chi experiences. MEMORIES TO CHERISH "My associate class was very special; many of those brothers are still my closest friends almost 50 years later," Mike said. As a member of Alpha-Phi Zeta's largest associate class at the time, Mike and others enjoyed formals, social events, road trips, national championship Sugar Bowl games, and more. "I am eternally grateful for Alaska native Richie Longoria, AΦ880, who brought me into the LXA brotherhood. I had never met anyone from Alaska, and Richie was one of a kind. Richie passed away a few years ago, but I stay in touch with his wife, Kathleen, and family." Despite no prior leadership experience, Mike served as recruitment chairman and associate member educator, learning what it meant to lead while still having plenty of fun. He also found other executive opportunities on campus as an officer in the School of Communication and becoming a member of the SGA Senate. "I served with leaders from throughout campus and made a lot of great friends who went on to become leaders in business and government. This broadened my horizons and helped me learn about leadership." LAW AND GOVERNANCE Mike utilized his SGA Senate and fraternity experience to become involved in politics after college. Running portions of two Senate campaigns and a governor's race in his early 20s, Mike also worked in the U.S. Senate for more than a year. At the same time, Rick Davis, AΦ937 was working for the White House; Mike and Rick spent time together enjoying Washington life. Rick would later run Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign and serve as director of the McCain Foundation. After his political stint, Mike moved into law to have more control over his career. Mike practiced law and worked in business for 20 years in Pensacola. RANCH YEARS While in Pensacola, Mike's membership on a youth home's board opened his eyes to the need for positive influences for unsupported children. He and his wife, Kim, moved to Big Oak Ranch in Gadsden, Alabama, serving as house parents and raising 18 boys. "I was constantly reminded, 'To much is given, much is expected.'" Mike and Kim provided the love and guidance for the boys over a seven-year span, watching them grow beyond the ranch, including some becoming parents themselves. During those years, Mike brought some of his boys to Alabama football games and the Lambda Chi house to give them a glimpse of college life. Currently residing in Gadsden, Mike enjoys regularly reconnecting with brothers in the area or chatting with others via group text. Decades beyond college, Mike remains grateful for the Lambda Chi bonds that have shaped his life. "I encourage everyone who has had the opportunity to be a part of this special brotherhood to enjoy every minute; squeeze every ounce out of it and don't neglect that very special connection. The payoff is immeasurable." "My years at Lambda Chi were some of the best of my life and helped mold me into the man I am today." You can connect with Mike at mperkins@frontlinehr.com.

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