Lambda Chi Alpha - University of Illinois

Chi Zetagram 2 Brotherhood Bonds and Lessons Make Lifetime Impact for Brad Dickson '74 X1009 W hen Brad Dickson '74 X1009 came to the University of Illinois, he was determined to make the most of his college experience. Going through informal recruitment he familiarized himself with the Greek system and made a connection with members of Lambda Chi Alpha. "I am extremely thankful for the bonds I made with the brotherhood. The deep friendships, self-esteem, development, and personal growth that came with the experience have been a foundation for all of my personal and professional life decisions." He has many special memories from his undergraduate experience, but says it's the bonds he created with his brothers that are the most significant. "The culmination of all of those social activities into lifelong friendships, and not just with brothers, but also the young ladies that today are married to a number of our brothers." Brad earned a bachelor's degree in general engineering with a minor in business administration. He later earned an MBA from the University of Southern California in 1996. Brad spent his entire corporate career with Dresser-Rand, a technology company that manufactures and services high-speed rotating equipment for the global oil, gas, and energy infrastructure markets. He is now living his "portfolio life," doing angel investing and working within intense mentorship technology accelerators where he mentors start-up companies and associated activities to help support technology-based economic development in Utah. He also works with a family foundation to support philanthropic activities, and is still with Dresser-Rand as an advisor. "I think the whole experience as a Lambda Chi helped hone my moral compass. Living and doing business around the world and leading a global organization has from time to time tested that moral compass. Integrity, honor, and personal courage are values at the core of Lambda Chi Alpha, and actually made the right decision-making relatively easy for me when confronted with challenging situations. I think, too, that the experience at Chi Zeta helped me work within and lead teams, and that has also helped me in my community activities." One of Brad and his family's passions is volunteering with the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA). "The 2002 Olympics in Park City really sealed our interest. Our involvement in the winter Olympics has truly been a family affair. We have been asked to support the USSA at the upcoming Olympics in Sochi, Russia, in February 2014." Brad says he has been fortunate that no matter where life has taken both he and his Chi Zeta brothers they have always remained close. "Forty years later I can say these same brothers have been my closest friends for life. We have an annual get-together among several of us and our wives. I cherish those friendships and the annual events." To anyone who has lost touch with the chapter or brothers he says, "Once a Lambda Chi, always a Lambda Chi. Reach out to your brothers and you will find that the friendships will pick up where you left off. Everyone has been busy building careers and family, so losing touch is not unique, but reestablishing the friendships can be enriching." Brad and his wife, Janet, live in Park City, Utah, and have a daughter, Kristina, who is also active with the Olympics organization. He said he has been a frustrated athlete his whole life, but enjoys golfing, skiing, and fly-fishing. "It is easy to embrace the outdoor lifestyle that Utah brings, including the winter sports." E-mail: brad@ dicksonmailserver.com Chi Zeta Celebrates Homecoming A n enthusiastic group of 35 Chi Zeta alumni gathered at the chapter house on Saturday, October 26, to celebrate Homecoming. A chilly morning gave way to a bright afternoon as alumni, actives, and associate members feasted on brats and macaroni and cheese prepared by our very own house chef, Brother Jerry Reynolds '46 X823. Brothers came from as far away as Colorado in the west and North Carolina in the east to relive their college days and catch up with old friends and the undergraduate chapter showed tremendous hospitality. High Rho Quintin McGreevey '12 X2005 organized a terrific event where actives met alumni and gave them tours of the house. Brother John Crook '73 X980 put together a slide-show highlighting Chi Zeta as it has changed through the years. It was hard to tell who enjoyed the presentation more, the actives or the alumni. After lunch, Alumni Association President Peter Kale '75 X1020 called the alumni meeting to order and elected an officer slate and the Board of Directors. Overall, the event was a success and the future of Chi Zeta looks bright.

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