Lambda Chi Alpha - University of Oklahoma

Lambda Chi aLpha pagE 4 former ambassador gives back to LCA I t was the combination of maturity, focus, and fun that drew James Jones, GR 490, into Lambda Chi Alpha as he started college. Though working his way through school and pursuing a double major, service to the fraternity became an important part of his experience. As recruitment chairman and then High Alpha, James traveled Oklahoma meeting high school graduates and promoting Lambda Chi. His tenure included finishing half of the Chapter House, doubling the number of brothers who could live in the house. "I felt a bit like a coach, proud of our team as I watched them grow. It was an expensive proposition to finish the house, but I had faith that we would continue to grow and so I decided to get all of the approvals to borrow the money to complete the work. It paid off with an even better Chapter going forward." Today, James is chairman of ManattJones Global Strategies, a business problem-solving firm assisting U.S.-based companies in foreign markets, but his experiences in both public service and business have built the foundation for where he stands. In public service, he served at the White House as President Lyndon Johnson's last chief of staff; as a member of Congress for 14 years; and as U.S. ambassador to Mexico. In business, his resume includes CEO of the American Stock Exchange in New York; president of Warnaco International, a fashion company in New York; partner in a law firm; and co-founder of a private equity firm and a software company. While in the midst of these rich experiences, James continues to draw from his own history, including his time in Lambda Chi. "A life lived to the fullest is a series of giving back for the advantages you have been given. I was a relatively poor kid from Muskogee who grew considerably by the help of brothers both contemporary as well as those who preceded me. It is important that Gamma Rho be able to offer those advantages to brothers in the future. Part of that is to provide a physical living experience that continues to attract the best of those studying at OU. Now it is my turn to give back to help make that happen." James lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife, Olivia. They have two sons, Geoffrey and Adam. I n his 28th year at OU, Matt Hamilton, GR 1168, has some perspective on the value of a college experience. Having dedicated nearly three decades to higher education, Matt's experiences have run the gamut from recruitment to financial aid to working with alumni. Now, from his seat as registrar and vice president of enrollment and student financial services, he can reflect on not only the cost of a college education, but also the true worth of those four years. "I came to OU from a small town in Oklahoma, wearing a clip-on tie through recruitment. Lambda Chi was absolutely a foundational experience for me and I learned a lot about being a professional. I discovered how relationships could work, and through my experiences at 904 College, I also became more tolerant about others beliefs and choices. You didn't have to give up any foundational value of who you were in order to be a part of this fraternity, and I realized the blessing in being part of an organization with a diversity of individuals." Remembering back to those days in the house, Matt recalls the physical structure where his memories were made. The small renovations and improvements that were made gave the members a great sense of pride, but there were still maintenance issues to be addressed. "Although more recent, I do remember a few years ago when the dining room ceiling collapsed on Ambassador James Jones, GR 490, while he addressed the active membership. Thankfully no one was injured and the ambassador was in good spirits about the situation. "It was an old house even when I was an undergrad and there were times when we, as young idealistic fraternity brothers, said things like 'when I'm an alum, I'm going to make a difference for this house.' My hope is that individuals will remember those times when we wished we could do something and recognize that this is the chance for us as alumni to do more." "There are three historic building projects in 904 College's history (four if you count the Struffolino "Memorial" Basketball Complex). In the past there was the building of the new house and then adding a new wing. This is obviously a more costly project than those other two combined, and we have our opportunity right now with this third monumental moment. I want to do something for our active fraternity brothers who are trying to further the influence of Lambda Chi Alpha. There were outstanding young men in the fraternity back in my day and there are outstanding young men in the fraternity today. Now is the time to make a difference!" Matt and his wife, Joni, have four children: Luke (12), Jack (9), Anna (8), and Rachel (4). They keep busy with homeschooling and the kids' sports teams, but Matt still enjoys a game of ping pong and would be happy for a rematch against Mike Struffolino, GR 1117. Matt can be reached at mhamilton@ou.edu. At Lon Kruger's basketball camp. aLumni doing more

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