Alpha Gamma Rho - University of Minnesota

Lambda: Proud Past — Promising Future To Make Better Men A L P h A g A M M A r h o A T T h e U n i v e r s i T y o F M i n n e s o T A T he year 2014 is already shaping up to be a historic one for Lambda Chapter. In early January we received our certificate of occupancy from the city and the undergraduate members moved in to their beautiful new home later that month. Their reaction to the renovations was great fun to see and they are fully enjoying their new and improved Alpha Gamma Rho home. Please see pages 4 and 5 for a photo spread of what your generous dollars helped build. Or, better yet, come see the renovations for yourself and join us June 21 for our special grand opening event. More details to come! While the house is complete, our work is not done. As described in previous newsletters, the cost of our renovation exceeded what the original bids outlined, and a more realistic project figure is closer to $3.2 million. This means that further fundraising is still necessary to alleviate our debt and to ensure the Chapter is in the best financial position possible. The funds we have raised to date are absolutely impressive. More than 448 generous Brothers have pledged a total of $2,438,747. However, of that amount, we have collected $1,684,642 or 69%. The majority of our Brothers made five-year pledges with payments extending into 2016, but our contractors are asking for their money now. Additionally, our first mortgage payment is August 1 and totals $240,000, not to mention that we have begun making interest payments, the first taking place this February. We raised a significant amount to our tax-deductible fund through the Foundation; however, the amount and frequency from which we can withdraw from the account is controlled by the IRS. Per its The New Lambda Chapter House Is Complete! Our Work Is Not Done—Debt Reduction Efforts Underway stipulations, we may only move funds annually based upon the amount of educational space within the house. So, as you can see, there is still plenty of need for your support. If you have yet to make a one- time gift or five-year pledge to the campaign, please come on board now; it's not too late! If you have already made a pledge, I ask that you consider making an early payment. If you have contributed a one-time gift, I ask that you make that same gift of an equal or greater amount in 2014. Any gifts that can be directed to the non- tax deductible account are greatly appreciated. The campaign board members realize it has been a long road to see our AGR home become a reality. But we cannot lose steam now! None of us want to leave the burden of debt upon the shoulders of our undergraduate members, so please join with me in the effort to reduce our debt today! Fraternally, Neil N. Fruechte '58 Campaign Chairman (507) 384-1454 nfruechte@mchsi.com W e have come a long way in our efforts to secure the Chapter for the future Brothers of Lambda, but we also have a considerable way left to go. I was talking with a Brother and we discussed that the investment needed is roughly $1,000 per Brother for each year we physically lived in the house. Our discussion got me thinking about the interactions I have had with Brothers throughout the years and how it has impacted every aspect of my life, both personally and professionally. Lambda helped shape me into who I am today. Brother Aaron Krause '92 pushed me to try out for mascoting, which was quite an experience both in and out of college. Brother Nick Lilleberg '94 got me my first internship opportunity with BASF where I still work (Continued on page 6) Lambda Changes Lives By Leon Duchene '95

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