Lambda Chi Alpha - University of Illinois

Chi Zetagram 4 B uilding a strong future for our fraternity at Illinois, from dealing with recent challenges to the critical chapter house replacement project underway, would not be possible without the unwavering support of many parties. Brother Joe Pawlak '83 X1181, is one such alumnus whose support and guidance are helping us to rise to new heights. When Joe went through recruitment, he was looking to join for a fraternity "that would provide me with the opportunity to advance my educational goals, while offering me the environment to grow socially and mature as a person." And he found that, and much more, in membership of Lambda Chi Alpha. "I was very proud to be a Lambda Chi," Joe said. "We were a very large chapter in terms of membership on campus, and we couldn't be pegged as part of a particular group. Rather, we were a diverse collection of guys that for one reason or another, just got along with each other, were proud of accomplishments of our members, always helped one another out, and truly cared for each other's well-being." Some of Joe's fondest memories from his college days are those spend relaxing with brothers in the tube room. "Also, going to the Rose Bowl and meeting a bunch of brothers in sunny Southern California in January is on my top 5 events of all time, even though UCLA creamed Illinois in the game," he said. As a director on the alumni board and member of the campaign board, Joe is invested in the future of Lambda Chi. "Although the chapter has been through a real challenge recently, it evolved into probably our most shining moment. Alumni, active members, parents, and the national fraternity, all banded together to do whatever was necessary. Very tough decisions were made, and everyone involved stood by those decisions. I think the chapter is stronger as a result, and the alumni and active chapter are very much aligned in our goals and future plans." e all-class reunion in September confirmed Joe's faith by the amount of participation across generations. "I was quite impressed and pleased by the amount of time alumni spent at the chapter house during the weekend, touring the house, and getting a first-hand understanding of why new construction is necessary, along with meeting the active brothers," he said. "Although we hadn't yet gotten the beneficial resolution, there was unshaken confidence and support among alumni that the board and active chapter are doing everything we can, and should come out stronger in the end." rough recent events, Joe has had close contact with the active members, and remains confident that these men are returning pride to Chi Zeta. "I can say with all certainty that the core members of the fraternity that remain aer the membership review are some of the finest young men that I have ever had the pleasure of being associated with, and I stand by them 100%." Joe holds a BS in microbiology/biochemistry from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Loyola University in Chicago. He is senior vice president at Technomic Inc., a research and consulting firm specializing in marketing and strategies in the food industry. Learning from the opportunities his Lambda Chi brothers were pursuing impacted Joe's career path. "Even though you enter college with you mind set on a certain path, learning what other members' paths were, and how they were reaching those goals opened my mind to new possibilities," he said. Joe and his wife, Jamie, live in Chicago. Joe enjoys spending time with his Lambda Chi brothers, and a group of them have had a fantasy football league since 1990. "ese guys are truly my brothers as we participate in family events, vacations, and sporting events together," he said. Joe also enjoys reading U.S. military history and is an avid sports fan of the Fighting Illini, Chicago Bears, Blackhawks and White Sox. You can contact him at illinijoe@yahoo.com. Joe Pawlak '83 Believes the Future Is Bright for Chi Zeta LIFETIME OF TRUE BROTHERHOOD L ifelong friendships are among the many benefits of being a Lambda Chi, and perhaps the best. We have been amazed to learn how many of our brothers gather long aer graduation to enjoy these lifetime bonds. Big groups, small ones, recurring events and one-timers—all in celebration of lasting friendship and enduring brotherhood. We are starting a new feature to share these gatherings with our brothers, so we can all join in, and we need your help! Send us a picture from your last group outing and be sure to capture those in the future to share with us. Let us know something about your event and identify all brothers in the picture. E-mail your best pictures and information to John Crook '72 X980 at john@crookmail.com. It's that easy! We hope you enjoy celebrating our Lifetime of True Brotherhood. Top photo: e 36th annual Savoy Invitational was held in June in Door County, WI. Begun on the UI Blue course in Savoy, the event enjoys a new venue each year around the country and beyond. Brothers Dale Miller '73 X985, Kim Kardas '74 X997, Pete Loughlin '73 X987, Joe Karacic '72 X978, John Crook '72 X980, Paul Witkay '72 X992, Dave Valcik '75 X1017 and Brad Dickson '74 X1009 and wives enjoyed the pubs of Green Bay, then relaxed with windmill golf, go-cart racing, off-road Segway tours, food, wine and enduring friendship. Plans are already underway for 2015! Bottom photo: e Quad City Raers first hit the rapids in 1976 and they're still at it, sort of. is year's redux was in the desert and Brother Grey's pool substituted for a cold stream, but as you can see the libations were cold! From le, Pete Kale '75 X1020, Mike Lembke '74 X1000, Tom Mais '74 X1007, Glenn Gray '75 X1016, John Peck '75 X1030 and Matt Murphy, '75 X1028 were joined by Rob Kennedy '75 X1012 and are looking forward to their next adventure. Chi Zeta Brothers enjoy celebrating the 50th at the Wynn in Las Vegas. From the front row (L-R): Tyler Prince '86 X1282, Joe Pawlak '83 X1181, Al Lebow '81 X1129 and Bryan Gallagher '84 X1202. Back row: Matt Jones '84 X1199, Bryce Kristo '83 X1175, Ted Moody '86 X1263, Chris Gary '85 X1225, Paul Veith '85 X1222, Mike Madonia '82 X1164, and Maury Jones '85 X1242. Not pictured: Brian Polich '82 X1170, Mike Finn '81 X1130, Eric Mennel '84 X1207, Scott Mizen '85 X1233, and Joe Nolan '83 X1178.

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