Lambda Chi Alpha - North Carolina State University

Lambda Chi Alpha | Gamma Upsilon Chapter North Carolina State University | Summer 2015 BUZ GUZ S ince 2011, Lambda Chi Alpha has been working hard to make a successful return to the North Carolina State University campus. In only a short period of time, our young Chapter has not only reestablished itself, but now holds a significant place in the Greek community. So it is our honor and privilege to announce the next step in our commitment to excellence at Gamma Upsilon— the LXA: A Legacy of Excellence Continues campaign. The Gamma Upsilon Zeta House Corporation and Alumni Association have been working diligently on a fundraising and housing plan to position our strong, young Chapter for even greater success in the future. In the last year alone, Gamma Upsilon earned the Fraternity of the Year award at NC State, received the highest level of distinction for IFC standards, and added 46 new members to the brotherhood—a huge feat. With an active membership dedicated to excellence and maintaining our history, we have a responsibility to provide a safe and sound structure for them to live in and thrive during their years as undergraduates. The new Greek Village will offer our members a traditional Greek environment, conducive to fraternal bonding, and will set us up for success for the next 100 years. This project has gained tremendous support from students, alumni, University employees, and the Raleigh community, and we are excited to be a part of it. It is a tactical plan that is necessary for the success of our Chapter. Through a careful evaluation of our alumni and project goals, we have set a goal of raising $2.5 million to construct the new Chapter House. Our goal is to raise this money in advance of construction's commencement to reduce our need for bridge loan financing and reduce the debt loan on the Chapter. In the following pages, you will see the names of men who have made early commitments to this project. Still more brothers are planning to lend in-kind support with their professional expertise in construction, engineering, and design. The average alumni participation rate among Lambda Chi Alpha at North Carolina State University Announces $2.5 Million Campaign to Build New Chapter House $1,075,000 Already Committed by Loyal Alumni Look out for more details on this project, including floorplans, coming soon! M ike E. Penland, GU 781, wanted to join a fraternity for the same reasons that many other college freshmen join: he was looking for a place to meet people and make new friends. "I think I came along with the Chapter at a time when it was at its apex. It was an extraordinary group of guys that was very well thought of, both on and off campus. While I may not have realized it at the time, my experiences and time with the fellas of Lambda Chi Alpha shaped a lot of who I am today. During my time on Fraternity Court, I not only had a blast, but I learned some valuable life lessons including how to meet new people, budget priorities, and act and react in various social environments. Mike strongly believes that his undergraduate experience was such a positive one because he and the other brothers of the Chapter were standing on the shoulders of the men who had come before them. Thus, his current desire—to give the men of the Chapter today, and all future members, the same opportunities he had. Opportunities to not only celebrate great times and to create lasting memories, but also opportunities to find a home away from home, to make new friends, and to gain and nurture the good character traits that all alumni hope young men will develop. "I think that we have an absolute commitment to help those who have and will come after us." Shortly after graduation, Mike began a career in real estate development. Mike is a founding principal of Keenan Development Associates, headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. With a portfolio representing over $1 billion Building on the Success of Brothers Who Came Before Us Why Mike E. Penland, GU 781, Encourages Alumni Support (Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 2)

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