Lambda Chi Alpha - University of Alabama

2 Lambda Chi Alpha LAMBDA CHI LEADERS The Chapter is stronger than ever. Currently, 35% of our brothers are members of the Honors College, including three University Fellows and five National Merit finalists. We have nine brothers involved with the Student Government Association, including the current vice president of financial affairs. HARD WORK PAYS OFF We have also worked hard in the classroom. Alpha-Phi Zeta started a brotherhood study program, pairing up brothers with similar majors and classes to help and push each other to earn the best grades we can. Additionally, we were graded on academic excellence, campus involvement, and many other categories and ranked in the top 30% of campus organizations. As a result, we earned seats toward the front of the block seating section for all home games to reward us for all of our hard work. We are all very proud of how this Chapter has come together to become one of the best brotherhoods on campus. We look forward to keeping this tradition of excellence going. In Z.A.X., Robert Waller, AF1677 High Alpha rewaller@crimson.ua.edu Michael Anastasia, AF1695, Patrick Healy, AF1705, John Ferguson, AF1708, Callum Poole, AF1723, Tomas Rubio, AF1724, John Hettrick, AF1706, Keith Wagner, AF1719, and Blake Brannan, AF1699, traveled to Aspen, Colorado, for spring break this year. Alpha-Phi Zeta Boasts Big Numbers in Recruitment and Academics (Continued from page 1) Life Lessons from Lambda Chi Zach Lee, AF1357, Maintains Fraternal Bonds and Pride Z ach Lee, AF1357, took a lot away from his experience as a Lambda Chi. Lessons on leadership, management, event planning, budgeting, fundraising, dealing with stress, and personal tragedy collected through the years ultimately led him down the path he's on today. Zach had no idea what was to come from his Alpha-Phi Zeta membership, but what transpired was more than he could have ever asked for. Zach was encouraged by numerous Alabama alumni to explore Greek life and, more specifically, Lambda Chi Alpha. The summer before his freshman year, he was approached by Recruitment Chairmen Joseph Puckett, AF1340, and Jay Hedgspeth, AF1337. He got to know them over the summer, yet the most meaningful act for Zach was when they took the time to visit him in Gadsden, Alabama. It showed a lot and that they were truly interested in him joining the brotherhood. Zach's big brother in LCA was Forrest Bailey, AF1339, another Gadsden resident. The men of Alpha-Phi Zeta made Zach feel very welcome, and through those connections they became great friends. "I am very proud to have been a Lambda Chi at UA," said Zach. "If it hadn't been for the friendships, experiences, and connections I gained as an undergraduate, I wouldn't be where I am today." Zach is the director of local government affairs for the Governor of Alabama, Robert Bentley. He serves as liaison to cities, counties, and regional governments in the state of Alabama. "Serving as campaign manager for Governor Bentley's re-election in 2014 has been the highlight of my career so far. We won the Republican primary with 89% of the vote and the general election with 63%." Through the years, Lambda Chi has become prominent in Zach's career through one channel or another. "Somehow, the Bentley Administration and campaigns have had several interns who were Lambda Chis at Alabama. Taylor Vice, AF1376, and Wesley Helton, AF1379, were two men I helped recruit when I was recruitment chairman. They worked on the first gubernatorial campaign and also served on the Governor's staff. "In the Alabama Legislature, we have several Lambda Chi alumni, not only from UA, but from Samford and Auburn as well, who serve in some powerful leadership positions. One of my best friends, Will Califf, Iota-Phi 820, is the communications director for the president pro tempore of the Senate. There are also several lobbyists, like Mike Ermert, AF1004, who was House Corporation president when I was president of the active Chapter. There's also cabinet member Tom Surtees, AF764, who has become a great friend and mentor. Where I'm going with this is that two of our core values in the Fraternity are service and sacrifice. It may sound cheesy, but working in government truly is service, and I see those values in our brothers and my friends who I work with every day. Government and politics have always had a bad rap, and most if it is deserved, but there are good folks that really care about others and want to make Alabama a better place." Zach and his wife, Kelley (a 2007 Lambda Chi Crescent Girl), live in Montgomery, Alabama. In his free time, Zach enjoys hiking, fly fishing, going to concerts, and cheering on the Tide. You can contact him at zlee025@gmail.com. "If it hadn't been for the friendships, experiences, and connections I gained as an undergraduate, I wouldn't be where I am today."

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