Gamma Kappa of Lambda Chi Alpha at the University of Missouri
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/709722
W hen Brian Smith '75 thinks about Lambda Chi Alpha, many fond memories come to mind. Whether it was a spontaneous activity with brothers or a relaxing Friday afternoon on the front lawn, the chapter house was a central place for those memories. Being in the Fraternity was one of the best times of Brian's life, and he is hopeful the current undergraduates have similar experiences. "I am very impressed with the young men that are active today, but not so much with the physical structure," Brian says. "I believe a new house will help maintain the quality of young men that are active Lamb- da Chis today." As vice president of the house corporation and a member of the Gam- ma Kappa Campaign Board, Brian knows Securing the Legacy of Gamma Kappa: Building for the Next 100 Years will propel the chapter forward. "I believe all alumni should support the project," Brian says. "I would hope if one is unable to give money, they will give encouragement. This project is a way for many alumni to reconnect with each other and the young men that are attending MU and running the chapter house." Gamma Kappa played a huge role in developing his career, as John Mawdsley '75 helped him get his first job following graduation. The Fraternity has also been important to his personal life. He met his wife of 35 years, Susan, on the front porch of the annex during sorority re- cruitment, and his son, Nick Smith '10, was able to carry on Brian's legacy as a Gamma Kappa. "Seeing Nick being initiated was a powerful experience," Brian says. "The Fraternity and what it stands for is very important and that's why I am Brian Smith '75 Is Confident in the Future of Lambda Chi Alpha Alumnus Encourages Brothers to Join the Campaign involved in the campaign—trying to ensure it continues at the University of Missouri." Brian manages a partnership that trades agricultural futures. In his free time, he is an avid cycler. He has ridden his bike across the United States from Washington to New Hampshire, and then from Glacier National Park to Arizona. He and Susan live in Columbia, Mo. His oldest son, Ben (29), lives in Kansas City and Nick '10 (26) lives in Chicago. E-mail: bsmithtiger@yahoo.com Brian Smith '75, Nick Smith '13, and Dave Johnson'75 Annual '70s Reunion Brings Brothers Together Alumni Understand the Importance of Continuing Their Legacy S ince 1986, Gamma Kappa alumni from the '70s have been getting to- gether for a reunion. The original reunion was a 10-year gathering at Millstone Lodge, organized by Chip Murray '74. Before e-mail and cell phones, he said it was a pain to mail out 100 letters to get only 10 replies. There was no 20-year reunion, as most men were too busy with their fam- ilies. In 2008, Dave Johnson '75 revived the reunion in time for the 30- year. "It was very well attended, and thanks to e-mail, many brothers were located and attended," Tim Reed '74 recalls. The men had a big dinner on Friday night, met at the chapter house on Saturday, and attended the football game. Due to how busy Columbia is during Mizzou football season, they recently switched to attending basketball games, and made it an annual event. "Our college years at the Lambda Chi Alpha chapter house were the best years of our lives," Tim says. "We made lifelong friendships and it's simply price- less for us to get back together and relive the good old days." (Continued on page 4)