Lambda Chi Alpha - University of Illinois

Special Edition Chi Zetagram 2 WE'RE UNDERWAY! W ith many city, university and fraternity dignitaries on hand, we formally broke ground on July 15 for our home for the Next 100 Years! Under a gorgeous summer sky, with an excavator actively digging our new foundation in the background, and with WCIA-TV on hand, your Alumni Association hosted a spectacular groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate this long-awaited milestone. The ceremony was opened by Alumni Association Vice President Dick Prebil '72 X973, who introduced Deborah Frank Feinen, mayor of Champaign. "We are so excited by your commitment to stay at the University of Illinois, and in our community, and to renew your commitment through a new building," she said. "So congratulations! This is great for all of you and great for us as well." Also attending were Deans Gina Lee-Olukoya and Ashley Dye from the UIUC Dean of Students Office. Dr. Lee-Olukoya, Associate Dean of Students, joined in celebrating our accomplishments and our future. "This is truly a wonderful occasion," she said. "To be part of a new journey that will continue the legacy of the chapter here at the University of Illinois is remarkable and outstanding. I'm also amazed how our efforts to promote the value of the living-learning community continue to align with those central themes of lifelong membership, friendship, and brotherhood at Lambda Chi." Josh Lodolo, president and CEO of the Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Foundation, reviewed the important focus of Lambda Chi on student growth and development. "Number one is a commitment to our members, to the growth of our individual members," Josh said. "And we do that through leadership and educational development programs focused around [our] seven core values." Josh looks forward to returning next fall for our dedication ceremony. Champaign councilman Michael La Due shared moving and personal impressions of our original house, and the spectacular plans for our new home. "I've lived in the neighborhood for over 30 years and it was (Left) Generations of Chi Zeta brothers attended the groundbreaking ceremony. (Right) Mayor of Champaign, Deborah Frank Feinen, and Associate Dean of Students Dr. Gina Lee-Olukoya. From left: Steve Lipe '86 X1261, Host Jeff Wandell '62 X785, and Dick Melinder '60 X755 at the luncheon. As the bricks and mortar construction proceeds quickly, we get to turn our attention to finishing this project the way we all want to see it done. It's now time to focus on the interior designs and finishes where we can really leave our mark. The steel, concrete, and drywall are set; now we can turn to the woodwork, millwork, fit and finishes that will make it special. How well we can do this, and how far we can go, depends on YOU. There are other projects we really want to do to make things complete in the new house. The one feature we had to temporarily delay to meet budget and get things started was the basketball court. Guys, we really want to have this in the final project, and it can be added back at any time, but only if those 1,068 alumni who have yet to donate do so NOW. So many of us have memories on the court, and our undergraduate brothers deserve to have those memories too. And we want to be able to purchase additional items not included in the initial scope of the project. The items are primarily fixtures, including kitchen equipment, outdoor lighting, and furnishings for the common CHI ZETA UNDER CONSTRUCTION (Continued from page 1)

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