Lambda Chi Alpha - University of Illinois

3 Special Edition Chi Zetagram Chi Zeta Breaks Ground for New Chapter House so often that I would pass this house and marvel at the architectural beauty of it; the tradition," he noted. "To see your commitment... to retaining a presence here that has gone to such great expense and effort to demonstrate reverence for the traditions of the neighborhood, the university, the Greek system, this house—such as the symbol of keeping the original door and archway—is just pure poetry for this building and this project. The level of financial commitment reflects the sensitivity to that iconography, and to the importance of the presence of this institution and its house, in this location, in this era, and for the future." We couldn't have said it better! Brother John Crook '72 X980 gave a brief history of the chapter at Illinois, the 1927 house, and the Alumni Association's activity in developing the design of our new home. "We're not building just another big box. We're not building just another apartment. We're not building some faux mansion that says all the wrong things about Lambda Chi. What we're building is a truly beautiful and welcoming home for Chi Zeta for decades to come." Steve Lipe '86 X1261, chairman of the construction committee, then took everyone on a tour of the final plans for the new facility and its spectacular setting. Echoing Councilman La Due, Steve noted the importance of retaining the large front lawn for future members to enjoy, with a new large deck and athletic court tied in along Arbor Street. He then pointed out the many other great new features of the design that will make it, we feel, the best, state-of-the-art fraternity on campus. Then with laughter and endless personal anecdotes, Dave Dutton '87 X1288 recognized the many friends and partners of Chi Zeta who shared in our celebration, without whom we could not have succeeded. We are indebted to those who have stood, and are now standing, with the Alumni Association, helping to secure Our Next 100 Years at Illinois. With shovels in hand, our guests and dignitaries then officially broke ground for our new home on Armory, and toasted our achievement. Guests and brothers then enjoyed a great luncheon hosted by Jeff Wandell '62 X785 at the Champaign Country Club. Jeff, joined by Dick Melinder '60 X755, opened the lunch with a rendition of "We're All Good Brothers," probably the only song they knew that was fit to be sung to a mixed audience! Their harmony was enjoyed by Dick's wife, Carol; Bill Stallman '48 X579 and his wife, Mike; our contractors, Dan Wells and Brett Pierce; Jim Conlin '79 X1095 of Busey Bank; Councilman La Due; and a full house of alumni, family, and friends. We were gratified also to be joined by many of the undergraduate members who will be among the first to live in our new house in fall 2017. They spent the lunch sitting with Bill Stallman and Mike; no doubt learning more in one meal than from any class last semester! The groundbreaking ceremony was a fitting and well-deserved celebration of what we've accomplished so far, but also a springboard for the heavy work left to be done—one of the most important events in the history of Chi Zeta! (Left) High Alpha Neil Singh '14 X2124 and High Rho Sean Chamberlin '13 X2076 present a $10,000 check to Development Committee Chairman Chris Gary '85 X1225 and Alumni Association President Peter Kale '75 X1020. The undergraduates have pledged a total of $50,000 to the new chapter house. (Right) Dr. Jeff Frerichs '84 X1219 and his son at the groundbreaking event. rooms and bedrooms. We have the ability to lease these items, but the Alumni Association feels that it is prudent for our long-term budget to purchase them. Our budget projections to do what is left, the way we want it done, totals $418,000. To be absolutely clear, the fraternity will be ready for occupancy next August, and we have raised the necessary money for construction. What we are talking about are the decorative elements and special features that will make LCA the most beautiful and functional house on campus and one we're truly proud of. If you are among those who haven't given yet because you were skeptical and waiting until the project was a reality just to be sure, please consider helping with the second phase of fundraising. Whether it's a brand- new pledge or agreeing to extend your planned contribution by a year or two, your financial help is needed. And to help you, as previously announced, all money received in 2016 will be tax deductible through the Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Foundation. More details about this opportunity can be found on page 4. We cannot do this without you, brothers! Will you join us today in making our final goals a reality? Thank you in advance for your support! In ZAX, Chris Gary '85 X1225, Development Committee Chairman chrisgary55@gmail.com | (708) 712-9200

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