Lambda Chi Alpha - University of Illinois

Spring 2017 Newsletter

Chi Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha at the University of Illinois

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Chi Zetagram 2 F lashback to the spring of 2012. e east wall of the addition was falling, and the City of Champaign condemned six rooms for safety reasons. e Alumni Association negotiated a bandage fix with our insurance company, but we knew something had to be done. e then-85-year-old structure was showing its age, and it no longer held an allure to the undergraduates on campus. Over the next eight months, your Board mobilized, and a plan was hatched. A new state-of-the-art fraternity was needed for today's students, yet we wanted to retain the classic Tudor-style architecture that made Lambda Chi Alpha the most beautiful fraternity on campus. Our home needed to be solidly built in every conceivable way, yet contain enough amenities to be the envy of the Greek system. e projected price tag was $6.1 million, with $2.1 million needed in cash. Could we pull it off ? Aer three years of fundraising (some would say arm twisting), we finally raised the $2.15 million needed to start, and decided in March 2016 to begin construction. In June 2016, aer 90 years, the old building was gone. e next 12 months were a flurry of activity, as the Board's vision came to life. I've visited the construction site several times, and I'm absolutely blown away every single time. From the outside, the building retains the aesthetic charm and look of its predecessor, but from the inside it's an absolute upgrade on every level. My hat is off to our construction team of Steve Lipe X1261, Dale Miller X985, Terry Sears X1015, and John Crook X980 who have managed to keep the project on time and on budget; no small feat when none of them live in Champaign. As magnificent as the house is going to be, there's still some work to be done. While we have delivered the house we promised in 2012, there are details we've had to defer (like some furniture and fixtures), but would really like to get done now. Our reserves are thin, and we need some breathing room. So, here's your final chance to be immortal. Twenty-eight alumni have generously donated $25,000 or more, and will have a room named in their honor. ere's still a few unnamed rooms, so we'd love to see you stretch just a little more and make that list! Additionally, 185 alumni have given at least $1,000 and will be memorialized on the permanent dedication plaque. Don't you want to be on the wall? Please, increase your donation, or make your first pledge. But do it by August 1, our working deadline to ensure your place on our permanent honor roll of supportive donors. Remember, we are able to extend the benefit of tax deductibility for all gis made to our project through the LCA Educational Foundation. Just go to www.illinilambdachi. com or send in a pledge card to LCA Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 2374, Champaign, IL 61820. I can't tell you just how excited I am, or how proud we all are of what's been accomplished. With the support of those who have already donated, we got it built; now let's get it finished together. In ZAX, Chris Gary '85 X1225 Development Committee Chairman chrisgary55@gmail.com / (708) 712-9200 The New House for Lambda Chi Alpha Is Nearing Completion Be Part of the Pride and Excitement! Brick going up—looks like the original! e basketball court goes in.

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