Lambda Chi Alpha - University of Illinois

Chi Zetagram 2 campus for all of us." Dr. M. B. Young also presented a letter from University President Timothy Killeen and Chancellor Robert Jones applauding our long tradition of excellence and offering their personal best wishes for our next 100 years. We were further honored to welcome the distinguished leaders of our fraternity, Lambda Chi International CEO, Bill Farkas; Grand High Pi and board member, Jeff Stuerman; and CEO of the LCA Educational Foundation, Josh Lodolo, who has worked closely with us on our successful fundraising (and your tax deductibility!). Bill shared with us moving comments about his family connections with U of I, and an important focus for the celebration of our new home. "is chapter house is a thing of beauty, but at the end of it, it's a vessel, an important vessel for what's going to take place inside that door, and that's laughter, friendship, camaraderie, leadership, heartbreak, dissention, screaming and yelling—that's brotherhood at Lambda Chi Alpha," he observed. "May today be the beginning of many tomorrows filled with laughter, leadership, learning, work, and most importantly, to all those brothers who enter its doors, may they achieve the best that they are capable." Brother Rev. Dick McGuire X695 rounded out the formal ceremony with levity and love. "When I came here in 1957, I had no intention of becoming a minister," he revealed. "But aer a year with the brotherhood I decided I was needed! But seriously, that's all a part of the fun of the brotherhood and it's obvious to all of us here that it's still alive even years aer we le it." He then provided a memorable ecumenical blessing for our new home that respected the beautiful diversity of our modern chapter. en the ribbon was cut and our new home officially opened! Saturday was then the chance for brothers from all eras to truly christen our new home in full Chi Zeta style. We were honored by our most beloved brothers from the '40s (Bill Stallman X579, Dick Reynolds X600), '50s (Leo Parks X629, Don Gordon X634, Dick McGuire X695, Bob Vanderwall X732) and '60s (Dick Melinder X755, B'Ann Johnson in honor of her late husband, Keith Johnson X753, James McIlrath X783, Jeff Wandell X785), all the way to our most recent associate members on hand. e day began with Chapter President Matt Rowley's X2156 gracious welcome. "To all alumni, on behalf of the active members I can say that without a doubt we will make you proud, bring Lambda Chi Alpha to new heights on this campus, and pass it along in even better shape than we found it." All assembled then enjoyed serenading Matt's mom, who was attending on her birthday along with Matt's dad and brother—guys, you may be proud of your son and brother! Chris Gary X1225, chairman of our successful fundraising efforts, then took time to properly recognize the many donors who made the project possible, including the Circle of Distinction top donors ($100K+) Jay Galla X1252, Brad Dickson X1009, Joe Pawlak X1181, John Crook X980, and Joe Nolan X1178. Beautiful plaques recognizing those who made gis of $25K+ are displayed permanently throughout the house, a small but heartfelt thanks from us all. Pete Kale X1020 (president), Dick Prebil X973 (VP), and Steve Lipe X1261 (construction chairman) then gave much-deserved thanks and recognition to the many brothers whose hard work over the past five years made the celebration possible by producing the best, forward-looking house on campus, one that reflects our long heritage and also Lambda Chi's values and was delivered ON TIME and ON SCHEDULE! Special thanks go out to brothers Kale and Prebil for their leadership, and to Steve Lipe (project management), Dale Miller X985 (construction), Terry Sears X1015, and Dave Dutton X1288 (financial), Chris Gary X1225 (fundraising), John Crook X980 (details), Kim Kardas (transition), and High Pi Steve Parsons, Phi Beta 341 whose expertise and personal sacrifices made our future possible. And special thanks went out to Mike Kadubek X1268 who put together the two days of incredible festivities for all to enjoy—greatly appreciated by everyone! ank you, brothers. e new facility was designed with more focus on the educational and social spaces needed to support our fraternity today, and that paid dividends. e largest gathering of brothers and guests in our history spread out through the many areas of our home, with interesting venues to meet and greet, comfortable seating for all, and several clean bathrooms! Brothers got to see the new and growing Heritage Collection in the Recreation Room, Gene Covert's X798 stunning new Coat of Arms painting in the Gallery, our beautiful new Formal Study with the original front door arched stonework and restored Galahad painting from Jeff Wandell X785, the large study hall on the lower level with Jason Cooper's X1447 stunning mural saved from the old Addition, as well as the Party Room, basketball court and enclosed parking areas. And the decision to keep the large front lawn was validated, as it became the must-be area for informal gatherings of all types. Steve Haimbaugh X1301 set up a volleyball net that hosted nonstop matches for undergraduates, alumni, and even passers-by. Jay Galla X1252 and his son, joining us from India (the clear longest distance winners!), settled in with friends under the shade of the stately tree planted by Jeff Wandell X785 in the '60s and lovingly protected throughout construction as an anchor for our new curb appeal from Armory and across Frat Park. Groups from all decades met and mingled, and the new grass lawn took a beating but was ready to support the myriad festivities. Aer a full aernoon of laughter and storytelling, toasts and tributes, and more pictures than can be counted (many of which have been made available to you to enjoy) over 120 brothers made the short walk to Memorial Stadium to witness a reinvigorated Fighting Illini trounce Western Kentucky! Although the game started late and kept everyone in their seats to the end, the day wasn't over—our brotherhood sparked one of the most enjoyable post-game parties ever, the first in our new party room and basketball court venue, providing a fitting close to an unforgettable weekend. For those attending it was everything promised, and more; a true life event. For those unable to join us, just keep an eye out for the next opportunity and make it happen! You really need to see your new Chi Zeta home in person, and renew your Lifetime of True Brotherhood bonds in Lambda Chi Alpha. It truly is worth it. BROTHERHOOD–DREAMS COME TRUE (Continued from page 1)

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