Alpha Lambda Chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha at Oregon State University
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Page 3 An Unforgettable First Year As you can imagine, finishing high school and starting college during a pandemic was a unique experience for the graduating class of 2020. While Coe was sad to see the campus so empty compared to earlier visits, he has experienced a great first year through all the masks, restrictions, and weekly COVID-19 tests— which will all be worth it by the fall semester. "ankfully, I have Lambda to give me a break from the challenge of online learning," he added. "Participating in philanthropies (socially distanced, of course) has been a great way for us to give back to the community as well as allowed me to get to know my class better." Coe has enjoyed sharing a similar experience as his father, following his advice about getting out what he puts into the brotherhood. "Lambda Chi stood out to me because it felt like they had the most vested interest in me," Chell said of his own early Lambda years. "It is a house that balances social, intramural, and academic but is not solely defined by any one of those attributes. What mostly defines being a Lambda Chi is respect of its members and brotherhood." Alpha Lambda rough the Years Chell feels that his and Coe's experiences have been fairly similar in terms of core elements. "His connection with his big brother, for example, is a similarity that I quickly reflect on with fondness." On the surface, the chapter has had its share of social and structural changes since Chell's undergraduate days. For example, even during COVID freshmen live in the dorms, whereas Chell moved directly into the chapter house as a freshman. He has also noticed that his early years were mostly spent with his initiate class, whereas Coe has already formed stronger connections with upperclassmen than Chell had as a freshman. In particular, Coe is thankful to his big brother, Connor Riedl '19-2015, for giving great advice and helping him study and learn about campus. He also wants to shout out previous President Angel Madrano '18-1983 and current President Christian Horn '19-2044 for their leadership throughout the pandemic, keeping Lambda stronger than ever. "Without them we wouldn't have opportunities that we currently have." In Chell's experience, the world of the Lambda Chi brotherhood has been both small and large. He has worked with brothers, lived near them, and one even helped with his retirement account. "I haven't really needed to make an effort in staying connected; my brothers seem to be everywhere. And now my son is a brother— go figure!" "Lambda is such a special organization that helps so many guys transition into the real world," Coe said. "Now more than ever, it is crucial that people are connecting with one another, and the type of skills that Lambda gives to us are priceless." You can reach Chell at chell@redplatefoods.com and Coe at coewilliams32@gmail.com. Finding the Best Fit (Continued from page 1) THE POWER OF POSITIVE LEADERSHIP Alpha Lambda Finds Creative Ways to Connect, rives Despite Pandemic Challenges I f I could sum up Alpha Lambda's response to the COVID-19 outbreak, it would simply be these three words: leadership, innovation, and perseverance. Our previous leadership did a great job in our officer transition to give us the right tools and assistance we needed to become effective leaders and keep the ball moving in the right direction. Everyone has had an eagerness to lead and desire to improve the quality of our programming and operations through the pandemic, including fraternity education, public service, and even making sure that our initiation rituals could be accomplished in the safest way possible. e High Zeta officers constantly relied on each other to hold accountability in our roles and bounce ideas off one another to be the most effective leadership possible. Our officers have outdone themselves in creating effective programming, positive memories, and connections to last a lifetime. Our efforts include incorporating Zoom into events like our philanthropy partnership with Community Outreach INC, Sorority Speed Date social events, and even virtual watch parties for movies and other live events, including the UFC (a chapter favorite). e creativity in navigating these unprecedented times has been one of the primary reasons for the success Alpha Lambda continues to experience. GRATEFUL FOR ALUMNI LOYALTY As president, I can easily say that it is the cohesion between our amazing undergraduate activity and continued alumni support that builds the strong and unwavering foundation we all lean on in times like these. As we look ahead to brighter times, I know that our High Zeta will continue to adapt and uphold our standard of excellence for future leaders to follow. In ZAX, Christian Horn '19-2044 High Alpha hornc@oregonstate.edu Christian Horn '19-2044 with his golden retriever puppy.