Lambda Chi Alpha - North Carolina State University

GUZ BUZ 3 G rowing up, Mark Ashness, GU 831, had always been a part of various groups. Whether it be a sports team or another organization in school or church, he enjoyed participating and the fellowship. Mark knew he would need to be plugged into a group when he decided to attend North Carolina State. "I could not have imagined going through school without being involved in Lambda Chi," Mark said. In his time at Gamma Upsilon, Mark had the chance to serve as the athletic director as well as High Kappa, coordinating associate member enrichment in the Chapter. Holding these offices taught Mark lessons he carries today. "These positions helped me with scheduling, organizing, and learning to readjust on the fly when things don't go as planned," Mark stated. His favorite memories from living in the Chapter House revolved around the simple things: evening dinners, pickup basketball, and late-night runs to Char-Grill. These experiences served Mark well when he graduated in 1984 from the School of Design and again in 1988 in civil engineering. His talents led him to where he is today as president of the CE Group, a planning, engineering, and surveying firm in Raleigh. The relationships he built in his years at Gamma Upsilon made an impact in his career. "When in business, you meet people from all over and being involved in the Greek system casts a wide net," Mark said. "You are often able to reference someone with another individual or family from their past, which serves as a great ice breaker." Living in Chapel Hill, N.C., Mark has the opportunity to make it to functions at the Chapter House and on campus. He has been impressed with the active members and their strong involvement with the Chapter. Mark's support of the LXA: A Legacy of Excellence Continues campaign stems from his positive experience at Gamma Upsilon. "Supporting the campaign was a no-brainer," Mark said. "Anything I can do that will help the young men of Gamma Upsilon have an equal or better experience than I had in college is simply repaying the debt of others that preceded me in making the Chapter so successful when I joined." Mark encourages alumni to find a way they can help out with the campaign. "It may not be a financial donation, rather your own professional services or a connection to a friend or family member that could provide specific services below market rate," he said. "No contribution is too small." Mark and his wife, Margaret, have two children, James (21) and Meg (15). When he isn't at one of his children's activities, Mark enjoys golfing, boating, and following Wolfpack sports. If you'd like to connect with Mark, you can reach him at mark@cegroupinc.com. Supporting the Future of Gamma Upsilon Mark ashness, GU 831, encoUraGes alUMni to think aboUt how to Give back An Exciting Time for Gamma Upsilon Undergraduate Chapter Wraps Up Year Successfully T he atmosphere around the undergraduate Chapter of Gamma Upsilon is one of excitement as we've wrapped up the school year and recently broke ground on our new home. At our current size of 125 undergraduate brothers and associates, there is a sense of anticipation amongst the brothers for the great things that we will accomplish and achieve in the years to come. With the groundbreaking of the new house, the brothers eagerly await the day we will get to move in. Academic Excellence The brothers of Gamma Upsilon have continued their mission to become better students by achieving a Chapter GPA of 3.18 in fall 2016, which is higher than the university's all-student average. Another impressive accomplishment in terms of our academic performance is boasting one of the highest new member GPAs at 3.31 in all of Greek life at NCSU. Increased Alumni Involvement We are also excited to see an increased involvement from our alumni this school year. With our new alumni advisory board lead by our High Pi, Cory Wade, GU 1215, the Chapter has had an increased desire for additional alumni guidance. This desire has culminated into new events like our alumni night in February, where we had the chance to listen to Jim Owens, GU 528, as our distinguished guest speaker. Philanthropic Endeavors On March 26, Gamma Upsilon renewed its commitment to the Kay Yow Cancer Foundation by hosting the Bounce 4Kay 3-on-3 basketball tournament. In total, the event raised more than $700 for the foundation and was even featured online by the Cross & Crescent. Our annual White Rose formal was held in April in Charleston, S.C. Brothers were able to take a break from school and spend a weekend experiencing all the excitement and rich history that Charleston has to offer. The winning team at our three-on-three basketball tournament benefitting the Kay Yow Cancer Foundation this spring. Jim Owens, GU 528, sharing with brothers at our spring alumni event. (Continued on page 4)

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