Sigma Chi - Indiana University

THE LAMBDA LETTER SPRING 2017 ALUMNI NEWSLETTER OF THE LAMBDA CHAPTER OF SIGMA CHI INSIDE: 2 Alumnus Spotlight n 3 Lambda Ends Spring Semester Strong n 4 Spring 2017 Initiates Lambda Completes Another Successful School Year Continued Chapter House Upgrades Coming This Summer W e are pleased to report that Lambda Chapter had another awesome year. With so much turmoil and negative media attention focused on fraternities nationwide, we can be proud that our Chapter continues to represent the positive aspects of the Greek system. Below are some updates from the Lambda Corporation Board. Strong Leadership Culture Since joining Lambda's board three years ago, I've come to appreciate how many people are working day after day to keep the Chapter moving in the right direction. At its core, the Chapter's success relies on two things: the character of the young men in the undergraduate Chapter and the commitment of the adults who advise them. This past year's undergraduate executive team was great. John Eckhart '18 (son of Chris Eckhart '85) served as counsul in the fall and when he spent the spring semester abroad, Josh Keil '18 stepped up as counsul for the spring. Both did a spectacular job and we will have two experienced seniors in the Chapter supporting Robby Abraham '19 as our consul next year. Sam Luebbe '16 completed his second year as our live-in advisor—first as a senior two years ago, and then as a graduate student this past year. Now he is on to IU medical school and Shawn Horty '17 will take over as our live-in advisor next year. Phil Chambers '80 has served as Chapter advisor since his sons lived in the Chapter House and devotes hundreds of hours each year to keeping our brothers in line. He was recognized by IU as its 2017 Advisor of the Year, which speaks for itself. More recently, Ansley Valentine, Delta Chi '90 joined Phil to assume many of the Chapter advisor responsibilities. You will learn more about Ansley on page 2 of The Lambda Letter. Phil and Ansley manage a Chapter advisory committee comprised of devoted alumni. Of course, the glue that keeps it all together is Cheryl Pate, who just completed her 10th year as our house director. Cheryl is at the Chapter House almost every day and we are truly blessed to have her. Earlier this year, I asked Cheryl to describe her job and she told me, "You know all the things your wife does to raise your kids every day? That's what I do—for 100 boys." That really put things in perspective. After 14 years as president of Lambda Corporation, Doug Morrow '74 stepped down at the end of 2016. We can say with confidence that Doug is largely responsible for the Chapter's success. The Chapter was in tough shape when Doug joined the board and he led the turnaround and the successful capital campaign and house renovation. He is deeply respected by the current and past members of the Chapter. His dedication to Sigma Chi and Lambda are an inspiration to all of us and we are grateful for his years of service. We now have a full board of 30 alumni, with day- to-day management by an 11-member executive committee. There are 10 board seats that come up for election each year and we invite you to consider getting involved. In particular, there aren't many board members who graduated in the 1990s and 2000s. We would love to have some younger alumni join us. Financial Report and Summer Projects Lambda Corporation is in fine financial shape. We will have 102 brothers living in the Chapter House next fall, including 22 seniors, putting us near full capacity. As a result, we have made only minor inflation-based increases to house bills throughout the past couple of years. Last fall, we initiated an annual giving program for alumni. The program was fairly successful for a first-year effort. We raised almost $12,000 and, more importantly, dramatically increased the number of donors to Lambda. We will begin next year's drive with the fiscal year beginning July 1, and encourage you to give back to Lambda. I always smile when I remember the final question on our pledge test: Your financial commitment to Sigma Chi is never satisfied: True or False? All annual funds will be used solely for Chapter House repairs and improvements. We have begun a busy summer of Chapter House maintenance and repair projects. Special thanks to Bill Chambers '79, who works for Buckingham Companies, a real estate development company in Indianapolis. Bill volunteered on his own initiative to evaluate our needs and bid out our summer projects. In addition to his many hours of service, it is great to know we are getting professional advice. Aside from the typical roofing, painting, flooring, and window work we do each year, we are entirely upgrading the technology and Wi-Fi capabilities throughout the house. This is a hugely important project given that every brother has at least two wireless devices (a phone and laptop), and they all seem to be running at the same time. It is also quite expensive. Additionally, we are also installing professional epoxy flooring in the basement party rooms and re-painting, trimming, and lighting those rooms. Visit the Chapter House If you are in Bloomington this fall, we encourage you to stop by the Chapter House. The undergraduate brothers will be happy to greet you, and we think you will be pleased with the condition of the house. We thank you for your support. Without you, our continued progress would not be possible. If you have any questions about Lambda or would like to get involved, please feel free to contact me at any time. In Hoc, Jeff Brown '82 Lambda Corporation President (317) 569-4613 jeff.brown@faegrebd.com Brothers after fall 2016 initiation.

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