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{{Short description|North American collegiate fraternity}}
{{Distinguish|Chi Alpha|Chi Alpha Omega}}
{{Infobox Fraternity
{{Infobox Fraternity
| name = Lambda Chi Alpha
|letters=ΛΧΑ
| letters = {{lang|grc|ΛΧΑ}}
|name=Lambda Chi Alpha
| coat of arms = Lambda Chi Alpha Coat of Arms.svg
|colors=Royal Purple, Kelly Green, and [[Old Gold]]
| image_size = 165px
|flower=White [[Rose]]
| founded = {{start date and age|1909|11|2}}
|symbol=Cross and Crescent
| birthplace = [[Boston University]]
|motto=''Every Man a Man.''
| affiliation = NIC
''Naught Without Labor.''
| type = [[List of social fraternities and sororities|Social]]
''Crescent through the Cross.''
| scope = International
|crest=[[Image:Lxa coat.gif|160px]]
| status = Active
|founded={{birth date and age|1909|11|2}}
| motto = ''{{lang|la|Per Crucem Crescens}}'' (Crescent through the Cross)<br />
|birthplace=[[Boston University]]
''{{lang|grc|Χαλεπά τά καλὰ}}'' (Naught Without Labor)<br />
|type=Social Fraternity
''{{lang|la|Vir Quisque Vir}}'' (Every Man a Man)
|scope=
| colors = {{color box|#52237F}} Royal Purple, {{color box|#016A3A}} Kelly Green, and {{color box|#D4A037}} Old Gold
|address=8741 Founders Rd.
| flag = [[File:Lambda Chi Alpha flag.jpg|150px]]
|city=Indianapolis
| symbol = [[Cross]] and [[Crescent]]
|state=Indiana
| flower = [[rose|White Rose]]
|country=USA
| mascot = [[Lion rampant]]
|chapters=
| publication = ''Cross and Crescent'', ''Paedagogus'', and ''Purple, Green and Gold''
|homepage=http://www.lambdachi.org
| philanthropy = [[Feeding America]], [[Movember]], [[The Jed Foundation]] and [[American Red Cross]]
|free_label=Phone
| chapters = 185 active, 322 chartered
|free=(317) 872-8000
| members = 8,600+
| lifetime = 300,000+
| nicknames = Lambda Chis, Lambda, LCA, LXA, Chops/Choppers
| address = 10 W. Carmel Drive, Suite 220
| city = [[Carmel, Indiana|Carmel]]
| state = [[Indiana]]
| ZIP code = 46032
| country = United States
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.lambdachi.org|}}
| footnotes = <ref>Chapter count, avg undergraduate membership, and total initiates [https://www.lambdachi.org/ noted on the national website homepage], accessed 21 Oct 2021.</ref><ref name="aboutlxa">[https://www.lambdachi.org/about/chapter-directory Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter Directory] lambdachi.org, accessed January 13, 2014.</ref>
}}
}}
'''ΛΧΑ''' ('''Lambda Chi Alpha'''), headquartered in [[Indianapolis, Indiana]], is one of the largest men's general [[Fraternities and sororities|fraternities]] in [[North America]] with more than 250,000 initiated members and chapters (called Zetas) at more than 300 universities. It was founded by [[Warren A. Cole]], while he was a student at [[Boston University]], on [[November 2]], [[1909]]. The youngest of the twenty largest social fraternities, Lambda Chi Alpha has initiated the third highest number of men ever.


'''Lambda Chi Alpha''' ('''{{lang|grc|ΛΧΑ}}'''), commonly referred to as '''Lambda Chi''', is a [[fraternities and sororities|collegiate fraternity]] in [[North America]]. With over 300,000 initiates as of 2024, it is the third-largest social fraternity in the world by number of initiates. It has almost 8,700 current undergraduate members affiliated with chapters and associate chapters at 166 colleges and universities in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]].<ref name="lcachapters">{{citation|url=https://www.lambdachi.org/chapter-score-card/|title=Chapters|publisher=Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity|access-date=2024-08-22}}</ref> Its members may be known variously as Lambda Chis, LXAs, LCAs, Lambdas, Chops, or Choppers at different campuses.
It was the first fraternity to abolish [[Initiation rite|pledging]] and remains a leader in the fight against [[hazing]], alcohol abuse, and other challenges facing today's college students.


Lambda Chi Alpha was founded at [[Boston University]] in 1909. It is a member of the [[North American Interfraternity Conference]] (NIC), which it rejoined in November 2023 after withdrawing from the conference in 2015.<ref name="nicrejoin">{{Cite web |last=Brewer |first=Hillary |date=2023-11-28 |title=NIC welcomes Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity back to the Conference |url=https://nicfraternity.org/nic-welcomes-lambda-chi-alpha-fraternity-back-to-the-conference/ |access-date=2023-11-29 |website=NIC {{!}} North American Interfraternity Conference |language=en-US}}</ref> Among the largest 15 social fraternities in the world, Lambda Chi Alpha is the youngest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambdachi.org/|title=Home|last=fuelvm|website=Lambda Chi Alpha|language=en-US|access-date=2018-07-21}}</ref> Since 2014, after maintaining its headquarters at various locations in [[Indiana]], [[Massachusetts]], and [[Pennsylvania]], it has been headquartered in [[Carmel, Indiana]], outside [[Indianapolis]].
Lambda Chi Alpha seeks to promote higher education by providing opportunities for academic achievement, leadership, and lifelong friendships. Its open [[motto]]s are '''Vir Quisque Vir''' (Latin) ''Every Man a Man''; '''Per Crucem Crescens''' (Latin) ''Crescent through the Cross''; and '''Χαλεπα Τα Καλα''' (Greek) ''Naught Without Labor''. Its members are often referred to as Lambda Chis or Choppers.


==Creed==
== History ==
=== Founding ===
'''The Creed of Lambda Chi Alpha'''
Lambda Chi Alpha was founded by [[Warren A. Cole]], a law student at [[Boston University School of Law]] in [[Boston]]. There are two different accounts of the fraternity's founding.<ref name="lcafounding">{{citation|url=https://www.lambdachi.org/aboutlca-2/history-2/|title=Our Founding|publisher=Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity}}</ref>


The official story told by Cole and Albert Cross is that on {{dts|1909|11|02}}, Cole, Percival C. Morse, and Clyde K. Nichols reorganized the Cosmopolitan Law Club, a society of Boston University law students into the Loyal Collegiate Associates, which was renamed Lambda Chi Alpha in 1912.<ref name="founders">{{citation|url=https://www.lambdachi.cc/lambda-chi-alpha-history-in-the-making-founding-the-fraternity/|title=Our Story: A History of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity|first=Michael J|last=Raymond|year=2017 }}</ref> All were close friends and had been members of Alpha Mu Chi, a [[College-preparatory school|prep school]] fraternity. The Greek letter name is thought to have been used from the beginning but is not recorded in the ''Alpha Zeta'' minutes until April 27, 1910.<ref name="lcafounding" />
<blockquote>''We believe in Lambda Chi Alpha, and its traditions, principles and ideals. The crescent is our symbol; pure, high, ever growing, and the cross is our guide; denoting service, sacrifice, and even suffering and humiliation before the world, bravely endured if need be, in following that ideal.''</blockquote>


A second account of the founding, based on interviews with contemporaries, is that Cole and others did belong to a loose group known as the Tombs or Cosmopolitan Club but this was not related to Lambda Chi Alpha's founding. Instead, according to the alternative account, Cole shared an apartment with James C. McDonald and Charles W. Proctor, who later joined [[Sigma Alpha Epsilon]]. Cole then established his own fraternity with Ralph S. Miles, Harold W. Bridge, and Percival C. Morse on {{dts|1911|11|23}}. The group issued a charter for itself that was backdated to November 15.<ref name="lcafounding" />
<blockquote>''May we have faith in Lambda Chi Alpha and passion for its welfare. May we have hope for the future of Lambda Chi Alpha and strength to fight for its teachings. May we have pure hearts that we may approach the ideal of perfect brotherly love.''</blockquote>


Cole approached many local groups at colleges and universities throughout the [[Northeastern United States|Northeast]] seeking others willing to join his new fraternity. He corresponded with or visited 117 institutions by 1912, when a group at [[University of Massachusetts Amherst|Massachusetts Agricultural College]] accepted a charter to become ''Gamma Zeta''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://lambdachi.org/fraternity/history/tfolca.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928134454/http://lambdachi.org/fraternity/history/tfolca.asp|url-status=dead|title=Lambda Chi Alpha History Timeline: The Founding of Lambda Chi Alpha|archive-date=September 28, 2007}}</ref> The first General Assembly, establishing a structure for the national fraternity, was held in Boston on April 13, 1912.
==History==


The fraternity held its second general assembly in Boston on {{dts|1913|03|22}} in which the fraternity adopted its secret motto, ritual insignia including its badge and coat of arms, and the basic organizational structure. Lambda Chi Alpha virtually replaced the fraternity Cole had established outside of its name.<ref name="foundersday">{{citation|url=https://www.lambdachi.cc/happy-founders-day/|title=Happy Founders Day|first=Kyle|last=Jones|work=Cross & Crescent|date=March 2007}}</ref> The 14th General Assembly, in 1931, recognized March 22 as Lambda Chi Alpha Day in recognition of these achievements. In 1942, the board of directors renamed it Founder's Day. {{dts|1909|11|02}} is also still recognized, so Lambda Chi Alpha celebrates two Founders Days annually.<ref name="foundersday" />
===Founding===


In the years that followed, a divide opened between Cole and a group of young alumni led by Mason, Ernst J.C. Fischer of Lambda Chi's [[Cornell University]] chapter in [[Ithaca, New York]], and Samuel Dyer of the [[University of Maine]] chapter in [[Orono, Maine]]. Dyer was supported by Albert Cross at the [[University of Pennsylvania]] chapter in [[Philadelphia]] and Louis Robbins of the [[Brown University]] chapter in [[Providence, Rhode Island]].<ref name="foundersday" /> In 1920, Cole was ousted and Fischer was elected national president. In 1927, Fischer became international president when ''Epsilon-Epsilon Zeta'' at the [[University of Toronto]] in [[Toronto]] was chartered.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lambdachi.org/fraternity/history/milestones.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080101131037/http://www.lambdachi.org/fraternity/history/milestones.asp|url-status=dead|title=Lambda Chi Alpha History Timeline|archive-date=January 1, 2008}}</ref>
Unlike most fraternities, Lambda Chi Alpha began as the dream of one man, Warren Albert Cole. He was born in Swansea, Massachusetts, and attended high school at Taunton and Fall River. While in high school, he was involved with a preparatory fraternity. He entered [[Brown University]] for a few weeks, but eventually transferred to [[Boston University]]'s Law School in the fall of 1909.


===Theta Kappa Nu merger===
One of his earliest ventures of starting a fraternity took place at a meeting with his first cousin and a more distant relative on [[November 2]], [[1909]]. The date was later selected as the first formal step in Lambda Chi Alpha, but in later years, Cole said that the date had little significance.
{{Further|Theta Kappa Nu}}
The [[Theta Kappa Nu]] fraternity was formed by eleven local fraternities on June 9, 1924, in [[Springfield, Missouri]]. With the help of the [[North American Interfraternity Conference]] in identifying local groups, and Theta Kappa Nu's policy of granting charters quickly to organizations with good academic standards, the fraternity grew quickly and had approximately 2,500 initiates in 40 chapters by the end of 1926.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lambdachi.org/fraternity/history/tkn.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928134430/http://www.lambdachi.org/fraternity/history/tkn.asp|url-status=dead|title=Lambda Chi Alpha History Timeline: Theta Kappa Nu|archive-date=September 28, 2007}}</ref>


During the [[Great Depression]], both [[Theta Kappa Nu]] and Lambda Chi Alpha saw membership decrease and chapters shut down. In 1939, the two fraternities agreed to merge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lambdachi.org/fraternity/history/tu.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060215141627/http://lambdachi.org/fraternity/history/tu.asp|url-status=dead|title=Lambda Chi Alpha History Timeline: The Union|archive-date=February 15, 2006}}</ref> The merger ceremony was held at Howard College (now [[Samford University]]) chapter of Theta Kappa Nu in [[Birmingham, Alabama]]. The merger immediately increased the number of chapters from 77 to 105<ref name=autogenerated3>[http://www.fraternitymanuals.com/images/3/31/Paedagogus50th.pdf Bly, Betsy K. (Ed.) (2005). ''The Paedagogus'' (50th ed.), p. 146. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928105733/http://www.fraternitymanuals.com/images/3/31/Paedagogus50th.pdf |date=2007-09-28 }}</ref> (or 78 to 106)<ref>[http://www.fraternitymanuals.com/images/3/31/Paedagogus50th.pdf Bly, Betsy K. (Ed.) (2005). ''The Paedagogus'' (50th ed.), p. 11. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928105733/http://www.fraternitymanuals.com/images/3/31/Paedagogus50th.pdf |date=2007-09-28 }}</ref> and the number of members from 20,000 to 27,000. At the time, this was the largest merger in fraternity history.<ref name=autogenerated3 /> All Theta Kappa Nu chapters became Lambda Chi Alpha chapters and were given chapter designations that began with either [[Theta]], [[Kappa]], or [[Nu (letter)|Nu]].<ref>[http://www.fraternitymanuals.com/images/3/31/Paedagogus50th.pdf Bly, Betsy K. (Ed.) (2005). ''The Paedagogus'' (50th ed.), p. 102. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928105733/http://www.fraternitymanuals.com/images/3/31/Paedagogus50th.pdf |date=2007-09-28 }}</ref> At schools where chapters of both fraternities previously existed, the two merged and retained Lambda Chi's Zeta recognition.
He was a young man of pleasing personality, ordinary means, limited experience, and no unusual talents except a dogged determination to found an international college fraternity. It is hard to believe that all alone he deliberately set out to challenge the prestigious fraternity world which already boasted 46 strong, well-established organizations. His unquestioning faith in himself and unwavering belief in his mission are the only explanations for his remarkable achievement.


=== Headquarters locations ===
Cole first made some unsuccessful attempts at starting a fraternity, about which we know little more than names: "The Lodge," "Tombs," "Lambda Pi," then it was Lambda Chi Alpha—"Loyal Collegiate Associates," until a new meaning was adopted in 1913.
Lambda Chi Alpha was founded in [[Boston]], Massachusetts, in 1909. For the first decade of its existence, the fraternity lacked a central office and records were divided between the homes of Grand High Alpha [[Warren A. Cole]] in [[Swansea, Massachusetts]] and Registrar Samuel Dyer in [[Attleboro, Massachusetts]].<ref name="peyser">{{Cite book |last=Peyser |first=Charles |title=The History of The Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity |publisher=The Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. |year=1992 |edition=1st |location=Indianapolis, IN |pages=60–61 |language=English}}</ref> In 1920, the fraternity moved its headquarters to [[Northeastern Pennsylvania]], where it was located in [[Kingston, Pennsylvania|Kingston]] and [[Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania|Wilkes Barre]]. Later that year, it relocated to [[Indianapolis]], where many other [[Fraternities and Sororities|fraternity and sorority]] national headquarters are located. Since 2021, its headquarters has been based in [[Carmel, Indiana]], outside Indianapolis.<ref>[http://www.crossandcrescent.com/2005/12/eighth-headquarters/ Lambda Chi Alpha Headquarters Locations] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060305130002/http://www.crossandcrescent.com/2005/12/eighth-headquarters/|date=2006-03-05}} Cross and Crescent, December 2005.</ref>


* '''1909:''' [[Swansea, Massachusetts]]<ref>{{Citation |last=WESTON (ROY F) INC WEST CHESTER PA |date=1990-08-01 |title=Report of Sampling and Analysis Results: Swansea Army Housing Units, Swansea, Massachusetts |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.21236/ada226530 |location=Fort Belvoir, VA |doi=10.21236/ada226530}}</ref> and [[Attleboro, Massachusetts]]
Cole boldly approached many local groups at colleges and universities throughout the Northeast in hopes of finding others willing to join his new fraternity. Before the acquisition of Lambda Chi Alpha's first functioning chapter, Cole had corresponded with or visited 117 institutions.<ref>[http://lambdachi.org/fraternity/history/tfolca.asp Lambda Chi Alpha History Timeline: The Founding of Lambda Chi Alpha]</ref>
* '''1920:''' 261 Pierce St, [[Kingston, Pennsylvania]], 18704<ref>[http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2475 Location of Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters]{{dead link|date=September 2024}} in [[Kingston, Pennsylvania]]</ref>
* '''1920:''' 160 S Main St, [[Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania]] 18701<ref>[http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2488 Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters location]{{dead link|date=September 2024}} in [[Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania]]</ref>
* '''1920:''' 30-40 N Pennsylvania St, [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]] 46205<ref>[http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2622 Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters location]{{dead link|date=September 2024}} in [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]]</ref>
* '''1923:''' 136 E Market St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204<ref>[http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2525 Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters location in Indianapolis, Indiana]{{dead link|date=September 2024}}</ref>
* '''1930:''' 55 Monument Cir, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204<ref>[http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2566 Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters location in Indianapolis, Indiana]{{dead link|date=September 2024}}</ref>
* '''1940:''' 2029 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202<ref>[http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2570 Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters location in Indianapolis, Indiana]{{dead link|date=September 2024}}</ref>
* '''1954:''' 3434 N Washington Blvd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205<ref>[http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2572 Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters location in Indianapolis, Indiana]{{dead link|date=September 2024}}</ref>
* '''1974:''' 8741 Founders Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268<ref>[http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2575 Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters location in Indianapolis, Indiana]{{dead link|date=September 2024}}</ref>
* '''2014:''' 11711 N. Pennsylvania Street Suite 250, [[Carmel, Indiana]] 46032
* '''2021:''' 10 W Carmel Dr, Suite 220, Carmel, Indiana 46032<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weitzer |first=Taylor |date=2021-06-02 |title=Lambda Chi Alpha is Moving the Office of Administration |url=https://www.lambdachi.org/lambda-chi-alpha-is-moving-the-office-of-administration/ |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=Lambda Chi Alpha |language=en-US}}</ref>


===North American Interfraternity Conference===
===Expansion===
{{Further|North American Interfraternity Conference}}
The fraternity first joined the [[North American Interfraternity Conference]] (NIC) in 1913.<ref name="nicrejoin" /> In October 2015, it resigned from the association, citing in-fighting and dysfunctional governance. The fraternity's exit coincided with NIC lobbying for the [[Safe Campus Act]], which was opposed by both the fraternity and sexual assault advocacy groups.<ref name="NIC-exit">{{cite news|last1=Kingkade|first1=Tyler|title=Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Leaves National Umbrella Group Amid Controversial Lobbying|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lambda-chi-alpha-nic_562f8bc7e4b00aa54a4b26dd|access-date=November 4, 2015|work=Huffington Post|date=October 27, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Lambda Chi Alpha Resigns Its Membership in the North American Interfraternity Conference (press release)|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lambda-chi-alpha-resigns-its-membership-in-the-north-american-interfraternity-conference-300166219.html|access-date=November 4, 2015|work=PR Newswire|date=October 27, 2015}}</ref> Lambda Chi Alpha re-joined the NIC in November 2023.<ref name="nicrejoin" />


== Symbols ==
Early in [[1912]], Warren Cole, as was his custom in attempting to establish a chapter at a school, wrote to a student at Massachusetts Agricultural College (MAC) in Amherst (now the [[University of Massachusetts]]) asking the names of the Greek-letter fraternities on campus and the names of at least two "good, non-fraternity men." Herbert E. Cole responded with the names of six Greek-letter groups and two names, including that of Lewis Drury. Warren Cole wrote to Drury asking if he was interested in forming a Greek-letter society. Apparently Drury was quite interested, as he had his agronomy professor write a letter of recommendation to Warren Cole.
The colors of Lambda Chi Alpha are royal purple, kelly green, and old gold. Its symbols are the cross and crescent. Its flower is the white rose and its mascot is the [[lion rampant]]. Its mottos are ''{{lang|la|Per Crucem Crescens}}'' or "Crescent through the Cross", ''{{lang|grc|Χαλεπά τά καλὰ}}'' or "Naught Without Labor", and ''{{lang|la|Vir Quisque Vir}}'' or "Every Man a Man."


== Membership ==
The MAC petition was duly submitted and quickly approved—after all, it was Cole's first success in attracting a group after more than one hundred futile efforts. Lambda Chi Alpha's first established chapter, Gamma Zeta, was born.<ref>[http://lambdachi.org/fraternity/history/g.asp Lambda Chi Alpha History Timeline: Gamma]</ref>
Beginning in August 1969, the concept of fraternity education replaced pledge education at Lambda Chi Alpha.<ref>[http://www.fraternitymanuals.com/images/3/31/Paedagogus50th.pdf Bly, Betsy K. (Ed.) (2005). ''The Paedagogus'' (50th ed.), p. 147. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928105733/http://www.fraternitymanuals.com/images/3/31/Paedagogus50th.pdf |date=2007-09-28 }}</ref> The fraternity education program was designed to integrate all new members into the chapter equally.<ref>[http://www.fraternitymanuals.com/images/3/31/Paedagogus50th.pdf Bly, Betsy K. (Ed.) (2005). ''The Paedagogus'' (50th ed.), pp. 19–20. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928105733/http://www.fraternitymanuals.com/images/3/31/Paedagogus50th.pdf |date=2007-09-28 }}</ref>


In 1972, Lambda Chi Alpha officially abolished the pledge process and replaced it with associate membership. Associate members in Lambda Chi Alpha to this day have all of the same rights as initiated brothers, can hold officer positions, wear the letters, and can vote on all issues except for those involving Lambda Chi's [[initiation]] ritual. Status as an associate member permits new members to enter the fraternity with respect, and helps to combat the issues that arise from the possible abuse of pledges. Lambda Chi Alpha was the first fraternal organization to abolish pledging.
During the spring of 1912, Albert Cross, a student in the department of civil engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, received a letter from Warren Cole indicating that he had received Cross' name from a mutual acquaintance and that he would like to form a chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha at Pennslyvania.


== Philanthropy ==
Cross liked Cole's idea and began talking with some of his friends. One of these friends was John E. "Jack" Mason, whom Cross had met in a French class that summer. Mason, who had hardly been interested in existing fraternities at Penn, suggested to another friend, Raymond Ferris, that they "take a shot at" establishing a chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha.
{{Further|North American Food Drive}}<!-- This section is linked from [[North American Food Drive]] -->
From 1993 to 2012, Lambda Chi Alpha's philanthropy was the North American Food Drive (NAFD). As of 2010, NAFD had collected around 33 million pounds of food for [[food bank]]s.<ref name="2010 food drive">[http://www.crossandcrescent.com/2010/12/2010-north-american-food-drive-results/ 2010 North American Food Drive Results] Cross & Crescent. December 2010. Retrieved 2011-02-04. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207071204/http://www.crossandcrescent.com/2010/12/2010-north-american-food-drive-results/ |date=December 7, 2010 }}</ref> In 2012, NAFD was discontinued under that name and rolled into an ongoing partnership with [[Feeding America]].<ref name="feedingamerica">{{citation|url=http://www.lambdachi.cc/in-partnership-with-feeding-america-lambda-chi-alpha-raised-more-than-4-4-million-pounds-of-food/|title=In partnership with Feeding America, Lambda Chi Alpha raises more than 4.4 Million pounds of food in the past year|first=Kyle|last=Jones|date=August 17, 2016|work=Cross & Crescent}}</ref>


In 2017, Lambda Chi Alpha announced a trial partnership with the [[St. Baldrick's Foundation]], a [[Monrovia, California]]-based organization that funds [[childhood cancer]] research. Chapters were encouraged to host or participate in head-shaving events to raise money for the foundation.<ref name="baldricks">{{citation|url=https://www.stbaldricks.org/campaigns/lambdachi|publisher=St. Baldrick's Foundation|title=Lambda Chi Alpha}}</ref>
Thus, with colossal nerve, Cross, Mason, Ferris, and five other men dared to launch a fraternity chapter on a campus with an abundance of long-established national fraternities. But with determination, Epsilon Zeta began.


In 2019, Lambda Chi Alpha announced a partnership with [[The Jed Foundation]], a [[Boston]]-based non-profit organization that seeks to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for teens and young adults. Together, they are launching Lambda Chi Alpha Lifeline, an online mental health resource center tailored from the foundation's ULifeline website, which provides college students with information about emotional health issues and specific resources available to them on their respective campuses. It also offers a confidential mental health self-screening tool.<ref name="jedfoundation">{{citation|url=https://www.jedfoundation.org/lambda-chi-alpha/|publisher=Jed Foundation|title=Lambda Chi Alpha|date=15 February 2019 }}</ref>
Following the addition of Zeta Zeta at Penn State, the infant fraternity now felt confident in contacting established local groups. Cole made the acquaintance of members of Sigma Phi Delta at Brown and won its affiliation. A "picked delegation" at MIT proved successful. By the beginning of 1913, Delta Kappa at Maine was admitted as the seventh chapter.<ref>[http://lambdachi.org/fraternity/history/e.asp Lambda Chi Alpha History Timeline: Epsilon]</ref>


In 2020, Lambda Chi Alpha announced its partnership with [[Movember]], an [[Australia]]-based non-profit foundation that raises awareness of men's health issues such as [[prostate cancer]], [[testicular cancer]], and men's [[suicide]]. Movember has recently become a primary philanthropic focus for Lambda Chi Alpha and the fraternity's national administrative office.<ref name="Partnerships">{{Cite web |title=Partnerships |url=https://www.lambdachi.org/about-lambda-chi-alpha/partnership-opportunities/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Lambda Chi Alpha |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Theta Kappa Nu===
As the [[Great Depression]] was drawing to a close, many fraternities were struggling in terms of membership and finances. [[Theta Kappa Nu]] began seeing its chapters shut down for the first time in the early 1930s, and was forced to reduce fees in 1933 and again in 1935 to maintain its membership. Meanwhile, Lambda Chi had lost one third of its membership. In 1938 a merger committee was formed.<ref>[http://www.lambdachi.org/fraternity/history/tu.asp Lambda Chi Alpha History Timeline: The Union]</ref>


In 2023, Lambda Chi Alpha announced its partnership with [[American Red Cross]], a nonprofit humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States. Lambda Chi Alpha is the first and only fraternity with a partnership with The American Red Cross.<ref name="Partnerships" />
In [[1939]], Lambda Chi Alpha merged with the Theta Kappa Nu Fraternity at Howard University, now known as Samford University, in Birmingham, AL. The [[merger]] increased the number of chapters from 77 to 105 and the number of members from 20,000 to 27,000. At the time, this was the largest merger in fraternity history.<ref>Bly, Betsy K. (Ed.) (2000). ''The Paedagogus'' (48th ed.), p. 57. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha.</ref> All Theta Kappa Nu chapters became Lambda Chi Alpha chapters and were given Zeta (chapter) designations that began with either [[Theta]], [[Kappa]] or [[Nu (letter)|Nu]].<ref>Bly, Betsy K. (Ed.) (2000). ''The Paedagogus'' (48th ed.), p. 120. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha.</ref>


== Chapters ==
==Associate Membership and Fraternity Education==
{{Main|List of Lambda Chi Alpha chapters}}
[[Image:LCA_Crucicrescent.png|thumb|120px|right|The Crescent in the Cross]]
<blockquote>''Perhaps the most fundamental change which was made at this Assembly was the complete elimination of pledgeship, and the adoption of fraternity education to replace pledge education. … We feel in fact that this action is one of the most significant changes by any fraternity in the past fifty years.''&nbsp;—&nbsp;'''George W. Spasyk following the 1972 General Assembly'''</blockquote>


As of 2024, Lambda Chi Alpha reported 185 active chapters and associate chapters, representing universities in most U.S. states and three [[Canada|Canadian]] provinces.<ref name="lcachapters" />
===Associate Membership===
When Lambda Chi ended its pledging program in 1972, it was the first fraternity to do so. The Associate Member program was created to take its place. An Associate Member (AM) of Lambda Chi is entitled to all of the rights and privileges of a fully initiated member. Accordingly, he also bears the same responsibilities as a brother. An AM is prohibited from few things before he is initiated: he may not run for the office of Ritualist (High Phi); he may not serve as the Official Delegate to the General Assembly, and he may not vote on his own initiation or the disassociation of an initiated member. Unlike most pledge programs, however, AMs do ''not'' have separate meetings or officers. Indeed, there is no "Associate Member Class," as the entire concept of the AM program is designed to encourage chapter, rather than class, unity. That principle also implies that there is no separate dress code or work responsibilities for AMs.


===Fraternity Education===
=== Chapter naming ===
Lambda Chi Alpha is atypical in its naming scheme. Unlike most fraternities, the order in which chapters are named is not strictly based on the [[Greek alphabet]]. Instead, Lambda Chi Alpha chapters are known as Zetas. As such, for instance, the Alpha-Beta chapter is designated Alpha-Beta Zeta. In addition, since the fraternity's founding, Cole assigned Greek letters to petitioning groups that had not yet been chartered. Not all of these groups were chartered, however. As a result, the first 22 chapters were designated Α, Γ, Ε, Ζ, Ι, Λ, Β, Σ, Φ, Δ, Π, Ο, Μ, Τ, Η, Θ, Υ, Ξ, Χ, Ω, Κ, Ν, Ρ, Ψ. After the 24th chapter, the sequence was continued with a prefix following the same sequence (Α-Α, Α-Γ, Α-Ε, ... Γ-Α, Γ-Γ, Γ-Ε, ... Ε-A, etc.)
Similarly, the concept of "fraternity education" replaces "pledge education." The fraternity education program is designed to include all members of the chapter equally. There are no separate tests or quizzes for AMs. The program of fraternity education should be designed to integrate the new member into the chapter as a whole, develop a standard of treatment that treats associate members and initiates completely equally, and should continue throughout a member's undergraduate years.<ref>Bly, Betsy K. (Ed.) (2000). ''The Paedagogus'' (48th ed.), pp. 10-11. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha.</ref>


When [[Theta Kappa Nu]] merged with Lambda Chi Alpha in 1939, the former Theta Kappa Nu chapters were each given chapter designations prefixed with Θ, Κ, or Ν. The second letter of their chapter name was assigned in the order mentioned above and applied to the chapters in order of their precedence in Theta Kappa Nu. On campuses with chapters of both Lambda Chi Alpha and Theta Kappa Nu, the chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha kept its original designation.
===Hazing===
Lambda Chi Alpha's first stance against hazing was in 1928 at a NIC meeting when the fraternity condemed the practice. Today Lambda Chi prohibits hazing of any form, on or off campus, by any of its members. The fraternity's definition of hazing is broadly defined as "any action taken or situation created intentionally to produce physical discomfort or mental discomfort by embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.”<ref>[http://www.fraternitymanuals.com/index.php?title=Lambda_Chi_Alpha/Constitution#ARTICLE_VI Constitution and statutory code of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Code VI-10]</ref> Activities involving all members equally (brothers and associates) are not considered hazing.


A singular exception was the chapter at [[Georgia Institute of Technology|Georgia Tech]] in [[Atlanta]], ''Β-Κ Zeta'', which was named in recognition of its existence as a chapter of the [[Beta Kappa]], a national fraternity whose other existing chapters merged with [[Theta Chi]] in 1942.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lambdachi.org/collegiate/resources/files/Ritual_What_and_Why.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529151452/http://www.lambdachi.org/collegiate/resources/files/Ritual_What_and_Why.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Leonard, Edward F., George W. McDaniel, Charles S. Peyser (Eds.) (1987). ''Ritual: What and Why'', p. 28. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha.|archive-date=May 29, 2008}}</ref>
==North American Food Drive==<!-- This section is linked from [[North American Food Drive]] -->
The North American Food Drive is Lambda Chi's nationally sponsored philanthropic event. It is possibly the largest charitable single-day event organized by any collegiate organization. This event was modeled after Theta-Eta Zeta's (Millsaps College) "Pantry Raid". <ref> [http://www.lambdachi.org/events/fooddrive/history.asp] </ref> Since its creation in 1993, this international event has raised over 21.3 million pounds of food for the hungry. Annually, over 100 chapters bring in more than 2 million pounds of food. In 2004, 142 chapters collected 2.928 million pounds of food.<ref>[http://www.lambdachi.org/events/fooddrive/history.asp History of the North American Food Drive]</ref>


==Notable members==
== Alumni ==
{{see also|List of notable members of Lambda Chi Alpha}}
{{Main|List of Lambda Chi Alpha members}}
Lambda Chi Alpha has over 300,000 members.


In 1945, [[Harry S. Truman]], the 33rd [[president of the United States]], was made an honorary initiate of the Lambda Chi Alpha chapter at the [[University of Missouri]].<ref name="truman">{{citation|url=https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=DIL19450711.2.7&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN----------|newspaper=Daily Illini|date=11 July 1945|title=Lambda Chi Alpha Honors President with Membership|access-date=2024-08-15|volume=74|number=194}}</ref><ref name="notable">{{citation|url=https://www.lambdachi.org/alumni/notable-lambda-chis/|title=Notable Alumni|publisher=Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity|access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref>
==Chapters==
===Chapter locations===
{{main|List of chapters of Lambda Chi Alpha}}


==In popular culture==
Chapters of Lambda Chi represent the fraternity in all of the forty-eight [[contiguous United States]], with a colony in [[Alaska]]. Four of [[Canada]]'s ten Provinces also are home to several chapters and/or colonies.
{{Further|Keg in the Closet}}
Lambda Chi Alpha is referenced in the 2005 [[Kenny Chesney]] song "[[Keg in the Closet]]", which includes the lyrics: "This ol' guitar taught me how to score, right there on that Lambda Chi porch, Mary Ann taught me a little more, about wanting what you can't have."<ref>[https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/3530822107858540108/ "Keg in the Closet"] at Song Meanings</ref> Chesney is a Lambda Chi brother from the Iota-Omicron chapter at [[East Tennessee State University]].


In 2023, the [[University of New Orleans]] chapter was featured in [[Queer_Eye_(2018_TV_series)#Season_7_(2023)|Season Seven, Episode 1]] of the [[Netflix]] series, ''[[Queer Eye (2018 TV series)|Queer Eye]]''.<ref>[https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/what-is-lambda-chi-fraternity-queer-eye-doing-now "What is Lambda Chi Fraternity Queer Eye Doing"] at Bustle Magazine</ref>
===Chapter naming===
Chapters of Lambda Chi are interchangeably referred to as Zetas.


=== Smoot ===
Most Greek societies name their chapters using the [[Greek alphabet]]. The order usually follows one of two patterns: one which names chapters [[Alphabetical order#Alphabetical sorting|alphabetically]] nationally e.g. Alpha-Beta chapter, the other by state e.g. Indiana-Alpha chapter. Lambda Chi Alpha is unique in its [[naming scheme]]. The order in which they are named is not alphabetical, but, rather, a variation on the Greek alphabet. When the fraternity was founded, Warren Cole assigned Greek letters to groups that had not yet been chartered. Predictably, not all of these groups were chartered. As a result, the first seven Zetas were designated: Α, Γ, Ε, Ζ, Ι, Λ, and Β, in that order. Jack Mason created a twenty-four word [[mnemonic device]] with words representing each Greek letter once&nbsp;— the first seven words were in the order that the Zetas were already named. “A good energetic Zeta is Lambda's boast&nbsp; ‘Strength from Delta Pi’ our motto to each through union; excellent character only, knowing no retreating steps.” Therefore, the chapters are named in the order: Α, Γ, Ε, Ζ, Ι, Λ, Β, Σ, Φ, Δ, Π, Ο, Μ, Τ, Η, Θ, Υ, Ξ, Χ, Ω, Κ, Ν, Ρ, Ψ. After the twenty-fourth chapter, the sequence was continued with a prefix (Α-Α, Α-Γ, Α-Ε..., Γ-Α, Γ-Γ, Γ-Ε, ..., Ε-A, etc.)
{{Main|Smoot}}
[[File:Harvard Bridge Smoot plaque.jpg|thumb|The plaque on [[Harvard Bridge]] in [[Cambridge, Massachusetts]] documenting the [[smoot]]]]
[[File:Smoot mark 210, east.jpg|thumb|The [[smoot]] mark on Harvard Bridge in Cambridge, Massachusetts]]
In October 1958, a Lambda Chi pledge at [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology|MIT]], [[Oliver R. Smoot]], gained global recognition when his MIT fraternity brothers had him lay down repeatedly on [[Harvard Bridge]] between [[Boston]] and [[Cambridge, Massachusetts|Cambridge]] while they measured the bridge using his height, which turned out to be 5 feet 7 inches. Smoot's height was defined as one "[[smoot]]", and Harvard Bridge was officially measured as {{convert|364.4|sm|ft m}} smoots long. The measurement is commemorated with a plaque on Harvard Bridge describing the incident. In 2009, in remembrance and celebration of the legacy of [[Oliver R. Smoot|Oliver Smoot]], the [[Pennsylvania Western University Edinboro]] chapter contributed to funding the construction of a pickleball facility in collaboration with the university.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Athletics and Recreation {{!}} PennWest California |url=https://www.pennwest.edu/campuses/california/things-to-do/athletics-rec.php |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=www.pennwest.edu}}</ref> The addition comprised a total square footage of 46,735.8 smoots (261,720,384.48 sq ft).


In 2011, the word "smoot" and its definition were added to the fifth edition of the ''[[The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language|American Heritage Dictionary]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cornish |first=Audie |date=November 13, 2011 |title=Looking Up Words In A Book Not So Strange Yet |url=https://www.npr.org/2011/11/13/142284657/looking-up-words-in-a-book-not-so-strange-yet |access-date=December 10, 2012 |publisher=National Public Radio}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=American Heritage Dictionary entry |url=http://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=smoot&submit.x=47&submit.y=23 |access-date=December 10, 2012 |work=American Heritage Dictionary |publisher=Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company}}</ref>
When [[Theta Kappa Nu]] merged with Lambda Chi in 1939, a scheme was adopted to name the new chapters, and the original scheme was modified, as well. The former Theta Kappa Nu chapters were all given Zeta designations prefixed with Θ, Κ, or Ν. The second letter of their chapter name was assigned in the order mentioned above and applied to the chapters in order of their precedence in Theta Kappa Nu. On twenty-one campuses, chapters of both Lambda Chi and Theta Kappa Nu existed. In those cases, the chapter of Lambda Chi kept its original designation, and the letter which would have been assigned to the chapter of Theta Kappa Nu was permanently retired.


== Controversies and allegations of misconduct ==
A singular exception, the chapter at Georgia Tech, Β-Κ Zeta, was named in recognition of its existence as a chapter of the national fraternity Beta Kappa, whose other existing chapters merged with [[Theta Chi]] in 1942.<ref>Leonard, Edward F., George W. McDaniel, Charles S. Peyser (Eds.) (1987). ''Ritual: What and Why'', p. 28. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha.</ref>
=== 20th century ===
In October 1958, the fraternity expelled its [[Hamilton College]] chapter in [[Clinton, Oneida County, New York|Clinton, New York]], for insisting on a non-discrimination policy for admitting members. The national fraternity insisted that its members be [[Christianity|Christians]] who were either white or [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]].<ref>{{cite news |date=October 11, 1958 |title=FRATERNITY OUSTS UNIT; Hamilton College Chapter Put Veto on Discrimination |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1958/10/11/archives/fraternity-ousts-unit-hamilton-college-chapter-put-veto-on.html |access-date=February 21, 2021 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The expelled chapter reorganized as an independent society called Gryphon, which continued to operate for more than two decades.


In May 1988, James Callahan, an associate at [[Rutgers University]] in [[New Brunswick, New Jersey]], died of an alcohol overdose from a Lambda Chi Alpha drinking [[hazing]] ritual. Fifteen members of the chapter were indicted for his death.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rangel |first=Jesus |date=May 4, 1988 |title=15 Indicted in Rutgers Hazing Death |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/04/nyregion/15-indicted-in-rutgers-hazing-death.html |access-date=February 21, 2021 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |page=B2}}</ref>
==[http://www.crossandcrescent.com/2005/12/eighth-headquarters/ Headquarters Locations]==
# 1909: [http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2469 Swansea, MA]
# 1920: [http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2475 261 Pierce St, Kingston, PA 18704]
# 1920: [http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2488 160 S Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701]
# 1920: [http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2622 30-40 N Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46205]
# 1923: [http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2525 136 E Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204]
# 1930: [http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2566 55 Monument Cir, Indianapolis, IN 46204]
# 1940: [http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2570 2029 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46202]
# 1954: [http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2572 3434 N Washington Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46205]
# 1974: [http://www.wayfaring.com/waypts/show/2575 8741 Founders Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268]


===21st century===
In November 2007, Remy Okonkwo, a member at [[Georgetown College]] in [[Georgetown, Kentucky]], was found hanging in the Lambda Chi house on campus. The coroner ruled his death a [[suicide]] but his family alleged foul play was involved.<ref>{{cite news |last=Underwood |first=Josh |date=November 29, 2007 |title=Georgetown College student's suicide confirmed |url=https://www.news-graphic.com/news/georgetown-college-students-suicide-confirmed/article_75db1919-60ed-55b4-8df6-884005c31b29.html |access-date=February 21, 2021 |newspaper=Georgetown News-Graphic}}</ref>


In January 2011, the chapter at [[Florida State University]] in [[Tallahassee, Florida]] was suspended after a sorority member whose identical twin sister was dating a Lambda Chi brother shot and killed her inside the house.<ref>{{cite news |author=Staff |date=January 9, 2011 |title=2 Shot in Fraternity House at FSU, Student Ashley Cowie Dies |url=https://knightnews.com/2011/01/2-shot-in-fraternity-house-at-fsu-student-ashley-cowie-dies/ |access-date=February 21, 2021 |work=Knight News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 19, 2018 |title=Wilhelm takes plea to Florida Supreme Court |url=https://www.claytodayonline.com/stories/wilhelm-takes-plea-to-florida-supreme-court,13368 |access-date=February 21, 2021}}</ref>
==Notes and references==
<references/>


In May 2014, following a yearlong investigation, seven members at the [[University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign]] were arrested and charged with using and distributing illegal drugs. Police found [[MDMA]] pills, 40 grams of MDMA powder, [[cocaine]] residue, [[Adderall]] pills, suspected [[Lysergic acid diethylamide|LSD]], ''[[cannabis]]'', a large tank of [[nitrous oxide]], and drug paraphernalia in the fraternity house.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schenk |first=Mary |date=May 9, 2014 |title=Seven UI fraternity members arrested after yearlong drug probe |url=http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2014-05-09/seven-ui-fraternity-members-arrested-after-yearlong-drug-probe.html |access-date=June 11, 2018 |newspaper=The News-Gazette |language=en}}</ref> As a place to purchase drugs, the fraternity had reportedly gained the nickname "the candy shop", according to ''[[The News-Gazette (Champaign–Urbana)|The News-Gazette]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Toledo |first=Adalberto |date=March 11, 2018 |title=Frats nationwide under a microscope, including at UI |url=http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2018-03-11/frats-nationwide-under-microscope-including-ui.html |access-date=June 11, 2018 |newspaper=The News Gazette |language=en}}</ref>
==External links==
*[http://www.lambdachi.org/ Lambda Chi Alpha International Fraternity] — official home page.
*[http://www.crossandcrescent.com/ Cross & Crescent] — alumni magazine.
*[http://www.iswza.org/lambdachi/resolutions/ General Assembly Resolutions of Lambda Chi Alpha] — a listing of resolutions adopted between the thirty-ninth and forty-fifth General Assemblies.
*[http://gwlambdachi.com/famous.php Famous Lambda Chi Alpha brothers at Lambda Chi Alpha's George Washington University chapter web site].
*[http://www.nndb.com/org/518/000041395/ Famous Lambda Chi Alpha brothers at Notable Names Database].
*[http://politicalgraveyard.com/group/lambda-chi-alpha.html The Political Graveyard:Lambda Chi Alpha] — a partial listing of U.S. politicians who were Lambda Chis.
*[http://www.nicindy.org/publicrelations/staff.htm Current list of Congressional Greeks]
*[http://www.crossandcrescent.com/2006/04/from-congress-to-campus/ From Congress to Campus] - an article on former Senator Trible with a sidebar of former Lambda Chis who served as U.S. Senators.


In March 2016, the chapter at [[Southern Methodist University]] in [[University Park, Texas]] was placed on a five-year suspension for hazing and code of conduct violations. In 2009, the fraternity was previously suspended for similar infractions, which led to the expulsion of 35 out of its 92 members.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hacker |first=Holly K. |date=March 21, 2016 |title=SMU fraternity gets shut down, but no one's saying exactly why |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2016/03/22/smu-fraternity-gets-shut-down-but-no-one-s-saying-exactly-why/ |access-date=February 21, 2021 |newspaper=[[The Dallas Morning News]]}}</ref>
{{North-American Interfraternity Conference}}


In May 2016, the fraternity's national office suspended the chapter at the [[University of Oregon]] in [[Eugene, Oregon]] after a photo of a Lambda Chi Alpha cooler decorated with the phrase, "Do you wanna do some [[Cocaine|blow]] man?" went viral on the Internet. The cooler was discovered along with a half-mile wide swath of trash left behind at [[Shasta Lake]] in [[Northern California]], where an estimated 1,000 students had docked houseboats over the weekend.<ref name="ktla">{{cite web |date=May 24, 2016 |title=University of Oregon Frat's Massive Party Leaves Lake Shasta Island Trashed |url=http://ktla.com/2016/05/24/photos-show-wreckage-of-oregon-frats-massive-party-at-lake-shasta/ |publisher=Tribune Media Wire}}</ref>
[[Category:1909 establishments]]

In August 2016, Colson Machlitt, a football player at [[Georgetown College]] in [[Georgetown, Kentucky]], died after allegedly jumping down a flight of stairs at the fraternity. Alcohol was suspected to be involved in his death.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kocher |first=Greg |date=August 22, 2016 |title=Football player dies after jump at fraternity house |url=http://www.kentucky.com/news/local/counties/scott-county/article97194627.html |access-date=February 21, 2021 |newspaper=[[Lexington Herald-Leader]]}}</ref>

In January 2017, the [[Indiana University-Bloomington]] chapter in [[Bloomington, Indiana]], was placed under a two-year suspension after an associate member reported hazing activities occurring in the chapter house to the university, which allegedly included brutal physical exercise, liquor hazing, and the act of capping were mentioned in the report. In response, the fraternity's national office removed over 100 members, who were able to fully recolonize in fall 2021.

In April 2018, the chapter at [[California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo|Cal Poly SLO]] in [[San Luis Obispo, California]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Haag |first=Matthew |date=2018-04-11 |title=Blackface Leads to Fraternity Suspension at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/11/us/blackface-fraternity-cal-poly.html |access-date=2023-02-16 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> was placed on interim suspension after social media images surfaced depicting members dressed up as gang members with one wearing [[blackface]] during the school's multicultural celebration weekend.<ref>{{cite news |last=Haag |first=Matthew |date=April 11, 2018 |title=Blackface Leads to Fraternity Suspension at Cal Poly |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/11/us/blackface-fraternity-cal-poly.html |access-date=April 12, 2018 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

In August 2018, the chapter at [[Butler University]] in [[Indianapolis]] was suspended by the school, which did not cite a specific reason for the suspension. The ''[[Indianapolis Star]]'' reported that alcohol violations played a part. The university said it would not consider reinstating the chapter until 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ryckaert |first=Vic |date=August 27, 2018 |title=Woman sues Butler and a former fraternity after saying she was raped on campus in 2016 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2018/08/27/woman-claims-she-raped-butler-university-frat-house/1085721002/ |access-date=February 21, 2021 |work=Indianapolis Star}}</ref> Following the suspension, a woman filed a civil rights complaint against the university, saying that it grossly mishandled her allegation that she was [[Rape|raped]] by a member of the fraternity during a fraternity party. The fraternity member had previously been accused of sexual misconduct by another student.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wang |first=Stephanie |title='I am beyond angry': Ex-Butler student says school mishandled her rape allegation |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2018/01/29/am-beyond-angry-ex-butler-student-says-school-mishandled-her-rape-allegation/1048160001/ |access-date=June 11, 2018 |work=Indianapolis Star |language=en |issue=January 29, 2018}}</ref>

In September 2020, the [[University of Georgia]] chapter in [[Athens, Georgia]], was suspended after racist and other insensitive text messages between members were exposed by a fellow student on [[X|Twitter]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Pietsch |first=Bryan |date=September 22, 2020 |title=Fraternity at University of Georgia Is Suspended After Racist Messages Are Exposed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/22/us/fraternity-university-of-georgia-suspended-racist.html |access-date=February 21, 2021 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>

In January 2024, the [[West Virginia University]] chapter in [[Morgantown, West Virginia]] was placed on an interim suspension following allegations of permitting and facilitating underage alcohol consumption.<ref>[https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2024/01/23/wvu-fraternity-placed-on-interim-suspension-following-alleged-underage-alcohol-infractions "WVU fraternity placed on interim suspension following alleged underage alchohol infractions," ''WVU Today'', January 23, 2024</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of Lambda Chi Alpha brothers]]
* [[List of Lambda Chi Alpha chapters]]

== Notes and references ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{Commons}}
{{Wikiquote|Lambda Chi Alpha}}
* [https://www.lambdachi.org/ Official website]
* [https://lambdachifoundation.org/ Lambda Chi Foundation official website]

{{Fraternities and Sororities |collapsed}}
{{North American Interfraternity Conference}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Lambda Chi Alpha| ]]
[[Category:1909 establishments in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:North American Interfraternity Conference]]
[[Category:Carmel, Indiana]]
[[Category:Fraternities and sororities in Canada]]
[[Category:Fraternities and sororities in the United States]]
[[Category:International student societies]]
[[Category:International student societies]]
[[Category:North-American Interfraternity Conference]]
[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Indiana]]
[[Category:United States student societies]]
[[Category:Student organizations established in 1909]]

Latest revision as of 05:19, 28 October 2024

Lambda Chi Alpha
ΛΧΑ
FoundedNovember 2, 1909; 115 years ago (1909-11-02)
Boston University
TypeSocial
AffiliationNIC
StatusActive
ScopeInternational
MottoPer Crucem Crescens (Crescent through the Cross)

Χαλεπά τά καλὰ (Naught Without Labor)

Vir Quisque Vir (Every Man a Man)
Colors  Royal Purple,   Kelly Green, and   Old Gold
SymbolCross and Crescent
Flag
FlowerWhite Rose
MascotLion rampant
PublicationCross and Crescent, Paedagogus, and Purple, Green and Gold
PhilanthropyFeeding America, Movember, The Jed Foundation and American Red Cross
Chapters185 active, 322 chartered
Members8,600+ active
300,000+ lifetime
NicknamesLambda Chis, Lambda, LCA, LXA, Chops/Choppers
Headquarters10 W. Carmel Drive, Suite 220
Carmel, Indiana 46032
United States
Websitewww.lambdachi.org
[1][2]

Lambda Chi Alpha (ΛΧΑ), commonly referred to as Lambda Chi, is a collegiate fraternity in North America. With over 300,000 initiates as of 2024, it is the third-largest social fraternity in the world by number of initiates. It has almost 8,700 current undergraduate members affiliated with chapters and associate chapters at 166 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.[3] Its members may be known variously as Lambda Chis, LXAs, LCAs, Lambdas, Chops, or Choppers at different campuses.

Lambda Chi Alpha was founded at Boston University in 1909. It is a member of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), which it rejoined in November 2023 after withdrawing from the conference in 2015.[4] Among the largest 15 social fraternities in the world, Lambda Chi Alpha is the youngest.[5] Since 2014, after maintaining its headquarters at various locations in Indiana, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, it has been headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, outside Indianapolis.

History

[edit]

Founding

[edit]

Lambda Chi Alpha was founded by Warren A. Cole, a law student at Boston University School of Law in Boston. There are two different accounts of the fraternity's founding.[6]

The official story told by Cole and Albert Cross is that on November 2, 1909, Cole, Percival C. Morse, and Clyde K. Nichols reorganized the Cosmopolitan Law Club, a society of Boston University law students into the Loyal Collegiate Associates, which was renamed Lambda Chi Alpha in 1912.[7] All were close friends and had been members of Alpha Mu Chi, a prep school fraternity. The Greek letter name is thought to have been used from the beginning but is not recorded in the Alpha Zeta minutes until April 27, 1910.[6]

A second account of the founding, based on interviews with contemporaries, is that Cole and others did belong to a loose group known as the Tombs or Cosmopolitan Club but this was not related to Lambda Chi Alpha's founding. Instead, according to the alternative account, Cole shared an apartment with James C. McDonald and Charles W. Proctor, who later joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Cole then established his own fraternity with Ralph S. Miles, Harold W. Bridge, and Percival C. Morse on November 23, 1911. The group issued a charter for itself that was backdated to November 15.[6]

Cole approached many local groups at colleges and universities throughout the Northeast seeking others willing to join his new fraternity. He corresponded with or visited 117 institutions by 1912, when a group at Massachusetts Agricultural College accepted a charter to become Gamma Zeta.[8] The first General Assembly, establishing a structure for the national fraternity, was held in Boston on April 13, 1912.

The fraternity held its second general assembly in Boston on March 22, 1913 in which the fraternity adopted its secret motto, ritual insignia including its badge and coat of arms, and the basic organizational structure. Lambda Chi Alpha virtually replaced the fraternity Cole had established outside of its name.[9] The 14th General Assembly, in 1931, recognized March 22 as Lambda Chi Alpha Day in recognition of these achievements. In 1942, the board of directors renamed it Founder's Day. November 2, 1909 is also still recognized, so Lambda Chi Alpha celebrates two Founders Days annually.[9]

In the years that followed, a divide opened between Cole and a group of young alumni led by Mason, Ernst J.C. Fischer of Lambda Chi's Cornell University chapter in Ithaca, New York, and Samuel Dyer of the University of Maine chapter in Orono, Maine. Dyer was supported by Albert Cross at the University of Pennsylvania chapter in Philadelphia and Louis Robbins of the Brown University chapter in Providence, Rhode Island.[9] In 1920, Cole was ousted and Fischer was elected national president. In 1927, Fischer became international president when Epsilon-Epsilon Zeta at the University of Toronto in Toronto was chartered.[10]

Theta Kappa Nu merger

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The Theta Kappa Nu fraternity was formed by eleven local fraternities on June 9, 1924, in Springfield, Missouri. With the help of the North American Interfraternity Conference in identifying local groups, and Theta Kappa Nu's policy of granting charters quickly to organizations with good academic standards, the fraternity grew quickly and had approximately 2,500 initiates in 40 chapters by the end of 1926.[11]

During the Great Depression, both Theta Kappa Nu and Lambda Chi Alpha saw membership decrease and chapters shut down. In 1939, the two fraternities agreed to merge.[12] The merger ceremony was held at Howard College (now Samford University) chapter of Theta Kappa Nu in Birmingham, Alabama. The merger immediately increased the number of chapters from 77 to 105[13] (or 78 to 106)[14] and the number of members from 20,000 to 27,000. At the time, this was the largest merger in fraternity history.[13] All Theta Kappa Nu chapters became Lambda Chi Alpha chapters and were given chapter designations that began with either Theta, Kappa, or Nu.[15] At schools where chapters of both fraternities previously existed, the two merged and retained Lambda Chi's Zeta recognition.

Headquarters locations

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Lambda Chi Alpha was founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1909. For the first decade of its existence, the fraternity lacked a central office and records were divided between the homes of Grand High Alpha Warren A. Cole in Swansea, Massachusetts and Registrar Samuel Dyer in Attleboro, Massachusetts.[16] In 1920, the fraternity moved its headquarters to Northeastern Pennsylvania, where it was located in Kingston and Wilkes Barre. Later that year, it relocated to Indianapolis, where many other fraternity and sorority national headquarters are located. Since 2021, its headquarters has been based in Carmel, Indiana, outside Indianapolis.[17]

North American Interfraternity Conference

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The fraternity first joined the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) in 1913.[4] In October 2015, it resigned from the association, citing in-fighting and dysfunctional governance. The fraternity's exit coincided with NIC lobbying for the Safe Campus Act, which was opposed by both the fraternity and sexual assault advocacy groups.[28][29] Lambda Chi Alpha re-joined the NIC in November 2023.[4]

Symbols

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The colors of Lambda Chi Alpha are royal purple, kelly green, and old gold. Its symbols are the cross and crescent. Its flower is the white rose and its mascot is the lion rampant. Its mottos are Per Crucem Crescens or "Crescent through the Cross", Χαλεπά τά καλὰ or "Naught Without Labor", and Vir Quisque Vir or "Every Man a Man."

Membership

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Beginning in August 1969, the concept of fraternity education replaced pledge education at Lambda Chi Alpha.[30] The fraternity education program was designed to integrate all new members into the chapter equally.[31]

In 1972, Lambda Chi Alpha officially abolished the pledge process and replaced it with associate membership. Associate members in Lambda Chi Alpha to this day have all of the same rights as initiated brothers, can hold officer positions, wear the letters, and can vote on all issues except for those involving Lambda Chi's initiation ritual. Status as an associate member permits new members to enter the fraternity with respect, and helps to combat the issues that arise from the possible abuse of pledges. Lambda Chi Alpha was the first fraternal organization to abolish pledging.

Philanthropy

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From 1993 to 2012, Lambda Chi Alpha's philanthropy was the North American Food Drive (NAFD). As of 2010, NAFD had collected around 33 million pounds of food for food banks.[32] In 2012, NAFD was discontinued under that name and rolled into an ongoing partnership with Feeding America.[33]

In 2017, Lambda Chi Alpha announced a trial partnership with the St. Baldrick's Foundation, a Monrovia, California-based organization that funds childhood cancer research. Chapters were encouraged to host or participate in head-shaving events to raise money for the foundation.[34]

In 2019, Lambda Chi Alpha announced a partnership with The Jed Foundation, a Boston-based non-profit organization that seeks to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for teens and young adults. Together, they are launching Lambda Chi Alpha Lifeline, an online mental health resource center tailored from the foundation's ULifeline website, which provides college students with information about emotional health issues and specific resources available to them on their respective campuses. It also offers a confidential mental health self-screening tool.[35]

In 2020, Lambda Chi Alpha announced its partnership with Movember, an Australia-based non-profit foundation that raises awareness of men's health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide. Movember has recently become a primary philanthropic focus for Lambda Chi Alpha and the fraternity's national administrative office.[36]

In 2023, Lambda Chi Alpha announced its partnership with American Red Cross, a nonprofit humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States. Lambda Chi Alpha is the first and only fraternity with a partnership with The American Red Cross.[36]

Chapters

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As of 2024, Lambda Chi Alpha reported 185 active chapters and associate chapters, representing universities in most U.S. states and three Canadian provinces.[3]

Chapter naming

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Lambda Chi Alpha is atypical in its naming scheme. Unlike most fraternities, the order in which chapters are named is not strictly based on the Greek alphabet. Instead, Lambda Chi Alpha chapters are known as Zetas. As such, for instance, the Alpha-Beta chapter is designated Alpha-Beta Zeta. In addition, since the fraternity's founding, Cole assigned Greek letters to petitioning groups that had not yet been chartered. Not all of these groups were chartered, however. As a result, the first 22 chapters were designated Α, Γ, Ε, Ζ, Ι, Λ, Β, Σ, Φ, Δ, Π, Ο, Μ, Τ, Η, Θ, Υ, Ξ, Χ, Ω, Κ, Ν, Ρ, Ψ. After the 24th chapter, the sequence was continued with a prefix following the same sequence (Α-Α, Α-Γ, Α-Ε, ... Γ-Α, Γ-Γ, Γ-Ε, ... Ε-A, etc.)

When Theta Kappa Nu merged with Lambda Chi Alpha in 1939, the former Theta Kappa Nu chapters were each given chapter designations prefixed with Θ, Κ, or Ν. The second letter of their chapter name was assigned in the order mentioned above and applied to the chapters in order of their precedence in Theta Kappa Nu. On campuses with chapters of both Lambda Chi Alpha and Theta Kappa Nu, the chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha kept its original designation.

A singular exception was the chapter at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Β-Κ Zeta, which was named in recognition of its existence as a chapter of the Beta Kappa, a national fraternity whose other existing chapters merged with Theta Chi in 1942.[37]

Alumni

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Lambda Chi Alpha has over 300,000 members.

In 1945, Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, was made an honorary initiate of the Lambda Chi Alpha chapter at the University of Missouri.[38][39]

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Lambda Chi Alpha is referenced in the 2005 Kenny Chesney song "Keg in the Closet", which includes the lyrics: "This ol' guitar taught me how to score, right there on that Lambda Chi porch, Mary Ann taught me a little more, about wanting what you can't have."[40] Chesney is a Lambda Chi brother from the Iota-Omicron chapter at East Tennessee State University.

In 2023, the University of New Orleans chapter was featured in Season Seven, Episode 1 of the Netflix series, Queer Eye.[41]

Smoot

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The plaque on Harvard Bridge in Cambridge, Massachusetts documenting the smoot
The smoot mark on Harvard Bridge in Cambridge, Massachusetts

In October 1958, a Lambda Chi pledge at MIT, Oliver R. Smoot, gained global recognition when his MIT fraternity brothers had him lay down repeatedly on Harvard Bridge between Boston and Cambridge while they measured the bridge using his height, which turned out to be 5 feet 7 inches. Smoot's height was defined as one "smoot", and Harvard Bridge was officially measured as 364.4 smoots (2,035 ft; 620.1 m) smoots long. The measurement is commemorated with a plaque on Harvard Bridge describing the incident. In 2009, in remembrance and celebration of the legacy of Oliver Smoot, the Pennsylvania Western University Edinboro chapter contributed to funding the construction of a pickleball facility in collaboration with the university.[42] The addition comprised a total square footage of 46,735.8 smoots (261,720,384.48 sq ft).

In 2011, the word "smoot" and its definition were added to the fifth edition of the American Heritage Dictionary.[43][44]

Controversies and allegations of misconduct

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20th century

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In October 1958, the fraternity expelled its Hamilton College chapter in Clinton, New York, for insisting on a non-discrimination policy for admitting members. The national fraternity insisted that its members be Christians who were either white or Native American.[45] The expelled chapter reorganized as an independent society called Gryphon, which continued to operate for more than two decades.

In May 1988, James Callahan, an associate at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, died of an alcohol overdose from a Lambda Chi Alpha drinking hazing ritual. Fifteen members of the chapter were indicted for his death.[46]

21st century

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In November 2007, Remy Okonkwo, a member at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky, was found hanging in the Lambda Chi house on campus. The coroner ruled his death a suicide but his family alleged foul play was involved.[47]

In January 2011, the chapter at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida was suspended after a sorority member whose identical twin sister was dating a Lambda Chi brother shot and killed her inside the house.[48][49]

In May 2014, following a yearlong investigation, seven members at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign were arrested and charged with using and distributing illegal drugs. Police found MDMA pills, 40 grams of MDMA powder, cocaine residue, Adderall pills, suspected LSD, cannabis, a large tank of nitrous oxide, and drug paraphernalia in the fraternity house.[50] As a place to purchase drugs, the fraternity had reportedly gained the nickname "the candy shop", according to The News-Gazette.[51]

In March 2016, the chapter at Southern Methodist University in University Park, Texas was placed on a five-year suspension for hazing and code of conduct violations. In 2009, the fraternity was previously suspended for similar infractions, which led to the expulsion of 35 out of its 92 members.[52]

In May 2016, the fraternity's national office suspended the chapter at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon after a photo of a Lambda Chi Alpha cooler decorated with the phrase, "Do you wanna do some blow man?" went viral on the Internet. The cooler was discovered along with a half-mile wide swath of trash left behind at Shasta Lake in Northern California, where an estimated 1,000 students had docked houseboats over the weekend.[53]

In August 2016, Colson Machlitt, a football player at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky, died after allegedly jumping down a flight of stairs at the fraternity. Alcohol was suspected to be involved in his death.[54]

In January 2017, the Indiana University-Bloomington chapter in Bloomington, Indiana, was placed under a two-year suspension after an associate member reported hazing activities occurring in the chapter house to the university, which allegedly included brutal physical exercise, liquor hazing, and the act of capping were mentioned in the report. In response, the fraternity's national office removed over 100 members, who were able to fully recolonize in fall 2021.

In April 2018, the chapter at Cal Poly SLO in San Luis Obispo, California[55] was placed on interim suspension after social media images surfaced depicting members dressed up as gang members with one wearing blackface during the school's multicultural celebration weekend.[56]

In August 2018, the chapter at Butler University in Indianapolis was suspended by the school, which did not cite a specific reason for the suspension. The Indianapolis Star reported that alcohol violations played a part. The university said it would not consider reinstating the chapter until 2021.[57] Following the suspension, a woman filed a civil rights complaint against the university, saying that it grossly mishandled her allegation that she was raped by a member of the fraternity during a fraternity party. The fraternity member had previously been accused of sexual misconduct by another student.[58]

In September 2020, the University of Georgia chapter in Athens, Georgia, was suspended after racist and other insensitive text messages between members were exposed by a fellow student on Twitter.[59]

In January 2024, the West Virginia University chapter in Morgantown, West Virginia was placed on an interim suspension following allegations of permitting and facilitating underage alcohol consumption.[60]

See also

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Notes and references

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  1. ^ Chapter count, avg undergraduate membership, and total initiates noted on the national website homepage, accessed 21 Oct 2021.
  2. ^ Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter Directory lambdachi.org, accessed January 13, 2014.
  3. ^ a b Chapters, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, retrieved 2024-08-22
  4. ^ a b c Brewer, Hillary (2023-11-28). "NIC welcomes Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity back to the Conference". NIC | North American Interfraternity Conference. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
  5. ^ fuelvm. "Home". Lambda Chi Alpha. Retrieved 2018-07-21.
  6. ^ a b c Our Founding, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity
  7. ^ Raymond, Michael J (2017), Our Story: A History of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity
  8. ^ "Lambda Chi Alpha History Timeline: The Founding of Lambda Chi Alpha". Archived from the original on September 28, 2007.
  9. ^ a b c Jones, Kyle (March 2007), "Happy Founders Day", Cross & Crescent
  10. ^ "Lambda Chi Alpha History Timeline". Archived from the original on January 1, 2008.
  11. ^ "Lambda Chi Alpha History Timeline: Theta Kappa Nu". Archived from the original on September 28, 2007.
  12. ^ "Lambda Chi Alpha History Timeline: The Union". Archived from the original on February 15, 2006.
  13. ^ a b Bly, Betsy K. (Ed.) (2005). The Paedagogus (50th ed.), p. 146. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha. Archived 2007-09-28 at the Wayback Machine
  14. ^ Bly, Betsy K. (Ed.) (2005). The Paedagogus (50th ed.), p. 11. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha. Archived 2007-09-28 at the Wayback Machine
  15. ^ Bly, Betsy K. (Ed.) (2005). The Paedagogus (50th ed.), p. 102. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha. Archived 2007-09-28 at the Wayback Machine
  16. ^ Peyser, Charles (1992). The History of The Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity (1st ed.). Indianapolis, IN: The Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. pp. 60–61.
  17. ^ Lambda Chi Alpha Headquarters Locations Archived 2006-03-05 at the Wayback Machine Cross and Crescent, December 2005.
  18. ^ WESTON (ROY F) INC WEST CHESTER PA (1990-08-01), Report of Sampling and Analysis Results: Swansea Army Housing Units, Swansea, Massachusetts, Fort Belvoir, VA, doi:10.21236/ada226530{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  19. ^ Location of Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters[dead link] in Kingston, Pennsylvania
  20. ^ Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters location[dead link] in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
  21. ^ Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters location[dead link] in Indianapolis, Indiana
  22. ^ Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters location in Indianapolis, Indiana[dead link]
  23. ^ Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters location in Indianapolis, Indiana[dead link]
  24. ^ Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters location in Indianapolis, Indiana[dead link]
  25. ^ Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters location in Indianapolis, Indiana[dead link]
  26. ^ Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters location in Indianapolis, Indiana[dead link]
  27. ^ Weitzer, Taylor (2021-06-02). "Lambda Chi Alpha is Moving the Office of Administration". Lambda Chi Alpha. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
  28. ^ Kingkade, Tyler (October 27, 2015). "Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Leaves National Umbrella Group Amid Controversial Lobbying". Huffington Post. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  29. ^ "Lambda Chi Alpha Resigns Its Membership in the North American Interfraternity Conference (press release)". PR Newswire. October 27, 2015. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  30. ^ Bly, Betsy K. (Ed.) (2005). The Paedagogus (50th ed.), p. 147. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha. Archived 2007-09-28 at the Wayback Machine
  31. ^ Bly, Betsy K. (Ed.) (2005). The Paedagogus (50th ed.), pp. 19–20. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha. Archived 2007-09-28 at the Wayback Machine
  32. ^ 2010 North American Food Drive Results Cross & Crescent. December 2010. Retrieved 2011-02-04. Archived December 7, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  33. ^ Jones, Kyle (August 17, 2016), "In partnership with Feeding America, Lambda Chi Alpha raises more than 4.4 Million pounds of food in the past year", Cross & Crescent
  34. ^ Lambda Chi Alpha, St. Baldrick's Foundation
  35. ^ Lambda Chi Alpha, Jed Foundation, 15 February 2019
  36. ^ a b "Partnerships". Lambda Chi Alpha. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  37. ^ "Leonard, Edward F., George W. McDaniel, Charles S. Peyser (Eds.) (1987). Ritual: What and Why, p. 28. Indianapolis, Lambda Chi Alpha" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on May 29, 2008.
  38. ^ "Lambda Chi Alpha Honors President with Membership", Daily Illini, vol. 74, no. 194, 11 July 1945, retrieved 2024-08-15
  39. ^ Notable Alumni, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, retrieved 2024-08-15
  40. ^ "Keg in the Closet" at Song Meanings
  41. ^ "What is Lambda Chi Fraternity Queer Eye Doing" at Bustle Magazine
  42. ^ "Athletics and Recreation | PennWest California". www.pennwest.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
  43. ^ Cornish, Audie (November 13, 2011). "Looking Up Words In A Book Not So Strange Yet". National Public Radio. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  44. ^ "American Heritage Dictionary entry". American Heritage Dictionary. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  45. ^ "FRATERNITY OUSTS UNIT; Hamilton College Chapter Put Veto on Discrimination". The New York Times. October 11, 1958. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  46. ^ Rangel, Jesus (May 4, 1988). "15 Indicted in Rutgers Hazing Death". The New York Times. p. B2. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  47. ^ Underwood, Josh (November 29, 2007). "Georgetown College student's suicide confirmed". Georgetown News-Graphic. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  48. ^ Staff (January 9, 2011). "2 Shot in Fraternity House at FSU, Student Ashley Cowie Dies". Knight News. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  49. ^ "Wilhelm takes plea to Florida Supreme Court". September 19, 2018. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  50. ^ Schenk, Mary (May 9, 2014). "Seven UI fraternity members arrested after yearlong drug probe". The News-Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  51. ^ Toledo, Adalberto (March 11, 2018). "Frats nationwide under a microscope, including at UI". The News Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  52. ^ Hacker, Holly K. (March 21, 2016). "SMU fraternity gets shut down, but no one's saying exactly why". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  53. ^ "University of Oregon Frat's Massive Party Leaves Lake Shasta Island Trashed". Tribune Media Wire. May 24, 2016.
  54. ^ Kocher, Greg (August 22, 2016). "Football player dies after jump at fraternity house". Lexington Herald-Leader. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  55. ^ Haag, Matthew (2018-04-11). "Blackface Leads to Fraternity Suspension at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  56. ^ Haag, Matthew (April 11, 2018). "Blackface Leads to Fraternity Suspension at Cal Poly". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  57. ^ Ryckaert, Vic (August 27, 2018). "Woman sues Butler and a former fraternity after saying she was raped on campus in 2016". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  58. ^ Wang, Stephanie. "'I am beyond angry': Ex-Butler student says school mishandled her rape allegation". Indianapolis Star. No. January 29, 2018. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  59. ^ Pietsch, Bryan (September 22, 2020). "Fraternity at University of Georgia Is Suspended After Racist Messages Are Exposed". The New York Times. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  60. ^ [https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2024/01/23/wvu-fraternity-placed-on-interim-suspension-following-alleged-underage-alcohol-infractions "WVU fraternity placed on interim suspension following alleged underage alchohol infractions," WVU Today, January 23, 2024
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