Last Spring (2005) I went through the same old thoughts about the Greek system at the University of California, San Diego. My freshmen year I decided to focus more on student government (IFC Rush was always during the same time as elections, etc.) and I continued to leave Greek life be while I focused on my terms as an AS Senator. Then sophomore year rolled around; that spring I decided that I was going to give Rush a try and actually already had a fraternity in mind… Sigma Nu. I knew many of them; they were chill guys who had a strong brotherhood. Then one day I was speaking with our IFC President in an AS meeting and was telling him my plans on rushing, when he told me about this new fraternity that was coming to campus… Lambda Chi Alpha.

So after a couple weeks of thinking, I decided that I wouldn’t partake in IFC Rush that spring, but would check out this new fraternity coming to campus. My first introduction to Lambda Chi was talking to Dave Segan… and then later Josh Lodolo. They spoke of a chance to get to establish and shape a fraternity that we wanted. The opportunity that was available was something that I was looking for. A chance to start a fraternity from scratch on our campus, one that wouldn’t be a stereotypical fraternity. So I went to a couple of the expansion events and met other guys that were interested in the opportunity… and before I knew it I was standing there in the Associate Member Ceremony.

Now fast forward about 10 months and you have Colony 289 at UCSD. We are going strong; we keep pushing ourselves to excel in the Greek system, on campus and in the San Diego community… Here’s some highlight of what we have been doing/did over the past month or so.

Held a campus-wide kick boxing fundraiser which helped publicize Lambda Chi to the un-affiliated peeps on our campus.

Placed 2nd during Greek Week (a week full of activities where fraternities and sororities compete against each other).

Initiated 10 new brothers into Lambda Chi.

Working on our Chartering Packet and Banquet.

Held our second annual elections (it only took us 7 hours. haha.).

As you can see we have our heads on our shoulders and are in line to receive that Grand High Alpha - Chapter Excellence Award in a few years:)

What was really cool to see last night at our Colony Meeting, was being able to see the transition of leaders (old high zeta->new high zeta) as we held the elections. It’s good to know that old high zeta members actually do have replacements… we make it an unofficial rule in our colony that it is your duty to the colony to replace yourself before you leave (meaning you find a collegiate male who is at least your equal and rush him before you graduate). It’s going to be a good upcoming year, and the group dynamics of the new High Zeta seem to be pretty incredible.

It’s pretty incredible to think about what has happened between now and 10 months ago. The experiences that have happened and the brotherhood and relationships that have been created, truly make this an experience I will never forget. Lambda Chi Alpha has given me more than I will ever probably be able to give back - but I can tell you that I look forward to trying, both as an undergraduate and an alumnus.

Now I must be returning to all these lovely chartering standards and my plans for High Beta for the upcoming year:)

In Zeta Alpha Chi, Hos Colony 289-17

This entry was posted on Monday, February 13th, 2006 at 6:33 pm and is filed under Chapter . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.