It made college life at a big remote university much more intimate and friendly. Plus, it gave me confidence. I became more of a gentleman with better manners. It helped that we had dinner every night in a coat and tie in our formal dining room overseen by our house mother Mother G. She made sure that there was no rowdiness allowed or tolerated.

I gained a lot of skills by being in the house. And I’ve always felt indebted to the fraternity for letting me learn stuff that I never would have learned in class. We all gained skills doing different things. We learned leadership skills, practical skills. We were basically learning how to run a small business. So much of what they teach you in college doesn’t amount to much — the real way to learn is just by doing it, and Lambda Chi Alpha gave that to me.

Lambda Chi Alpha taught me about leadership and getting along with others who come from different backgrounds with opinions different from mine.” Bleggi says that giving back is critical for him. “Every undergrad needs to realize that they are making life-long friendships. Decades can pass when you’re busy with career and family and out of touch, but when the going gets tough, brothers drop back into your life when you need their support most. This is the “bond” of brotherhood.