As Mike Heimowitz reported in his Chapter update, it’s been a tough 100 days. Investigations, membership reviews, suspensions, and expulsions have occupied a lot of time and burned a lot of energy. It has not been fun.
During the past few years our undergraduates increased their focus on Penn State centric items like THON, high membership numbers, and a perceived popularity & prestige within the PSU Greek community. Simultaneously they deemphasized teaching Lambda Chi Alpha’s core values via our history, lessons, and ritual. This trend accelerated over the past school year, and ultimately led to the breakdown of Chapter operations, and a fractured relationship between the Undergraduates and other key stakeholders.
The good news is these problems were identified, and corrective action has begun. I wish I was taking on this role under better circumstances, but it doesn’t diminish my enthusiasm and excitement about becoming the advisor for our beloved chapter. We have a small but solid group of young men who are ready to get Zeta Chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha back on track They – like I – are ready to embrace this opportunity
Sharing common culture, teachings, and believes is what make us Lambda Chi Alphas. Those bonds build the foundation that allow all Brothers to relate to each other, regardless of age, race, religion, or location. Unless those common experiences are part of every member’s experience the house at 351 E. Fairmont isn’t Zeta Chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha, it’s a generic frat that serves as little more than a social club.
It’s time to reestablish and proudly display our pride in being Lambda Chi Alpha’s LXA is unique in the Greek world. All members are equal. We do not have pledges. All members share responsibilities and accountability equally. Our teachings reflect our acceptance that every man is a work in progress. Lambda Chi Alpha is built to give all men the opportunity to grow and develop as leaders, Part of that growth comes from learning new skills. But all brothers know our teachings are also designed to help us learn how to handle the inevitable mistakes we all make in life. It’s a unique, humbling combination that’s a reflection of the Christian principles embedded within our ritual and teachings.
So, as I take on this new role, my pledge and promise to ALL my brothers, young and old, is that I will always shape my advice and actions around these four pillars:
1) Executing a true fraternity education program that respects all members.
2) Ensuring Lambda Chi Alpha teachings, ceremonies, and rituals are taught and performed respectfully and regularly.
3) Implementing effective, proactive, and transparent communication between and within all the major stakeholders (Undergrads, Alumni, University, and General Fraternity).
4) Creating a culture of personal accountability that reflects our teachings, our ritual, and our two open mottos “Every Man a Man” and “Naught without Labor.”
The next two semesters will not be easy, but our young Brothers and I are ready for the challenge. I am excited to work with them, and I hope all of you are, too. My request to the alumni is this: REENGAGE! Volunteer to serve as a mentor for an undergraduate officer. Run and serve on our Alumni Boards and Committees. Or invite the UG’s to swing by your tailgate at a football game. If you don’t know how to invite them or get involved, send me an email at [email protected] I’ll pass the word along or get you in touch with the right people.
I look forward to serving the Chapter, these young men, and our fine alumni.
Yours In ZAX….
Ken Termini, Z 1038
The Zeta Chapter Control Board
Chair: Ken Termini
Members: Garret DeMallie Z 1940; Rick Hambright PTZ 283; Mike Heimowitz, Z 971; Jason Lenox PTZ 274; Greg Linde Z 1224; Bob Milone, Z 988; Ted Oyler Z 989