Dating back nearly 200 years, Greek life has been
interwoven into the traditional American college experience. But Greek life
itself is changing.
Today’s members of Greek organizations are spending
more time focusing on the betterment of the whole individual: mental health
initiatives, philanthropic endeavors, fundraising and putting a new emphasis on
performance in the classroom.
While each Greek organization at South Dakota Mines is
adapting – and adapting well – to the changing Greek scene, one organization at
South Dakota Mines has adapted to fit this mold in a way that truly promotes
creating better members: Lambda Chi Alpha.
“We are all about growth,” said Ethan Harris, a
junior computer engineering major who also serves as president of the
organization. “We like to build a brotherhood that is based on connection.”
A chapter of 39 individuals, Harris and Lambda Chi
Alpha have raised the bar when it comes to philanthropic events at South Dakota
Mines. Their most recent Movember event last November, which increases
awareness for men’s mental health issues in addition to raising money for
prostate cancer research, raised over $2,000.
But aside from raising money for charity, the
members of Lambda Chi Alpha held three different sessions with other
organizations on campus to promote different mental health topics.
In addition to their successful philanthropic
endeavors, Lambda Chi Alpha has gone above and beyond in the classroom, posting
the highest grade point average for any Greek organization on campus this past
semester at 3.35. Not satisfied, the chapter is aiming for a 3.5 grade point
average this semester.
“We like to just get out and study together,” Harris
said. “We overall have a growth mindset. Our biggest goals and biggest focus
for our fraternity is academics, our philanthropy and then also our personal
and professional development. So, through all of those different aspects, we
really like to come together and try and uplift each other. And I think that’s
what really makes us different.”
Harris attributes the chapter’s success to how they
operate. He describes the brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha as diverse – both in
interests and personalities. Many of the members hold leadership positions in
campus organizations – he says there are 13 Lambda Chi Alpha brothers who are
presidents or vice presidents of other clubs on campus.
But overall, Harris said they are looking for anyone
who wants to grow themselves and join an organization that wants to better
their community and help better campus.
“We really like to get all of our members involved
in other organizations,” Harris said. “We want them to find something outside
of the fraternity – where they can follow their passions. We require all of our
members to be in at least one organization on campus, and the vast majority of
our members are in leadership positions in other organizations.”
This spring semester, Lambda Chi Alpha will hold its
second annual Watermelon Bash partnering with Feeding South Dakota. For a fee,
participants get to smash old watermelons with a wooden mallet. Held on April
13 this year, the chapter aims to smash last year’s mark of just over $800.
Within the national organization, Lambda Chi Alpha at
Mines has been identified as a chapter who deserves recognition. In January,
the chapter was recognized by its national office for its philanthropic efforts
and received the Tozier Brown Public Affairs Award, which recognizes chapters
with the most outstanding community service programs and philanthropic
activities.
“I am proud to witness the unwavering commitment of
our members to academic excellence, community service and brotherhood,” said
chapter alumni advisor Jin Kim, who also serves as the director of career
development at Black Hills State University. “The chapter continues to thrive
as a beacon of leadership and camaraderie on campus, fostering a culture of
growth and inclusivity all while focusing on nationally recognized nonprofits
and philanthropies.”
Kim says Lambda Chi Alpha at South Dakota Mines
strive to uphold the values of the organization and make a positive impact
within the university, the Rapid City community and beyond through not just
their philanthropic endeavors but also through the highest Greek house grade
point average as well as involvement on campus.
On campus, their efforts also haven’t gone
unnoticed.
“Lambda Chi Alpha has excelled at strengthening not
only their brotherhood, but campus as a whole through their dedication to
mental health, education and philanthropy efforts,” said Samantha Harkin,
assistant director of student engagement and Greek Council advisor. “They are
an asset to the community.”