Tiger Weekly - Serving Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Lambda Chi Alpha focuses on generosity, philanthropy

By Ally Champagne

Louisiana State University houses many greek organizations throughout its campus. From sorority row to old fraternity row, greek houses highlight the grounds with proud symbols and high columns.

As decades progress, fraternities and sororities add quickly to LSU's grounds. Whether beginning in Baton Rouge or simply chartering, each organization places its roots on campus and commits to benefiting the Baton Rouge community.

On Dec. 10, 1910, a group of young men at Louisiana State University created the YYO - Wise Owls - Club, later to be known as Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.

By 1917, Lambda Chi Alpha - also known as "Lambda Chi" - had become the largest fraternity on LSU's campus. Members at that time included Raymond Park, for whom the LSU Memorial Tower was later named and Clarence "Fatty" Ives, Jr., who earned sixteen letters in four LSU sports, according to the fraternity's Web site.

Lambda Chi proves to be extremely generous in its philanthropic activities. Events including Watermelon Bust donate proceeds to various charities in the Baton Rouge community.

Watermelon Bust is a weeklong, highly anticipated greek event that consists of games and competitions for LSU sororities. Lambda Chi raises money in order to service those in need in the Baton Rouge community. The fraternity donates proceeds to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Baton Rouge Council, which runs the Bishop Ott Shelter. This organization provides opportunities to the homeless to get their lives back on track. In fact, Watermelon Bust was created in order to contribute to this philosophy.

During the holiday season, the men of Lambda Chi Alpha did not focus on partying and going out; they focused on their philanthropy. Proceeds from Watermelon Bust 2009 were presented in a check to St. Vincent de Paul this past December. The check, presented by members Joseph Cobena and Lance Roberts, summed for an impressive $20,000.

Lambda Chi has provided assistance to St. Vincent de Paul since 1997 and has raised over $140,000 for its efforts, according to the Vincentian Charities newsletter.

Boston University of Boston, MA, founded Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity on Nov. 2, 1909. The fraternity's colors include purple, green and gold, which are no strangers to the South. The symbol is the cross and crescent, and the flower is the white rose. Lambda Chi earned an average GPA of 3.003, according to the LSU Greek Tiger, and holds its largest chapter at LSU.

Originally Published: January 27, 2010

↑ Back to the top