question about joining

[steakandtaters]

Greetings. My son and nephew both recently joined Lambda Chi Alpha at their schools. I never went Greek in college and have never regretted it until recently. My wife's brother is a Lambda Chi, and seeing the bond that he now has with both of our sons makes me wish that I could be a part of that also. I found this site while I was looking for fraternity clothing to get the boys and was happy to discover that it's never too late to go Greek. More than anything, I want to be a part of that special bond that exists among the men in my family. Can one of you gentlemen please give me some direction on how an old fart like myself could become a member of your fraternity?


-Thomas M.W.

[GammaZeta]

Hmmmm, a reverse "legacy"...

Well, "an old fart like myself could become a member of your fraternity" like every other brother does; in a super double secret ritual involving butter, farm animals and some certain photos that our beloved Tom Earp thought no longer existed (I had doubles made Earpski!)

In all seriousness, I believe that you must currently attend a college/university to qualify as an "Associate". However, there have been exceptions made and many gentleman in your like position have been granted honorary membership, such as Harry Truman.

Maybe one of our scholars can correct me, but I always thought that no matter how you become a member, either the traditional or non-traditional way, that you MUST go through ritual/initiation?

Anyways, your best bet is to contact Headquarters directly, www.lambdachi.org. Although don't hold your breath for an immediate response. Answers can sometimes come...rather slowly...depending on the time of year.

I am the first to respond, but don't worry, you've come to a virtual museum or library of Lambda Chi Alpha knowledge and one of our regular posters will be able to answer your question.

[RACooper]

Originally Posted by GammaZeta

In all seriousness, I believe that you must currently attend a college/university to qualify as an "Associate". However, there have been exceptions made and many gentleman in your like position have been granted honorary membership, such as Harry Truman.

Honourary membership can be extended/granted to those that either embody the ideals of Lambda Chi Alpha - or have made significant contributions to the general Fraternity or a specific chapter (volunteer work, financial support, long-term association/relationship, etc.).

Maybe one of our scholars can correct me, but I always thought that no matter how you become a member, either the traditional or non-traditional way, that you MUST go through ritual/initiation?

You are correct, every member - honourary or not - must go through the ritual... however the honourary doesn't have to particpate but can witness the ritual.

[HONKY660]

Originally Posted by RACooper

Honorary membership can be extended/granted to those that either embody the ideals of Lambda Chi Alpha - or have made significant contributions to the general Fraternity or a specific chapter (volunteer work, financial support, long-term association/relationship, etc.).



You are correct, every member - honorary or not - must go through the ritual... however the honorary doesn't have to particpate but can witness the ritual.

An Honorary Initiate defined in the Paedagogus is "a man not enrolled in college, who becomes an initiated member because of his connection with, and interest in, Lambda Chi Alpha. Your connection to Lambda Chi Alpha can be that your son or nephew are members. I read an article in the Cross and Crescent a long while ago about a father being initiated after both of his sons were undergraduate initiates and wanted their father to be part of their bond. You can have your son or nephews chapters apply you for honorary initiation for you. I believe that it is about a $150 initiation fee for honorary initiates. You don't participate but rather witness the ritual to become an honorary initiate. When I attended General Assembly in 2002 former Grand High Alpha Marty Smith's father was honorary initiated after watching the ritual examplification.

[Ottor 246]

Thomas,

At my own chapter, (Phi-Tau Zeta at Shippensburg University of PA) we had two (biological) brothers who were also (fraternity) brothers, and we made their father an honorary initiate while the younger son was an undergrad. We have also initiated some of our chapter's faculty advisors.

It requires a vote of the active chapter, approval of the Grand High Zeta, and a minimum of 3 letters of recommendation.

Here's the section of our constitution that covers it:

Article IV, Sec. 4. Honorary and Faculty Membership. The Grand High Zeta shall have the authority to authorize the initiation of honorary and faculty members who have been nominated by a Chapter, pursuant to the following provisions and procedures:

a. Method of Selection. Balloting on candidates for honorary or faculty membership by a Chapter shall be conducted in the same manner as provided in Code VI-11. Balloting must be planned at least 45 days prior to the scheduled initiation date and voting shall be by written ballot.

b. Method of Recommendation. Chapters shall recommend candidates for honorary or faculty membership by petition on a form provided by the Office of Administration. The petition must be supported by at least three letters of recommendation that attest to the character of the candidate and indicate evidence of his demonstrated interest in and service to the Fraternity.

c. Petition. A petition for honorary or faculty membership shall be submitted to the Office of Administration at least 30 days prior to the proposed initiation date for the candidate.

d. Use of Discretion. Chapters should use discretion when dis-cussing with possible candidates the question of membership, since the final authorization for approval of honorary and faculty initiations rests with the Grand High Zeta.

[boz130]

Honorary members are held in high esteem...I remember my first encounter w/an honorary LCA. I was an Associate Member (what many groups call Pledges), and went with one of my older roommates to a wake for the father of Art, one our members.

When we got to the funeral home, John & I entered the room where they were holding the visitation. Imagine my surprise when I saw that Art's dad was wearing a Lambda Chi badge in the coffin.

John explained that Art's dad had been a big help when the chapter was formed a few years earlier. He helped bring in furnishings and did other chores while setting up the new chapter, and had gotten such a charge out of the experience that he was given an honorary membership.

To sum it up, John said, "Art's dad was so proud of being a Lambda Chi that the family felt it was proper for him to wear his pin." This left a huge impression on me, since I was an 18-year-old freshman. That image has stayed with me for 30+ years. "Too old"..."old fart"...nah, you can be one of the guys.

[Tom Earp]

Originally Posted by Ottor 246

Thomas,

At my own chapter, (Phi-Tau Zeta at Shippensburg University of PA) we had two (biological) brothers who were also (fraternity) brothers, and we made their father an honorary initiate while the younger son was an undergrad. We have also initiated some of our chapter's faculty advisors.

It requires a vote of the active chapter, approval of the Grand High Zeta, and a minimum of 3 letters of recommendation.

Here's the section of our constitution that covers it:

Article IV, Sec. 4. Honorary and Faculty Membership. The Grand High Zeta shall have the authority to authorize the initiation of honorary and faculty members who have been nominated by a Chapter, pursuant to the following provisions and procedures:

a. Method of Selection. Balloting on candidates for honorary or faculty membership by a Chapter shall be conducted in the same manner as provided in Code VI-11. Balloting must be planned at least 45 days prior to the scheduled initiation date and voting shall be by written ballot.

b. Method of Recommendation. Chapters shall recommend candidates for honorary or faculty membership by petition on a form provided by the Office of Administration. The petition must be supported by at least three letters of recommendation that attest to the character of the candidate and indicate evidence of his demonstrated interest in and service to the Fraternity.

c. Petition. A petition for honorary or faculty membership shall be submitted to the Office of Administration at least 30 days prior to the proposed initiation date for the candidate.



d. Use of Discretion. Chapters should use discretion when dis-cussing with possible candidates the question of membership, since the final authorization for approval of honorary and faculty initiations rests with the Grand High Zeta.

Ottor, thank you for putting this up for all to see.

President Harry S Truman is an honaray Brother who held LXA in high esteem. LX Z, My Chapter has had 6 so far.

It is a high honor in many cases and not given out lightly.

If you are in a place where you can work with the chapter and show your dedication and heart are there, then there is a very good chance that this can and will happen.

I would love to see my best friend intiated, but because of time and travle, it is hard for him to get to the chapter very often. I would recommend him if he was more involved, but because of what I said above, he will not be a LXA Brother.

We do take it very seriously as you can tell.

Good luck and please keep us informed to any developments.

[lcalbdpzax]

My chapter has had a few as well. I'm LB 802 and LB 803 was an honorary - one of our brother's fathers. Same position as yourself.

[JoinerLxa]

Once a chapter consultant (before they were called ELCs) told our chapter
that we had more honorary initiates than all the chapters on the west
coast!! But we have been fortunate over the years that so many
"adults", especially professors, have been involved with the fraternity.
But in some cases I think we "over did" the honorary initiate thing.
At least in one case, an honorary initiate went on to help found another
chapter.

[Tom Earp]

Originally Posted by JoinerLxa

Once a chapter consultant (before they were called ELCs) told our chapter
that we had more honorary initiates than all the chapters on the west
coast!! But we have been fortunate over the years that so many
"adults", especially professors, have been involved with the fraternity.
But in some cases I think we "over did" the honorary initiate thing.
At least in one case, an honorary initiate went on to help found another
chapter.

Big Kevin is that supposed to be good or bad?

There was a BN FIT, Fl. who was walking around on Campus at I think Wyoming and some students saw the letters on Him.

They asked him about LXA and He was beneficial in getting a Colony started there.

I cannot remember His name but Jono can supply it! I met at BN F D some years back. (FIT, Melbourne, Fl.)

Also Met EM1843, the big guy there and still admire him. He is now in Law School and Married to a KS Lady!

We today have a Chapter there thanks to Him!

[EM1843]

Actually Tom, I'm married to a SK. That is one typo I cannot abide.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by EM1843

Actually Tom, I'm married to a SK. That is one typo I cannot abide.

You mean you didn't marry a Kappa Sigma? :P

Sorry just playin. Gotta give you props for choosing the best!

[docroc67]

Dragons can be slain!

My 10 year old Grandson and 7 year old Granddaughter have taught me that fact....

Thanks for reminding everyone of that truth!

Grandpaw Mike

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by docroc67

Dragons can be slain!

My 10 year old Grandson and 7 year old Granddaughter have taught me that fact....

Thanks for reminding everyone of that truth!

Grandpaw Mike

lol thanks. I heard it one day and It's stuck with me ever since.