The Lambda Blog
Please send your post to lambda_reorganization@yahoo.com and we will publish it below
Ed Roberts - 8/13/2010:
Great job….you make us all proud.
Vern Swanson - 8/13/2010: And may I add my congratulations as well. Very well done Lambda members.
Gary Sherrer - 8/10/2010: Thought I should mention that Jonathan left out a very significant Lambda achievement at the National Conclave in his message below. Jonathan was the 2010 recipient of the prestigious Holmes Award. This award is given to the Outstanding AKL in the nation. Only one award is given each year, and Jonathan was the winner this year. All the active members have worked to create a most impressive Chapter of AKL. Lambda is not only alive and well, but is producing outstanding results. Congratulations to all.
Jonathan Krueger - 8/10/10: At the conclusion of the AKL National Conclave last Saturday, Lambda Chapter pulled in another impressive list of accomplishments. Lambda was recognized with the Scholarship Award, noting our GPA level as the highest of ALL AKL chapters in the nation. This is a true testament to the Brothers in the chapter who have worked diligently to make sure that not only their own grades, but also theirs of their brothers are positive, signifying a true commitment to excellence.
In another move, Cody Pritchard, Senior and re-chartering member, was elected to the National Executive Committee (NEC), our national governing board. This will mark the second time a member of Lambda Chapter has held a seat on the board since our reinstatement in 2008 and the first time we have received the seat through the election of other Chapters at Conclave. I was told that our Brothers from Delta spoke very highly and positively of Cody when it came time to defend the three candidates. This speaks highly to the character of our Chapter leaders in cultivating positive relationships with other Chapters near ours.
Similarly, Lambda was noted for significantly exceeding its recruitment target and I believe was one of only 6 Chapters to meet or exceed its goal for the 2009-2010 school year.
Also, a Resolution was passed unanimously by the General Legislative Body at Conclave commending Gary Sherrer for his service on the Foundation Board at the national level.
I hope all of you will get a chance to see the wonderful "hardware" that our Brothers were able to bring back to Emporia through their hard work and dedication. We are working to ensure that a press release about the scholarship award is distributed to the Emporia community as this is a significant achievement that the University community can also be proud of.
Todd Abplanalp, Delta Alumni Board President 5/6/2010: On behalf of all of the brothers of the Delta Chapter of AKL at the University of Kansas, both undergraduate and alumni, we want to thank the five brothers who made the trip to Lawrence last night to assist us with our initiation ceremony. The ceremony was very well done and well-received by the neophytes (now Brothers). We could not have done this without your assistance, and your efforts truly embody what it means to be an AKL not just on a single campus, but as a nation of Brothers.
Matthew Wallace 4/21/2010: . Greek Week was very successful for Lambda Chapter. During the past week, brothers participated in various events such as an eating competition, tug of war, and Greek relay. The week concluded with the Greek Week Banquet where we really showed our true colors by winning many awards such as:
Scholarship Trophy
New member scholarship Trophy
IFC All Sports Team: Adam Williams
IFC All Sports Team: Levi Poindexter
Sportsmanship Award: Joel Wilburn
IFC Outstanding Athlete Award: Eric Swanson
Harry Stephens Emerging Leader Award: Matthew Wallace
Safe Brother Award: Matthew Wallace
Campus Leadership Award: Cody Pritchard
Interfraternity Excellence Award: Cody Pritchard
To round off the week, we were undefeated in the IFC softball tournament, which puts us in contention for the Sports Trophy next year. We were all very excited about all our success in all aspects of campus life.With regard to community service, we are also doing very well. We have logged over 200 hours just this semester. We recently participated in "Sleep in a Box" (Day One here and Day Two here). This campus wide activity is by the Didde Catholic Center. Lambda Chapter now has a tradition of being a very active group in this event. We helped raise more than $3,200 for the Emporia Homeless Shelter. The active members of Lambda Chapter look forward to continuing the outstanding legacy of AKL at Emporia State University.
Chris Ross 3/29/2010: What a spring semester we've had so far! It's definitely been a very busy one for the men of AKL! As I'm sure many of you have heard, the ESU Lady Hornets just won the NCAA Div. II Basketball Championship! Many our brothers were able to attend and cheer them to victory. Earlier in the year Lambda Chapter won the "Greek Week Challenge" trophy, a competition among fraternities to see which could show the most fan support. You can see an example of what we have been doing to support ESU varsity teams by clicking here.
As far as trophies go, rumor has it that when the official GPA's come in for 2009, AKL will be on top again. We are looking forward to showing you pictures of the new Scholarship trophy when we win it later this spring at the Greek Week banquet!
IFC Sports got off to a solid start when we lost a thrilling overtime game that put us in third place.. Last week, we also came in third in the bowling competition, despite very limited practice. Softball started today. In the years ahead, we are looking forward to AKL being known as a top athletic fraternity as well as our many other honors.
A few weeks ago we held our annual fundraiser for SOS, a battered women's shelter here in Emporia. The weekend after next we will participate in the annual "Sleep In a Box" fundraiser to help raise money for the homeless shelter in town. We get to spend the weekend on the lawn of the Didde Catholic Campus Center, living in our makeshift house that we will build out of boxes. All this is to attract attention of passing motorists while we collect donations from them.
This barely begins to detail all that we have going on this semester. Please check back again for more news. As always, please also feel free to swing by the house at 1005 Constitution if you're in town. We would love to see you. Just today, an alum from the graduating class of 1971 named Darcy Parks came by for a tour. We had a fun discussion that lasted more than an hour. Many of you may not realize how much we enjoy seeing our alumni and having the opportunity to learn more about Lambda Chapter's great history. We also love sharing with you all that we do nowadays, so please never hesitate to visit or contact us!
Eric Swanson 3/24/2010: Lambda Chapter has been busy this Spring working on recruitment and putting together different community service projects and socials.
Our newest three pledges of Zeta Class are Bo Moddelmog from Canton,
Kansas, Nick Norris from Wellington, Kansas, and Andy Floyd from
Wellington, Kansas. We are excited to welcome our new brothers and now have 38 men. We are the largest fraternity on campus along with Sigma Tau Gamma, which has about the same membership.
As for community service, we have completed our "These Hands Don't Hurt"
week of raising funds for the SOS battered women's shelter in
Emporia. Over $100 was donated by students walking by our table in
the Memorial Union. Each student personally pledged to never participate in domestic violence. They made their pledge by tracing their hands on our "wall" and donating a dollar to SOS. Future community service events include: Sleep-In-A-Box, where we build a house out of cardboard and live the life of a
homeless person for a few days, while collecting donations for the Emporia
Homeless Shelter, and Relay for Life, a fundraiser for cancer research. We also have several other minor community service activities scheduled.
We have a variety of social activities coming up with the different
sororities on campus. Thursday March 24th, we are having a Casino Night with the women of Chi Omega. We also have socials scheduled with Tri-Sigma and Alpha Sigma Alpha.
It is and continues to be a busy semester for the men of Lambda
Chapter, but we are enjoying our fraternity experience and are looking forward to continuing the legacy of AKL on the ESU campus.
John Staton 11/7/2009: I went to the 60th Anniversary Reunion with somewhat of a downer attitude since so few of my era had signed up to attend. However, the two day event was so well planned and organized that I have to tell you it was great to visit with men who preceded me and the large number who came in the early 60's. Each one had the opportunity to stand and give a brief update of the past 40+ years and it was quite funny and interesting. We rose to the occasion of singing the sweetheart song and damn we sounded good. In fact we sang it again after dinner on Saturday evening. Brings back memories. However, as great as the day was on Saturday, I can't tell you how impressed I was/am with the new group of young men who are now wearing the AKL pin on their lapels. They were the highlight for me. A very impressive diverse group of a variety of majors, dedicated to the fraternity, succeeding at every facet of fraternity competitions, these young gentlemen carry themselves very well and believe it or not had respect for their elders who were there in abundance. They have such a positive attitude as a group that it is somewhat catching. They have a large AKL painted on their roof for low flying aircraft to see. Anyway, if the present group of alumni does not have your email address, send it to the lambda_reorganization@yahoo.com. Please consider attending future functions and visit the chapter if you are in Emporia for any reason. You will enjoy your visit.
Eric Swanson 11/4/2009: Homecoming weekend was another busy weekend for Lambda Chapter on the ESU campus. Friday night, AKL won the Yell Like Hell competition, and Saturday morning, we also won 1st Prize in the float competition in the homecoming parade. Lambda Chapter is also very proud to announce the homecoming king of 2009 for ESU is Jonathan Krueger! Three out of the five king candidates were AKLs. Yet another successful weekend for Lambda Chapter!
Eric Swanson 10/27/2009: Lambda Chapter is proud to announce another series of great achievements by three senior brothers: Russell Medley, Jonathan Krueger, and Eric Swanson. Each were recently selected as finalists for Homecoming Court at ESU. This honor is selected with requirements of maintaining a 3.0 GPA, being a senior, and being involved in various leadership roles on the ESU campus in recognized student organizations. These three along with two other king candidates and five queen candidates will attend homecoming events all this week, and will get to ride in antique cars during the parade before the football game on Saturday. The winners will be announced at halftime as well. Lambda Chapter will have a float to fit the homecoming theme of "A Haunted Homecoming." Through the hard work of Ryan Parker, Josh Greaves, Matt Wallace, and Aaron Thompson, the float has taken shape. We are hoping to win in the overall category for a $100 prize. Homecoming week looks to be another great week for Lambda Chapter, as the accolades continue to pile up!
Josh Greaves10/20/09: As Vice-President of Operations, I'm happy to report that so far this year pledges have a 3.29 GPA and actives have a 3.23 GPA. Grades are above last year when we won the scholarship trophy. Good job, keep those grades high or get them higher!
Rod Clark - 10/15/09: I have enjoyed looking at the videos. I wish I could have been there. I am so glad you put the names above the pictures of everyone, because I needed that to identify people. We are not getting older. We are just getting wiser. Looks like you all had a blast. I'm going to save this on the computer so I can go back and look at everybody. I sure missed seeing you all. I get a little emotional when I look at all this and think of the good times we had in college and the bond we all have as fraternity brothers. Thanks again for the videos and pictures.
Eric Swanson 10/5/2009: I am the Chapter President and want to say thank you to the alumni for all you did to ensure the 60th Anniversary Reunion was a great time for everyone! I know all the current active members and pledges are more inspired to be part of such a great brotherhood at ESU, and look forward to the future and all that will come from this group! We are all proud to be AKL!
Matthew Wallace 10/5/2009: I am the Executive Vice-President and want to thank the alumni for giving us the opportunity to participate in the recent 60th Anniversary Reunion. It was amazing to see the bonds of brotherhood that had lasted throughout all the years. It gave each of us a strengthened perspective of what it means to be a brother. Even though some of our members have never met any alumni, we all felt welcome and right at home. This was an excellent experience for us. After attending the reunion, we are all much closer as a chapter and as brothers.
No words can describe all that you have done to help us. We can thank you with words, but it will never show our true gratitude. We hope that our actions will speak louder than our words in appreciation. In a sense, everything we do is paying tribute to the alumni of Alpha Kappa Lambda. We strive to be leaders and promote ourselves as men of character to the campus and community alike. Everyday, we look for new ways to help each other and those around us. It is you who instilled these attributes in us, and that is why I want to thank you for helping us be better friends and, most of all, better brothers.
Eric Swanson 9/18/09: The first few weeks of the 2009-2010 school year have been very productive for Lambda Chapter at Emporia State. We signed 11 new members, Hayden Heisler, Aaron Haflich, Blake Boddington, Luke Drury, John Alfrey, Trey Stead, Mike Freelend, Michael Stauffer, Jordan Yulich, Stuart Sneath, and Andrew Walker. Each of these men exhibits the traits of Men of Character that Alpha Kappa Lambda men strive to be. Pictures of the first pledging ceremony can be found here and the second one here.
The new men's majors range from business, to theatre performance, to education. They are a very diverse group of young men.
Overall, Lambda Chapter sits at 33 members, and is the second largest fraternity on campus, behind Sigma Tau Gamma, which is currently at 39 men.
All of the members are looking forward to the reunion, and for many, the first chance at meeting all of our great alumni.
We will keep everyone posted on the upcoming events our chapter has in store, such as “Survivor” with the Tri-Sigmas, “Jail-Break” with the Alpha Sigma Alpha’s, and much more.
Bud Burgess 5/7/09 - I went to the ESU library last Monday and looked through several years of Bulletins from 1949 to 1972. It would probably take a week to go through all of them, so I selected some representative years. Please click here for articles about AKL that have appeared through the years.
Drake Foster 5/4/09 - The last few weeks of the academic year were extremely busy for Lambda Chapter. In addition to Greek Week (where we received the Scholarship Trophy), the Spring Formal and the Founder's Day Cookout with the alumni board, we were involved in four community service projects.
Sleep in a Box is put on each year by the Didde Catholic center. The purpose is to encourage teams to witness first hand what it is like to be homeless and to raise money for the Emporia Rescue Mission. This was our first year, and we helped raise $3,500.
Laps for Landon was to raise awareness for cystic fibrosis. Along with other students and community members, we gathered to raise money by walking laps. Landon is the three year old son of Blythe Eddy, a faculty member at Emporia State
University.The brothers of Lambda Chapter also participated in the local Emporia Relay for Life where we raised about $500 for Cancer Research.
Lambda Chapter continues to be active in helping SOS, Emporia's women's shelter. Denise Brown came to Emporia this spring to speak at the Granada about domestic violence and to raise awareness. Ten Lambda brothers helped usher and pass the microphone for questions. At the end of the event, she autographed her book for us, and it is in the Penthouse Library.
Along with community service we have also had the opportunity to relax and have some fun. Matt Wallace and Josh Smith began a new fitness craze that swept the house. The program is known as P90X. More than half the brothers regularly participated in this 90 workout program.On April 25 seven of the brothers went to the Royals game in Kansas City where we received free 40th anniversary Royals Jerseys. The night was packed with fun...especially seeing a fan run out on the field and get tackled by security.
Finally, to conclude the semester, we had our first annual senior roast. Since we only have one senior, Josh Smith, the roast was all about him. All but two members were present to honor Josh by telling jokes about him and wishing him the best as he moves on to medical school. It was a great time.
We always look forward to hearing from or being visited by alumni. Several undergraduate members will be living in the house over the summer. Please feel free to stop by and see us. Thank you very much for your support.
Ron Seibold 4/9/09 - In the tradition of AKLs from Lambda Chapter such as Don Ingwerson, Sam Hayes and J.D. Snodgrass, the new President of student government at Emporia State University is also an AKL. Although the newspaper does not mention it, their picture shows Jonathan Krueger surrounded by Lambda brothers, Eric Swanson, Matt Davis, Adam Williams, Ryan Parker, Russell Medley and others. Many AKLs from the new Chapter worked hard to help Jonathan win the election.
Drake Foster 3/30/09 - In Chapter news, AKL brothers continue to fill campus leadership roles. Chris Ross and Brent McCoy were just selected to the elite ESU ambassadors service organization. ESU Ambassadors are some of the finest students on campus and serve in a wide variety of roles as the official hosts in promoting the University. Harrison George continues to make headlines not only for his stand up comedy and as one of the lead players in Zoiks, the comedy improv group, but also for being the chief organizer of the Program to Improve Emporia and Jamnesty, a concert in support of Amnesty International. Bryce Cooke is also now a new member of Zoiks. AKLs such as Chris Dvorak and Jonathan Krueger make up almost half the male membership in Associated Student Government. Chris is also an outstanding member of the ESU Track Team. John Robinson is a very talented French horn player with the ESU Orchestra. Next fall, four AKLs will be resident assistants in the dorm, Russell Medley, Drake Foster, Bryce Cooke and Joseph Marten. This will be great for recruitment! Other AKLs are involved in leadership positions throughout campus.
Drake Foster 3/29/09 - Founders Day is just around the corner. The National Fraternity is 95 years old on April 22, and Lambda Chapter was 60 years old on March 27th. To celebrate, Lambda Chapter is having a cookout at the chapter house. Since the National Founders Day is on a Wednesday, the chapter is going to have it the Sunday before.
Date: April 19, 2009
Time: 11-3 or 4
Where: AKL Apartments at 1005 ConstitutionAll Lambda alums are invited. The Lambda Chapter Corporation Board will be having a meeting after the cookout, so if you can come, you will not only have a chance to meet the undergraduates but also get to see some of those on the Board who can attend. The Board includes Jay Bezdek, Bud Burgess, Gary Cashion, Skip Evans, Bob Goodwin, Pat McFadden, Ed Roberts, Ron Seibold, Gary Sherrer, Vern Swanson. All alums are encouraged to attend and help firm up plans for the 60th Anniversary Reunion, October 2-4, 2009. Please let us know if you can come by sending a message to lambda_reorganization@yahoo.com
Bill West 3/18/09 - Congratulations Lambda! As a director for AKL Education Foundation, I congratulate Jonathan Krueger for being tapped as the recipient of the NIC's Award of Distinction. There is certainly a reason for their using the word 'distinction' in this award. Jonathan, you have made the AKL Nation proud beyond belief. And certainly with the renewal of Lambda Chapter, all chapter brothers have made us proud given the legendary reputation on the Emporia State campus and involvement within the community for so many years.
I am a graduate from Kansas State and former executive director for The Fraternity, so I know the history and reputation of Lambda Chapter. If anyone at your chapter would be inspired to renew Iota in the Lambda Chapter mold, I believe it would strengthen AKL's presence dramatically throughout Kansas, and I suspect a scholarship could be granted.
Anyway, keep up the great work; you're inspiration will influence others in our great fraternity.
Eric Swanson 3/13/09 - As the current President of Lambda Chapter, it is with great pride that I announce the recognition of one of our brothers, Jonathan Krueger, who has been selected as the undergraduate recipient for an Award of Distinction. This is the top recognition by the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). The NIC website lists this award criteria as follows:
This leader acts in a manner that goes beyond the standard of membership for his fraternity… serves as a role model for others... has conviction for his values and never compromises... leads others to action... teaches other about his fraternity through his daily actions... is innovative... is results oriented... focuses attention on the community and the needs of others... has compassion... stands up for those less fortunate... is involved in community activities... takes time for reflection and self-improvement... admits mistakes and grows.
Brother Slivinski at the National Office has stated that not only is this a testament to Jonathan but also is a testament to all members in his chapter that have supported and worked with him as well as the Lambda Alumni that have supported the chapter over the past three years. It is special that Lambda alumni recruited men like Jonathan, and with both time and money, supported the growth of the group. The direct result of that investment is THE BEST chapter at Emporia State University and recognition of one of the top Greek Undergraduates in the entire Fraternal Movement.
Jonathan will receive this award on April 19th in Washington DC at the NIC Conference. If you would like more details regarding the event you can contact Brother Slivinski at exdir@akl.org.
Ron Seibold 3/6/09 - I have been updating the Lambda Chapter mailing list using the recently published, Emporia State University Alumni: Today 2009. This book is a complete list of all addresses ESU has on file and also contains the results of a recent survey. The University lists 375 AKLs who finished their degrees. Each of these men was asked for more information through the survey. Of those who responded, 141 reported receiving post graduate degrees, and of those, 42 have doctoral degrees. We don't know how many of the 375 took the time to respond, but we can say with confidence that at least 38% of Lambda Chapter AKLs have advanced degrees and 30% of those have doctorates.
Drake Foster 2/18/09 - The undergraduate members of Lambda Chapter are always glad to see our alumni. We have meetings on Tuesday at 5:15. If you can't make a meeting, there are six other days of the week. Stop by anytime and ask the first college man you see if he is an AKL. The house is located at 1005 Constitution, and is known as "The Senate." We now have 28 members. Four Lambda Chapter brothers are representatives in the Associated Student Government; two are in Zoiks, an improv comedy troupe; three are ESU Ambassadors; one is in Caduceus; four are resident assistants in the dorms; one is in the ESU Orchestra; and two are members of ESU track and field. Members are also involved in other organizations. We were recently awarded the scholarship trophy. We won Greek Week. We were recognized as the 2008 Organization of the Year. We'd want to hear your ideas and learn more about your AKL experience. I am the Chapter Alumni Chairman. Please feel free to send me a message at dfoster @ emporia.edu..
Drake Foster 2/18/09 - I was talking with the Alumni Relations Director for Emporia State University before an Ambassadors meeting, and he asked if I was in a fraternity. I replied "Yes!" with enthusiasm. He then said, "I don't see you being that type." He then asked which one. I told him AKL, and he said that he had heard nothing but good about us. Just as he said that, two sorority girls (tri-Sigmas) said, "Yeah, AKL is what a fraternity should truly be." I found it an honor that we are looked upon as being a great fraternity. Thought I would share that with my brothers.
Drake Foster 2/18/09 - I want to set up an an award system for Lambda Chapter. The awards would be given out at spring formal. This year it is March 27 and will likely be held at the Grenada. If any alums want to help me with this, I would be honored and would love to hear from you. Please write to me (dfoster @ emporia.edu), and tell me what you think. Another idea I've been thinking about is creating scholarships named after one, two, or even a group of alumni.
Ron Seibold 2/24/2009 - That was a great story about the alumni director and the tri-Sigs. The new Lambda Chapter is carrying on the best traditions of the original Lambdas. Your emphasis on character, scholarship and leadership is why AKL is considered to be such a good fraternity at Emporia State. Regarding scholarships, an alum can easily create a tax-exempt scholarship for a Lambda undergraduate. He can also give it a name and set up criteria, or he can simply donate and ask the Lambda Alumni Board to make sure his money helps a deserving undergraduate member. To donate, go to this page, scroll down to Chapter Designated Donation and click, “Donate Now.”
