The Lambda Iota Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta continues to thrive as restrictions due to COVID are eased. To start off the Spring 2022 semester, the chapter had a smooth and successful transition between cabinets. Four members of the new cabinet attended the Fiji Headquarters Leadership Academy in St. Louis, MO. At the Leadership Academy, cabinet members learned about conflict resolution, risk management, and the many responsibilities of their roles. They also met executive boards from other chapters and were able to share ideas for events and achieving the goals of the chapter. In addition, 31 new members attended the Mortar Board Leadership conference to help them become courageous leaders for their college careers and beyond. In late February, the Fiji Headquarters Field Secretary stayed at the chapter house for a week to make sure that the chapter was practicing the values and traditions set forth by the national fraternity. The chapter continues to be in good standing with Fiji HQ and it was positive to have a knowledgeable and different perspective provide insight on improving the chapter.
The Brothers at 640 North Russell are in continued good standing with Purdue and the Interfraternity Council (IFC) as well. There are currently 117 active members with 48 living in the chapter house. Brothers are very involved throughout campus on sports teams such as Varsity Football, Club Lacrosse, and the Club Golf; leadership positions such as executive board of Sigma Gamma Tau (Aero Engineering Honor Society) and Cary Quad; and campus jobs such as residence halls, teachers assistants, and research positions. Brothers spend time together participating in Intramurals, 3v3 basketball tournaments in the parking lot, and the inaugural Fiji Open golf tournament. In February, the brothers each took a date to Nashville for the annual Purple Garter Spring Formal. Brothers stayed at a hotel in midtown for two nights and rented an entire venue off of Broadway Street for a night.
Throughout the Spring Semester, Purdue has eased COVID rules. Masks are currently only required in instructional spaces and it seems Purdue is going to make them optional everywhere in the coming weeks. This spring, the chapter has only had two positive cases (one in-house and one out-of-house) and has followed CDC and Purdue’s guidelines to keep the chapter and campus safe.
In other efforts to maintain safety at the house, the chapter continues to “taper down” the pledge program. Purdue and Fiji HQ both have very strict stances on hazing, especially following tragedies at other campuses around the country. Traditions which promote brotherhood and unity among the entire house remain, while traditions which may cause harm have been eliminated.
The Pledge Class of 2025 was initiated in late January and includes 31 members with 12 legacies and members from Massachusetts to San Diego. The new pledge class has participated in numerous community service events alongside the sophomores and juniors. In October, the freshmen had a local park clean-up with the junior pledge class. In November, the freshmen participated in the Winterization community service event with the sophomore pledge class. The new pledge class has been bonding well amongst themselves and the rest of the chapter. The future looks bright for the Lambda Iota chapter, and we look forward to what these excellent individuals are able to accomplish!
Academically, the Lambda Iota chapter continues to excel – averaging a 3.06 average GPA with 32 brothers achieving semester honors and 6 brothers with 4.0 GPAs. The house remained above the IFC average GPA of 3.01 which marks the (at least) 15th consecutive semester.
The brothers of the Lambda Iota chapter have also demonstrated remarkable initiative towards improving the community; collectively raising over $7,700. On October 29th, the brothers hosted Lambda Iota’s first ever ‘Trunk or Treat’ philanthropy event in the chapter parking lot. Brothers sold tickets to the event to fellow Purdue students who were able to ‘Trunk or Treat’ for candy and other treats out of the trunks of brothers’ cars lined in the lot all while showing off their best Halloween costumes. Even though COVID regulations posed an obstacle, the brothers of the Lambda Iota chapter still were able to raise $685, all of which was donated to the Lyn Treece Boys and Girls Club of Tippecanoe County. In October, Brothers also entered Phi Mu’s Miracle Mania and performed a choreographed dance with sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In November, Will Crawford (2024) led Fiji’s fundraising efforts in the Purdue Dance Marathon and raised over $3,000 for Riley Hospital for Children. Michael Uhrig (2024) has raised almost $4,000 for breast cancer awareness and research as a part of Zeta Tau Alpha’s year-long Big Man on Campus competition. Later this semester, philanthropy co-chairs Lindy Parr (2023) and Matt Bigelow (2023) have planned the annual “FIJI Putt-Putt” event, where brothers turn their rooms into mini-golf holes and tickets are sold to play holes throughout the house. Ticket revenue will be donated for pancreatic cancer research and awareness. In addition, the house will be teaming up with Kappa Alpha Theta to host a Carnival Night philanthropy event.
For the first time in nearly two decades, the Lambda Iota chapter of Phi Gamma Delta has officially registered to race in the 65th annual Purdue Grand Prix! The team boasts driver Caden Taylor (2025) who is a veteran kart racer with seven years of racing experience. As a member of CWT Racing, his career resume boasts twenty-nine wins, forty-one pole positions, and seventy-five podium finishes. As a group who has not raced in nearly two decades, there are many monetary and logistical difficulties in regard to funding this team. All-in-all, the estimated total cost of funding a team is $20,000. Funds collected will be used to buy high quality parts allowing the team to compete for top spots for many years to come. Donations of any amount can be made by check (preferable) sent to Phi Gamma Delta, c/o Reed & Company PC, PO Box 1128, Lafayette, IN 47902 or GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/a9e4e9ec).
The Ludy house next to the chapter house has been very helpful to the chapter. PC 25 has study tables there five days each week for two hours each session. The rooms at the Ludy house are also very useful as a quiet place for online exams and interviews. In addition, the house provides extra storage which has been very useful.
Looking ahead, the cabinet has lofty but achievable goals for the chapter. These goals include a 3.2 semester GPA, averaging 3 community service hours per brother, and increasing upper-classmen involvement while aiming for IFC and Fiji HQ awards. There is lots happening this semester and brothers remain busy with events including Fiji Isle, Fiji Putt Putt, Fiji + Theta Carnival Day, Mom’s Weekend, Fiji Open, and Grand Prix. As COVID subsides, brothers at 640 North Russell are thriving in all facets of life at Purdue!