Alpha Chi Rho Establishes Internship Endowment Fund

Though the Phi Iota Chapter of Alpha Chi Rho fraternity has not been active on campus for several decades, the bonds between its brothers and with Allegheny remain deep. Together, a determined committee composed of alumni from the ’60s imagined and brought to life the Alpha Chi Rho Internship Endowment Fund. The income from this fund provides financial support for internships for eligible students who desire real-world experience and who might not otherwise be able to participate.

“There was a strong desire to leave a legacy,” said Dale Meadowcroft ’68. “Alpha Chi Rho was a vibrant fraternity at Allegheny College, known for its academic excellence and numerous leadership roles on campus. As our 50th reunions came and went, canceled by COVID, there was still a strong bond and desire to reunite. Soon there were close to 40 brothers at Zoom meetings, expressing what Allegheny meant to us.”

The brothers began fundraising in 2021, and as of January 2024, the committee met their goal of $100,000 in commitments with a “New Year’s gift” from Peter Durst ’66 and his wife, Ellen. Donations were made by 50 individuals, with lead gifts from Bob ’67 and Marybeth Stout Allen ’69, and Arthur Nagel ’67.

Bob Allen spearheaded the nearly two-year fundraising effort after learning of the experience his grandson had at another college, where there was simply no option to pursue an internship. Tom Boland ’68 agreed with the value of supporting internships. “I had the opportunity to witness the benefits of intern programs for Air Force cadets and professional development of U.S. Air Force (now Space Force) officers, and I recognized that the Alpha Chi Rho initiative would benefit Allegheny in much the same way,” he said. John Kelso ’66 added that such support “helps students negotiate the many obstacles they face when selecting a future career.”

Mike Ritchie ’69 described this fundraising initiative as a “personally rewarding experience, reconnecting with fraternity brothers from many (too many to count) years ago.” And Bill Stahl ’69 shared that “the funding of internships is meant to be a ‘give back’ to the school; it is a form of ‘thank you’ for all that Allegheny has given to us.”

Awards are managed through a collaboration between Allegheny’s Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) and the Office of Financial Aid.

Brian Collingwood, Ph.D., executive director of the CCPD, says, "The growth of this fund will undoubtedly support a larger number of Allegheny internships at a pivotal time for the College, when we are increasing our focus on internships and preparation for career outcomes for all students across their four years."

Inaugural Funding Awarded

The first recipient of the Alpha Chi Rho Internship Endowment Fund was Emme Cunningham ’23. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, she had never had a chance to explore what possibilities other states had to offer. In summer 2023, Cunningham, an environmental science and sustainability and English double major, received funding to conduct fieldwork as an environment intern with American Transmission Company in

Madison, Wisconsin. She expressed her gratitude to the donors with enthusiasm, saying, “I cannot express how much your funding has helped to make this summer a dream come true for me and made such an impact on my worldview … I never thought I would fall in love with Madison and an internship as much as I have.” Since her graduation in May 2023, Cunningham has begun her career as an environmental health and safety leadership development associate at Parker Hannifin.

The second recipient was RJ Swanson ’24, an economics major and communications and political science double minor. In a thank you note to the donors, he said, “I interned with PNC Bank in Pittsburgh as a member of their finance and accounting program. I was responsible for managing the software cubes that house the bank’s financial data, and I collaborated with a group of other interns to research and present a project to senior management in the finance department including recommendations for the bank on how to navigate an evolving area of the business. I am humbled to share that at the end of the internship, I received an offer to return to the bank to work full time after graduation. Your kindness has made a significant difference in my life, and I will always be grateful for your contributions. I hope to one day be successful enough to pay it forward and help students just as you all have helped me.”

History of Alpha Chi Rho

Alpha Chi Rho fraternity was an active part of academic and social life at Allegheny for over 90 years. Throughout those years, it cultivated a brotherhood where men challenged and inspired each other, through character, honor, and integrity, to improve themselves, their fraternity, Allegheny College, and society. During a period of racial and religious transition, Alpha Chi Rho was proud to be a campus leader, having AfricanAmerican and Jewish brothers in its membership and chapter leadership.

New members were invited to join the fraternity based on what they would contribute to the integrity of the fraternity, and academics and leadership were valued above all else. It was not uncommon to see members in leadership positions, from student government to Allegheny Singers (Choir) management. Many waited tables or managed dining programs. Others served as resident hall advisors or captained athletic teams.

Alpha Chi Rho Internship Endowment Committee members were enrolled at Allegheny during the height of the war in Vietnam. Many brothers enrolled in the advanced AFROTC Program, graduating with a commission and a multi-year commitment to serve. Several served overseas, and some made a successful career in the Air Force.

The bond of the fraternity brothers is emblematic of a line in one of Alpha Chi Rho’s fraternity songs, “Our strong band shall ne’er be broken.” After graduation, many stayed in touch through class reunions, weddings, births of children, and grandchildren, and contacted each other in the event of classmate deaths. Then, as the group approached the year of their 50th class reunion, it became evident that their connection could be fostered to make a lasting impact at Allegheny through the Internship Endowment Fund.

Looking Ahead

“I think for now our goal is to keep the fund alive as a viable way to give back to the College,” says Bob Allen. “We have exceeded expectations getting this far. I think for now our goal is to keep the Internship Fund alive as a viable place to give back to the College.”

Interested in following the Phi Iota Chapter’s lead and learning about ways to support the next generation of leaders?

Contact Andrew Youtz, senior director of advancement for leadership giving, at ayoutz@allegheny.edu.