DOWN MEMORY LANE
Fraternity STORY BY DALE LONG
Fixer - Uppers Rose-Hulman’s Alpha Tau Omega, Lambda Chi Alpha and Theta Xi fraternities share core values of unity, respect, honor, and service. Now they also have a common purpose of expanding, improving and even moving their iconic homes to solidify their brotherhoods and chapters’ rich histories. “We all benefited in many ways from our time in the chapter and many of us firmly believe it helped form who we are today,” state ATO leaders in a newsletter to alumni this spring that announced extensive renovations to the campus’ oldest fraternity house. “This is about the renewal of a chapter to ensure we leave a lasting legacy.” The same call to action made necessary improvements to the nearby Lambda Chi Alpha chapter house and ambitious plans to move the Theta Xi chapter from a turn-of-the-century home in downtown Terre Haute to a renovated former school building that’s a little more than two miles west of campus. “We want to make the experience the best it can be to protect and embellish the life of Lambda Chi,” says Erik Jansen (EE, 1978) president of the chapter’s housing corporation. “We got so much from our fraternity experience. We’re just trying to share those experiences with our past, present and future members.” Lambda Chi Alpha members have spent several years adding modern-day amenities to improve its chapter house.
Lambda Chi Was Ready to Act Lambda Chi Alpha’s house, originally built in 1977, was in need of several modern upgrades, including a new central heating, ventilation and air conditioning system—a first for the building. When COVID-19 health restrictions left the house vacated in spring 2020, the chapter’s housing corporation took advantage of the opportunity to implement its long-awaited improvement plans. Other aspects of the project included the installation of energy-efficient light-emitting diode lighting and smoke/fire alarms in all rooms, renovating the kitchen, repainting all rooms, and replacing carpeting, furniture, mattresses, and window blinds. “It was a wonderful experience to see it all come together,” states Mike McPherron (CHE, 1979), who managed last summer’s project while being assisted by Hank Doherty (CE, 1979), Kent Salitros (CE, 1975), Darius Samz (BE, 2012), and special adviser Tom Miller. “It has been fulfilling to see actives and alumni working together to renovate our house and live our mission and values,” says McPherron. Assisting in the project was the fact that the chapter had enough in its endowment to cover all the nearly $400,000 in expenses. There also were benefits from an involved housing corporation including Ed Malone (CE, 1980), Jim Nordmeyer (CHE, 1978), Jenner Wile (SE/CPLS, 2018) and Chris Hockaden (BE, 2017). ATO Keeping Up With Times Big things are planned for the 52-year-old ATO house, named in honor of the late chapter adviser/mentor Ronald Reeves (EE, 1958). Projects include replacing an antiquated boiler system and installing new plumbing, electrical service, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning for common meeting areas. Plans also call for adding features to the kitchen and upgrading living quarters with improved electrical service, new flooring, energy-efficient windows, and climate controls. All rooms will get a fresh coat of paint.
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