The State of Our Fraternity 2020
Congratulations Brothers,
We have officially closed out 2020. It was a tumultuous year, but we begin 2021 with a renewed outlook. To brothers who have suffered losses, please accept our deepest condolences. To those still fighting on the frontlines of the pandemic, you have our deepest gratitude. We hope that everyone can find a bright spot to build upon in the upcoming year. Moving forward with faith and an open mind will go a long way in overcoming any challenges.
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
We started 2020 with significant momentum. Despite the same roadblocks that affected all facets of our lives, we pressed on.
Great strides were made connecting alumni brothers, expanding our exposure for recolonization at VCU, updating our online presence, and continuing our community outreach.
Outreach efforts included continued validation of our contact list and Third Thursday events moved online. We saw an increase in brother engagement, and moving forward, we believe hosting both virtual and in-person events can only strengthen the bonds of brotherhood.
We enhanced VCUKappaSig.com to include both Alumni and Undergraduate event calendars, chapter news, information, and growing photo galleries covering our 50-year history at VCU.
We had to postpone the Will Sheffey Endowment Golf Tournament. However, we still awarded our third endowment award, going to Katherine Pham.
Our Adopt-A-Street program closed out another year with an event that brought out over 30 alumni and future colony members (pledges). We have 50 young men interested in re-colonizing the Lambda-Zeta Chapter of Kappa Sigma at VCU. More on that below.
All things considered, we had a good year.
RECOLONIZATION UPDATE
In late December, we petitioned Nationals with an interest group of 50 men. They officially approved Lambda-Zeta as a colony at VCU. The colony group will be officially launched in late January at the Richmond Masonic lodge in a Covid-compliant event. As soon as they received approval in December, the candidates got the ball rolling by electing officers and starting their committee system.
The interest group has since completed three fundraising events for alumni brothers Alan Rogers, Joey McCoullough, and Chiles Cridlen.
We are also planning to rekindle the stew-stir tradition with an event in early February. If the colony meets their chapter requirements, we plan to be rechartered by May 1st to coincide with Lambda-Zeta’s 50th Anniversary celebration. Please keep an eye out on our website, and social media account for updates.
50th ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND
In addition to the colonization efforts and our regular programs, 2021 will be a busy year. From April 30 to May 2nd, we will be hosting a weekend of alumni events to celebrate Lambda-Zeta’s 50th Anniversary at VCU. The Anniversary weekend kicks-off with Welcome Meetups on Friday, the golf tournament, a winery/brewery visit, and campus tours followed by a catered banquet on Saturday.
We hope you will continue with your support, take the opportunity to reconnect with your brothers, or become more involved in the alumni association by serving on a committee.
IN CLOSING
Our Alumni Association Executive Committee has done a remarkable job in keeping the ship afloat. Kevin Taylor (GMC), Kevin “Moby” Jones (GP), Brad Welles (GT), and Monirom Southakakoumar (GS) all deserve accolades for their continued commitment.
We would also like to recognize the 50th Anniversary committee chairs for coordinating the upcoming celebration. Ensure that we can keep you in the loop on 2021 happenings by updating your contact info using the button below.
The EC wishes the Friends and Family of the Lambda-Zeta brothers all the best in the New Year.
AEKDB, Craig Corrieri
Visit vcukappasig.com/events-alumni for upcoming events:
3rd Thursday Events Online via Google Meet and Phone Call-in Number (Monthly)
LZ Colony Candidate Initiation Ceremony (January)
KSLZAA Quarterly Meeting Q1 2021 (February)
KSLZAA Adopt-a-Street 11 (February)
Annual Meeting 2021 EC Elections (April)
3rd Annual Sheffey Endowment Golf Tournament (May)
Lambda Zeta 50th Anniversary celebration - April 30 - May 2, 2021.
