Chapter History
Central Michigan University was founded in 1892. Seventy-five years later, the campus changed forever. A group of ambitious young men decided that the fraternity choices on campus did not meet their needs. These young men reviewed several different options and agreed that Lambda Chi Alpha offered the best options for their fraternal experience. In 1967, Lambda Chi Alpha colonized at CMU as Chi Alpha Lambda. The first initiation was conducted by the brothers of Michigan State University and Lambda Omega 1, J.D. Youngman, along with the rest of his new brothers, were initiated. On February 7, 1970, The Lambda Omega-Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha was officially chartered, and the group has not looked back since with nearly 700 initiated members.
Although the location of the Chapter house has changed several times (it is currently located at the front of Deerfield Village), the spirit of the brotherhood has never dwindled. Through the boom in membership in the 80’s to the Chapter’s low-point in the mid-90’s (7 members), the Chapter has maintained its standards for excellence, and continued to provide a unique and valuable fraternal experience for worthy young men.
The Lambda Omega-Zeta has earned numerous International Awards including the Phoenix Award in 1978 for 'Outstanding Improvements in Chapter Operations', 'Outstanding Academic Achievements' ('86, '87, '88, and '04), 'Outstanding Campus Involvement' ('05 and '06), and 'Outstanding Membership Recruitment' ('87 and '05). The Chapter has also won the President’s Cup, Central Michigan University's award for 'Most Outstanding Fraternity' three times ('02, '04 and '07).
Although the faces and house location may have changed throughout the years, the spirit of brotherhood and principals for which all members of Lambda Chi Alpha stand, never change. This is what continues to connect all members of the Lambda Omega-Zeta, both active and alumni, throughout their lives. It’s not four years, it’s for life.