Fraternity hopes to renew interest in philanthropy

Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity was founded on seven core values, but the brothers of IU’s chapter are focusing on one in particular this year – service and stewardship.

Fraternity member and sophomore Jordan Fromm has organized a spring break trip to Mandeville, La., a suburb of New Orleans, where he and eight brothers will help build homes for Habitat For Humanity.

“Our treasurer, our philanthropy chairman and our president are all supportive of this endeavor,” Fromm said. “It’s going to be an exciting trip.”

Fromm said the initial response to the idea was overwhelming. Though there were nine spots to fill, 25 brothers expressed interest, with Fromm ultimately giving precedence to the first eight men who responded.

But even those who stay behind will be offering support. Chapter dues will cover food, travel, housing and project costs, which is estimated to be $150 per person.

Fromm, who is coordinating the trip through the Collegiate Challenge, a youth program of Habitat for Humanity that matches volunteers with work sites, said this project stemmed from his involvement building houses for local Habitat for Humanity chapters and previous construction work on church trips.

“One of the greatest things you can do for a family is give them a place,” Fromm said. “You’re actually on-site making it happen. We want to say we did something really cool, and for our community and upheld our values.”

The nine members who are making the twelve-hour drive to Louisiana will spend four nine-hour days on the houses. They will be building and constructing everything from basements and foundations to the plumbing of bathroom sinks.

“The affiliates get a boost of volunteers, which helps them progress on the work side but also really re-energizes them,” said Nick Hericks, volunteer engagement specialist for the Collegiate Challenge. “You get a bunch of students in there, who are really excited to work, and it just helps motivate everyone.”

Fromm and junior fraternal educator Matt Suerth said they hope this trip and the excitement surrounding it will offer a renewed focus on philanthropy and the importance of community overall.

“This trip has really helped put back into the forefront our commitment to community into every member’s mind,” Suerth said. “It’s something we can’t forget in order to be a well-run chapter.”