MSP Beta-Rho Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha Memorial Scholarship

2024-2025 Academic Year Award

Beta-Rho Zeta of the Lambda Chi Alpha International Fraternity (Zeta #180) was founded at what was then San Fernando Valley State College by undergraduates David Trimble and Lance Shermoen with the assistance of numerous area fraternity alumni, most notably Tom Lawrence and Howard Brightman. It was first organized in the summer of 1968 during a meeting with around 45 alumni along with Brothers Trimble and Shermoen at Harlowe’s Restaurant in Reseda and recognized by the headquarters of Lambda Chi Alpha as a colony in February of 1969, the same month as its first initiation ceremony which inducted its first nine new brothers. It received its original charter on Sept. 2, 1972 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City, California. During the past 50 years, the fraternity chapter’s members have held numerous leadership positions in student government (including three who became student body presidents), new student orientation leaders, athletes, crisis hotline volunteers, graduation commencement ushers, campus entertainment event organizers such as Big Show producers and assistants, TAKE performers, class registration clerks (prior to online registration), intramural sports team participants, charity organizers and volunteers for Feeding America, MEND, and the American Red Cross, among others; past homecoming float builders and parade participants, homecoming court candidates (and two kings), and have been advocates to promote many other aspects of campus life.

As stated by its international headquarters website, Lambda Chi Alpha embraces men regardless of background and differences and empowers them to become a better version of themselves by finding their reason for being. From day one, members are treated as equals and fully experience Lambda Chi Alpha and learn what it means to lead with loyalty and purpose. This Fraternity believes that sacrifices borne from service build character and strength in the men who bear them. With more than 180 chapters in the United States and Canada, our legacy since its founding in 1909 has deepened when each generation equips even more young men to redefine who we are and who we can be for others, generation after generation. Our fraternity seeks to foster this legacy of leadership through enduring relationships, strong mentorship and intensive instruction on our history, values and code of conduct.

At Lambda Chi Alpha, we desire our members to feel comfortable being their authentic whole selves. We also believe that character is derived not only from that which we cherish but also from that which we do not tolerate. As a fraternity that values diversity, pursues equity and honors inclusion, we condemn any actions of racism, misogyny and discrimination.

Furthermore, we believe that diversity of race, ethnicity, sexual identity, religion, class and cultural background are assets that are essential to creating a better brotherhood. Although we are not perfect, we are actively working to place a premium on diversity, equity and inclusion in our brotherhood, which we hope will build one of the most balanced organizations on college campuses around the world. We believe that the interactions of these different perspectives allow for better and more enriched views, experiences and ideas. Some of the strategies we currently employ include:

• An active member recruitment and leadership cultivation process that encourages diversity.
• A strong value system with bylaws that condemn any actions of racism, misogyny and discrimination.
• An active diversity and inclusion committee that focuses on developing and advancing initiatives, which create a
  more inclusive culture.
  
  

Our Five Pillars are the embodiment of Lambda Chi Alpha’s cardinal principles that steer every action of our organization. These principles provide consistency, clarity and unity of purpose in what it means to be a member of Lambda Chi. They guide our ability to discern members from nonmembers, strengths from weaknesses and right from wrong by reflecting the character, convictions and virtues of our enduring brotherhood.

• Equal Membership
• Timeless Leadership
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Total Health
• Strength Through Service
  
  

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to CSUN undergraduate students who are current members and initiates of the Beta-Rho Zeta Chapter of the Lambda Chi Alpha International Fraternity in good financial standing as of the Spring 2024 semester.
• Undergraduate cumulative GPA must be greater than or equal to 2.8, and must be in good academic standing.
• 2.8 Cumulative GPA must be maintained for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 terms.
• Must have a minimum of 12 units or more completed at CSUN.
• Must enroll full-time (12+ units) for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 terms.
  Any change to your enrollment status resulting in less than full time enrollment for any term within the award year will result in a cancellation of your award.
• Must submit a letter verifying membership from either the chapter’s current High Alpha or High Gamma.
• Must not be serving in the military with the exception of the Reserve or National Guard during the Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 terms.
• Eligible graduating seniors in the Fall 2024 term will only receive half of the award ($1250).
• Foreign exchange students are not eligible.

Please note:
If you are receiving Financial Aid (including loans), your financial aid award(s) may be adjusted if you receive a scholarship amount that exceeds your financial aid total limit. Speak to a financial aid counselor during walk-in hours to get a detailed overview about your individual situation.