Beta-Rho Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Tom Lawrence Memorial Scholarship

2026-2027 Academic Year Award

The Beta-Rho Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Tom Lawrence Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to up to two California State University, Northridge undergraduate students who are working towards their first undergraduate degrees, have earned 12 or more credit units, maintained a 2.8 or higher GPA and demonstrated leadership on campus or within the chapter. Eligibility for the Tom Lawrence Scholarship will be limited to initiated members as the May prior to the upcoming award year, in good standing of the Beta-Rho Zeta chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, with preference given to members who have demonstrated leadership within the Chapter, provided that the chapter is at the time a recognized student organization in good standing with the Inter-Fraternity Council at CSUN. Chapter membership will be verified by a letter from either the chapter’s current High Alpha (chapter president) or High Gamma (chapter secretary).

About the Donor
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 54 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; and have been advocates to promote many other aspects of campus life.

About the Fraternity
As stated by its international headquarters website, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity 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. There are no “pledges” in Lambda Chi Alpha. It was the first national or local fraternity to abolish pledge programs during its General Assembly in Portland, Oregon in August, 1972. New prospective Brothers are known as associate members. They have all the rights and privileges as initiated Brothers, and they can hold any office with the exception of ritualist. 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 at Boston College 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 embrace all young men, regardless of background and difference, so long as they are men of virtue that are willing to lead and live by our code of ethics. 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 continuing undergraduate CSUN students active in the Beta-Rho Zeta chapter who are working towards their first undergraduate degree(s).
• Must have 12 units or more completed at CSUN.
• Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of at least 2.8. for the Fall and Spring terms of the award year.
• Applicants must enroll in 12 units or more during the Fall and Spring terms of the award year.
  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 for your award. Award recipients who graduate or leave CSUN after the close of the fall semester will not receive the scholarship award for the spring semester..
• Must have a FAFSA or California Dream Act application on file for the upcoming academic year.
• Must upload a copy of unofficial transcripts.
• Must upload a copy of your student resume. A student resume is a detailed record of your personal and educational information. It includes the name of your school/college, coursework, projects (if any) undertaken, and awards. The resume may also contain additional information like your extracurricular activities, volunteer experiences, job experiences (if any), hobbies, etc.
• One letter of recommendation must be requested through the my Matador Scholarship system.
• Must be in good standing with the Beta-Rho Zeta chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha.
• Preference given to members who have demonstrated leadership within the chapter.
• Preference given to members who are either living in the chapter’s private residence or express an intention to reside there.
• Must demonstrate exceptional volunteerism on campus.

Other Considerations:

• Applicants may not be serving in the military with the exception of the Reserve or National Guard during the fall or spring semester.
• Applicants may not be foreign exchange students.
• Applicants may not be engaged to be married or married as of the date of this application.
• Applicants may not hold any prior misdemeanor convictions (unless they have been expunged from his record) or felonies.

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.