As a college student at Boston University, Warren A. Cole (Boston 1912) founded Lambda Chi Alpha on November 2, 1909, with the expressed objective purpose of bringing about the association of college students of good moral character in the various collegiate institutions within the United States and Canada; to foster a high moral and spiritual standard of life based on Christian ideals; to promote honorable friendship; to cultivate intellectual excellence; to secure for members the greatest advantages in college life; to establish brotherly love, mutual aid, close personal connection between alumni, undergraduates and colleges; and, to bind them together for mutual pleasure and interest in college, as well as after life by testing each with courage, self-control, obedience, democracy, and courtesy toward all with whom they may come in contact.

Today, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is one of the largest men's general fraternities in North America with more than 258,000 initiated members, with more than 200 active subsidiaries (called chapters) at colleges and universities. It was the first fraternity to eliminate pledging in the early 1970s, and it remains a leader in the fight against hazing, alcohol abuse, drugs, and other challenges facing today's college student.

Lambda Chi Alpha serves as a co-curricular experience to complement higher education by providing young men with opportunities for academic achievement, leadership development, and lifelong friendships.

The Phi Alpha-Zeta chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha was chartered in 1977 and has consistently established itself as a leader among fraternal men on the campus of Eastern Illinois University ever since. Located at 1020 Greek Court, the chapter regularly consists of anywhere between 75-100 active members; in Fall of 2008 we were the largest chapter on campus with 108 members! Our new member education program aims to develop young men into everything they can be while giving them the support and brotherhood they need to accomplish their hopes and dreams. We promote our 7 Core Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Service & Stewardship, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage (LDRSHIP) in the effort to create a True Brother. To learn more about our True Brother Initiative, click here. Annually, we participate in all that college life has to offer; whether it be on the intramural field, in the classroom, raising money for charity, or just going out together, we embrace the idea of brotherhood to its fullest.

The Symbols of Lambda Chi Alpha

The Coat of Arms

Coat of arms originated as family emblems, then cities, societies, and institutions adopted them. All college fraternities have them, but few have created their design with such faithful adherence to the laws of the ancient art of heraldry as has Lambda Chi Alpha. Members of Lambda Chi Alpha treat their coat of arms with the utmost dignity and respect. The Coat of Arms is so meaningful to the men of Lambda Chi Alpha, that under no circumstances is it ever permitted to be defaced in any way. The depth and genius behind the Coat of Arms is truly an incredible accomplishment in and of itself. Being a brother and truly understanding its significance is a priviledge. Revised finally by our spiritual founder and the author of our ritual, John "Jack" Mason, the Coat of Arms remains near the heart of every initiated brother.

The Badge

The badge is a pearl-set crescent with horns turned toward the left, enclosing a monogram of the Greek letters Lambda, Chi, and Alpha. The center of the crescent bears the Greek letters Delta and Pi in gold on black enamel. Similar to the Coat of Arms, albeit on a smaller scale, the Active Badge of Lambda Chi Alpha holds a strong, deep significance to all initiated brothers. With an incredible attention to detail and a profound, meaningful message, the Active Badge is worn with respect by any brother of Lambda Chi Alpha.

The Associate Member Pin

The associate member pin has a most interesting history because it embodies the official badge of Theta Kappa Nu as well as the original new member pin of Lambda Chi Alpha. The original Lambda Chi Alpha pin was a gothic arch, and with the union, this was superimposed upon the triangles composing the official badge of Theta Kappa Nu. The Associate Member pin is worn until the Associate becomes an initiated brother, at which point he wears the Active Badge.

The Flag

The Lambda Chi Alpha flag may be flown on appropriate occasions or placed on a wall. Chapters may place their Zeta letters in the upper right corner to identify their flags. It closely resembles Lambda Chi Alpha's Badge of Friendship.

The Seal

The seal is used to identify official General Fraternity documents and publications. It should not be used for decoration, as an ornament for jewelry, stationery, etc., unless it is to be used as the official stationery for the General Fraternity. It is now properly used on charters, membership certificates, and authorized publications of the General Fraternities.

The Flower

The Fraternity flower is the white tudor rose.

The Colors

The fraternity colors are Purple, Green, and Gold.