Lambda Chi Alpha was colonized at the University of South Dakota in 1914. On April 8, 1916, our colony became Alpha-Gamma Zeta and has remained active ever since, making it the fifth oldest continuously operating chapter in the country.
For over a century, Lambda Chi has produced leaders in science, business, academia, technology, medicine, and the military. Within government alone, we claim four Governors, three U.S. Representatives, one U.S. Senator, and four State Supreme Court Justices. Incredibly, between 1951-1957, both of South Dakota’s U.S. Representatives were Lambda Chis from USD.
We look for men of strong character and integrity to continue this legacy. Lambda Chi Alpha believes all members ought to be afforded the same opportunities and privileges and is the only fraternity at USD that does not have pledges. Today, Lambda Chi's mission is to inspire and equip men to lead an ethical life of learning, service, and leadership.
Fraternity life remains popular at the University of South Dakota where more than one-in-four collegiate men are Greek. Though our chapter has one of the most celebrated histories of any fraternity at the University of South Dakota, we have fallen behind in recent years. Simply put, our home is in disrepair and is adversely affecting our chapter's ability to be successful on USD's campus today.
Built in 1931 and purchased from Alpha Phi in 1937, our house at the corner of Pine and Plum has been home to nearly 2,000 men over the past century. The most major expansion was completed in 1965 and, even without adjusting for inflation, well north of $1M in renovations have been completed over the life of our home. Despite these investments, our lot is currently valued at $120,000, of which $90,000 is the land alone.
This is not the first or the last time Lambda Chi has been called to adapt. Through two World Wars and Vietnam, economic crisis and the rise of the internet, Animal House and the end of 3.2 beer, social media and social isolation—Lambda Chi has persevered. This is no accident.
Lambda Chi Alpha continues to exist because young men need a home away from home. If we had it all figured out at that age, there would be no need for what Lambda Chi offers. And if, all these years later, we were not grateful, we would not continue to give back.
We have been able to navigate past challenges only through the support of alumni volunteers and donors. This will be no less true as we look to the future, where the Alumni Council—which includes the Alumni Association, Alumni Advisory Board, and House Corporation—will work to connect our Brothers, support our undergraduate leadership, and strengthen the home we share.
1916 | AGZ charters as LCA’s 26th chapter
1931 | A Phi builds home at 327 N Pine
1937 | 327 N Pine bought from A Phi
1941 | AGZ dormant as Brothers serve in WWII
1965 | 327 N Pine expands East
1968 | Annex Purchased
1974 | LCA initiates AG 1,000
1977 | AGZ wins 1st Grand High Alpha Award
2000 | Annex Sold
2003 | 1st AGZ Membership Review
2009 | 2nd AGZ Membership Review
2013 | AGZ wins Phoenix Award
2016 | LCA celebrates 100 years at USD
2016 | AGZ wins 2nd Grand High Alpha Award
2017 | Alumni Council established
AXD rebuilds chapter house
2019 | Structure report finds rebuild necessary
2021 | Feasibility study supports campaign
SAE Rebuilds chapter house
2023 | LCA initiates AG 2,000
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