Wow! Just “WOW!” What a momentous year we have enjoyed within Delta chapter of Alpha Kappa Lambda. Here are just some of the many highlights:
- Founder’s Day – This past April, we toasted the storied legacy of AKL’s Delta chapter, which has earned its position as a leading fraternity at KU for now over 100 years! Based upon a rock-solid foundation representing our Five Ideals—Judeo-Christian Principles, Scholarship, Leadership, Loyalty and Self-Support—Delta chapter has stood for excellence in these areas that have resulted in fulfilling our mission: Men of Character, Committed to Making a Difference.
- Sorority & Fraternity Life Awards – In May, we announced the categories in which AKL was awarded a mark of Excellence in Academic Achievement, Civic & Community Engagement, Personal & Professional Development and Holistic Wellness, while also earning a mark of Distinction in Diversity & Inclusion.
- Strategic Planning Teams – In late July, the alumni board and members of the chapter exec board came together to plan out the year. To maximize member en- gagement, create leadership opportunities, and establish succession planning, every member of the house has been assigned to one of our strategic planning teams representing our Five Ideals and other key priorities.
- Scholarship Dinner – In early October, we held our 2nd annual AKL Scholarship Dinner, which celebrated several men who earned high GPA distinction during the spring semester. Each of those men received cash scholarships from the Ochino Foundation based upon their level of academic performance. We also announced the recipient of the 2nd annual Dr. Robert C. Jacoby Memorial Scholarship Award – Jason LeFleur – as selected by the Ochino Foundation board.
- Homecoming/Grand Opening Celebration – In late October, we celebrated not only a historic Homecoming victory over OU, but the official Grand Opening of our new chapter house at 1505 Sigma Nu Pl. In addition to breakfast and libations served on the spacious back deck, we took alums and their families on a tour showcasing Phase I of our Improvement Plan. Special thanks and appreciation for all alums who have generously provided donations in support of this project so far.
- Leadership Dinner – In November, we held our 2nd annual AKL Leadership Dinner which recognized both the outgoing and incoming Executive Board. Congratulations to outgoing chapter president, Mike McDermott and his Exec Board for the many important contributions they made over this past year to help establish a new era of growth and prosperity for Delta chapter.
- Community Service & Philanthropy – This fall, AKL men have been very active in the Lawrence community and on campus at KU as well as supporting causes such as the Lawrence Humane So- ciety, “These Hands Don’t Hurt” and PanCAN, the national organization for providing Pancreatic Cancer research. This added up to hundreds of man-hours served as well as thousands of dollars raised.
- Holiday Luncheon/Annual Meeting – On December 8th, we will host our K.C. Holiday Luncheon that also serves as our Annual Business Meeting. Again, we have a lot to celebrate and be grateful for, so we look forward to seeing as many alums as possible reunite with one another at this very festive luncheon event.
On behalf of the AKL Building Association Board of Directors, I want to wish you and your families the happiest of holidays and best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous new year!
Fraternally,
Mark Mears, Delta ‘81
Chairman, AKL Building Association Board of Directors