When senior Owen Kerrigan arrived at William Jewell College, he wasn’t looking for a fraternity. In fact, his perception of fraternity life was shaped by Animal House—far from the kind of community of which he wanted to be a part.But a few friendly conversations, a free meal, and some encouragement from Lambda Chi Alpha Members led him to give it a chance.
“I can confidently say that’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” Kerrigan said.
Now serving as Chapter President and representing Lambda Chi internationally on both the Grand High Zeta and International Zeta Advisory Council, Kerrigan has watched his Chapter not only grow in numbers, but thrive in values and commitment, even as William Jewell’s overall student population has declined.
In just four years, William Jewell’s student body has dropped from around 1,200 to 800 students. For most organizations on campus, that’s meant fewer recruits, smaller memberships, and greater struggles to sustain involvement.
Lambda Chi has gone in the opposite direction.
Part of the growth has come from rethinking recruitment. With about 30% of men on campus in fraternities and students unable to join until their spring semester, every new Member counts.
“We’ve had to adapt,” Kerrigan said. “We can’t just rely on formal recruitment anymore. We’ve expanded our reach to students who know more clearly what they’re looking for.”
Owen and his Brothers realized that simply adding Members wasn’t enough. Retention was critical. Their change in focus has not only strengthened the Chapter internally but made it more attractive to Potential New Members looking for more than a social outlet.
The turnaround wasn’t accidental. Kerrigan credits his predecessors, past presidents Casey Booth and Ian Wooldridge, with setting a vision to “think big” and aim high. With the guidance of their High Pi, Dr. Armstrong, the Chapter has prioritized Officer training, Alumni advising, and long-term goal setting.
“The mindset used to be about avoiding risk,” Kerrigan said. “Now, it’s about empowering Officers and investing in the future of the Chapter. That shift has been night and day in getting buy-in from the guys.”
As William Jewell’s enrollment has fallen, Lambda Chi Alpha has become an example of what’s possible when a Chapter leans into its values, adapts its recruitment, and focuses on meaningful development.
“We’re growing against the odds,” Kerrigan said. “And that’s because the Brotherhood is stronger than ever. It's a group effort, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together.”
Lambda Chi Alpha at William Jewell shows that even when a campus is shrinking, a Chapter rooted in values, leadership, and community can grow stronger than ever.
