From the Ashes
A High Pi’s journey through tragedy and regrowth with his chapter
I.
The pain is fresh and raw, like an open wound not yet treated. How could this have happened to us, the men of Lambda Chi Alpha keep asking themselves. Why us? Why now?
It was a crisp November day, 2012 in Maine when the brothers of the Beta chapter received the horrific news that three of their members–three brothers who had been everyone’s friends–had passed away in a freak plane crash. The three men (High Alpha David Cheney, High Kappa Marcelo Rugini, and William “BJ” Hannigan) were pillars of an organization that was in the process of regrowth, taken too soon from the men they had called family.
How could this have happened to us?
But what could have been the end of a chapter finally blooming after many years of uncertainty, was the fire the men needed to push on and make themselves even better.
So the question changes- How can we move forward, as our fallen brothers would have wanted us to?
At the forefront of this transformation stands one man, a guiding force and steady rock: High Pi, Tom Perkins.
II.
Amid the large pine trees stands a modest fraternity house. Wearing decades of brotherhood events, fitted with green shutters and a white coat of paint, the Beta chapter house has served as home for hundreds of men who pass through its doors, including Tom Perkins.
Perkins first came to the University of Maine as a freshman transfer student in 1992 and when introduced to Lambda Chi, was hooked from the beginning, enticed by the endless opportunities of brotherhood.
“Maine is really at the end of the road, it’s hours from the next chapter, so we are really out by ourselves out there,” said Perkins. “Even though we are the Beta chapter and one of the oldest chapters in the fraternity, a lot of our traditions were really ours to create.”
Through his years in the house, Perkins served as High Kappa and High Beta and fell in love with the idea of a bond for life. But the Beta chapter was far from perfect.
After a series of disciplinary issues, the chapter was in the process of recolonizing when Perkins joined and trying to mend relationships with the alumni base.
“We made a pact that when we graduate, we were going to be involved and support this chapter and make things better,” said Perkins.
With the help of his brothers, that is exactly what he did.
III.
The challenge seemed simple: get organized so that the chapter could operate. First step–create an eager alumni association willing to help the chapter. Following graduation, Perkins immediately ran as president of the association to ensure his dedication to the fraternity could continue.
Starting with creating family events and an annual Founder’s Day dinner every March, the association began their journey on a road to the promise land of success. Perkins served in this role until the birth of his children and, needing to take a step back, relinquished his title, settling for a spot on the board of alumni.
While he was still involved on the outskirts, aiding with efforts to raise 40,000 dollars to refurbish the old fraternity house, he was still yearning for more.
The chapter was now thriving and the men within it were very much invested in making the most out of their experience. This opened the door to Perkins to explore the role of High Pi, a position he has held ever since.
“I want to focus on the undergraduates so the High Pi role is really one I’ve served in for several years now and it’s so rewarding,” said Perkins. “I get to have conversations with guys about chapter issues, about personal issues, be a mentor and help them through some very tough life decisions.”
IV.
Perkins remains steadfast as a leader and advisor for his chapter, looking ever forward to the future. The chapter has grown from the 20-30 man chapter of Perkin’s time to almost 70. For the first time ever in the fall semester of 2016, the men met all operating standards as put forth by their ELC.
“The chapter has put their own little spin on things, because it’s different guys and a different generation,” said Perkins. “The concepts are sort of timeless, and it’s neat to look back on that.”
As a nod to his time in the chapter, Perkins strives to enhance the fraternity education program and make sure the spirit of the chapter remains strong with new blood, all the while maintaining the personal touch. For the men that Perkins interacts with, his hope is to instill the same comradery he felt years ago.
“This is not just a blip in your college experience, this is a decision that will, if you want it to, enrich the rest of your life,” said Perkins.
The Beta chapter is almost unrecognizable from the broken men they were that fateful day in November when three friends were lost. It could have been so easy for the chapter to fizzle or implode, says Perkins, but the chapter rallied and moved forward.
The recipient of the 2014 Phoenix Award, the brothers of Lambda Chi have been able to embrace the true meaning of this award in their relentless journey onward: against all odds and through the most unimaginable tragedy, Perkins and his chapter have picked up the pieces, rising again from the ashes.
