Lambda Chi Alpha Announces 2026 Order of Merit

By Thomas Lichtenauer

Established in 1949, the Lambda Chi Alpha Order of Merit recognizes alumni Brothers who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the Fraternity through years of dedicated volunteer leadership and commitment.

As one of Lambda Chi Alpha's highest honors, the Order of Merit celebrates Brothers whose contributions have strengthened chapters, supported members, advanced the Fraternity's mission, and helped ensure the Fraternity's continued success for future generations.

Recipients are selected by the Grand High Zeta based on their exceptional record of service, leadership, and lasting impact on Lambda Chi Alpha.

By action of the Grand High Zeta, Lambda Chi Alpha is proud to recognize the 2026 Order of Merit class.

Brother Chen has devoted decades of service to Lambda Beta Zeta, playing a vital role in strengthening both alumni engagement and undergraduate success. He has been instrumental in leading fundraising efforts, supporting major chapter improvements, and creating mentorship opportunities that connect brothers across generations. Lyman is a constant and reliable presence, known for his willingness to step in at any moment to support the chapter and its members. His leadership has enhanced recruitment, restored the quality of the Ritual, and strengthened the chapter’s long-term stability. His deep personal investment and lifelong commitment exemplify the enduring brotherhood of Lambda Chi Alpha.

Brother Cosenza has served Pi Zeta with distinction for more than 30 years as a leader, mentor, and dedicated alumnus. As an undergraduate Chapter President, he later played a key role in the recolonization of the chapter and the development of its chapter house. Since then, he has remained a constant presence, driving alumni engagement and leading the Pi Zeta Fund, which supports scholarships and chapter initiatives. His efforts have helped build a strong alumni network and sustain the chapter’s long-term success. Through his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment, Mark has shaped generations of brothers and strengthened the future of Pi Zeta.

Brother Eggers has demonstrated exceptional service to Lambda Chi Alpha at both the chapter and international levels for many years. A dedicated alumnus of Alpha-Kappa Zeta, he has served on the Alumni Advisory Board since 2020 and has supported the Chapter through mentorship, recruitment, Ritual, alumni engagement, and Chapter programming. Beyond the local level, Scott has contributed as a facilitator for leadership programs, a member of the International Ritual Team, and a volunteer with the Stead Leadership Seminar and Neville Advisors College. Widely respected for his mentorship and accessibility, Scott has strengthened Alpha-Kappa Zeta through his steady leadership and commitment to developing Undergraduate Brothers.

Brother Fogh has provided exceptional service to Lambda Chi Alpha through more than a decade of leadership and mentorship, especially with Pi-Omega Zeta at the University of Tampa. As a founding Alumnus Advisor and longtime High Pi, he has guided the Chapter from Associate Chapter status to a thriving organization. Through his steady presence at meetings, Initiation Rituals, and events, Doug has mentored hundreds of Undergraduate Members and helped strengthen the Chapter’s culture, growth, and continuity. He has also supported neighboring Chapters and generously contributed his time, talent, and resources. Doug’s selfless service and quiet leadership exemplify the spirit of the Order of Merit.

Brother Gibbs has devoted more than three decades of exceptional service to Epsilon-Eta Zeta at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. As an undergraduate, he helped lead the Chapter through a critical period of rebuilding and later founded its Alumni Association. Since then, Walt has played a central role in strengthening the Chapter through fundraising, alumni engagement, and educational programming. He helped lead the effort to build the Chapter’s current house, has served as President of the Housing Corporation and Educational Foundation, and has guided the growth of both organizations. Walt’s dedication, leadership, and lifelong commitment have had a lasting impact on generations of Brothers.

Brother Greenman has devoted more than six decades of exceptional service to Lambda Chi Alpha at both the chapter and international levels. A former Traveling Secretary, High Pi, Master Steward, and Grand High Beta, Ken has served countless Brothers through his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the Fraternity. He guided Delta-Kappa Zeta at the University of San Diego for sixteen years, supported multiple Southern California Chapters, and remained deeply involved in Ritual, leadership education, and Fraternity governance. Ken’s quiet generosity, personal mentorship, and lifelong dedication have left a lasting impact on generations of Lambda Chi Alpha Brothers.

Brother Guemple is a dedicated alumnus whose more than 25 years of service have been instrumental in sustaining the Zeta-Rho Chapter. Initiated in 1969, he returned to Tallahassee in 2000 and served as House Corporation Treasurer, President, and Chapter Financial Advisor. A retired CPA, Randy provided financial oversight for a Chapter with a budget exceeding $500,000 and mentored generations of undergraduate leaders. He also led the fundraising and construction of a 40,000-square-foot fraternity house, securing more than $900,000 in alumni support. Following the Chapter’s closure in 2012, Randy managed the property and preserved equity, safeguarding a strong foundation for its future.

Brother Hamil has devoted more than four decades of exceptional service to Theta-Alpha Zeta, serving as Chapter Advisor and High Pi across multiple generations of Undergraduate Members. Through his leadership from 1994–2002 and again from 2008–2025, Jim has been a stabilizing force who helped guide the Chapter through both periods of success and significant challenge. A recognized Fraternal Steward and Master Steward, he has remained deeply committed to Ritual, chapter operations, and the development of young men. Through his steady presence at meetings, Rituals, and events, Jim has mentored generations of Brothers and strengthened the Chapter’s culture, accountability, and continuity. His humble leadership and enduring dedication embody the ideals of the Order of Merit.

Brother Hicks has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to Lambda Chi Alpha through his leadership as both an undergraduate and alumnus. After reconnecting with the Chapter in 2010, Rich became a driving force in alumni engagement, serving as Vice President and now President of the Alumni Association. He has strengthened connections between Brothers across generations, expanded alumni outreach, and played a key role in supporting chapter operations and advisor involvement. Rich also helped organize major milestone events, including the Chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration, and has fostered strong relationships with the university and alumni community. His leadership and dedication have had a lasting impact on the Chapter’s strength and vitality.

Brother Jenkins has demonstrated longtime dedication to Lambda Chi Alpha through his steadfast service to the University of New Hampshire Chapter and its alumni. As a member of the Alumni Advisory Board, Wally has remained deeply involved in Chapter life, maintaining strong relationships with undergraduate Brothers, alumni, and university officials. He played a leading role in the effort to secure a permanent chapter house, helping sustain momentum over many years and ultimately contributing to the successful agreement to purchase the Chapter’s historic home. Wally’s persistence, loyalty, and commitment to Brotherhood exemplify the spirit of the Order of Merit.

Brother Miller has provided exceptional leadership and service to Alpha-Omicron Zeta at Indiana University Bloomington through his mentorship, advocacy, and commitment to the Chapter’s long-term success. Following his retirement, David became deeply involved in helping stabilize and strengthen the Chapter, rebuilding alumni engagement, advisory structures, and relationships with university leaders. He has also championed initiatives focused on student well-being, including mental health resources, leadership development, and alumni mentorship. David’s lifelong dedication to Brotherhood and service has had a lasting impact on Alpha-Omicron Zeta.

Brother Potter has exemplified lifelong service and stewardship through more than 30 years as Treasurer of the Theta-Chi Zeta Housing Corporation. His leadership has provided critical financial oversight, stability, and long-term vision, ensuring the sustainability and continued improvement of the chapter’s facilities through changing conditions. During challenging periods, his steady guidance helped preserve and strengthen the chapter’s foundation for future generations. Beyond his financial role, Ernie has been a trusted mentor and advocate for the fraternity, including through his service on the Eureka College Board of Trustees. His humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment reflect the very best of Lambda Chi Alpha.

Brother Rollison has demonstrated decades of dedicated service to Lambda Chi Alpha through his leadership, legal expertise, and commitment to chapter success. As a longtime member and leader of the Alpha-Alpha Zeta House Corporation, including serving as President and Treasurer, Kent has played a pivotal role in shaping the chapter’s future. He was instrumental in securing land, financing, and ultimately overseeing the construction of a new chapter house, navigating complex negotiations and challenges along the way. Known for his problem-solving mindset and unwavering commitment to the Fraternity, Kent's leadership has helped ensure Alpha-Alpha Zeta's continued success for future generations.

Brother Ryan has devoted more than five decades of continuous service to Lambda Chi Alpha, beginning as the founding High Alpha and first initiate of Sigma-Phi Zeta. A pioneer of the Associate Member Program, he helped establish a culture rooted in education, accountability, and the elimination of hazing—principles that continue to shape the fraternity today. As a High Pi, Master Steward, and mentor, Bill has guided generations of brothers across multiple chapters nationwide. His leadership, humility, and unwavering commitment to the values of Lambda Chi Alpha have made him a lasting influence and a model of lifelong brotherhood.

Brother Stetser has devoted many years of extraordinary service to Zeta-Psi Zeta at Arizona State University as High Pi and mentor to generations of undergraduate Brothers. He has guided the Chapter through both its successes and its most difficult moments, providing steady leadership during campus challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic. Jarred has consistently gone beyond the traditional advisor role, investing his time, resources, and personal support to strengthen the Chapter and its members. Widely respected as both a mentor and friend, he has helped generations of Brothers lead with integrity, perseverance, and Brotherhood.

Brother St. George has dedicated nearly four decades to advancing Lambda Chi Alpha through extensive service at both the chapter and national levels. He has served in numerous advisory and leadership roles, contributed to the Committee on Emblems and Rituals, and authored key educational resources, including ZAX 101 and related curriculum. His passion for the Ritual and commitment to lifelong brotherhood have influenced hundreds of members across generations. Known for his accessibility, knowledge, and willingness to serve wherever needed, Larry continues to mentor brothers and support chapters across the country. His enduring impact and commitment make him highly deserving of the Order of Merit.

Brother Strain exemplified lifelong devotion to Lambda Chi Alpha through his foundational leadership at Alpha-Lambda at Oregon State University. As one of the chapter’s founders, he helped guide the transition from the Umatilla Club into Lambda Chi Alpha in 1917. His legacy continues through the Clayton Strain Memorial Scholarship, which since 1978 has provided more than $1 million in support to undergraduate Brothers. His vision, generosity, and enduring impact continue to shape Alpha-Lambda more than a century later.

Brother Tapley has devoted decades of exceptional service to Zeta-Omega at Mercer University as a mentor, leader, and advocate for generations of Brothers. Serving multiple terms as High Pi, he played a key role in the Chapter’s recolonization and long-term success. Greg also founded and led the Chapter’s Alumni Association, strengthening connections between undergraduate Brothers and alumni through recruitment, Brotherhood, and alumni events. His dedication to Ritual, mentorship, and fellowship has had a lasting impact on the Chapter and reflects the values celebrated by the Order of Merit

Brother Vilardo has provided exceptional leadership and mentorship to Phi-Alpha Zeta at Eastern Illinois University through his service on the Alumni Control Board and Alumni Advisory Board since 2017. During critical periods of rebuilding and growth, he has helped strengthen the Chapter through steady governance, Ritual education, recruitment support, and hands-on mentorship of undergraduate officers. Todd’s consistent presence at meetings, Initiations, and Chapter events has helped restore stability and reinforce the values of Lambda Chi Alpha. His dedication and leadership have played a vital role in the Chapter’s continued success and embody the ideals of the Order of Merit.

Brother Walzer has played a transformational role in the re-establishment and long-term success of Beta-Kappa Zeta. Since 2018, he has served as an Alumni Advisor, Housing Corporation leader, and financial steward during a period when the Chapter was inactive. Through his leadership, Chris preserved the Chapter’s facility, strengthened its financial position, and helped make possible its successful rechartering in 2025. He has also been a dedicated mentor to undergraduate Brothers, supporting recruitment, chapter programming, and alumni engagement. Chris’s steady leadership and commitment have been instrumental in the Chapter’s return and continued growth.

Brother Wolfe has provided more than 50 years of dedicated service to Lambda Chi Alpha, including over three decades as president of the Zeta-Eta Zeta Housing Corporation. His leadership and professional expertise have ensured the preservation, management, and long-term viability of the chapter property, even following the chapter’s closure in 2004. Ron remained deeply committed during this time, maintaining the property and supporting efforts toward eventual recolonization. In addition to his operational leadership, he has been a consistent presence in alumni engagement and chapter support. His humility, reliability, and lifelong dedication embody the highest ideals of Lambda Chi Alpha.

Brother Worman has devoted nearly five decades of continuous service to Epsilon-Upsilon Zeta as an advisor, mentor, and presence for generations of Brothers. Since his undergraduate years, he has remained deeply involved through the Alumni Advisory Board, Alumni Control Board, and ongoing support of Chapter Officers. Bill is especially respected for his impact on Fraternity education and recruitment, helping shape the Chapter’s culture and growth through mentorship and strong relationships. His consistent presence at Rituals, recruitment events, and Chapter activities has strengthened the Brotherhood across generations and left a lasting legacy on Epsilon-Upsilon.

The 2026 Order of Merit recipients exemplify the spirit of servant leadership that has defined Lambda Chi Alpha for generations. Through their dedication, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the Fraternity, they have strengthened chapters, inspired Brothers, and ensured Lambda Chi Alpha remains strong for future generations. We congratulate each recipient on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their extraordinary service.