Ten years after the passing of Brother Dylan Ash (Baldwin Wallace, ‘15), Lambda Chi Alpha’s Kappa-Phi Zeta at Baldwin Wallace University continues to honor his life through Brotherhood, remembrance, and a commitment to fighting for a cure for type 1 diabetes.
On May 2, Brothers, Alumni, and friends gathered at Baldwin Wallace University for a memorial walk honoring Dylan Ash (Baldwin Wallace, ’15), a beloved Member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Brotherhood whose impact on his Chapter continues to be felt a decade after his passing.
Ash passed away in 2016 from complications related to type 1 diabetes (T1D) while pursuing a master’s degree in history at Cleveland State University. During his time at Baldwin Wallace, he served as the High Iota, contributing to the success of the Chapter following its re-establishment in 2010.
For those who knew Ash, the anniversary offered an opportunity to celebrate his life, reconnect with fellow Brothers, and reflect on the relationships that made his time in Lambda Chi Alpha so meaningful.
The walk brought together people from across the country, including friends from Ash's high school years, his time at Baldwin Wallace, and current Kappa-Phi Zeta Undergraduate Brothers. Beginning at Middleburg Town Square in Berea, participants followed the Metroparks Lake to Woodvale Cemetery, where they shared personal memories and reflected on Ash's lasting influence on their lives. The gathering concluded with a group lunch, giving attendees additional time to reconnect and celebrate his legacy.
But the Chapter’s efforts to honor Ash extended beyond remembrance. In conjunction with the memorial walk, Kappa-Phi Zeta organized a fundraiser benefiting Breakthrough T1D, a leading organization dedicated to advancing research, improving the lives of people living with T1D, and working toward cures.
Through the generosity of Brothers, friends, families, and local businesses, the Chapter raised more than $3,200.
These efforts produced the largest single donation the Chapter has made since its re-establishment in 2010. Kappa-Phi’s commitment to the cause was further recognized at Lambda Chi Alpha’s 61st General Assembly, where the Chapter was awarded for being the largest donor towards Breakthrough T1D in Spring 2026.
The Chapter’s work also reflects Lambda Chi Alpha’s broader commitment to supporting those affected by type 1 diabetes. In May 2025, the Fraternity announced a national partnership with Breakthrough T1D to increase awareness, expand service opportunities, and support the organization’s mission. Through this partnership, Members are encouraged to turn awareness into action and help build a future where fewer families experience the devastating effects of the disease.
For Kappa-Phi Zeta, that mission carries a deeply personal meaning. By bringing together generations of Brothers and friends, the Chapter has transformed a moment of remembrance into an opportunity to make a difference for others.
Through their support of Breakthrough T1D, Baldwin Wallace’s Kappa-Phi Chapter is ensuring that Ash’s legacy continues to inspire meaningful action: one step, one connection, and one contribution at a time.
