Initiation Ritual Spring 2023

aumaselvan24

Hello Everyone, 

We are excited to announce that our second initiation ritual, the first performed by our own Ritual Team, will take place at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 1st, at Blacksburg Baptist Church located at 550 North Main Street. We would love to have as many alumni brothers come out to the Ritual as possible. Please contact High Phi Jack DiFilippo’24 ΣΛ837 (jcdifilippo44@gmail.com), High Pi Tim McDermott’77 ΣΛ64(tamcdermott@me.com) or myself, Ash Umaselvan, if you can make it and for more information and/or coordination. You can also register by clicking here.

Vir Quisque Vir,

Ash Umaselvan’24 ΣΛ850, High Rho

571-458-9453

High Zeta introductions and contact information- Sigma Lambda

High Zeta introductions and contact information- Sigma Lambda

aumaselvan24

James Fink-High Alpha (President) (Currently on hiatus as he is doing a semester abroad in Spain)

My name is James Fink, and I am a junior here at Tech, double majoring in psychology and Spanish. I am from northern Virginia, more specifically Hamilton in Loudoun County. My ultimate goal is to open my own clinical psychology practice somewhere in Loudoun County and to be able to take on Spanish-speaking clients in addition to English-speaking clients. I joined Lambda Chi because I saw a unique opportunity to form a brotherhood here at Tech. I have always felt like I was part of the community here, but I wanted to help create a group with a close connection. Through this, I hope to make a difference at Virginia Tech and the surrounding community.

Phone: 571-353-0619

Email: jamesdf@vt.edu

William Gene Young, Jr. – High Iota (Risk Manager)

Gentlemen, I hope this message finds you well! My name is William Young, and I am a junior attending Virginia Polytechnical Institute majoring in Political Science: National Security Option. I am a member of the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets, and I am aspiring to commission into the US Air Force as a Special Operations Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot. My reason for undertaking the journey of becoming a member of Lambda Chi Alpha is that although the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets and AFROTC prepared me for general leadership, I found something lacking within their curriculum. “Every Man a Man ” are the words echoed from Lambda Chi Alpha’s motto. I found this to be an attractive endeavor; to become a man of merit is a necessity if I aspire to lead others effectively. The tenets of Lambda Chi Alpha speak of specific competencies I can work on to become an Ideal Man.

Phone: (757) 570-6079

Email: williamy01@vt.edu

Zachary Lansbury-High Beta (VP, internal)

My name is Zach Lansbury, and I’m a sophomore majoring in finance. I’m from Arlington, right across from DC. I joined Lambda Chi because I recognized the great opportunity of bringing the chapter back offers. Once I met the other guys, I knew that we would be able to accomplish big things. I also saw the chapter’s history and support of the alumni, and that convinced me that this is something worth putting my effort toward. I’ve already gotten so much value from this fraternity in my unique experiences, and I’m very motivated to continue.

Phone: 202-604-5441

Email: zachlansbury@vt.edu 

Jack DiFilippo – High Phi (Ritualist)

Hello, my name is Jackson DiFilippo, but I prefer to go by Jack. I am a sophomore here at Virginia Tech and am set to graduate in the fall of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Horticulture. I am from Spotsylvania, Virginia, and have lived there my whole life (outside of college). With my Horticulture degree, I would like to end up breeding or making new plant species, specifically native perennials of Virginia, that would be able to survive the worst of climate change.  I joined Lambda Chi Alpha because my dad was a member when he was in college, and I always heard stories about how much he enjoyed it, so I thought I would try it out for myself. Once I met the other members here, I immediately knew it would be something I would definitely enjoy being a part of.

Phone (540) 621-9458

Email: jdif44@vt.edu

Braxton Duvall – Interim High Alpha & High Delta (Recruitment)

Dear Alumni, 

Hello, my name is Braxton Duvall. I am a junior here at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; I am majoring in Political Science with the Legal Studies option. I am from Winchester, Virginia, and was born and raised there. With my degree in Political Science, I plan to continue my education and apply to Law School. After that, I am looking to join the military and apply for the Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG) Program. Eventually, I hope to practice constitutional law because I value the protection of individual rights above all else within the field. My story with Lambda Chi Alpha started during my first year of college. I was an associate member at the Mississippi State University Chapter before transferring to Virginia Tech. As an associate member, I learned about the fraternities’ high values of tradition, brotherhood, religion, and patriotism. Throughout my first year (sophomore year) here at VT I felt a void missing where Lambda Chi Alpha used to be. As soon as I heard about Lambda Chi returning to VT, I instantly jumped at the opportunity. After meeting with the associate members already involved, I knew it would be an excellent opportunity to get back into the fraternity. With my previous experience and my current passion for the fraternity, I hope to help as much as possible to restore Lambda Chi and have its values and name respected and recognized campus-wide. I also hope to get to know the alumni more and learn from their experiences and stories to help better the fraternity and, more specifically, our chapter. 

Phone: (540) 247-4464

Email: braxtond@vt.edu

David Cox – High Theta (VP, external)

Dear Alumni,

My name is David Cox and I am a current Junior over here at VT. I am currently a dual degree major in Economics and Political Science (Legal Studies Option) with a minor in philosophy. Currently, I have an internship lined up with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), a wall street firm, where I will be a Sales and Trading Intern. Throughout my past two years here at Virginia Tech, I made a large name for myself by being involved in a multitude of experiences. From the Student Alumni Association, and Class Office, to even being an RA I have made numerous connections and overall impacts on the university and individuals as a whole. I wanted my college experience to be one where I can make a difference and impact others and I believe that I have done that well thus far. Nonetheless, I felt like I have not left a legacy, one where I return back years from now, who will remember my name? That turned me over to Greek Life and thus Lambda Chi Alpha. Before I made my decision to join Lambda Chi, I wanted to look at what we have done in the past here at Virginia Tech. From old photos, conversations I have had, and even text forums, it would be an understatement to say that reviving and revising what we once had back to that greatness won’t be the easiest task. However, if one group of men could do it, it would be us! I am proud to get started, I am proud to make this Fraternity reach its full potential, and I am more than proud to have you all beside us to back us up. Please let me know if you have any suggestions, questions, or comments pertaining to us – we are really an open door trying to make this the best it can be. Thank you all for your help and I look forward to meeting you all and showing you all that we can do!

Phone: (571) – 919 – 8396

Email: davidc02@vt.edu

Nick Cheshire – High Sigma (Scholastic Chair)

My name is Nick Cheshire, I’m a junior from Leesburg, VA studying Multimedia Journalism with a minor in Creative Writing. At Virginia Tech, I’m involved in a handful of clubs ranging from sports writing to student radio, but I saw joining a fraternity as something that could elevate my college experience like no other organization could. As soon as I began talking to the brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha, I knew it was going to be a good fit. This is a group of smart, well-meaning men who are truly dedicated to re-establishing this storied brotherhood here at Virginia Tech and are always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that operations are running smoothly. We are excited to have the support of the Alumni and promise to do our best to represent the entirety of Lambda Chi with dignity and honor, day in and day out. 

Phone: (703) 431-7950

Email: nickc01@vt.edu 

Ashwin(Ash) Umaselvan- High Rho (Alumni Chair)

My name is Ash Umaselvan, I am a junior from Chantilly, Virginia double majoring in criminology and sociology. My plan for postgraduate studies is to attend law school and either go into family or corporate law. I am interested in combining the experiences and ideas of Lambda Chi Alpha brothers both alumni and active in order to create a brotherhood and fraternity that everyone can be proud to affiliate with. Fraternities are a very unique aspect of college life that creates memories and friendships that last a lifetime and when I have presented an opportunity to be a founding father it was too good to pass up on. The chance at restarting an illustrious fraternity here at VT has given all of us a unique opportunity to create a culture and cement a legacy that hopefully will stand the test of time. I am honored and excited to serve as the first High Rho and I will do my very best to set a standard for the generations of Rhos to come. I am generally available by phone or email so please do not hesitate to reach out and contact me for whatever reason. 

Cell: 571-458-9453

Email: aumaselvan24@vt.edu

Soham Kapadia – High Tau (Treasurer)

My name is Soham Kapadia, and I am a sophomore at Virginia Tech, studying computer science. I moved from Dubai to Blacksburg at the start of my freshman year at Virginia Tech. When offered to join Lambda Chi Alpha, I saw an opportunity to bring back to life a fraternity – an environment where men with high moral standards stand together to create a community of intelligent men. As the High Tau and a founding father, I look forward to acquainting myself with a diverse variety of members with different backgrounds in the future. With the support of the other Officers and Alumni, I see a potential for greatness, the potential to write a legacy that can stand the tests of time. 

Phone: (540) 449 8376

Email: sohamk@vt.edu

Joseph Pisciotta – High Epsilon (Social Chair)

My name is Joseph Pisciotta, and I am a sophomore studying Management, Consulting, and Analytics. I live in Raleigh, NC. I joined Lambda Chi Alpha because I wanted to take part in this unique opportunity. As the High Epsilon, I will be looking to get our chapter involved with lots of organizations on campus. Once again I am looking forward to this lifelong commitment! 

Phone: (919) 437-5430

Email: josephp21@vt.edu

Saksham Chawla- High Gamma (Secretary)

My name is Saksham Chawla and I am a Junior from Chantilly, VA. I am currently majoring in Computer Science and I plan to pursue a master’s in computer science and a career in software development. Last school year, when I received an email to attend an interest meeting for Lambda Chi Alpha, I was extremely open-minded. After learning everything about the fraternity and what it had to offer, I became extremely excited to bring back culture, tradition, and brotherhood back to the Virginia Tech Campus. My experience, thus far, has empowered me to continue to build bonds, make friendships, contribute to the community, and create everlasting memories. Lambda Chi Alpha is something that inspires me to continue to grow this brotherhood, and as High Gamma, I look forward to continuing to get involved with the school, community, and fraternity. Ultimately, I am honored to be a part of this illustrious group of young men, and I hope to continue to make an impact within this fraternity.

Phone: (571) 325-9817

Email: schawla2@vt.edu

Alumni Secretary

35 years ago we were the 1987 All University Intramural Softball Champions! Great fraternity support, great memories, and truly a great team. Offensively we could outscore our opponents with both power and avg, but defensively we were even better.

Mark Boyd ’87 ΣΛ179

J. Allen Roberts – Omega

Alumni Secretary

Allen Roberts ’65 ΣΩΤ, 80, of Matthews, North Carolina, died Tuesday, November 23, 2021. Born and raised in Bristol, Virginia, Allen graduated from Bristol Virginia High School. He then attended Virginia Tech and joined Sigma Omega Tau and was a valued brother. He graduated with an Industrial Engineering Degree and received and MBA from Widener University.

He went to work with the DuPont Company in Camden, South Carolina as an engineer and later transferred with DuPont to Wilmington, Delaware After a long career with DuPont, Allen retired, then joined The Forum Corporation of Boston as a Director. Along with that came a move to Pittsburgh on a contract with Mellon Bank, where he became a vice-president. When Allen retired from Forum, he and Patty moved to Camden.

Allen liked the beach, the mountains and traveling. He especially liked Europe, particularly Sicily, Italy. He enjoyed old historic houses and buildings, antique furniture and silver, a glass of good wine, the music of Mozart, and the Rolling Stones.

A Celebration of Life for Allen will be held at a later date. His full obituary can be found here:

https://www.kornegayfuneral.com/obituary/james-roberts

Ivan Hall – Omega

Alumni Secretary

Ivan Nelson Hall, Jr. ’71 ΣΛ16 passed away on October 31, 2021, at the age of 73 with his only son and wife by his side.

Ivan was the first-born son of Ivan Nelson Hall, Sr and Hazel Crowder Hall in Danville, Virginia. He was the eldest brother of three siblings.

In 1966, he graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School in Fairfax County, Virginia. In 1971, he graduated from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia with a degree in Electrical Engineering and as a brother of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Later he would go on to earn two post-graduate degrees, one at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California as one of the first civilians to do so, and another at the University of Southern California.

He met and married his wife, Patricia, at Virginia Tech. Their love never faltered over the 50 years they were married until his death. They have a single son, Ivan III.

Ivan was a career civil servant for the United States Navy which began as a co-operative student in college. Over the course of 30 years, he was named a Chief Engineer and appointed as a member of the Senior Executive Service. Ivan was well-respected and considered a hero to many people with whom he worked because of his courageous and servant leadership approach.

Ivan’s dedication to his son forged his passion for youth sports which led him to become Vice President of the Southwestern Youth Association (SYA) of Fairfax County, Virginia. He was part of the leadership team that laid the groundwork for the SYA Sports Park, at the time referred to as the Field of Dreams. He believed that all children should be able to experience the joy, health benefits and camaraderie of sports.

Although Ivan is no longer with us, he would have encouraged us all to remember the great times and move forward into our future with energy and compassion for others. He will be deeply missed because he showed great love to all his family and was there to lend a helping hand and advice whenever needed. Ivan loved life and always lit up a room with his big smile and encouraging words.

Ivan was predeceased by both his mother Hazel and father Ivan. He is survived by his wife Patricia, son Ivan III and his wife Rita, brother Michael, and sister Donna. Private services will be held for immediate family only.

Alumni Secretary

Virtual Boston College Tailgate

Video tailgate on November 5, 2021 @ 6:30

We have identified a new platform that will allow you to easily view virtual tables and see who is virtually sitting at each table so you can catch up with the brothers you want to visit, and meet. We even have a dart board, bar, and grand piano!

Sign up by clicking register below and you will receive an email with a link to join the tailgate. Registering will also ensure we know how much virtual food to order and the number of virtual kegs to have on hand. We don’t want to run out!

The Tailgate will be ready at 6:30 and we’ll be there until everyone leaves. The game starts at 7:30. 

Young Alumni Deal!
for
1980 – 2016 brothers

Every brother who registers, and attends, graduating between 1980 – 2016 will be eligible for a drawing for one of ten $100 gift cards. If 20 alumni from these classes join, odds of winning are 50%! We will award five $100 Amazon gift cards and five $100 gift cards for Blacksburg dining! The Alumni Chapter is sponsoring the Amazon cards and Mike Whaley ’96 ΣΛ426, is donating five gift cards for either Top of the Stairs, PKs, or Bottom of the Stairs. Names will be drawn during the tailgate and winners will be confirmed by email.

Register

Howard C. “Nugget” Dunn, Jr – Omega

Alumni Secretary

Sigma Omega Tau Founder, Nugget Dunn, age 82, of Gales Ferry, Connecticut passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Nugget was born July 19, 1939.

Professor Emeritus Howard Dunn retired as an instructor at the United States Coast Guard Academy on September 5, 2008. He served on the faculty for 30 years, including three years as head of the Academy’s engineering department. Dunn received a doctorate in civil engineering in 1974 from The Pennsylvania State University. He earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University in 1964 and 1965. Dunn was a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve.

Dunn served the academy in several positions through the years. He was dean of academics from 2003 to 2004, head of the department of engineering from 2000 to 2003, head of the civil engineering section from 1990 to 2000, associate dean of academics from 1982 to 1984, and assistant dean of academics from 1981 to 1982. While at the academy, Dunn received the George C. Wadlin Award for distinguished service to civil engineering education in 2004 and the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association’s Distinguished Faculty Award in 2005.

Nugget was a member of the University of Connecticut Sea Grant Senior Advisory Board, the Three Rivers Community College Regional Advisory Council and the Gales Ferry School Building Committee. He served as chairman of the New Emergency Services Building Construction Committee in Ledyard.

Upon his retirement, Nugget stated, “Teachers act as facilitators. I think I’ve influenced a whole lot of graduates. When cadets come in and say you’ve had an influence, that’s real nice.”

Christian Walter Hammerle – Omega

Alumni Secretary

Chris Hammerle, 50, of Virginia Beach, Virginia passed away in his home on July 29, 2018. He was born in Rockford, Illinois to Walter and Charlotte Hammerle. A graduate of Norfolk Academy (1985), Chris earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1989. Chis then worked for more than 25 years at American GFM in Chesapeake.

In his spare time, Chis enjoyed spending time with friends, fishing and tossing horseshoes. Chris had an infectious laugh, especially when he beat his dad in a game of backgammon or was sharing a good time with a friend. Some of his best times were spent fishing on the Chesapeake Bay and at Lake Smith in his own backyard.

Please click here to read more about Chris.

Gerald Marshall “Jerry” Reynolds – Omega

Alumni Secretary

Gerald Marshall “Jerry” Reynolds ’77 ΣΛ82 passed away on April 16, 2021 after a short battle with bile duct cancer. Jerry was from Newcastle, VA and majored in Marketing Management while at VT. He was also a past master several times for Statesville, NC Masonic Lodge 27 and was 4H Congress of Virginia Director of Talent Show for 50 years at Virginia Tech. He was an avid piano player and was in several bands over the years, including while he was at VT. He collected a number of antique cars, including two Shelbys and enjoyed time on his SeaDoo on Lake Norman where he lived in Catawba, NC. Read more.