Fraternity Adopts Pledge as a Result of Student Death
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2001
Joe Wills
530-898-4143
Fraternity Adopts Pledge as a Result of Student Death
California State University, Chico Lambda Pi fraternity members are adopting a pledge to curb alcohol use in response to the death of student Adrian Heideman last fall from alcohol poisoning.
Seven fraternity members plus the fraternity adviser and a distinguished alumnus will present the pledges to CSU, Chico President Manuel Esteban tomorrow, April 27, in his office.
As another reflection of the fraternity’s commitment to positive Greek activities, the members will also present Esteban with a $2,000 check for the Jackie Faris-Rees Institute for Student Leadership. The institute, formed last year, sponsors programs to develop student leaders.
The pledge requires members to refrain from using alcohol during initiation, drinking alcohol in excess, and forcing anyone to drink alcohol. Breaking the pledge will cause members to be expelled from the fraternity. The pledge also requires members to be vigilant against students who may be binge drinking or driving while drinking.
Fraternity adviser Larry Bassow, coordinator of CSU, Chico housing assignment services, said the idea for the pledge came as a result of members’ shock over Heideman’s death. The fraternity was in the process of mapping out its future direction, Bassow said, and wanted to take a hard stand on drinking.
The members have received a great deal of encouragement from Lambda Pi alumnus Mike Strand, a 2001 Distinguished CSU, Chico Alumnus from the College of Natural Sciences. Strand, president of Houston-based software company SYMON Communications, will be honored at the Distinguished Alumni Dinner tomorrow after helping make the Lambda Pi presentation to the president.
Lambda Pi disbanded in 1999 after a 45-year history on campus. Bassow said the fraternity is re-forming now “the right way,” with a focus on community building rather than partying. The fraternity, which is locally based and does not have a national affiliation, currently has 15 members.
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