Greek letters aren’t always associated with social fraternities and sororities.
Many professional societies as well as student organizations on campus use Greek symbols to identify themselves. Chi Alpha, a christian student organization, takes its letters from the Second Corinthians book of the Bible. Chi Alpha literally translates to “christ ambassadors,” said Nick Callaway, the executive director of Chi Alpha on LSU’s campus.
A national organization, Chi Alpha was founded in 1953 and has been on LSU’s campus since 1975. The local chapter has more than 100 members and usually gets around 20 to 30 new freshmen members, Callaway said.
“We are more than just a student group,” Callaway said. “We’re not a Christian Kiwanis club, we’re a movement of students dedicated to bringing college students to Christ.”
Zach Mitchell, a history senior and the student president of Chi Alpha, said the community of Chi Alpha was its biggest recruiting tool.
“We do tailgating, concerts and our own version of Fall Fest,” Mitchell said. “It’s a place where you can be loved and comfortable.”
Chi Alpha is growing, Mitchell said.
“We have had a substantial incline in members, around 10 percent each year,” Mitchell said. “We have events specifically tailored to freshmen. Everything they could possibly need, friends: free food and fellowship.”
One of Chi Alpha’s major programs in the next few weeks is freshmen Jumpstart, which Callaway said is put on in the residence halls to help freshmen adjust to college life.
“It’s set up to be a one-night event,” said Mitchell. “It is in Graham this time, but we might do Kirby Smith later in the semester.”
Callaway said the program, which is scheduled for 8 p.m. Sept. 24 in Graham Hall, teaches freshmen important skills needed to survive in college.
“It’s fun stuff that’s relevant to freshmen,” Callaway said. “We help freshmen get the inside track on how to manage finances, time management and study tips.”
Chi Alpha also offers a free waffle breakfast Thursday mornings from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at The Cafe outside the north gates of campus next to Cane’s and The Chimes.
“It’s a good social connection for everyone,” Callaway said. “We started it to make international students feel welcome. Many times international and American students don’t feel together; we’re trying to bridge that gap.”
Chi Alpha also is hosting a free concert Sept. 23 featuring LSU alumnus Ben Kennedy, a christian artist. Brian Holloway, a University of Oklahoma alumnus who is a member of LSU Chi Alpha’s staff, said Kennedy’s music was an aggressive folk/pop mix.
“He has a serious message to bring through his music,” Holloway said.
Chris Simmons, a psychology sophomore, is the leader of one of Chi Alpha’s 10 small groups, called life groups. Once a week the life groups, divided by gender, meet in various places around campus and discuss the events of the week.
“It’s a small group of around six guys or 12 girls,” Simmons said. “It’s more intimate than our Thursday meeting. We do a little praise and worship, but mostly we talk about God together.”
Simmons said the small groups were excellent for students dealing with their busy lives because they are accommodating to everyone’s schedule.
Greg Scurria, a theatre freshman, said he found out about Chi Alpha at a barbecue the organization held on the Parade Grounds.
A member of Simmons’ life group, Scurria said he joined the life group because it was conveniently around the corner from his dorm room.
“More than any other group, they try to fit into any schedule,” Scurria said. “And this is the only place I’ve ever really seen that.”
Chi Alpha’s main meeting is Thursday at 7 p.m. in Dodson Auditorium. Called “Chi Alpha Live,” Callaway said the meeting was set up to be a combination of worship and fellowship.
“It’s a God and social connection,” Callaway said. “It’s the complete package.”