08 Nov Lambda Lore: Tanner Nguyen
In this edition of Lambda Lore, we’re excited to feature Tanner Nguyen, who crossed in Fall 2016 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and helped charter the chapter with his younger blood brother. From helping draft the chapter’s constitution to serving as pledge captain and Multicultural Greek Council President at his school, Tanner’s leadership left a lasting impact. Post-graduation, he continued his dedication by joining the International Board in multiple roles including Treasurer. Tanner credits Lambda for enriching his leadership skills, building a valuable network, and opening career opportunities—one of which came from a brother’s referral. His advice to potential members: invest deeply, know what you’re joining, and strive to become a better version of yourself. Read the full interview below:
Can you tell us about your experience in your fraternity during college? What were some of the highlights and challenges?
I chartered Fall 2016 with 9 other brothers at the University of Nebraska and crossed as a Junior. My younger blood brother also charter Fall 2016 so he is actually also my line brother. Early on I decided to take on leadership positions by volunteering to be pledge captain and helping write the constitution while my younger brother led as chapter president.
One of the highlights during my time as an active was being extremely active in new member education and traveling to meet other brothers. I helped write new member education and was pledge dad for the Alpha class. Wanting to make an impact on the Greek community I decided to run for the Multicultural Greek Council President and served for a year. During this year I was able to incorporate and initiate Greek events such as homecoming for the Greek organizations in the council.
Like most 21-22 year olds after graduating I was still trying to figure out how I wanted to pursue my career post-grad. Even though I was no longer an active I wanted to give back to the fraternity that had given me so much. As a result I decided to join the board the year I graduated and became education coordinator while also writing the next noble brother iteration. The year after I decided to run for Director of Education and held this position for a year. After being so active with the fraternity I decided to step off the National Board for a year but now am currently filling in the Treasurer position until it is solidified for the next volunteer (this interview was conducted in March, 2024).
How do you think being a part of Greek life contributed to your personal and professional development?
I was fortunate enough to land the position that I am currently in through a referral from a brother that I met through the National Board. The fraternity has been amazing towards my overall development personally and professionally. I was really able to work on my leadership skills and network with a wide range of individuals. Since I dedicated so many hours to the fraternity I was able to have a valuable experience and gain a lot of new experiences. I knew what I needed to do to be successful in my career and with a network as large as the fraternity I was confident I would be able to accomplish any goal I set out for myself.
What specific skills or values do you feel you gained from your involvement with the fraternity?
I would definitely say I was able to gain a lot of interpersonal skills from my involvement with Lambdas. I am from Lincoln, Nebraska where a lot of my friends are Vietnamese and Catholic. Through the fraternity I was able to meet different walks of life from all over the country. I really believe that being able to understand an individual and they’re background is such a powerful skill. I would say it is the biggest value proposition for someone that is considering the fraternity and ask them, “Are you the best multiverse of yourself?”
In what ways did your fraternity help you build a network of connections both during and after college?
As of right now since I am becoming I would say that the fraternity is a network that stands and what I mean by that is that I will always be able to reach out to brothers and connect with them professionally and personally. It’s so crazy to think that it even expands internationally so that I am able to connect with people all over the world. There is a really strong network in the fraternity that you can really tap into if you put the time and effort to make those connections.
How has being a member of your fraternity influenced your career path or choices post-graduation?
I always thought that I would be in a good career but didn’t know the exact path of how I would get there. I am currently a product owner but my background is in banking. I started out as a bank teller and now works for a software company managing developers in a banking environment. I always strive to work hard in what I do and know the people around will always uplift me. I know that I can never fail because my core friends will always be in my corner supporting me through the highs and lows. One of my goals is to own several real estate properties and there are brothers in my area that I know I would be able to get that experience and wisdom from.
Reflecting on your time in your fraternity, what advice would you give to current college students considering joining Greek life?
I would say if you are considering joining Greek life you should meet the people on your campus and understand their story and what you are about to join, both the positives and negatives. I firmly believe that you get what you put in so make sure to put in the effort. You are choosing to join because you choose to become a better version of your former self that will be constantly growing and evolving.
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About Lambda Phi Epsilon
Founded in 1981 at Los Angeles, California, Lambda Phi Epsilon International Fraternity, Inc. has grown to become the world’s largest Asian-interest fraternity. Lambda Phi Epsilon (ΛΦΕ, also known as LFE) aims to guide men on a lifelong discovery of authenticity and personal growth. To learn more, visit https://lambdaphiepsilon.com.
Lambda Phi Epsilon Contact
Zac Antonius, Executive Director
Lambda Phi Epsilon International Fraternity, Inc.
zac.antonius@lphie.org
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