11 Dec Smash for Scholarships
Against the backdrop of a busy holiday travel season, gamers from Hawaii to New York convened for an online Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament of skill, reflex, and strategy. The LFE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, hosted an online event to kickstart their Giving Tuesday programming. Half of the tournament proceeds were allotted to the LFE Foundation for collegiate scholarships.
Contestants hailed from Theta Chapter at Stanford University, Psi Chapter at the University of Chicago, Alpha Zeta Chapter at the University of Washington, Beta Delta Chapter at Washington State University, James Madison University Associate Chapter, and an external entrant from Sigma Psi Zeta at Washington State University.
The top three finishers of the tournament shared post-game reflections. “If you’re talented and passionate about something, don’t let others bring you down,” said Jackson Lofquist of James Madison University Associate Chapter. “Stay confident and keep pursuing what you love.” Lofquist finished the double elimination tournament in third place and was a fan favorite on the stream.
Tournament Organizer and Foundation Trustee Bryan Dosono commentated on select matches that were streamed as the tournament progressed. “Our diverse membership comprises different passions, and this fundraiser illustrates how creative our community can get when we purposefully rally toward a great cause.”
Since formally launching in 2022, the LFE Foundation has received donations from over 200 entities, totalling $90K in donations gathered. Of those funds, approximately $20K are matched from corporate donations, and the LFE Foundation has since disbursed over 20 unique grants to individuals and chapters.
“Lambda Phi Epsilon taught me that true leadership is built on the foundation of trust, loyalty, and selflessness,” said Lloyd Lucin of Theta Chapter at Stanford University. “The brotherhood has been my source of strength and a constant reminder to lead with purpose.” Lucin, surrounded by a squad of supporters both in-person and remotely from observers in the west coast, finished in second place and served as one of two Tournament Organizers for the event.
“The fraternity has shaped how I approach leadership and community; it’s about supporting each other and stepping up when it matters most,” said Michael Eng of Psi Chapter at the University of Chicago. “To future Leaders Among Men: stay genuine, work hard, and don’t lose sight of the people who’ve helped you along the way.” Eng, cheered on by alpha Kappa Delta Phi and Lambda Phi Epsilon spectators, was declared the champion of the tournament after dominating a streak of 12 consecutive matches.
The fundraiser was livestreamed on Twitch and results of the final bracket are recorded online. The event proved that community, competition, and charity can level up together.
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LFE Foundation Contact
Victor Em, Board of Trustees President
Lambda Phi Epsilon Foundation
victor.em@lfe.foundation
About the LFE Foundation
The LFE Foundation provides educational support to members of Lambda Phi Epsilon—the world’s largest Asian-interest fraternal organization—and the communities they serve. Learn more at www.lfe.foundation.
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