17 Jun Spring 2025 West Coast Reinstatements
From Dormant to Dynamic: A Bold Reentry into UC Campuses
Lambda Phi Epsilon International Fraternity celebrated significant growth milestones this spring with the successful reestablishment of two historic chapters: the Beta Associate Chapter at the University of California, Davis (UCD), and the Gamma Associate Chapter at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). The reinstatements, celebrated in late May, underscored the fraternity’s enduring legacy and its commitment to fostering leadership development.
A Return to UC Santa Barbara
On May 24, 2025, six new members crossed into Lambda Phi Epsilon, officially reactivating the Gamma Associate Chapter at UC Santa Barbara after years of dormancy. The rechartering effort was led by brothers Winston Lee (University at Albany, Spring 2019), John Bui (University of Oklahoma, Fall 2018), and Aldrian Widjaja (Baylor University, Spring 2019), who served as educators for the Alpha Upsilon Recharter Class.
The newly initiated UCSB Associate Chapter Recharter Class includes:
1. Manoj Kandel
2. Thomas Huynh
3. Harry Kim
4. Shirjan Gaire
5. William Kan
6. Kyle Kim
William Kan, the newly elected chapter president, reflected on the emotional weight of the moment. “Rechartering wasn’t just about bringing back letters,” Kan said. “It was about continuing the legacy of the alumni who came before us and honoring our East Coast mentors. I am honored to lead this historic chapter into a new era.”
Winston Lee, who served as New Member Educator, praised the group’s dedication. “I couldn’t be prouder of how far these six gentlemen have come,” Lee said. “True brotherhood knows no boundaries, as distance only strengthens our shared commitment.”
UC Davis Welcomes Back Beta Associate Chapter
A week later, on May 31, Lambda Phi Epsilon celebrated the return of its Beta Associate Chapter at UCD, dormant for over a decade. Eight new members were initiated under the guidance of Cao Pham (Spring 2009) and Michael Ruan (Spring 2013), who shepherded the Beta Pi Recharter Class through the fraternity’s traditions and values.
The newly initiated UC Davis Associate Chapter Recharter Class includes:
1. Alex Peng
2. Aaron Academia
3. Lam Nguyen
4. James Nguyen
5. Daniel Trinh
6. Justin Nguyen
7. Nicholas Mah
8. John Wong
Michael Ruan, who helped oversee the rechartering process, expressed excitement about the chapter’s revival. “After being dormant for over 10 years, we are glad to officially be back on campus,” Ruan said. “The newest brothers of Beta Associate Chapter showed diligence, perseverance, and the ability to overcome obstacles together.”
Cao Pham, who served as New Member Educator, emphasized the cultural and historical lessons woven into the rechartering experience. “The West Coast is alive and well on the map,” Pham said. “This is just the beginning, and we’re extremely excited to be part of it.”
A Foundation for the Future
The LFE Foundation played a key role in supporting the rechartering efforts, facilitating alumni contributions to chapter endowment funds that will sustain new member education. The process included enrichment activities exploring identity, community, and the Asian American experience, a modernized approach that will continue under the new leadership of both chapters.
Hudson Tang (University of Michigan, Spring 2000), LFE Foundation Trustee, hailed the reinstatements as a testament to the fraternity’s resilience. “This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to our values,” Tang said. “It paves the way for a bright future, one that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our brothers.”
Students interested in chartering a new chapter of Lambda Phi Epsilon may learn more on the International Fraternity website and express their intent by completing an expansion interest form.
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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
David Kim, International President
Lambda Phi Epsilon International Fraternity, Inc.
contact@lphie.org
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