Confirm Chapter and Graduation Year
Rollins College, 2016
What motivates you to stay involved as an Alumni Member?
Now more than ever, I believe young men need positive, values-driven role models in their lives. I am fortunate that I get to support that work in my full-time career in Fraternity and Sorority Life, while also continuing to serve as an Alumnus and Chapter Advisor.
There is something deeply rewarding about helping young men discover their “why,” understand their purpose, and grow into the people they are capable of becoming. Lambda Chi Alpha gave so much to me during my undergraduate experience and beyond, so I believe strongly in paying that forward, tenfold.
Tell us about the fund you created with the Foundation.
The fund was established by my mother, Helene Kowalski, and me. Lambda Chi Alpha has played a meaningful role in both of our lives and across several generations of our family: my brother, Chris Cheng, Epsilon-Omega Zeta; my late uncle, J.P. Ottino III, Zeta-Rho Zeta; my late grandfather, J.P. Ottino II, Gamma-Zeta Zeta; and me, Nicholas Ottino, Theta-Gamma Zeta.
The fund was created to help reduce financial barriers for Undergraduate Members who want to participate fully in the Lambda Chi Alpha experience, especially through opportunities such as General Assembly, leadership conferences, and educational programs. I believe deeply that cost should not be the reason a Brother misses out on experiences that can shape his leadership, strengthen his connection to the Fraternity, and help him grow.
What inspired you to donate to the Foundation in this way?
The initial idea came from my frustration with how expensive it can be for Undergraduate Members to attend required or strongly encouraged Fraternity programs and conferences. I work in Fraternity and Sorority Life, so I see firsthand how those costs can affect students and Chapters. I believe we should remove as many barriers as possible so Members can access the full value of their Membership experience.
Originally, I wanted to establish the fund in honor of my late uncle, J.P. Ottino III. He was a well-known businessman and civic leader in South Florida, but more importantly, he changed lives, including mine. He helped shape the person I am today and taught me to lead with empathy, kindness, and respect, regardless of who someone is or where they come from. From a very young age, he also instilled in me the importance of paying it forward. If you have more, you should give more.
After conversations with my mother, she reminded me that while honoring my uncle was important, I also deserved to have my own commitment to Lambda Chi recognized through this fund. That meant a lot to me. The fund became both a tribute to those who shaped me and a reflection of the responsibility I feel to support the next generation of Lambda Chi Alpha Brothers.
I continue to give because I know the impact these experiences can have. If this fund helps even one Undergraduate attend a program, build confidence, find direction, or feel more connected to our Brotherhood, then it is doing exactly what it was created to do.
What do you wish other Alumni knew about working with the Lambda Chi Foundation?
I wish more Alumni knew just how approachable and supportive the Lambda Chi Foundation staff are. I have had the privilege of working with many of them for years, and they are truly some of the best people around.
The Foundation is actually the reason I became meaningfully involved with Lambda Chi Alpha again after graduation. I am forever thankful for them picking up a phone call that I made to them years ago and for the relationship that has continued since then.
What stands out most is that they genuinely care about Alumni. They want to hear from us, learn from us, and help us find meaningful ways to stay connected. Whether someone wants to give their time, treasure, or talent, the Foundation values it. If an Alumnus wants to get involved in some way, somehow, they will help find the right path. That is a rare and special thing.
Nicholas A. Damiano, M.M., M.S.
