More than a century after helping shape Lambda Chi Alpha, Dr. John E. “Jack” Mason Jr., Pennsylvania 1913, continues to influence the future of the Brotherhood through the legacy he left behind.
Known as the spiritual founder of Lambda Chi Alpha, Mason played a defining role in shaping the Fraternity’s values, traditions, and long-term vision. He authored the Fraternity’s Ritual and helped establish many of the principles that continue to guide Members today.
Following Mason’s passing in 1946, a gift from his estate helped establish what is now the Lambda Chi Foundation. That act of generosity created opportunities that have shaped generations of Lambda Chi Brothers long after his lifetime.
Today, the Foundation carries that mission forward by being a champion of the needs of the next generation of men, investing in solutions to prepare them for tomorrow and build a better society.
Jack Mason’s Lasting Impact
Recently, Lambda Chi Foundation President & CEO Dan Hartmann visited Mason’s gravesite and reflected on the lasting impact of his generosity in the 80 years since his passing.
“Brother Jack left an amazing legacy for our brotherhood. While at his graveside, I was reminded of the crossed swords displayed on our Fraternity’s Coat of Arms. The crossed swords remind us that the battle of life requires physical strength and moral courage. We are encouraged to have hope for the future of Lambda Chi Alpha and strength to fight for its teachings.”
Mason’s vision continues to influence the experiences available to Collegiate Brothers today through scholarships, leadership opportunities, and Alumni mentorship across the Fraternity.
Teaching Philanthropy Through Mason’s Giving Circle
One of the ways Lambda Chi Foundation continues to honor Mason’s legacy is through Mason’s Giving Circle, a donor society created specifically for Undergraduate Members.
Named in honor of Jack Mason, Mason’s Giving Circle helps instill a spirit of philanthropy in our Brothers and provides an opportunity to invest in the future of the Brotherhood. Through an annual gift of $19.09, representing the founding year of Lambda Chi Alpha, Undergraduate Members join a community of Brothers committed to carrying that legacy forward.
The purpose of Mason’s Giving Circle is not simply to raise funds. It is to help Collegiate Brothers understand that philanthropy begins with active participation and a shared responsibility for the future of the Brotherhood. Alumni Brothers are also encouraged to match their Chapter’s giving, increasing the impact of their support and modeling a lifelong commitment to the Brotherhood.
Chapters who reach 100% of Members giving $19.09 or more for our annual Founder’s Day Challenge are celebrated with recognition and a trophy at our annual High Zeta Summit, as well as in the Cross & Crescent magazine and on official Lambda Chi Alpha channels.
As part of the experience, Undergraduate Members who participate in Mason’s Giving Circle also have the opportunity to vote on how the funds they collectively raise will be used, giving them a direct voice in supporting the initiatives they value most.
Each generation benefits from the generosity of those who came before them. Mason’s Giving Circle encourages Brothers to follow in Jack Mason’s footsteps by investing in future generations of Lambda Chi’s.
The Impact Lives On
More than 100 years after Mason helped shape Lambda Chi Alpha, his example continues to remind Members that lasting impact is ever-growing through leadership, service, generosity, and commitment to something larger than oneself.
That legacy continues every time a Member invests in the future of the Brotherhood.
