Chris Shuler, Alpha Zeta 1984, endows Alphas & Thetas Academy Chairman’s Dinner

In the summer of 1983, a 20-year-old rising sophomore at the University of West Georgia was nominated to represent his Chapter and attend his first Chi Phi Congress in the bustling metropolis of New York. The Saturday evening banquet was held at the legendary Rainbow Room located on the 65th floor of the Rockefeller Center. The view of the New York skyline was breathtaking, and the glamour of the room was awe-inspiring. The entrée of the evening was Beef Wellington with a heavenly chocolate mousse served for dessert. And it was there, in that moment, that Chris Shuler, Alpha Zeta 1984, knew that his life would never be the same.

Twenty-four years later, after becoming Chairman of the Educational Trust, Brother Shuler vowed that the Trust would be one hundred percent committed to supporting the newly established Alphas Academy. This premier program was designed to ensure that the primary leader of each Chapter had the tools and resources needed to find success. Shuler explains, “as the Alpha goes, so goes the Chapter.” Therefore, if the Fraternity expected Alphas to be strong, vibrant leaders, then these men needed to be equipped with the opportunity to gain valuable leadership training and mentorship.

However, it was Brother Shuler’s upbringing in a small town with a blue-collar family (for whom the “luxury” of fast-food dining was a rarity) led him to the understanding that many of these Alphas would be stepping into their leadership roles without the experience of an elevated dining experience. Therefore, he vowed back in 1983 that if he ever had the means to provide that opportunity for other aspiring leaders, he would.

Firmly believing that a formal banquet where proper etiquette is understood and engaging with Alumni is a networking opportunity, Brother Shuler proudly made the decision to endow the Christopher J. Shuler, Alpha Zeta 1984, Chairman’s Dinner which will be held in conjunction every year with the (now) Alphas & Thetas Academy. The first officially named banquet was held on March 1, 2025, at the Piedmont Driving Club. Almost 200 undergraduate and Alumni Brothers were in attendance, and there is no doubt that many of the young leaders left with the same inspiration that Brother Shuler experienced forty years ago.

We are deeply grateful for Brother Shuler’s unwavering dedication to the Educational Trust, including this most recent gift which will support The Bicentennial Capital Campaign. This campaign launched in honor of Chi Phi’s 200^th anniversary is designed to support educational programs, scholarships, Fraternity support & operations, as well as the archives. To learn more about the initiatives of the campaign please click here.