Brayan Van Meter and Jackson Lagemann of Nebraska Alpha at the University of Nebraska Lincoln were identified by their chapter as main drivers behind the chapter’s effort to raise $15,350 to become an Iron Phi Chapter for the third time, raise an additional $2,000 for Live Like Lou, and become a Triple Crown Chapter during the 2023-24 school year.
Brayan and Jackson used their leadership to continue momentum for the chapter’s annual 70-mile bike ride from Omaha to Lincoln where many brothers become Iron Phis. Learning about the ALS cause along the way while joining brothers for a challenging athletic event has helped Nebraska Alpha create a culture of philanthropy and service.
In this feature, Brothers Van Meter and Lagemann share insights from their Iron Phi experiences that helped them lead their chapter to success.
What Phi Delt chapter officer positions have you held?
Brayan – Vice president, brotherhood chairman, awards chairman
Jackson – Phikeia educator and scholarship chairman
Approximately what percentage of your chapter was engaged with Iron Phi this past year?
33%
What specific tactics did you use to motivate others to register for Iron Phi and begin their effort?
Brayan – We started by explaining to those interested how compelling it is to become an Iron Phi and how it shines a positive light on ALS and the Live Like Lou Foundation. I made sure to help implement the Iron Phi program with our freshman class and showed them what we had done in the previous years to be successful with Iron Phi. I also added a second Iron Phi event, a 5k run in the fall, to get more guys involved in the Iron Phi program. This opportunity was a great complement to our spring event.
Jackson – Alongside our other Phikeia educator, we offered the opportunity for our new members to shave our heads if they reached a certain number of Iron Phis. We also held a class to get our Phikeias signed up for Iron Phi and gave advice on how to raise money. Planning a fall 5k to complement our spring 70-mile bike ride increased involvement significantly. Utilizing activities that facilitated bonding between our members made it much easier to motivate everyone to participate.
For the individuals who had the most Iron Phi success, what common things did you see them do?
Brayan – The common thing I saw in those who succeeded most was their ability to communicate their commitment to friends and family. Sharing personal reasons for participating and showing the impact showed great effort and resulted in success. Pairing this with broadcasting their goal through their social media platforms helped greatly.
Jackson – The most successful Iron Phis were not afraid to step out of their comfort zone and be uncommon. They were diligent in their efforts to raise awareness for donations, and during the athletic event you could see that they stayed determined, because they knew they were doing it for those who can’t. Not losing sight of why we do this is the main driver for making a difference.
What other chapter benefits did you see that may have stemmed from a number of people succeeding with Iron Phi?
Brayan – Having a group of guys within our chapter working together to build a strengthened unit through Iron Phi brought us closer together as a brotherhood. The events that we host for Iron Phis test the physical, emotional, and mental strength of our brothers, and they are much easier to accomplish when we do it alongside each other. A 70-mile bike ride from one city to another is very daunting, but when you have 20 of your closest friends doing it next to you, it makes it pretty special and creates an everlasting memory.
Jackson – This spring our chapter had approximately 135 members, so getting 27 uncommon men to hop on a bike and ride 70 miles together and raise money for a cause instilled a lot of pride in our chapter. The months of training and encouragement held everyone accountable and brought our members closer together. An accomplishment and involvement like this is something that other organizations can’t hold a candle to. You can see the confidence and fulfillment that our members gain when they achieve their goal, and it visibly brings out the leadership and brotherhood in our chapter.
What would you tell individuals or chapters who are worried about the fundraising component of becoming an Iron Phi or Iron Phi Chapter?
Brayan – Anyone who knows the extent and greatness of this program will help during the fundraising process. There are people out there who want to help, and it just takes a few guys in the chapter leading the charge and taking the initiative to help the rest of the individuals.
Jackson – The hardest part of fundraising is just putting out that first post. If you choose and advertise a genuinely challenging athletic event, there will be no problem raising funds. This is why our chapter excels -Because we organize athletic events that make others question our sanity and we always pull through. You will be surprised how many people will support you when you take on something like this.
What has surprised you most about your chapter’s Iron Phi success?
Brayan – The thing that has surprised me the most about our Iron Phi success is that it has grown every year since I was a freshman. During the three years I have been at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, we have had 21 Iron Phis and have gained at least 5-10 new Iron Phis each year during our annual bike ride event in April. It’s amazing to see those who have done it before join new members who haven’t to inspire them to become Iron Phis. It’s pretty incredible to me how many of our members talk about becoming Iron Phis. They are constantly asking questions about the program.
Jackson – I was surprised by how much involvement we gained from our members. This was the fourth year of our 70-mile Iron Phi Bike Ride, and we nearly doubled the participants to 27 this year. This brought together members of each class and formed a bond and memories that we will keep forever. We had 100% completion of this event with members of all levels of fitness. The thank you comments we received for pushing the guys that were told they couldn’t do it will stick with me forever.
What personal lessons have you learned from your Iron Phi experience?
Brayan – I’ve learned that Iron Phi truly makes a difference for someone with ALS. I have been able to learn a lot about the disease and how it affects the families who are affected by it. I have also learned the importance of coming together as a group of brothers for the greater good of something within Phi Delta Theta. Being a part of Phi Delt has many benefits, and this is one that I will always hold on to and remember.
Jackson – My journey to becoming an Iron Phi and helping others do the same has been one of the most beneficial pieces of my college experience. From my first time completing our 70-mile bike ride on a broken bike with leg-locking cramps, I learned that you always have more to give. The power of knowing that you’re working for the good of those who don’t have the option to be out there with you feels amazing. Planning this year’s bike ride, with lots of help, is one of my proudest accomplishments, and I learned a lot from helping others to do the same. It is a great feeling to see such an unreasonable goal be shared and reached by so many of your brothers.
If members from your chapter have served an ALS family, what benefits have you seen from this service?
Brayan – We had the chance to help out our first ALS family in Lincoln this past spring, and it was an awesome experience. We helped clean out a garage which meant a lot to the family in need. It was special to do it in Lincoln as we not only got to help those who are battling ALS, but we got to provide service in the city and the community that we love so much.
Jackson – Serving an ALS family is so beneficial to our members, because you can see firsthand why we do what we do. It adds so much impact to both the Iron Phi fundraising and getting through the athletic event.
To become an Iron Phi, visit www.ironphi.org to begin your journey.
