By Grant Terwilliger
It’s not often that a new Fraternity comes to SUNY Plattsburgh’s campus, especially one the first of its kind in New York State.
Alpha Kappa Lambda, a Judeo-Christian fraternity based in the Western United States is seeking approval for a chapter on campus. Sophomore Jack Sweet is currently the Vice-President of the fraternity with Sophomore Jake Piazza as the President.
Sweet said that he had been trying to start Alpha Kappa Lambda since spring 2025. The members of Alpha Kappa Lambda had all tried different fraternities, but couldn’t quite find what they were looking for.
“We found ourselves, the founding group, sort of united based on what we wanted to be. We wanted to be an organization that had a particular emphasis on academics and philanthropy, and still be able to maintain that traditional fraternal experience,” Sweet said.
“We are starting off with 10 guys so far, which is a big increase from our original four at the beginning of the semester, and we have received a lot of interest from others if we do receive approval.”
First year Samuel Nowetner was first approached by Sweet during a game of poker with Sweet and his friends.
“He said, ‘There’s this opportunity you can get to build a brotherhood with us all, build a deeper connection.’ I didn’t realize what he meant at first, but then when he started to explain the fraternity stuff a couple weeks ago, I was like ‘I really fuck with this,’” Nowetner said.
Nowetner said he is enthusiastic to help build the fraternity whether it be helping to fund a house or creating books with the bylaws.
“Definitely looking forward to kind of growing closer and growing out our own personalities a bit and becoming men of character,” Nowetner said. “Making sure that we are someone who we’re proud of being.”
One of the goals of Alpha Kappa Lambda, like all Greek life, is to participate in philanthropy to help the local community.
“Our brainstorming includes offering ourselves as support for struggling middle and high school students who need a buddy at lunch or recess, and we are looking at volunteering at the ASPCA as well,” Sweet said. “Our feet are barely in the water yet, but we are fully ready to fully jump in and get these ideas off the ground.”
There will be a meeting on Dec. 3 with IFC Representatives and Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Volunteerism Allison Swick-Duttine. The members of the potential chapter of Alpha Kappa Lambda will answer questions and a vote will be taken for the approval of the fraternity. Fraternity and Sorority Members are welcome at the meeting.
