From collection Member List
While there are competing accounts of the founding of Lambda Chi Alpha, one thing is clear: the fraternity wouldn’t have existed without the initiative and persistence of Warren A. Cole.
Born in Swansea, Massachusetts on November 15, 1889, Cole was determined to create a fraternity, and after several aborted attempts, he established Lambda Chi Alpha with Percival C. Morse and Clyde K. Nichols while at Boston University.
It was Cole who then contacted over 100 different universities and colleges to urge them to establish chapters, leading to rapid growth of the fraternity. During his tenure, the fraternity grew to include 53 functioning chapters, almost all due to Cole’s ground work.
Cole served as the Grand High Alpha of the fraternity while also working as the administrative and traveling secretary. He also edited the Purple, Green and Gold Magazine during World War I.
In addition to his work for Lambda Chi Alpha, Cole worked variously as a store owner, member of the Massachusetts Highway Commission, insurance salesman and Pinkerton detective.
Cole died on December 29, 1968 in Fall River, Massachusetts at age 79.
Born in Swansea, Massachusetts on November 15, 1889, Cole was determined to create a fraternity, and after several aborted attempts, he established Lambda Chi Alpha with Percival C. Morse and Clyde K. Nichols while at Boston University.
It was Cole who then contacted over 100 different universities and colleges to urge them to establish chapters, leading to rapid growth of the fraternity. During his tenure, the fraternity grew to include 53 functioning chapters, almost all due to Cole’s ground work.
Cole served as the Grand High Alpha of the fraternity while also working as the administrative and traveling secretary. He also edited the Purple, Green and Gold Magazine during World War I.
In addition to his work for Lambda Chi Alpha, Cole worked variously as a store owner, member of the Massachusetts Highway Commission, insurance salesman and Pinkerton detective.
Cole died on December 29, 1968 in Fall River, Massachusetts at age 79.
