When Randy Ritterman arrived at the University of North Dakota in the fall of 1978, he was stepping into a world far different from the one he knew back home. Hailing from a nowhere town of fewer than 30 people in rural North Dakota, he was among the first in his family to pursue higher education. The transition wasn’t easy. The sense of community he had grown up with was missing, and he found himself struggling to navigate college life.
That all changed when he joined Lambda Chi Alpha as a junior.
“I think if I had not joined Lambda Chi when I was in college, I probably would not have made it through,” Randy admits. “I kind of lost myself, as a lot of people do, especially coming from those smaller towns where everyone’s looking for each other.”
You often miss that on campus, unless you belong to something. That belief, that Brotherhood provides a crucial foundation, stuck with Brother Ritterman long after graduation. As his professional career advanced, Randy never forgot the impact Lambda Chi had on him.
Years later, when he returned to the Chapter for its 85th anniversary in 2013, he was confronted with a difficult reality. The house was in disrepair, membership numbers were dwindling, and academics were an afterthought. The Chapter saw numbers as low as eight at one point.
“I figured out that either I roll up my sleeves and get something done, or that house wasn’t going to be there,” he recalls.
So, he got right to work. Brother Ritterman tackled the challenges head-on, bringing in a renewed focus on recruitment, academic success, and fostering an inclusive environment. His efforts certainly have paid off. Today, the Chapter boasts between 90 and 105 Members, with an average GPA of 3.3. It’s been a complete turnaround over the past decade. Much of it driven by his dedication to giving young men the same opportunity that once changed his life.
With years of experience in corporate America, currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Bell Bank, Randy understands what it takes to guide young men into successful careers. But for him, mentorship goes beyond professional development. It’s about being a consistent presence in their lives.
To understand the role, you must know that young men often struggle with problems they don’t feel comfortable bringing to Mom and Dad but may not yet have the experience to handle on their own. That’s why Randy makes himself available to the Chapter, ensuring every Member knows they can reach out to him at any time for guidance and support. He’s received those late-night calls, sometimes at 3 in the morning, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“If you really think you’re going to tell me something that’s going to shock me after running a fraternity house for 10 years and managing hundreds of people in corporate America. Guess what? You’re not.”
For Randy, Lambda Chi is more than a fraternity, it’s a family. It provides young men with structure, support, and a network that lasts a lifetime. He believes Alumni involvement is key, not just during homecoming, but in meaningful ways that help guide and mentor Undergraduates. Bringing parents into the fold is just as vital, helping them see firsthand the value Lambda Chi has for their sons.
At the core, his mission as an advisor is simple.
“…To give these young men a chance. What’s in it for me is to see these guys succeed; to see they’ve got a chance. That they don’t have to go back to that little town they came from. They can be anything they want to be.”
Through his dedication and effort, Randy Ritterman has helped transform Lambda Chi Alpha at North Dakota into a thriving Chapter. More importantly, he’s given countless young men the support and confidence to build their futures, the same way the Fraternity once did for him.
If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to help guide the next generation of leaders, just like Brother Ritterman, consider becoming an advisor. To learn more, email alumni@lambdachi.org
