The bond of brotherhood is something that never truly fades. Rather, it grows stronger with time, nurtured by shared experiences, challenges, and memories. The strength of our bond was truly evident during this year's Alumni Weekend, held from October 12th to the 14th. The event brought together alumni from different eras of our chapter’s history, providing them with an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and reflect on the journey of our beloved fraternity.
With a packed schedule of events, engaging activities, and heartfelt reunions, the weekend provided a perfect opportunity for alumni to relive their college days and for active brothers to connect with those who have gone before them.
Alumni Talk: A Glimpse into Our Rich History
Starting the weekend off with a bang, Walt Gibbs, a member of the class of 1989, gave the yearly alumni talk to the active brothers. Walt took us on a journey through time, tracing the history of our chapter from its inception to the present day. His talk was rich with stories and accompanied by historical photographs, providing our current active brothers with a visual insight into the evolution of our chapter and the resilience it has shown in the face of adversity over the decades. During his presentation, Walt also highlighted the remarkable contributions of specific individuals who left an indelible mark on our chapter, such as Remo D'Ortenzio and Dave Krashes.
Meet and Greet: A Walk Down Memory Lane
Friday night saw the chapter room opened to returning alumni, providing them with a glimpse into the current state of the house. Alumni took house tours, gaining insight into the daily lives of active brothers. Later in the evening, brothers and alumni engaged in meaningful conversations over bowls of chili, chips, and snacks, with alumni sharing stories from their time as undergraduates and discussing the current state of Greek life on campus.
BBQ: Reliving Memories Over Burgers and Hot Dogs
Saturday saw the chapter house open once again for alumni to revisit. The gathering was accompanied by a delicious BBQ spread, featuring burgers, hot dogs, and chips, as alumni and brothers sat on the newly renovated patio, reminiscing about old times. Alumni were encouraged to explore the chapter house, revisiting familiar rooms that held cherished memories. Laughter and heartfelt conversations flowed freely, reaffirming the deep bonds of brotherhood.
Golf: A Friendly Competition on the Greens
Simultaneously on Saturday, our second annual Reunion Weekend Golf Tournament teed off at the Van Patten Country Club, thanks to Guy Licata's efforts in organizing this event. With a shotgun start at 12 pm, 41 golfers gathered for a day of friendly competition. Despite concerns about the weather, the skies held, and everyone had a fantastic time. The winning group, consisting of active brothers Matthew Emerson, Clayton Wrinn, Nicholas Fadden, and Evan Owens, achieved an impressive score of 61.
Dinner and Awards: Honoring Achievements and Sharing A Vision
Following the golf and BBQ, the alumni weekend continued with the annual Housing Corporation and Educational Foundation meetings. A delicious buffet dinner was served at the Van Patten Country Club House, featuring Chicken Marsala, Penne ala Vodka, and Prime Rib. The evening's program included a state-of-the-active chapter address by High Alpha Carl Steffens, the presentation of the prestigious Remo D'Ortenzio Award to Jamie Burkhardt, and a keynote speech by Ray Lutsky to conclude the evening.
Conclusion: A Weekend to Remember
This year’s Alumni Reunion Weekend was a resounding success, but it wouldn't have been possible without the enthusiastic participation of our alumni. Special thanks go to Dave Drew, Walt Gibbs, and Guy Licata for their invaluable contributions to planning this remarkable weekend. We hope this year's event will serve as a stepping stone towards even bigger and brighter reunions in the future. We encourage our alumni to share their fond memories and stories with friends, in the hopes of bringing more of our brothers back home to our beloved fraternity house. We cherished the opportunity to host you all over the weekend and sincerely appreciate your continued support and love for our active chapter. Thank you, and here's to many more Alumni Reunion Weekends to come!
Article by Matt Regan
Edited by Dale Roe