| Brothers
of Kappa Tetarton,
First, I would like to
thank everyone one who attended the reunion. Without
your presence, this wonderful event would not have been
possible.
The 45th
Anniversary banquet of the Kappa Tetarton Chapter of Phi
Sigma Kappa was a success beyond all expectations. I am
humbled that so many of you have given us the chance to
prove that the Kappa Tetarton Colony and its Alumni
Association are serious in their efforts to return an
Active chapter to SIU. Just as important, are our
efforts to return and maintain for all time that deeply
meaningful bond of brotherhood we formed as
undergraduates. As an Alumni Association, our goals are
still Brotherhood Scholarship and Character. However,
our focus is to instill those values in the young men
who comprise Kappa Tetarton today. Thank you to all that
attended, especially the Founding Fathers who have given
so much already through the years, but still refuse to
let the dream they gave life to fade away.
Friday evening brought
the Alumni brothers of Kappa Tetarton together for the
first time in decades. The evening provided a chance to
catch up on years of events over dinner, or to meet new
friends and listen to stories of "Phi Sig days gone
by" while having a few drinks. Saturday morning as
we assembled for the golf scramble, the weather took a
turn for the worse, and discouraged a few from playing.
However, the bulk of the group pressed on and the rain
eventually subsided after a few holes. With all of the
hackers out there, many of us were relieved to come to
the 9th hole. Though slightly cold and wet,
the tournament provided a good time for all.
Saturday evening
arrived after months of planning with great
anticipation. Though the hotel, and the bulk of its
staff, were less than professional the evening was
magical. The Colony members conducted a silent auction,
and the several Alumni graciously donated items of
historical and sentimental value such as dated glasses
cups and paddles to the Association for future display
in the Colony home. In addition, Larry Strickert
provided the Association with his Alpha Sigma Epsilon
pin, and Roger Bush, and Terry Watson donated for
posterity their Phi Sigma Kappa badges, pledge pins, and
other items. We are grateful for their willingness to
part with these items so that the undergraduate members
of Kappa Tetarton may be for all time personally
connected to these men who forged a legacy consistent
with their value to be passed on for generations to
come.
After a wonderful
meal, Larry Strickert provided a keynote address that
brought back memories and served as an inspiration to
all that what we aspire to do is a worthy cause. He
reminisced of the dream that became Alpha Sigma,
transformed into Alpha Sigma Epsilon, and eventually
became Phi Sigma Kappa. He spoke of the values and
beliefs that Phi Sigma Kappa stood for, and challenged
alumni to stay true to those ideals and the colony to
aspire to them. Following his address, Larry and Roger
made an unexpected special presentation. Holding true to
the traditions of Alpha Sigma Epsilon, one outstanding
man in each pledge class is to be conferred with the
special degree of honorary Alpha Sigma Epsilon.
Unfortunately, that tradition had been lost over the
years. To this date 40 men were awarded that honor. This
weekend, the founding fathers reintroduced that
tradition. However, on this one occasion, and this one
occasion only, the rules were relaxed to allow the
induction of the Seven alumni board members. This honor
was a moving experience that left the inductees without
words sufficient enough to express the honor they feel
to be part of such a group of men. The evening wrapped
up with the singing of a few songs, and the party moved
on to the hotel bar for serious conversation, and jovial
banter.
On Sunday morning,
over juice and donuts, the Association called to order
its first official meeting. Nearly all of the 40
brothers who attended the dinner were present. The
meeting began with a great slideshow presentation of
photographs by Roger Bush. During the course of the
meeting we discussed ways to fund the Association, plans
for undergraduate housing, an undergraduate scholarship,
Association membership, and future alumni events.
Several members made it clear that they were willing to
assist with donations to the Association once the its
non-profit status with the Federal government had been
worked out. Larry Strickert made a motion, which was
seconded by Max Malone, that membership to the Alumni
Association remain open to all, but a $25 yearly
membership fee be required for those who wish to remain
voting members. The motion carried without objection.
In closing, the
weekend was a great success. Not only did we as Phi Sigs
renew our common bond, but also the Colony gained an
understanding of what they have to look forward to as
Phi Sigs. Make no mistake, the Kappa Tetarton Colony,
and the Kappa Tetarton Alumni Association are very
serious about their goals, and look forward to
maintaining lifelong relationships with its members.
Thank you to everyone
who made this possible, and it is our hope that several
hundred more of our brothers decide that it is time to
welcome back Phi Sig, and its cardinal principles of
Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Character into their
lives.
Respectfully
submitted,
The Kappa Tetarton
Alumni Association Board of Directors |
