Deep in the heart of Texas
April 12th, 2006 by Ed Leonard. Popularity: 3%.Recently I had the opportunity to represent the International Fraternity at the chartering of the San Antonio Area Alumni Association. In a word, the event was “wonderful.”
There were two parts to the day. The first was a BBQ from Noon - 4:00 p.m. The three area chapters (Beta-Sigma at St. Mary’s, Phi-Upsilon at UTSA, and Pi-Epsilon at UIW) were well represented by their student members. All three wore different t-shirts to identify themselves. The three chapters were also well represented by their alumni. In addition, area “orphan” alumni were invited and about a dozen attended, including a 91 year old brother from the University of Illinois who stole the show. All totaled, there were about 150-200 in attendance at the BBQ.
Saturday evening was the chartering event and about 60 students and alumni attended. That event lasted about 45 minutes with speeches from the current SAAA President and the two former presidents, some remarks by myself, and a slide show of student life at our three chapters.
All in all, the alumni and three chapters of San Antonio should be very proud of the weekend. The organization and execution of the two events were outstanding. Saturday was a “best practice” in my mind of alumni events; and I know a thing or two about alumni events. Now if we can inspire alumni in other cities to follow San Antonio’s lead.
April 17th, 2006 at 10:09 am
Brother Ed -
I, too, was there at the BBQ picnic; perhaps you remember me as the alumnus from the University of Idaho (Epsilon-Gamma Zeta). Thanks for your report of the two events. (Alas! due to prior commitments I couldn’t attend the evening event.)
Your report of the “Founders Day” BBQ picnic in S.A. brings back some precious (and still-fresh) memories of the event. Especially the attractive appearance of the three local zetas in their “uniform” tee-shirts. My own enumeration of attendance would have been 200-250. But, whatever! My own comments on the San Antonio picnic may be read as a comment to Bro. Mike’s history/ritual column in the March “Cross & Crescent”.
In ZAX,
Glen Ana Graham
EG 540; U of I ‘76
June 2nd, 2006 at 6:45 pm
Brother Ed,
I am a recent alumni of the St. Mary’s Chapter and just wanted to make a minor correction. We are the Sigma-Beta Zeta and not Beta-Sigma, a small point but one of great pride on my part. I am very touched by your words concerning the Tri-Zeta here in San Antonio. We have worked very hard to improve Lambda Chi Alpha and hope to continue doing so.
In ZAX,
David Pena
Sigma-Beta 607