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One of the benefits of having an up-to-date Alumni List is that it makes it easier to prepare for a reunion. They can be either small or large in scope. In May 2008, the pledge classes from 1958-1963 had a large reunion at the Bethesda Marriott with 115 attendees (incl. spouses). It was awesome. No one knew what to expect since the great majority of brothers had not seen or talked to other brothers in over 40 years. But to everyone's very pleasant surprise, when we saw each other it was like our fraternity days were just yesterday. Here are some details about the reunion:
Reunion – May 17-18, 2008:
This reunion focused on alumni who were active during ’58 – ’65 which translates primarily to the ’56-’63 pledge classes and mostly the ’60-’67 graduating years.
To kick the weekend off, we met at the U of Md. Riggs Alumni Center on Saturday at 1:00pm for a walking and bus tour of the campus. After the two hour tour, we visited the old fraternity house (now ZBT).
The reunion affair was held Saturday, May 17, 2008 from 6:30-10:30pm at the Bethesda Marriott in Bethesda, MD. We had 62 alumni attend, and with spouses, the total attendance was 115. The reunion event included a cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, music and dancing and all the reunion fixins’ like photo name tags, roster list, decorations, etc. Shely Saidman and Stan Malinow were the emcees. There was also a hospitality suite in the hotel on Saturday afternoon and after the reunion event for us to congregate in. There were also Saturday and Sunday group breakfasts at the hotel.
Reunion Committee:
Gene Korth, Gene Fisher, Bob Rudnick and Gary Krulewitz
Alumni List Organizer:
Joe Seidler
Here is some feedback from the reunion...
| As Jimmy Durante used to say (am I dating myself) - "thanks for the memories" and much more. I don't have to tell you how special last weekend was, because you were there. As Mager was leaving Sunday, he was choked up. Mirne said it was one of the 10 most memorable events of his life. These emotions were representative of a few brothers who could, and did, express themselves. |
I’m sure we all had enthusiasm and some apprehension about attending our reunion this past weekend. It was fantastic, a wonderful journey to the “good old days.” It brought the memory of those great times that we all shared together. When I walked in the room, I recognized everyone. It was like nothing changed, well maybe a little more gray and a few less hairs. Just a great group of very good friends.
Joe said it best, “it’s amazing that a group of 18 to 21 year olds were able to select such a compatible group of friends.” A terrific “Band of Brothers.” |
Here's a web gallery of photos from the reunion (plus one fun video clip):
http://gallery.me.com/joeseidler#100738
Future Reunions?
One idea for a low effort reunion is to invite all alumni from the same area to a lunch or dinner. The alumni list shown on the website includes the city/state where everyone lives, and if you want contact info, just email Joe (see below). If anyone wants to begin planning for a large reunion, let Joe know and he will put you in touch with the committee who planned the May 2008 gala; they can give you many hints and guidelines that worked well for them.
Here's hoping, whether through small or large reunions, we all keep in touch. We may have had no idea how special a place and time we created at Phi Sigma Delta. But it's very easy to feel it when we all get back together...
For any alumni information, email:
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