Homecoming 2007 recap

If you missed this past Homecoming weekend, I’ll bet you $20 one of your fraternity brothers was either asking about you or offering an update on your behalf. We enjoyed a truly beautiful fall weekend in Georgetown. For my part, it was great to see everyone who came out to enjoy SU’s annual gathering. To the University’s credit, they work very hard on making Homecoming a great event every year. To all of the University staff and volunteers (all of you in gold name badges), thank you for hosting an excellent series of weekend events. One highlight for the second year running was the Alumni Hospitality House, hosted at the San Gabriel House and sponsored by outgoing SU Alumni Association president Joe Seeber. Thanks Joe! Come by the Sigma next year for one on us!

-Jonathan

Stuff worth knowing about

During the 4 PM Open House presentation, our emcee and Brother Bruce Barrick announced the launch of an endowed scholarship in the name of the late Rev. Chuck Merrill. Chuck spoke at Homecoming 2006 to everyone’s delight, just months before he passed; Katy, Chuck’s daughter, came to speak on the family’s behalf this year. It was a touching and emotion filled few moments as Katy spoke of her dad. University president Jake B. Schrum was on hand to accept the first donation to the scholarship fund. He also spoke about Brother Merrill and his legacy, noting men of Chuck’s courage and devotion to social justice seem to be in short supply these days. Supporting the spirit of social justice as lived by Chuck will be a primary focus of the scholarship.

Iota Chapter Alumni Association Blake Stanford announced several awards for alumni service for several brothers who donated time, financial support, labor, and leadership toward House renovations this year. Awards were given to Tanner Garth, Dan Middlebrooks, Erik Harpst, and in absentia Pat Sparks, Joe Abel, and William McCall (note to these gentlemen, I have your awards!). Many brothers did amazing work over the summer months, and Blake made special mention of their efforts. “You know who you are!”

Charles Bedard completed his term as Alumni Treasurer having served with distinction since 2001. The alumni present at the morning membership meeting unanimously elected Alan Haworth as the new Alumni Treasurer effective immediately.

Active president Ben Rodriguez spoke the afternoon gathering on the lawn as well, thanking the alumni for all the hard work and effort which they put in the House. Ben also introduced the four fall pledges and his leadership team.

The Iota Endowed Scholarship Fund now has over $80,000 committed and is on track to hit the goal of reaching $200,000 in the next two years. Brothers or friends of the chapter making annual contributions to Southwestern are able to designate their gift in whole or part to the Iota scholarship. It’s a tax-deductible means to reward the chapters academic excellence. Rob Atkins received the first scholarship in the 2006/2007 academic year.

We hope to post pictures from the weekend soon.

Please add your own comments and reflections on the weekend.