The Re-Chartering is Official

On November 22, in a ceremony beginning at 8am, 25 brothers were initiated into the Phi Kappa Chapter of Alpha Chi Rho. These 25 brothers are the second set of founding members having revived the chapter after having been dissolved in 1995.

The initation was a very moving event. Brothers from many eras were present. Jim Dickson, whose father's name is on the original charter, made the drive down from Wisconsin for the day's events.

Ron Ayotte and his wife drove out from Massachusetts. Ron graduated from the University, enlisted in the army, got married, and had his wedding reception at the house, all on the same day. Forgive me Ron, I forget the year (somewhere in the 50's).

Of course, James Spoor, who now sits on the Alpha Chi Rho Educational Foundation was in town too. His words at the banquet were very inspiring.

Ray Legler made the trip down, and Brian Brauer were also in attendance. Brian lives in the Champaign area and has been a tremenedous help as an unofficial board member. From the current alum board are Mark Bouckaert, Kevin Anetsberger, and Bob Horvath.

Several brothers from the Purdue chapter made the trip. Thanks guys, it was great to see you supporting us.

Also was strong representation from National. I know I will miss some as I met so many people, but I would like to mention Sean Hughes, Scott Carlson, Dan Gizzi, Steve Cox, The Rev. Dr. David Jost, Chris Zisko, and Matt Jenkins. It was especially nice to see Matt who we met with several times when the chapter was inactive. Because of recent challenges in his family, we weren't sure if he would make the trip.

After the initiation ceremony, people went their separate ways, some to watch the Illini allow the Big Ten to get one more bowl game by letting Northewestern beat them.

We convenved again in the evening for the banquet. Along with those already mentioned, were several girlfriends and parents of the new Brothers. Sean Hughes presided over the ceremonies which included the presentation of the new and old charter to the chapter, presentation of a pin sent several years ago to National from the widow of a deceased brother (someone please send me the name) that is to become the President's pin, and some gifts from Bill Dunn which along with a generous donation which purchased the ritual equipment that will be used at every chapter council meeting from now on, included a blanket identical to one that used to adorn the top of the piano years ago, and a book suggested to begin a library of donated books from alumni, of which the topic was on financial matters such that the chapter will never have to close again.

In closing, the entire room, from National, Purdue, Phi Kappa alumni, and friends and family of the newest Brothers joined hands, right over left, and sung the three verses of Amici.

Having sat on the board during the dark years of inactivity, I echo Brother Dunn's request that this never be allowed to happen again. Fortunately we have in these 25 new Brothers, and the postulants they have pledged, a very bright future. We have gotten to know many of them well during the road from colonization to re-chartering, and enjoyed getting to know many of them much better on this trip. They are a great bunch of guys and you should all be proud to have them be setting the chapter back on course.

In the emails I have sent out, I got several responses from people wishing they would be able to make it. I am sorry you could not. It was quite an day. Now that the undergraduate chapter is back in order, we as graduates need to get our own house in order. We look forward to working with you all in the future. If we can work half as hard as the undergraduates have done in getting this far, we can make the Phi Kappa chapter something we can all again be proud of.