Homecoming 2009
Alums See North Porch Dedicated, Michigan Alpha Honored
[Posted December 15, 2009] Every Homecoming is a special time when alums visit the chapter house to remember past glories and renew friendship, but the 2009 event was particularly memorable.
As usual, prior to the mid-afternoon kickoff, alums parked for free on the lawn and enjoyed meeting their fellow alumni and active brothers at Michigan Alpha's Homecoming Open House. The actives had the chapter house in top shape and put out breakfast foods with coffee to welcome returning alums as well as their guests.
In addition, this year's gathering featured the dedication of a major house renovation and the presentation of a community award.
Thanks to a very generous group of 1950s era alumni headed by John Buck ‘54, the Alumni Association was able to rebuild the North Porch during the summer and officially dedicate it as reopened on Homecoming morning.
John stepped up and gained the support of Dick Young ‘51, Doug Roby ‘56, Bob Leland ‘58 and Bernie Rinella ‘58. The five alums donated a total of $12,750 to for the project. On behalf of his fellow donors, John cut the ribbon on the door to dedicate the North Porch during a short ceremony attended by alums and active chapter members.
The other highlight of the morning was the Ann Arbor Campus Community Coalition presenting Michigan Alpha with the "Unsung Heroes" award. The commendation recognized Michigan Alpha's leadership in the U of M Greek System for maintaining an alcohol-free chapter house.
Alumni attendees included John Buck '54, Pat Hayden '66, JT (Tom) Buck '77, Frank Bock '78, Nat Love '81, Dan Recinella '81, Jeff Post '82, Greg Karmazin '87, Derek Smith '91, Paul Wezner '06, Ronnie Brant '08, Matt Schiefer '08 among others who briefly dropped in to say hello.
The Alumni Association is considering ideas for expanding homecoming festivities next year. Homecoming 2010 will be held on October 16 when the Wolverines take on the Iowa Hawkeyes.
