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2009 Guestbook

Congratulations to fellow Sigs Drew Brees and Head Coach Sean Payton. Good week to be in New Orleans!

I sent in a donation to House Corp today but honorable mention needs to go to Mike Pelosi. I did some insurance work for Mike here in PA and am sharing some of the proceeds with House Corp.

Keep up the good work and communcations!

Mike Gehman send message
- Monday, February 08, 2010 at 06:38:38 (EST)

your comment

Happy New Year to all. Hope to make it down this year to visit.

Rich Bush

(Rich Bush) <send email>
McCall, ID - Friday, January 01, 2010 at 22:07:31 (EST)

God, I just learned of Mariann's passing. I think anyone who was around in the late 80's and early 90's remembers her. She was a comforting presence, especially for pledges who faced plenty of uncertainty. I remember her smiling face with great clarity, better than I remember those of some of my own pledge Brothers. If you've not sent Paul an email yet, please do to let him know you are thinking of him and his son.

David Hines send message
Hoover, AL - Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 20:50:27 (EST)

Why wasn't it 24?? Slackers........................

Crusty Alumni send message
- Tuesday, December 01, 2009 at 10:22:39 (EST)

congrats to the chapter and also the new iniitiates!

23 new Brothers is an amazing effort on everyone's part.

JW '79

Wrightington <send email>
Dallas, TX USA - Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 21:14:04 (EST)

Does anyone know of anyone qualified for this job based out of Atlanta?

PMP Certified preferred
Airline Software Implementation Experience
Project/Program Manager
Contract to hire
Manage software implementation for various airlines .

gary prestipino send message
naples, fl usa - Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 15:47:56 (EDT)

Brothers, it’s with a heavy heart that I tell you that Brother Boz passed on Monday September 21^st. For those that didn’t’ know him Boz was our chapter mascot for 98 99 and my dog since 1995. He was a regular fixture around the house and attended several Initiations.

He was 14 years old which is pretty good for a dog of 120lbs. He was having trouble walking and controlling other bodily functions and the vet said that it was time. He had since gone to retire with my my parents in NC and lived at the beach where he spent his golden years walking the beach with my dad as I was transferred and moved about the country. He and my father became inseparable. They were with him when he passed on and he now occupies the mantle in their home.

I hope he is with Brother Drew and fetching empty kegs out of the pool in the chapter eternal!

ODonnell send message
Destin , FL - Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 09:58:47 (EDT)

Anyone else going to NBAA in Orlando week of Oct. 19th? I know that Nimey is coming. I am speaking on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. on How to Protect your Assets Against a Plaintiffs Lawyer like me ( ;

Stuart Fraenkel <send email>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Monday, September 28, 2009 at 13:26:00 (EDT)

Well after 4 tries - Stacy and I finally have a Legacy! 3 little Sigs and one Legacy - "Jake Stuart Fraenkel."

Stuart Fraenkel <send email>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Monday, July 06, 2009 at 16:51:14 (EDT)

Brothers,

Below is my speech about my memories with Drew, said at his memorial
service in Massachusetts this past Sunday. If you were able to celebrate his life with
us, feel free to read and remember. For those who couldn't make it, I
hope this helps, and keeps you laughing, loving, and living.

~Cy #623

p.s. one small addendum....I forgot to mention Trevor Prigge in the service as his little brother, so I made that edit here :)

__________________

2:30 pm

June 21, 2009

First Parish Church

Duxbury, MA

Drew’s four-years in college are filled with moments which moved him
and some of his closest friends for the rest of our lives. As I tell my
story, I will highlight Ten Great Moments with Drew which stand out
above others to me. Through this, I hope that you could capture the
essence of what he loved.

In his first semester at Embry-Riddle, Drew made a decision to join a
fraternal organization which I am also a part of. It was through this
that he gained many of his very close friendships and experiences. This
marks the first big moment I will speak of.

Great Moments with Drew #10: Joining Sigma Chi.

The week prior to his initiation was a very pivotal and powerful moment
in his life. This time was an intensive week of deep introspection,
where brothers would re-discover their values and make them stronger.
Drew has gained so much from this, and Sigma Chi has gained so much
from Drew. He loved the friendships which were created and the deeper
meanings of the organization. He held a sense of pride of being Sigma
Chi throughout his life afterwards.

Between Drew and his first roommate, Chris, the only transportation
they had was Chris’s motorcycle. This brings me to #9 of Great Moments
with Drew.

#9: His nickname.

Chris would drive the motorcycle as Drew would straddle the motorcycle
and ride behind him. Because of this, Chris was named "Ace" and Drew
was dubbed “Gary” after Saturday Night Live’s skit, “The Ambiguously
Gay Duo”.

Drew became highly involved early on in Sigma Chi and took on a
multitude of leadership positions, which culminated with his highest
position as third in command, Secretary of the Chapter. He went to some
leadership conferences because of it. While we both attended one in
Lakeland, Florida. We realized #8 to our moments with Drew.

#8: His affinity to climbing things.

For a short period of time, Drew would get this urge to climb something
while we were out on the town. His unique idea to do this brought him
to interesting places – namely, just above the rafters of a dance floor
and waking up on the roof of a building.

His incredible luck kept him out of trouble, but he knew early on that
he needed to change some things. So, two solutions arose from this. No
more hard liquor, and ….Rock Climbing with me!

Our friendship grew very strong through our many trips to Orlando’s
rock climbing gym. This brings me to a personal moment, number 7.

#7: Our conversations.

The one-hour drive two to three days per week to the gym and back gave
us time for conversations on a plethora of topics. We spoke about
religion, politics, women, Volkswagens, cultural traits, love, dreams,
goals, and the deeper meanings of Sigma Chi. When we had problems, we
knew that we could confide them in each other. And if I had a problem
at any given moment, somehow he would magically be there at the exact
moment I needed to talk to him. These one-on-one conversations between
us became a trend that carried on for the rest of our years.

In 2001, the Chapter celebrated its 30th anniversary. Many of our
Brothers, Alumni, and their families came back to Daytona for this
momentous weekend. Drew’s parents were there. This time reminds me of
moment number 6!

#6: First times with Drew’s Parents.

In our conversations, I’ve heard many stories of Drew’s family and he
loved to tell me about them. I was excited to meet them. Gail and
Jeremy amazed me. Gail was dancing her heart out when we had a band
play at our house one night, and Jeremy has the most interesting
stories of his amazing adventures. I often told Drew, “you’re parents
are so cool!” He would respond, “Yup!” Their kindness, positivity,
humility, and love for life was fully reflected in Drew.

A few months later, the beginning of Drew’s junior year at Embry-Riddle began with another big moment for him.

Moment #5: Jesse.

Jesse’s first year at Embry-Riddle carried on with many friends, Drew
and I being among his closest. A year’s worth of antics, stories, and
comedy ended with a great trip to Maine. We went whitewater rafting. It
was the first time on such an experience for all of us. Little did we
know that this trip would create an everlasting bond of best friends
between the three of us. Little did we know that this would foreshadow
something he loved to do years later.

Of course, college didn’t go four years in a fraternity without any
pranks! One in particular was one in which Drew was the culprit.

Moment #4: The reversed peephole.

In consideration to the place where we are, I will say this as clean as
possible. A fraternity brother, who shall remain nameless in this
story, has one of those peepholes in the front door so you can see who
is outside. Drew found a way to take it out and place it in backwards
so that, instead of seeing out, everyone can see what’s going on
inside! This led to some funny times between the said brother and the
brothers at the house.

Definitely among the most memorable of pranks in our time, but Drew was also the subject of a prank done to him.

Great moments with Drew #3: Popcorn.

In our Senior Year, a group a Brothers and friends, led by those whose
names rhyme with “Ty” and “Messy” decided to fill his Jeep with
popcorn. A factory of tiny popcorn machines and garbage bags filled the
chapter room. After filling our first bags, we went to his Jeep and
only covered the floor of the Jeep. We needed another method, because
otherwise we wouldn’t have finished that night. We tried to think of
another place where we could find popcorn... MOVIE THEATERS! It was
late night at this time, and when we got there the movie theater just
closed and threw out the popcorn. We checked the dumpster. In it were
four enormous bags of popped popcorn.

Into the dumpster we go! We grab the bags of popcorn and fill his jeep entirely with popcorn.

Drew returns to his popcorn laden Jeep, completely surprised. However,
his unique response was what made all of us love him. He loved it. He
kept some of the popcorn in for a few days and let it fly out as he
drove around.

After moving into the professional world, Drew always kept close
contact with many of the brothers and friends. He would fly out to see
some of us when he had a chance, and when we could, many of us have
traveled out to Colorado to see him. After years of promise, I finally
managed to spend time with him there…last summer.

Great Moments with Drew #2: Colorado.

We were both very excited to spend time together. It worked perfectly
with his work schedule, as he had as many days off as I would be there.
I remember being very excited to finally meet the love of his life,
Jenna. Drew told me very soon after meeting Jenna that that she would
be the one. He loved her in a much different way since the beginning of
their friendship there. Amid all the fun things we did, one event I’d
like to share is our summit of Mt. Democrat. Both Drew and I had
climbed a few 14ers, but this one was special because he had brought a
small card in memory of Anjuli with him. You see, Drew believed that he
would be closer to Anjuli every time he reached high altitude. Standing
on the summit of a mountain at that altitude removed all barriers from
his connection to his sister. No walls - just wide open air. When Drew
made the summit, he took his card out and squeezed it into a spot where
the wind cannot take it away. We had a moment in silence, said a
prayer, and took pictures. Drew shed some tears. Anjuli has always been
on the forefront of his mind.

The Last Great Moment with Drew is one which we have been planning for
years, but it has not been completed yet. For years, Drew, Jesse and I
have been planning a trip to Kilimanjaro for the coming New Year. Drew
was very excited. However, he will not end his life in disappointment,
because he will join us once again for one last adventure when we carry
his ashes with us.

Drew has touched the lives of hundreds of people while at Embry-Riddle,
namely his Big Brother Shawn, little brothers Trevor, Brad, and Logan,
the brothers of Sigma Chi in our chapter and other chapters throughout
the country, the sisters of Alpha Xi Delta, and teachers, students, and
administrators of Embry-Riddle.

Sigma Chi has gained so much from his life. He has made lasting
impressions which we will hold in our hearts for the rest of our lives.
We say that he has entered the Chapter Eternal, and we will one day see
Drew again when we go there.

Jesse and I knew that our friendship with Drew was something uniquely
special; that it is something which will carry on through our later
years. I am so sure he will remain close to us.

Drew, we love and wish you good fortune in your next great adventures.
I will miss our conversations. I'm sorry that the popcorn was buttered.
We will always hold you close to our hearts. We will feel you again
soon...in our high flights.

Your friend,

Cy

Cy Maramangalam send message
Philadelphia, PA USA - Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 17:09:51 (EDT)

The past month has been the second good month in a row for the 1855 club. I would like to thank the following brothers for joining or renewing their 1855 club membership: Jason Clancy, Mike Pelosi, Jason Kreisher, Bill Palmer, Brad Vomacka and Dave Elert.
I would also like to recognize Bill Isakson and Mike Pelosi for their generous donations to the Special Projects Fund used for architectural plans for a new fraternity house.

Thanks Brothers!

seth downs send message
Anchorage, AK - Monday, June 01, 2009 at 03:37:27 (EDT)

Steve Whitlock '77 just emailed this to me. Anyone want raise play some golf and raise some cash for the chapter, and you happen to be in the Dallas area on June 13th, then give Steve a call 972 342 0800.

Brothers –

* There has been a change to the beneficiary of the DAC Annual Golf Tournament.* The Sigma Chi chapter with the most Alumni participants for the 2009 Golf Tournament will get the proceeds. This means a combine total of golfers and 19th holers!!!!

The time to register for the 2009 Dallas Alumni Chapter Golf Tournament is now!
Players who register before June 1st will save $25 on the tournament fee.
Please know that each player can sign up and pay individually on the DAC website: dallas.alumnisigmachi.org

The Dallas Alumni Chapter is counting on your support with our annual golf tournament which will be lots of fun including:

- Trick shot demo before the tournament by golf pro Nyle Pruitt
- GolfTec Golf Pros on the course to help you with your game
- On course contests and prizes
- BBQ dinner, drinks and music after the tournament
- Grand Consul Bob Jones and Grand Pro Consul Wayne Tucker will be there.
- Share and celebrate Sigma Chi brotherhood
- All for only $100 per player or $35 for 19th Holers!!

Please see the attached flyer with more details about the tournament and available packages.
If you have any questions about the tournament or registration feel free to contact:
1. Harry Palmer – 214-394-3860
2. Chad Ward – 972-571-5202

See you on the course on Saturday, June 13!

In Hoc Signo Vinces,

Kurt Patterson

seth Downs send message
anchorage, aK USA - Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 22:51:48 (EDT)

The past month has been a good one for the 1855 club. I would like to thank the following brothers for increasing or renewing their 1855 contributions:

John Wrightington,Dave Fraser,Tony Leggieri, Ramano Sprueil and Graham Smith.

seth downs send message
anchorage, ak - Thursday, May 07, 2009 at 14:22:06 (EDT)

Hey guys. While I'm in the process of retiring from flying and going back to school I'm working at Kahuna's Bar and Grill on Seabreeze. Kahuna's is owned by Scott Spaulding (AHP) who many of you may know. Its a cool little bar in the old Robbie's at 530 Seabreeze. Scott is trying to get some Greeks to adopt Kahuna's as a hangout. I talked to him about putting up the letters if we can get a regular showing. We also talked about some possible discounts for Sigma Chi's. Currently we have free poker on Tuesdays and beerpong wends days starting tomorrow. We are also hoping to start up the mug club soon. Well hopefully you guys flying are doing better than some of us and those smart enough to get out get something better. Good luck guys and come see us at Kahuna's.

(Patrick McGrath) <send email>
Daytona Beach, - Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 20:25:19 (EDT)

your comment
John Wrightington send message
Dallas, TX USofA - Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 21:44:44 (EDT)

Congratulations Brothers on carrying on the high standards and traditions of the Eta Iota Chapter of Sigma Chi for 38 consecutive years. We, the founders, are proud of all that you have accomplished and look forward to a strong and and meaningful future for Eta Iota thanks to your hard work and dedication.

To the Eta Iota alumni - please help us with establishing a strong financial base for the future construction of a new fraternity house. I am sure you will find that your commitment to helping direct the chapter's future will be rewarding and bring back many of your happiest memories from your college years at Embry-Riddle. I hope to see all of you at the 40th Birthday Bash!

Terry Owens

Founding Consul, Class '71

Terry Owens <send email>
Laguna Niguel, CA USA - Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 11:20:12 (EDT)

Birthday is next week!! March 27-28 Are you going to make it down? The brothers are on Spring Break this week, don't you want to escape the wife and kids for a couple days? Rooms are cheap in Daytona and so are flights! So tell the family you need to take off a couple days and come join the fun with these alumni:

John Wrightington
Bill Kingsley
Robert Tetrault
Roger Moody
Romano Sprueil
Phil Holloway
Bret Miller
James Ahrens
Hector
John Gagne
Drew Jones
Tony Leggieri
Jason Kreisher
Rich Schooley
Hugh Reynolds

and several Florida alumni who will be stopping by the house...

RSVP to me ASAP and we'll see you next week!

James "Gassi" Ahrens '90
james@aviatorstudios.com
206-356-4850

James Ahrens send message
Merritt Island, FL - Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 08:48:36 (EDT)

your comment
James Ahrens send message
Merritt Island, FL - Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 08:48:19 (EDT)

Bros,

Just relocated out here to Destin Fl, from Altlanta. If anyone passes through Ft Walton or Pensacola let me know. Pat drop me a line if you decide to head home. I am off to investigate Niceville to see if that had anything to do with Fejfar being...well....so "nice"

ODonnell send message
Destin, FL - Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 15:37:01 (EST)

your comment
John Wrightington send message
Dallas, TX US - Saturday, February 07, 2009 at 13:22:30 (EST)

Greetings, brothers. My name is Thaddeus Nicholls and I am a Sig alumni from the Gamma Kappa chapter at Utah State University. I was driving on Ridgewood noticed your house, so I stopped in to see if anyone was around. I didn't see anyone so I wasn't able to make contact and exchange grips with anyone, so I thought I would try to find you online. Anyhow, I have been living in New Smyrna Beach for about 6 months now, and I work at the Marine Discovery Center as a restoration project coordinator. I am interested in meeting some fellow Sigs in the area, so if you have some events coming up where I could come meet some of you guys or let me know when your meetings are and maybe I can swing in for a couple. I know that most chapters are busy with Derby Days and other philanthropic events throughout the year, but if your chapter is interested in doing some community work, the project I am in charge of at the Marine Discovery Center is heavily reliant on volunteer work. So if you have a few hours you would like to donate, it would help a brother out! No pressure, just let me know if you are interested. Anyhow, hope to hear back from you soon. Keep that Cross white!

IHSV,

Thaddeus Nicholls
"1942"
(Thaddeus Nicholls) <send email>
New Smyrna Beach, Fl USA - Wednesday, February 04, 2009 at 11:43:50 (EST)

Bro's,
Just wanted to thank the actives for the Christmas card. Good to see a concerted effort to keep the alumni in the loop! Keep up the hard work.

For the rest of us, if you're out there making money (and not furghload) lets not forget the support we needed from the alumns when we were undergrads. Chances are it was another Brother that helped you get your job! Get out your check book or credit card and start donating $18 bucks a month. You can afford it and the house needs it!

Spent New Years with Brothers Lowe, Barrois, Lanford, and O'Donnell in Atlanta... nothing has changed and our livers are just as stout as ever.

If anyone is stopping through the Hilton Head/Savannah area, give me a call.

IH,
Mefesto
Pat McKelvey send message
SC - Monday, January 12, 2009 at 08:15:42 (EST)

Outstanding job on the newsletter Brothers.
Thank You.
Guy
Guy Ligon send message
- Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 08:10:26 (EST)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
rEESE aGUILAR send message
- Thursday, January 01, 2009 at 00:04:09 (EST)