From Brother Robert Tracy, Eta Chapter Alumni Association President

In the Spring of 2006, the Kappa Delta Phi National Fraternity, ETA Alumni Association of UMaine Machias was officially formed and held its first bi-annual meeting in Oakland, Maine. The meeting was officially organized and moderated by Bob Tracy and Jim Joy who over the course of the previous year had been instrumental in bringing the “idea” of an official alumni association to fruition. During the formal meeting officers were elected and activities and projects were organized for 2006/07. Board membership consisted of Bob Tracy (P), Jim Joy (VP), Josh Urbanski (T), Steve Vose (S), Dennis Crispo (Social Chair), Vinnie Demambro (Chaplain/ Historian) and Matt Morin (Active Correspondent). The meeting and ensuing social events were attended by over 40 active and alumni brothers . . . trust me when I say a great time was had by all!

In the early fall of 2006, the Alumni Association made plans to run its annual “Tom Brown Memorial” golf tournament at the “Bar Harbor Golf Course” in Trenton. This tournament was organized to provide supportive funds for the “Tom Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund” that grants monies to an active member of Eta chapter who exhibits good educational practices and conducts himself through the highest Kappa ideals and deeds. There were many participants that were Eta Brothers and many close friends of Brother Tom Brown's, but the one person that made the whole experience worthwhile was Tom's blood brother Jim. With tears in his eyes he said, "My brother Tom had many people that truly cared for him from the bottom of their hearts". The brothers of Eta Chapter truly miss Tom Brown and through this scholarship his name will be remembered for many years to come. The tournament was a triumphant success with the Eta Alumni Association raising close to $3,000 dollars through shirt sales and donations. As this will be an annual event we are preparing for an even larger turnout this summer! The Tournament was immediately followed by our bi-annual Alumni meeting and awards ceremony that ran from 6-9:00PM in the Reception Area of the Golf Course.

In the spring of 2007, Eta Chapter hosted a celebration for its 75 years of brotherhood. The event was attended by over 130 brothers, sisters and invited guests some of whom traveled (in a blinding snowstorm) from as far a Florida and Georgia. Some brothers celebrated their 30th, 20th, and 10th anniversaries as ETA Brothers. The evening was highlighted by many memorable events including the awarding of the “Tom Brown Memorial Scholarship” to Brother Kyle Pepperman who has exemplified the Kappa Ideals through his academics and leadership at ETA Chapter. A full buffet style dinner was served and dancing commenced through the evening. Many of the brothers had not changed in both their appearance and their special way of making everyone feel like they had not missed a moment of their camaraderie. Many memories were rehashed and many new ones have been implanted for future telling. Special thanks to Paul Collette, Ed Webber, Gary Owens and Scott Cranston for attending our gala event.

Robert Tracy
ETA Alumni Association President