Sigs Return for Fall Class Reunions
During the months of September and October several classes returned to Purdue and Delta Delta to celebrate significant milestones. The Class of ’68 returned for its 55th reunion; the Class of ’73 for its 50th reunion; the Class of ’83 celebrated 40 years of brotherhood, and the Class of ’98 returned for its 25th reunion. Each celebrated their Sigma Chi journeys in different ways.
Homecoming 2023
The classes of 1973 and 1983 held their get-togethers on Homecoming weekend, October 27 – 28.
Class of 1973
L-R: Doug Harvey ’72; Phil Steele ’77; Tom Martin; Rod Roler; Brian Vautaw; Brad Black; Bill Gurry; Mark Sand; Ryan Steele ’10; Mark McClure; and Harold Force.
On Homecoming weekend Class of ’73 brothers began their celebration in grand style by gathering at Hazelden, the home of George Ade. William Ade, George Ade’s grandnephew, attended and spoke about Hazelden and George Ade. Friday also included a luncheon, campus visits, and the obligatory stop at the bookstore to buy Purdue stuff.
Saturday included a visit to 202 for the House Corporation meeting, the football game, and a dinner on the levy at Bruno’s with some members of other classes of the same era, and a viewing of a half-hour, 500-picture revolving slide show of the class events, reunions, and “shenanigans” from the day of our formal pledging to the present. Throughout the presentation the brothers retold old stories, laughed, and rekindled the strong friendships begun so many years ago.
Class of 1983
Class of ’83 (back row, L-R) David Westerbeck, Matt Freije, Marc Carlson, Dan Inlow, Stu Jepson, Mike Leisman, Ed Lederer ’84 (front row, L-R) Norm Bafunno, Brian Holtz, Kerry Flowers
The Class of ’83 enjoyed a fun weekend celebrating their 40th reunion. Kerry Flowers wrote, “To get the show started we met at Harry’s Friday for an afternoon of catching up and reminiscing and learning more about each other’s lives over the last 40 years. Being at Harry’s makes you feel like you never left Purdue and it really takes you down memory lane.
That evening, we went to Triple XXX for dinner as it was a big part of our college days and brotherhood. Saturday morning we all visited the Sig house before heading over to the Sigma Chi tailgate. It was a highlight to meet so many other brothers from different classes.”
During the months of September and October several classes returned to Purdue and Delta Delta to celebrate significant milestones. The Class of ’68 returned for its 55th reunion; the Class of ’73 for its 50th reunion; the Class of ’83 celebrated 40 years of brotherhood, and the Class of ’98 returned for its 25th reunion. Each celebrated their Sigma Chi journeys in different ways.
Marc Carlson ‘83 arranged for tickets on the 45 line for those attending the game and they all enjoyed watching Purdue takedown Illinois. After the game, they headed to Nine Irish Brothers for drinks and dinner.
Kerry remarked, “It’s so nice to see many of our brothers who have had children become Sigma Chi’s across the country. And our generational success, as well as our financial give back, is so important to the perpetuating all that Sigma Chi has given to us.”
Front row, L to R: Don (Duane) Bowers, Bob Kaley, Ken Schutte, Tom Leslie, Mike McCraley, Joe (Randy) Newsom, Stence White Second row lower, L to R. Larry Robbins, Frank Hughes, Jim Chapin Second row upper, L to R: Jim Maggart, Mike Campbell, Rod Wendt, Arnie Breidenbaugh Back row, L to R. Mike Wheeler, Hank Suerth, Bob Weskamp, Bob Utterback
Class of 1968
The Class of ’68 returned to celebrate their 55th reunion over the weekend of October 20-22. It was grand affair highlighted by a dinner held at George Ade’s home, Hazelden, in Brook, IN.
Led by the efforts of Bob Kaley ’68 this class announced that Hazelden and George Ade’s gravesite were designated as Sigma Chi National Memorials.
The brothers also bestowed an honorary Sweetheart of Sigma Chi title to Kristine Wright, the Chair of the George Ade Historic Preservation Commission, who has worked diligently to lead the group in the restoration efforts of Ade’s home.
For a complete recap of this reunion go to Class of ’68 Celebrates 55th Reunion.
Class of 1998
Class of 1998 returned for their 25th Reunion.
Eighteen members of the Class of 1998 returned to Delta Delta for their 25th reunion on October 6-7. This group held two dinners, toured Mackey Arena, and visited the Sig house. With this group’s propensity to have a good time, they shared old stories and special memories late into the night.
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