In February 2013, Illinois Eta at Southern Illinois-Edwardsville celebrated the 40th anniversary of the chapter chartering February 10, 1973. The highlight of the Friday evening was a toss-up between the roving balloon artist who kept the undergrads entertained and the scrolling collection of archival photos which had all of the alumni asking “Remember when?”

On Saturday, alumni enjoyed a docent-guided tour of the historically significant Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House, which the chapter previously owned. It was purchased and restored to period authenticity by a historical society. Saturday evening was the gala event—dinner and dancing at the local Hilton. Over 150 alumni, undergrads and guests attended. Evening highlights, aside from a lot of reminiscing, included the presence of six charter members, Bruce Morgan, ’74, Dennis Jolly, ’73, Gary Forrester, ’74, George Green, ’75, Walter Grogan, ’76, and William Shedd, ’75, meeting with two of the newest members – Drake Mortimer, ’16, and Dan Gray, ’16.

District Governor Brad Nahrstadt, Monmouth ’89, urged brothers to stay involved and become mentors to the chapter. Chapter President Blake Cory, ’14, recapped recent chapter achievements, including twelve semesters over the all-male average GPA, nine for 12 over the all-campus average, two Chapter of the Year designations and a near sweep of the Greek Awards in 2012. Charter Member Jolly presented a history on the trials of forming the chapter 40 years ago.

The program was capped off by an overwhelming response to the “Brotherhood Forever” campaign outlined by AVC President Lyle Ward, ’72. Brothers pledged nearly $40,000 to support the Balanced Man Scholarship. The new funding will create even more scholarships to offer incoming freshmen and undergraduates.