Brothers,

I just got around to reading the latest issue of the Journal!

What a delight to read the update and recognition of Mom Nonnie Owens on page 8, along with her picture and interview.

In a two-year period, 1995-1997, I became involved with the SigEp chapter at Purdue during the time I was employed as the interim pastor at Central Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, Ind.

I recall vividly the etiquette seminars she conducted at a special dinner where graduating seniors were seated in the house dining room and underclassmen would line the walls as she did her training meal, presented on her own personal full set of china, complete silver settings and crystal glasses. On each of the semester meals, alumni were invited as guests. I was privileged to attend four of these special events along with Gene Keady, Kansas State ’58, the famed Purdue basketball coach. Mom Nonnie even taught us alums a bunch of essential etiquette clues: 

– Serve from the left, clear from the right

– Liquids on the right, solids on the left

– Silerware sequence: outside to inside with knife, fork and spoon 

– Knife and fork parallel in the clock position of ten to five, handles on the right side to indicate you have finished the course.

I would love to write her a note and thank her for her service to SigEp and the brothers of Southern Methodist and Purdue. Would you please send me her address?

Regards,

J. Thomas Green, Ohio Northern ’63

Editors Note: Mom Nonnie remembers Pastor Green well. We were pleased to connect them.