2021 Remembering on 60th Reunion: Brother R. Dennis Swanson

Brothers,

Our 60th Anniversary Celebration was a rousing success as 120 plus brothers, wives and friends gathered to eat, drink and be merry. We gathered to renew old friendships, make new friends, and all of the above would take place in Kean’s newest structure, the North Avenue Academic Building where we met on the 6th floor with its balcony literally in sight of the NYC skyline.

President Farahi welcomed us and spoke of the great progress Kean has made in becoming a major University and how it continues to be the most affordable University in the United States.

That was followed by a video retrospective created by Brother James Papanestor covering the 60 years of the fraternity was shown. Throughout the retrospective, various Brothers and Advisors got nice rounds of applause, as well as many hoots and hollers.

Bill Loehning did a great job as Master of Ceremonies. He has always had a way of commanding a room, and making sure that everything moved along exactly as he had planned.

I spoke about our founding in 1958 and talked about how strongly we believed we were going to be a fraternity with Service as our goal, and it is wonderful hearing our newest group of Brothers telling us of the wonderful services that they continue to provide for both Kean and the surrounding communities. Lastly I introduced three of our founding brothers, Angelo Segallo, Dick Handschch, and Bruce Williams who were in attendance.

Paul Di Corcia was then lead in to the large room we were in to the stirring music of three bagpipers, two of them Joe Woodrow and Tom Novicki Brothers of Sigma Beta Tau. Paul then read the names of departed brothers.

Greg Young then made a special presentation of recognition and gratitude to Paul for all he has done and continues to do for the fraternity, giving him a plaque stipulating that Paul was the “Keeper of the Flame”.

Nigel Donald, the current president of the fraternity, gave his perspective of the fraternity today. He is an impressive young man, who rightly carries on the traditions of Service, Brotherhood and Trust that we only imagined in our formative years.

Tom Coyle then led everyone in singing the Brotherhood Song.

Cocktails, dinner and and open bar continued as members and guests enjoyed the memories of past years. It was a great night!

Frank Lineberry chaired the reunion committee and with the help of Ed Esposito, William Hoefling, Kenneth May, Andrew Ray and Greg Young made it all happen. We owe all of them a debt of gratitude.

Now we need to start thinking of the 65th celebration. It’s time for some of the younger brothers to take a more active role. I hope to see you at our bi-annual meeting in September.

Regards, R. Dennis Swanson