“Autumn came, and with it came the promised party…”
Lord Byron, Don Juan
Our recent Homecoming and Alumni Fly-In Weekend was a resounding success — a testament to the strength and endurance of our bond across generations. The gathering provided a meaningful opportunity to renew friendships, celebrate our shared history, and welcome new members into the continuing story of our brotherhood. These events remain vital in maintaining the living connection between our active chapter and our alumni, ensuring that the spirit of our Society endures. Plans are already underway to establish alternate dates for future gatherings, allowing all who are faithful to find their way home to Burlington and to the Trysting Tree once more.
A special note of gratitude goes to all the alumni who made the trek back to the house, particularly those who have been long away. Your return brought renewed warmth and perspective to our shared traditions, reminding all present that the brotherhood of Lambda Iota and Pi Kappa Phi is not bound by time or distance. Your stories, laughter, and counsel reconnected the past with the present and strengthened the chain of friendship that links every generation of our Society. I would be remiss if I didn’t also express my appreciation to the parents and families who attended allowing your sons to showcase our house but also our relationship. Special thanks to John and Jen Kimmich, parents of house Archon Charlie, who supplied a variety of Alchemist creations for our Owlish gathering, including a Heady Topper on tap!
The business meeting was equally well attended and productive, offering time for thoughtful discussion on the current state of the Society and the shared vision for the coming decade. The Brothers voiced a strong desire to advance both fraternal and fiscal initiatives, emphasizing stewardship, preservation of our archives, continued alumni engagement, and renewed commitment to leadership and service consistent with the ideals of Minerva and our founders.
Other key topics included positive updates to the Cody Surprise Memorial Fund, which continues to honor Brother Cody’s enduring spirit of generosity, service, and leadership. The program stands as a lasting tribute that inspires both actives and alumni to embody the finest values of our brotherhood. The meeting also highlighted ongoing collaboration between Lambda Iota and Pi Kappa Phi in maintaining a unified legacy rooted in friendship, scholarship, and service.
To all who traveled, contributed, and gave of their time and counsel — thank you. Your presence and participation ensure that the Society remains not merely an institution, but a living tradition of brotherhood.
In the Bond,
Chris “Gook” Gookin ‘99
Chairman, Board of Governors