Wow, that was simply incredible. Does Wayne know how to throw a Convention or what? Aside from the fact that everyone had a great time without negative incidents, the meetings and events were well-thought-out, a load of fun, highly productive, and extremely entertaining. What more could one ask for, especially in lieu of the noticeably empty chair that once was occupied by Bro? He was truly missed, but I know he was with us always. His presence will always be a part of ADG.
True, this past year was a hard one, and we had many obstacles and setbacks to overcome, but I firmly believe we persevered and came out on top. The sheer number of attendees, especially among the actives (and even more incredible, the number of new brothers who crossed just this past school year), reflected the power and poignancy of what we, as a brotherhood, represent and stand for. It was a rebirth after a year of struggles. The phoenix is rising, my friends!
I firmly believe that you are all to take credit for our successes, actives and alumni. We, as a Council, could not operate so smoothly without your help and support. The more you communicate with us, the more efficiently we can work on your behalf. We cannot (and should not) run your chapter for you, but we can assist you in running your chapter better. As always, let us know if there are any areas we can improve with you, and keep us appraised of any setbacks, successes, and milestones that you have.
I will be posting a copy of my speech from Final Banquet, if anyone would like a copy. You will be able to find it here: http://alphadeltagamma.org/executive/president.html. Since you guys know I'm not one for scripts and pre-worded talks, I have to warn you it is not word-for-word what was said there. I think the general idea is still the same, though. Incidentally, you can find the entire essay quoted (Elbert Hubbard's "Message to Garcia") here: http://www.birdsnest.com/garcia.htm.
It seems that convention has been productive already with several of you heading home and contacting other brothers about new ideas and events already. Indeed, Mike Blackstock called me last night late to discuss an idea he had for ADGEF. I won't steal his thunder here, but I will back up his e-mail sent to the National listserv just recently saying that it will impact you all. I'm very much excited and honored to be working with Mike in the days ahead.
Keep the motivation alive, brothers! Keep remembering the lessons learned and the knowledge that was garnered from meeting everyone from around the country. Remember, we are a brotherhood. While Rho has their own ways of doing things, while Lambda has it's own unique style, and while Psi has events and a culture that are only found in Miami, we are all members of the same overarching banner, that of a City Walled. May we never forget that.
Book your summer now for Kansas City 2010! We are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to see you all again, and hope that you had safe and pleasant travels from Milwaukee. Keep your eyes open for my upcoming visits to your chapters, and I look forward to seeing you all again very soon!
Ad Dei Gloriam
Cheers,
Art
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
August Already?
Wow, I can't believe July went by so quickly... so fast, in fact, that I didn't even have a chance to post a blog in the entire month! This summer is just speeding by... naturally. Seems that way every summer, and before you know it, BAM! It's just one week before convention!
I can't begin to tell you the stress levels around the Taylor household these days, but I'm sure everyone could probably guess that already. It doesn't help that I'm house-sitting this week and having to majorly adjust my sleeping schedule to ensure I make it in to work on time. Something worked right, I suppose, because I was an hour and a half or more early this morning!
Well, be that as it may, it's still hard to believe we're already into August and about to see each other once more for the annual summer conclave. I have to say, I'm looking forward to this convention more than any other, for a few reasons. First, I always look forward to the next convention more than any other; I have great memories of the past ones, but the mind boggles as to what will happen this year. Second, it's being held in a state I've never set foot in yet, so that's always a big plus. Third, it should be much cooler than the rest of the country for a change, which will be a most welcomed change. (Anyone remember Summer '07 in Atlanta when we set several heat records?) Fourth, we're installing the Alpha Zeta Chapter this year! Lastly, it's convention. I always look forward to it, each time a little more enthusiastically than the last.
It's hard for me to rank the past conventions I've attended; there have been far too many memories and experiences to sum up with just a few words. Anyone who has been to one can back me up on that statement. I think it would be hard to rank something as abstract as a family reunion, though. That sounds equivalent, to me, of asking someone to rank their children in order of favorites. Each one has to receive equal billing. It's just an unfair question.
Then again, nobody asked me, so I'll move on.
I hope you will be joining us this year! It promises to be an absolute blast, as per usual! With an afternoon game at Miller Park, the Irish Festival in town, the first ever ADG Poker Tournament, and other such events on the horizon, I hardly think any of us will be wont for something to do. Happy reunion, everyone! Safe travels to and from Milwaukee, and I'll see you there soon!
Ad Dei Gloriam
Cheers,
Art
I can't begin to tell you the stress levels around the Taylor household these days, but I'm sure everyone could probably guess that already. It doesn't help that I'm house-sitting this week and having to majorly adjust my sleeping schedule to ensure I make it in to work on time. Something worked right, I suppose, because I was an hour and a half or more early this morning!
Well, be that as it may, it's still hard to believe we're already into August and about to see each other once more for the annual summer conclave. I have to say, I'm looking forward to this convention more than any other, for a few reasons. First, I always look forward to the next convention more than any other; I have great memories of the past ones, but the mind boggles as to what will happen this year. Second, it's being held in a state I've never set foot in yet, so that's always a big plus. Third, it should be much cooler than the rest of the country for a change, which will be a most welcomed change. (Anyone remember Summer '07 in Atlanta when we set several heat records?) Fourth, we're installing the Alpha Zeta Chapter this year! Lastly, it's convention. I always look forward to it, each time a little more enthusiastically than the last.
It's hard for me to rank the past conventions I've attended; there have been far too many memories and experiences to sum up with just a few words. Anyone who has been to one can back me up on that statement. I think it would be hard to rank something as abstract as a family reunion, though. That sounds equivalent, to me, of asking someone to rank their children in order of favorites. Each one has to receive equal billing. It's just an unfair question.
Then again, nobody asked me, so I'll move on.
I hope you will be joining us this year! It promises to be an absolute blast, as per usual! With an afternoon game at Miller Park, the Irish Festival in town, the first ever ADG Poker Tournament, and other such events on the horizon, I hardly think any of us will be wont for something to do. Happy reunion, everyone! Safe travels to and from Milwaukee, and I'll see you there soon!
Ad Dei Gloriam
Cheers,
Art
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