ADG: President's Blog

Next Stop: Kansas City

2010-05-06T09:53:00.002-04:00

Semesters are finally ending, though to me, this semester has seemingly flown by at a rather rapid pace. I have to imagine, if you are still in school, that it might have dragged on longer than you would have liked. For myself, and possibly many alumni, the first few months have been fast-paced and frantic. Either way, May is here and that means finals, graduation, and setting up summer plans until August, when we will congregate in Kansas City for Convention and make return plans to our respective universities, or return back to the coming Fall workloads at our offices and the like.

Okay, so, it's another May.

Right now, the Council is working closely with Zeta chapter in creating programming for the convention this summer in KC that will be educational, informative, entertaining, and provocative. It has been a long road to the mid-west, but I'm ecstatic at the efforts of the alumni and actives at Zeta for their long hours, hard work, and dedication in making this event one that will be truly memorable for years to come!

How often does one get the chance to watch the Yankees at a stadium, ticket prices being what they are in their home town? (Not that I'm a Yanks fan, mind; quite the opposite, but I love baseball in general, so I'm still stoked). It's not every day that we find ourselves in the middle of the country, and there is so much to do and see and experience there. You've heard of Kansas City Barbecue, but have you ever really tried it? What about the country's only National World War I Museum and Memorial? How about the largest shuttlecocks in the world? Ever been to the Plaza in downtown KC? It's an experience to say the least!

Be sure to register soon, though. The faster we can find out how many are attending, the more able we are to properly craft programs and events around you. Also, be sure to get your hotel room booked soon, before the block is sold out! Remember, you can cancel at least a week out if something were to come up, likely closer than that (24-48 hours, typically), so it's better to have the room reserved and not need it, than need it and not have one. All details can be found on the convention website, http://www.adgconvention.com.

Hope to see everyone there as always! Stay safe this summer, enjoy the time off, spend some time catching up with friends and family, and bring your letters to Missouri in August!

Ad Dei Gloriam

Winding Down, Winding Up

2010-04-09T09:26:00.003-04:00

Brothers:

The semester is winding down, indeed. April is already upon us (when did that happen?) and the grip of winter has finally been released. Finals will be coming soon and many of you will be graduating and moving on to either a job in the "real world" or furthering your education with a post-graduate degree. Exciting times, no doubt!

Alternately, though, we are busily winding up plans and events for this summer's annual convention in Kansas City, MO, as hosted by the brothers of Zeta chapter! I can honestly say that we have a number of extremely fascinating events and seminars planned already, including hard-to-find tickets to watch the Yankees play ball! (I'm an Orioles fan, personally, so I'll be pulling for the Royals in this one; sorry, Jim). There are many other events and activities, but I don't want to spoil the surprise... plus, you can find all this and more on the official convention website: www.adgconvention.com.

On a personal note, I will not be able to make the remainder of the chapter visits for this semester, so I will be asking the rest of the council to fill in for me. In short, I'm dealing with some health issues that prevent me from traveling at the moment. Hopefully, these will be resolved soon, and I hope this will not affect me much in the long term, but time will tell.

I'll keep this one brief, as I have a lot of catching up to do, but as always, feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions! I hope your semester goes by well, and I look forward to seeing you all again this summer in KC! It's going to be a blast!

Ad Dei Gloriam

Fraternally,
Art

Convention Already?

2010-03-30T10:36:00.003-04:00

Well, no, not yet. But, sooner than you might think! There is only one more day in March, and after the shellshock of the past snowstorms this winter, it's a pleasure to say that April is almost here! This semester is flying by faster than usual, it seems, but this is all the more reason to remind everyone about this summer's annual convention in Kansas City.

Zeta chapter and their alumni are going to great lengths to ensure an awesome program is being put together and that an amazing experience is shared by all, active and alumnus alike. Where else can you get tickets to a Yankees game these days? Were you aware that this country does have a National WWI Museum? Did you know the world's largest shuttlecocks currently reside on the lawn at the Nelson/Atkins Art Museum and are 18 feet tall? Have you ever had authentic Kansas City barbecue... IN KANSAS CITY?

These tidbits and so much more (including a very impressive and active nightlife) await us from August 11 through the 14th. Just be sure to register soon, as the $30 savings expires on May 1. You can find all the details, including the registration form, at www.adgconvention.com. As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

I'll keep this brief, since my schedule has been quite solid lately, but I wanted everyone to know that the Council is working hard on your requests from the previous semester's reports, along with news and updates we have received so far this Spring. We are working on making this convention even better than 2009, and more importantly, in making additional strides and steps in strengthening Alpha Delta Gamma for the years to come.

Ad Dei Gloriam

Cincy is Calling!

2010-02-03T11:38:00.005-05:00

While "all the little chicks with the crimson lips are going, 'Cleveland rocks,'" the Delts will be bringing down the house in Cincinnati in just a couple of weeks! Granted, we shall technically be in Northern Kentucky, hosts of Rho chapter, we are literally across the river from Ohio. Those of you that know the area can attest to the great times one can easily have in this part of the country! If you've never been before, prepare yourself for a real treat!

Just a reminder, though, if you have not yet reserved your hotel room, you need to do so soon. The discounted rate is only guaranteed through this upcoming Friday! There is a definite risk of the hotel running out of rooms, so please be sure and reserve yours soon! You can find all the details, along with the necessary code, on the main website (www.alphadeltagamma.org).

More importantly, though, with all of the winter weather abounding these days (at least in the DC area this winter), please be sure that you arrive safely. Whether driving or flying in, keep vigilant of your surroundings and be on the lookout for changing weather conditions. Driving from flat areas into mountains, the environment can change very quickly. Trust me, when you do as many road trips a year as I do, you notice these things!

As always, though, it will be a pleasure to see you all again, my brothers. More than meetings and sport challenges and the like, I just enjoy seeing everyone in the same place, exchanging ideas, creating new contacts, reaffirming old ones, and generally showing everyone what it means to be a brother of Alpha Delta Gamma. Remember, when our alumni speak of being an AlphaDelt, they say, "I AM an ADG," not, "I was."

Until then, brothers, stay in touch, travel safely, and I look forward to seeing you all very soon!

Ad Dei Gloriam

2010 Kickoff

2010-01-14T22:03:00.003-05:00

Just a quick note to inform you that ADG is kicking off 2010 by jumping into the social networking scene, and we're making up for lost time! Alpha Delta Gamma can now be found on Twitter and Facebook (as a page). You can find us at the following sites:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/AlphaDeltaGamma

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alpha-Delta-Gamma/249163524587

Now, you can keep in touch with us and your brothers on these social media sites! We're always looking for suggestions, though, so please feel free to drop us a line and let us know what you think. Hope your 2010 is off to a great start, too!

Auld Lang Syne

2010-01-04T16:43:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year, everyone! I only hope 2010 turns out better for all of us than 2009. Whether you felt the previous year was good, or one to be quickly forgotten, I wish for gladder tidings and better things in the year(s) to come.

I was definitely one of those people who thought that the previous year held so much promise and potential, that there were loads of good things to take from it. Granted, I still feel that way when I sit down and think on it. At the same time, though, I could not wait for the old year to pass. It seemed that every week there was a new stress, tragedy, or setback awaiting me and those around me. Quite frankly, but mid-December, I had personally surrendered to 2009 in the hopes that the year would finally leave us all alone.

Ah, but then again, there were some bright spots, don't get me wrong. I certainly had a blast with the brothers from all around the country. From Los Angeles to New Orleans, from Miami to Kansas City, from Philadelphia to Milwaukee, it was an enjoyable time visiting all of you. I sincerely look forward to seeing you again in the coming months, especially in February for Spring Conference! http://tinyurl.com/yhh3d34.

Above all, as much as I do love to complain about the bad things, it serves no real purpose other than to vent. For that, I have Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (thank you, Anna!) and other various outlets for negative energy. Sounds very 'Zen-Master-Phil-Jackson,' but in reality, it's just a very enjoyable coping mechanism. :-)

I hope you have similar venues to blow off steam when the need arises. I also hope, that no matter how you saw 2009, your next year is full of joy, happiness, health, fun, and the warmth and companionship of friends and family. We'll raise a cup of kindness yet, indeed! Happy New Year to you and yours; all the best in 2010!

Long Time, No Post!

2009-11-17T11:07:00.006-05:00

Brothers,

I apologize for the delay between posts, but this has been an absolutely chaotic semester for me, both as the ADG President and in my personal/work life as well. I am happy to say, though, that things should be slowing down significantly until 2010 and next semester, though, so I might finally be able to catch up on some sleep, or possibly even a new book! But, I digress... and somewhat delude myself, because this is a 24/7 job, and as many of you know, despite the long hours and compiled stress, I love it.

I have finished my chapter visits for this semester, as well, not including my normal jaunt over to Kappa for U-Night, of course. But, with my return last weekend from New Orleans and Epsilon chapter, that officially closes out my travels for the remainder of the calendar year. What that does mean, though, is that I still have six more chapters to go, plus...

A visit to Green Bay! Should the last hurdles be cleared by the group, we should have the Theta Colony back once again at St. Norbert College in Wisconsin! (Technically, I think it's actually in De Pere and not Green Bay, but those cities are about 2 miles apart, give or take, so it's an easy mistake to make). If things keep moving forward as they have been, though we can look forward to yet another colony of ADG by the beginning of next semester!

These days, though, I'm very much compelled to look forward to everything in the short-term. Part of the rationale is to not lose focus on the present, though one still needs to have long-term goals to strive for. The other reason, though, is in the short-term are the holidays, and they are likely my most favorite time of the year. I like to savor the minutes from October through December, as each second seems to speed by quicker than during the rest of the year.

Don't get me wrong; I'm very much looking forward to my next six chapter visits! The point is, right now, those are in the long-term, whereas Thanksgiving and Christmas are very much in the short-term. It's hard to believe we're more than half way through November. I'm stunned at how quickly this semester has just zoomed by. Like a Porsche on the Autobahn.

Well, be that as it may, I encourage everyone to have long-term goals to strive for and lofty aims to achieve. "Aim high, and never lower your aim." I'll never forget those words. Remind me to tell you the story about them someday. Keep that in the back of your mind, though, as you focus on the next hour, the next day, and the next week ahead. It's a balancing act, but never lose sight of where you are and where you hope to be.

Thank you to all of the chapters for your hospitality and hosting this semester! I'm anxiously looking forward to seeing you again at Conference in February this year. Rho chapter, Covington, KY. Details are on the website, and hotel information will be forthcoming shortly. To those chapters I have yet to visit, I am greatly looking forward to seeing you all again, as well!

Enjoy today, brothers, so that tomorrow will be even better!

Ad Dei Gloriam

Dual Founders' Days?

2009-10-13T12:31:00.003-04:00

This post should have come before October 10, ADG's official Founders' Day, but with the hectic schedule I now "enjoy," time allowed for no other options. At any rate, like Christmas (or any holiday), I think Founders' Day is something we should keep in mind all year long. All that requires is to try and live our lives by the ideals set forth by the Founding Four of Alpha Delta Gamma.

Strangely enough, and I don't know why I never thought of this before, yesterday was also Columbus Day, which celebrates the discovery of America. Now, we all know our history (I hope) and the various controversies involving Christopher Columbus. There are critics on both sides of the argument and many heated debates over this day. Did he actually discover North America? Was he the first? Did he do bad things when he arrived?

I don't want to start a debate about a long-dead traveler, and I certainly don't want to see one arise from this conversation. What I think is important to keep in mind, however, are the underlying facts of the day, the raison d'etre of the celebration.

Discovery: If we can take nothing away from this holiday, consider then the motivations for discovery. For some, it was greed, pure and simple. For others, there were loftier goals, such as marine safety (plotting out the seas and finding easier routes). Still others simply wanted to get out there and explore. Whatever you believe the true motivation was, remember that it was ultimately a voyage of new ideas and uncharted waters. There is a lot to be said about the bravery to try new ideas, to dive into the unknown.
Beginnings: Whatever the motivation ultimately was, this discovery was a new beginning for the 'New World.' Many would argue that this meant the end of another world, the destruction of an entire continent. I would say that every beginning needs to be remembered for its successes and triumphs, as well as its failures and miscues. Always keep in mind the motivation and strive to continue the effort, but making things better during your tenure.

There are many parallels to draw between our Founders' Day and Columbus Day. There will always be mistakes to be made, and obstacles to be overcome. That is the drawback of human nature: we're not perfect. The point, though, is to endeavor to do better, to always strive to learn from those same mistakes so as to not make them again. Sure, we're human, and of course we're not perfect. But, we can still try to do better and always remember where we came from.

I think the Founding Fathers did an amazing thing for the world, give us Alpha Delta Gamma to grow and nourish. It is now up to us to keep it alive and to constantly strive for bigger and better things for it. So long as we do our best to avoid repeating previous mistakes, we will be as omnipresent as the Americas and as timeless as the seas crossed over to reach its shores.

Ad Dei Gloriam

First Day of Fall Update

2009-09-22T11:18:00.012-04:00

Well, it's officially Autumn today, and I personally could not be happier about the seasonal change! This is, hands-down, the best time of the year in my opinion. The weather is cooler, the leaves put on a spectacular display, the harvest arrives with its bounties for the hearth, an aroma of nutmeg and apples hangs in the air... and grown men put on padding and beat each other senseless on stained grass fields of a hundred yards, not to mention on the ice, all across the country.

Yes, football season is my favorite sport (go Redskins!), but hockey comes in at a close second and their season starts up on October 1 (go Caps!). I really do just love this time of the year, though. I've never been one for the heat and humidity, though I was born in Nawlins, where those two entities never seem to leave town. So, the cooler temps are a huge plus in my book.

Everything about this season appeals to me, though, except for possibly the leaf molds. I really do prefer the cuisine of this season as well. From game to pumpkins to apples, there's a lot of sweet and savory comestibles waiting to be crafted and consumed. While I'm not one for decorating as a rule, I do try to take time to see how Mother Nature does every year in her exterior design schemes.

Most of all, though, while most of the population finds Spring to be the season of renewal and rebirth, I tend to think of Autumn as that time of year. The falling of leaves is like the shedding of old layers in order for new ones to take their place. Think of it in terms of Alpha Delta Gamma, at least:

This is the beginning of the school year, when Rush crops up again and new ideas are implemented.
New brothers bring new life to each chapter; most chapters, even those with deferred Rush, use this time to test events for the Spring semester, when they can perfect those plans.
A new freshmen class brings about new prospects for chapter growth and development.

In a sense, this is our Spring season right now. From what I have been hearing out of the chapters already, things are already looking better than before. Rho showed me a great time over Labor Day weekend, and they are moving full-speed ahead on the chapter level. Alpha Epsilon had me down for their Bid Day, which if you have not experienced, you should. Lambda reported a larger-than-average deferred Fall class, as well. Things are certainly looking revived and renewed so far! You can have your Spring; I'll stay with Fall.

One thing about revitalization and nurturing, though, it is not a fire-and-forget operation. The only way we can thrive is if everyone is willing to pitch in and do their part. We often say, "City Walled," to one another; what good is a wall if even one of the bricks goes away? Sure, the remaining bricks need to be stronger, but they have to fill that void that is left behind. Many hands make light work; let's not forget that.

Enjoy the season while it lasts! Around DC, it seems to pass by almost in an instant. I plan on visiting an orchard or two, a winery or three, and trying my hand at new culinary creations this year. I also hope to spend ample time outdoors just soaking in the crisp breezes and chill Fall nights. Feel free to join me for Oktoberfest or maybe just a Sam Adams Oktoberfest this year. Or, Jack's Pumpkin Ale, either one. Enjoy the season, brothers, and savor every last minute of the splendor of the Fall!

Ad Dei Gloriam

Convention Post-Game

2009-08-17T11:58:00.005-04:00

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

August Already?

2009-08-03T12:01:00.009-04:00

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

Whatever Happened...

2009-06-25T09:29:00.006-04:00

...to Peace, Love, and Understanding?

No, I'm not channeling the spirit of Elvis Costello, though I suppose that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. It's just curious to me that we, as a society, and the wealthiest one in the world in so many respects, can blatantly disregard common courtesies on a daily basis, almost as if on purpose. Case in point (and the rationale for my blog today):

I'm walking outside from my office the other day and I stop to hold the door open for two guys coming in. They looked like they could have been younger than me, possibly even interns, who knows. Anyway, I hold the door open, and not one of them even makes eye contact, let alone says anything. Now, we've all seen this before, and we've seen far worse examples where entire families will take you up on your hospitality and not say a word or even smile. The day after the Metro accident in DC, though, one would think that would give pause to notice the smaller things in life and take notice.

Eh, maybe I'm reading too much into this, but I can tell you one thing: if I had the exact same experience in Atlanta, or New Orleans, or Biloxi, someone would have said, "Thank you." It's just how things are down there, I've come to find. Say what you will about the South, the Deep South, the Dirty South, the blah blah blah, but there is quite a good deal of truth in the two words 'Southern Hospitality.'

Y'all can keep your weather, though.

I gave some thought to this incident, and weighed the idea of going purely "DC" and being as abjectly rude to everyone I meet down here who can't possibly advance my career. The more I pondered this newfound lifestyle, however, the less I knew I could do it. I'm just not cut out for that kind of attitude. Well, not yet, anyway. Besides, I came to realize I don't do things like that for recognition; I don't need to hear 'thank you' every time I do one good thing, trivial or not. I do, however, need to be a decent person and do things because... it's the right thing to do.

That's my bottom line, everyone. Do the right thing... because it's the right thing. Do you have to go out of your way sometimes to be the better man? Yes. Is it always convenient, quick, and easy? No. Do the rewards far outweigh momentary displeasure? I'd like to think everyone would answer yes to that question, but it really boils down to what kind of person you are. The eternal optimist in me would like to think that being decent is by far its own reward.

I'm probably reading too much into this one incident, but as I said, it happened the day after the Metro collision down here and everyone was a little shaky that day. It's probably stuck with me so much on account of timing. Still, I hope we never lose sight of right and wrong, and despite all our trials and personal obstacles we face, I hope we continue to endeavor to be decent to each other at all times.

'Keep the Lines Burning'

2009-06-11T15:00:00.005-04:00

Leaving aside the debate about the origins of today's subject line, and the myriad of other older expressions we could delve into here, allow me a moment to discuss... communicating.

This may be summertime for everyone, whether you are an active or an alumnus. For actives, unless you are attending summer session classes, this is the time when many of you normally return to quieter times. Whether it's a recurring summer job, staying at home and soaking up the A/C with the family, or jaunting about the country/world on a long vacation, you needn't be concerned with studying for finals for quite some time. No more dormitory living; no more grotesque dining hall food; no more 8:00am classes.

Many alumni also consider this a sort of vacation, though. Congress will soon be out of session for a long time, and many businesses (except in destination towns) use this time to take their own time off. Family trips abound; theme parks and pools will be clogged with tourists; airports and train stations will see an increase in traffic. Things definitely tend to quiet down somewhat all around during this time of the year.

Still, this is no reason to lose touch with everyone! In fact, given that responsibilities and projects are at a yearly low, now is the time to do all those things you promised yourself you would do once you had the time. Among them: call good ol' what's-his-face from back in the day.

I hope everyone vegs out quite appropriately in the coming months, but I hope you also take some time to stay in touch with everyone, especially your brothers. Convention is coming up sooner than you think, and if you want to find out more about the hoopla, you'll need to pick up the phone (or fire up the Outlook) once in a while. Stay in touch, everyone, and enjoy this most excellent time of the year!

(On a personal note, I rather cannot stand this time of the year, but that has everything to do with the weather. I'd much prefer to be freezing than melting. Guess who has two thumbs and cannot possibly look forward to Autumn more? That's right: this guy.)

Ad Dei Gloriam

Feeling Infinitely Better

2009-06-03T09:43:00.003-04:00

So, yeah, last week was a nightmare to say the least. Not to get into details, but let me simply say that I was incapacitated and unable to even check e-mail for a period of time lasting more than five minutes. Regardless, I'm back this week and ready to keep moving ahead with plans for the Convention in Milwaukee this August.

At any rate, we're putting together some ideas for this upcoming conclave, so please feel free to submit any and all feedback you would like in regards to programming and events. This promises to be less meeting-heavy than in previous years, though we will still have some business to attend to throughout the week. Still, the focus is coming together and having fun with brothers, so keep that in mind for the upcoming 'reunion.'

Speaking of reunions, don't forget that this Saturday is the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. This is an important occasion for me, as I am a student of World War II and had a great uncle, who was killed in action outside of St. Lo. I can't say for certain, but most of us probably know (or knew) someone who either was in the military during the conflict, or served on the homefront in some capacity. Keep them in mind for their sacrifices and valor that has kept our country, and our friends, safe and free.

That's about all for today, at least for now. A short post, for a change. I am still catching up with everything, so if you're waiting on me for something, just keep asking. Until we meet again...

Ad Dei Gloriam

Winding Down, Warming Up

2009-05-13T14:23:00.005-04:00

Things are finally starting to quiet down, for the most part. The Spring semester is finally closing, as most of the schools are done with finals and readying their commencement ceremonies. At the same time, however, the Council is starting to heat things up with preparations for this summer's Convention in Milwaukee. Believe it or not, this is one of our busiest times of the year.

No doubt, though, our convention steward, Wayne Palmer-Ball, is by far busier still. I don't plan on turning this blog into an advertisement for this event, mind you, but if you need details, you can find them here: www.adgconvention.com. I will say that you really should book your room now, even if you are not 100% certain you will be going. With the Irish Festival in town that week (yes, we shall be going), rooms are at a premium, except under our block. You'll have 48 hours to cancel, if necessary, so don't worry about that. Better to have it, though, than to scramble at the last minute for a place to stay (or crash).

I will also say that if you have never been, you need only ask someone who has to realize the impact one convention can have. I don't know about those of you who have gone, but I find it incredibly difficult to put into words. Often, though, I will equate it to a family reunion, only without a bunch of people you secretly don't like. Heh... little joke, sorry. Seriously, though, if you really want to see the 'world of men around us,' then look no further than Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 11-16.

So, keep us in mind throughout your summer break. For those of you graduating this semester, congratulations and best of luck in your future endeavors! Keep ADG with you always, as we are a fraternity for life, not just an undergraduate club. To those who are returning in the Fall, enjoy the time off, stay safe and healthy this summer, and get ready for another splendid semester in September!

Remember, we never stop being Alphadelts. We are not just parts in smaller regions, but members of a much larger whole. We answer, not only to our chapter and one another, but to ourselves. Are you prepared for the question? City Walled, brothers, and I hope to see all of you this summer in Miller-town!

Ad Dei Gloriam

So long for now, Bro...

2009-05-05T23:58:00.003-04:00

Well, Anna and I arrived back home this evening from Los Angeles, and I still don't think it's really kicked in yet. At least, not until now. Part of me is still in shock, part in denial, part still angry, and part simply confused. This has been a difficult time for everyone in Alpha Delta Gamma, make no mistake, but the brothers of Lambda will need our support now more than any during the months ahead. Their strength and drive will cetainly keep them going, make no mistake, but all the same, drop them a line from time to time. Stay in touch with each other, brothers, and never forget that we are a family.

I'm rather exhausted overall and in serious need of some sleep, but I wanted to share something with you first. I don't know how many of you remember Garfield, especially the specials that CBS used to run on TV a while back. They're all on DVD, now, by the way, but that's neither here nor there. The very first one, "Here Comes Garfield," has a song by Desirée Goyette that I've never been able to forget.

"So long, old friend
I wish that I could see you once again
I never knew
The time would come when I'd be losing you

I hope you know I never meant to treat you badly
And now I know just what a friend like you is for
I never thought that it would end so sadly
And you'd be walking through that door

So long, old friend
I wish that I could see you once again
I never knew
The time would come when I'd be losing you
I always thought our fun and games would just go on and on
I never knew I'd have to say
So long"

A cartoon and song for children, perhaps, but the message is pure and one that rings true perpetually. There has not been a time when I've lost someone in my life and not had this song come to mind. I can't seem to shake it now. So long, Bro. Until we meet again, in Chapter Eternal.

Be good to each other, my brothers, and I will see you all in August in Milwaukee.

City Walled,
Art

The Man We Called 'Bro'

2009-04-22T12:48:00.009-04:00

If you have not yet heard the news, ADG lost one of the most active and vibrant Alphadelts it has ever known; Brother Anthony P. "Bro" Smulders passed away this past Sunday of heart failure. He was 66. I'll post the official press release on the homepage shortly (http://www.alphadeltagamma.org/).

I don't know what else to say about this man, our brother... the man we all called 'Bro.' It's kind of funny to me, really, when I think about that. He was more like a father to many of us than just another brother. But, that's the thing, he was never just another brother. He was something much more than that. He was a true brother, a friend, a confidant, an exemplar of the ideals of Alpha Delta Gamma... and a really funny guy!

Many stories are being passed around already, and I think everyone who ever met Bro has at least one of those stories. He was the first national officer I ever met, actually, and to add meaning to his visit, it was also during my candidate retreat in '96. It wasn't our final night, just a time to break away from the doldrums of freshman year in order to more deeply connect with our brothers and with what ADG stood for. It meant a lot to us, our candidate class that is, and having Bro there speaking to us was an unforgettable experience.

If you met Bro, though, I needn't say anything else, because you already know him and what he meant to each of us. If you never had the chance to meet him, no doubt the past few days' worth of correspondence have given you some idea of what we lost on Sunday. Oh, but how much we gained for having him in our midst, though.

Raise a Heineken in his honor, my brothers. I think he would like that. I know we shall never forget him. Keep the stories alive, pass them down, and let us all try to live up to the example he gave us.

Be strong, my brothers, for each other and for yourselves. We mourn as one, we celebrate as one. Ad Dei Gloriam.

Sunny Florida, a Distant Memory

2009-04-20T12:45:00.005-04:00

It was quite weird to step off the plane wearing shorts and sandals, coming from 80+ degree weather, sunny, breezy, blue skies, and hitting that wall of cold, frigid, damp air in Baltimore. What's more, it's barely over 50 today, rainy profusely and quite humid. Oh, how I miss Florida... words I never thought I would hear myself say.

I do miss Psi chapter, though, most of all. I hate leaving chapter visits. It's like a mini-homecoming for me every time, everywhere I go. Coming home (though I have friends and family that care about me here, too) is always hard to do. It was made no easier this past weekend thanks to the hosting of Psi at Barry University in lovely Miami Shores.

This concludes my flights for the semester and for the year! All that is left is Alpha Delta and York Colony (again) and that is slated for next weekend. That's a driving trip, though, which suits me to a T. No more waiting in crowded airports for cancelled flights; no more sitting next to people with intestinal disorders; no more airport food; no more losing sleep on cramped airplane seats, sticking to the leather, and trying to remove outer garments due to the heat level of the flight.

And yet, no more chapter visits and seeing old and new faces; no more midnight walks up and down Canal Street; no more trips to Giordano's for amazing deep-dish delights; no more dissing the St. Louisans for their love of provel (while secretly enjoying it myself); no more jaunts through the star-studded streets of Hollywood; no more cavorting through the North Georgia Hills; no more barbecue joints; no more art museums; no more World War museums; no more culinary expeditions at all hours...

...at least... not until next semester. ;-)

See you all in Milwaukee!

Ad Dei Gloriam.

Another Day, Another Day Closer...

2009-04-08T15:22:00.003-04:00

This semester has seemingly flown by, surprisingly. Granted, there have been numerous challenges along the way, but to see that it is April already... it's a little strange. I wonder, how has the time been spent?

Personally, I think we've made some great strides this semester, but what about locally? How many chapters believe that they are in a better position now than in the fall? Has the spring really been that renewing thus far? One cannot judge by numbers alone, obviously; so, how has your chapter fared?

What's that? You're an alumnus and you have no idea how your chapter is doing? What about Laetare Sunday? Did you participate in that holiday? Did your chapter even remember to hold a service, or send out an invite?

Communication.

That's the bottom line. Some of you have heard me say this time and time again, and I apologize for repeating myself, but I cannot stress this facet enough. Where would we be without contact with our chapters, between the actives and the alumni, between nationals and everyone else? What can we be doing better?

Well, with convention coming up in August, one thing I plan on doing is talking to everyone more. One thing that you can do is to ensure you are on the national member listserv (members@alphadeltagamma.org). If you are unsure if you are subscribed or not (you would have received several messages by now in 2009), send an e-mail to either myself, to the list itself, or to our webmaster, John Koehler, at webmaster@alphadeltagamma.org. And remember to congratulate him on the birth of his first child!

Milwaukee is going to be a blast. Wayne and the Council are working out the details, but we plan on an overall shift away from day-long meetings and repetitive seminars. Instead, we plan on more time for activities, both for actives and alumni (separate and combined), as well as more time for individual chapters to meet with the Council on a one-on-one basis. I suppose that's more of a group-on-group basis, but you get the idea. Additionally, there are several artifacts, tools, and swag that will make this conclave one for the books. Sorry, it's a surprise, but believe me when I say, you WON'T be disappointed!

The main website (http://www.alphadeltagamma.org) has been updated significantly of late, too. Included in the revisions, you can now go to the store section, click on the "Pay Convention Fee" link, and actually pay your registration fee online! Better hurry, though, the price goes from $125 to $150 as of June 1! Also, the convention website (http://www.adgconvention.com) has also been updated recently. Not only can you link back to the main store site for said fee payment, but a tentative schedule has been posted (http://www.adgconvention.com/2009-convention-schedule). We're prepping, everyone! Make sure you're there for what promises to be an historic gathering of epic proportions! (Okay, sounds a little cliché, I'll admit, but it's not just a line!)

Drop a line when you can. See you in Milwaukee!

Ad Dei Gloriam

Well Met in St. Louis

2009-03-30T12:59:00.008-04:00

From mid-50's, to low 30's with rain, sleet, and snow, to a balmy 72... I'm surprised I'm not home in bed still. This weather is going to be the end of me, I swear!

At any rate, I'd like to say thank you again to the brothers of Beta chapter for showing me an absolutely incredible time this past weekend in St. Louis! Not only did I witness the induction of four new brothers into their ranks, but I spent an amazing weekend catching up with an old Kappa friend of mine (he's not old, it had just been a while since we'd caught up), exploring the blues-laden area of the Loop on Delmar, hung out with the brothers Rumbach, drove through Illinois, and enjoyed some of the best (if not THE best) barbecue in my life! What a full weekend! I only wish it could have lasted longer.

Okay, I also wish it wasn't so unbelievably cold on Saturday night, nor the sleeping on the cold concrete part, but that was almost amusing in the end.

In other news, I've made some updates on the National website, www.alphadeltagamma.org. You can now pay your convention registration fee online, but hurry! It is currently at the early-bird special of $125, but that will increase to the regular fee of $150 as of June 1st. Check out the store page, and look to the bottom left link there, Pay Convention Fee, or, more directly, you can click on this link to take you straight to the page: www.alphadeltagamma.org/store/conventionfee.html. Note, when you see the Paypal page open up, you might need to remove the $165 option first. We're still ironing out the bugs. Long story.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone there! This promises to be a very exciting, fun-filled week, with less meetings and more time to spend amongst brothers, both active and alumni! If you have any questions, as always, just let me know!

Until next post...

Cheers,
Art

A Momentary Hiatus

2009-03-26T14:32:00.003-04:00

Brothers,

If you have not heard the news by now, our Alpha chapter will be on a four-year hiatus from Loyola University of Chicago. Please note, however, that this does not mean the end of Alpha for ADG. Rather, this is a time for the chapter to rebuild, reform, and restructure itself, so that in four years' time (maybe less), we will be back stronger and truer to the ideals of Alpha Delta Gamma.

Let us all also take note, and realize that we cannot continue in the ways that many associate fraternities with. Whenever I hear about certain events or rituals, the phrase, "it's just tradition," always seems to crop up. Question: when you say that it's tradition, do you mean we actually did these things in 1924?

THAT... is tradition. The 5 S's... is tradition. Serving our local communities, while fostering the highest of ideals within our members... is tradition. Please keep that in mind the next time you are concerned about an activity you are about to undertake. And don't think that it can't happen at your chapter, because, quite obviously, it can.

I do not mean to brow beat the members of the chapter, they have suffered enough. Clearly, the situation was brought on by a drifting away from the basic tenets and principles of our fraternity. The fault, however, is all of ours. We either turned a blind eye to the problem, let it exist out of some strange sentimentality, or simply chose to focus our attentions elsewhere. It cannot be such in the future, though; we all need to look out for one another.

I have faith and hope that we will be back stronger than ever before. I see a future where alcohol is strictly a sidenote to the word 'fraternity,' at least as far as ADG is concerned. I see a time when hazing is a four-letter word, and not something that we need to worry about. There are traditions, of course, but Animal-House-style activities is not tradition. If you are looking towards the past in order to propel into the future, I suggest looking back to 1924 for inspiration. Today's college students want more than a four-year drinking club; they want ADG. Let's give it to them.

Ad Dei Gloriam, brothers.

Long weekend...

2009-03-23T01:15:00.004-04:00

It's after 1:00am, so I'll keep this brief, but it was a long weekend. A good weekend, I think, but a long one nonetheless. Of course, long weekend usually translates into not a real weekend, but anytime I get to see my brothers, it's an excellent weekend. Hopefully, closed minds outside the brotherhood will open, and the world will see the good that we do and the positive impact that we bring. If not, well, we just need to try harder.

I hope everyone had a good Laetare Sunday and celebrated with your respective chapters appropriately. I wish I could have, but duty called, and I rarely let that one go to voicemail. To the brothers whom I visited, thank you for your hospitality as always! Remember, give me a ring or e-mail or what-have-you at any time; we're here to help.

By the way, I missed flying on Southwest. I had forgotten how tremendously awesome they are. Perhaps the only thing in this country we have that one could call the Socialist Airline (no class structure, people!), but a darn fine company and expertly run, to boot. I know some of our brothers have relations who work for Delta, and I mean no offense to them of course, but it will be a very long time before I am okay to look at their logo again, let alone actually fly them. Ah, but life goes on.

Have a great week, everyone, and I'll be in touch again soon!

2009-03-18T10:58:00.001-04:00

Here is my first blog. Not the most noble way of starting out, perhaps, but many great things did not come from the noblest of beginnings. Besides, this aims to be a very informal site, so if you are looking for any official press releases or quotable quotes, I'd suggest our main website, http://www.alphadeltagamma.org/.

This has been a very busy semester, quite possibly the most chaotic in all my days involved in ADG on the national level. Beyond the normal rigamarole of daily life, I am attempting to 'run the circuit' to visit all the chapters personally. Earlier this month, I visited Lambda and Epsilon, and back in February, I was at Kappa for Spring Leadership Conference. This weekend, I shall be visiting Alpha; next weekend, Beta; the following weekend, Rho. With Psi and Alpha Delta already receiving visits from other officers, that will complete the rounds for this year, a 100% effort for the first time in a long time!

I'm extremely proud of the work this council is doing. Moreso, though, I am supremely proud of the work that all the chapters are doing. The council would not be as successful, were it not for the hard work and dedication of the actives and alumni. Does that sound like a line; like something I'm supposed to say? It happens to be true. We derive our strength from you, our members. The success of the whole depends on the accomplishments of the parts. If we all do what we must, then we have no choice but to succeed, and that is a truly marvelous feeling.

This summer is shaping up to be quite the event in Milwaukee. If you haven't booked your rooms yet, or sent in your registration, now is the time. I can't tell you how many excuses I made throughout the years, only to discover that I was short-changing myself the entire time. I never listened to my mentors when they said that I had to go to convention. I figured it was not my scene. I could not have been further from the truth.

We have wonderful families in regional areas, and within each chapter, there is a tremendous sense of brotherhood. Still, we profess to be working for the betterment of the worldwide brotherhood of man. That starts on the homefront and what better way to prove it than by experiencing it for yourself? The words in the Mark of Honor are not idle chatter; there is a greater good out there for which we are striving for. I can think of no better expression of this universal fraternalism than Convention. I look forward to seeing all of you there!

Finally, I hope everyone had a wonderful St. Patrick's celebration yesterday. While my heritage is Irish as well, I tend to think of myself as a student of the world, so, any holiday is a good excuse for reuniting with friends and family alike. I hope you had the chance to do so yourself.

As always, drop a line if I can ever be of any help. I miss all of you when you are not around, and I eagerly await each and every chapter visit I can make. If you're ever in the DC/Baltimore area, the door is always open to you!

Fraternally yours,
Art