Old-Timers Reunion 2014

Forty alumni of Iota Theta Zeta at Arkansas State University participated in an “Old-Timers Reunion” at Heber Springs over the weekend of Sept. 26-28, 2014.

The “old-timers” attending were among the first 300 men initiated into the chapter. Those taking part ranged from Zeta No. 1 Jim Wimberly to Zeta No. 282 Bill Phillips. Brothers with zeta numbers up to 400 were invited to the reunion.

Jeff Clayton, Iota Theta No. 610, attended as a representative of the house corporation, Lambda Chi Alpha at ASU Inc.

Counting spouses, 70 people participated. The Red Apple Inn on Eden Isle served as reunion headquarters.

The weekend began with a Friday night seafood buffet at the Cafe Klasser, just east of Heber Springs and on the Red River. Fifty people attended.

A 3-person scramble golf tournament was held Saturday morning on the Red Apple golf course, with four teams competing. It was won by a team comprised by Jim Goad (No. 196), Eddie French (No. 61) and Bill Phillips, and they were presented with trophies. Brother French also won a gift certificate for the closest tee shot to the No. 2 green — four feet, three inches.

Highlight of the weekend was a Saturday night banquet and reception at the Red Apple Inn.

During the reception Roy Ockert (No. 203) explained that the idea for a reunion of his pledge class may have started in 2011, when Brother Goad invited pledge brothers Ockert and Elbert Frazier (No. 195) to a family reunion in Imboden. Another pledge brother, Paul Madden (No. 201), was to be there, and the mini-reunion lasted well into the evening.

Among the many things discussed was the possibility of having a reunion for the pledge class of spring 1964.

“Later we discussed the possibility with other brothers, and there seemed to be enough support to do it. But time passed, and unfortunately we got word in April of Paul’s sudden death from a recurrence of cancer complicated by pneumonia. From there I was determined to make it happen, even though we would be missing Paul.”

This is the 50-year anniversary of the pledge class’ initiation, and the reunion was expanded to invite everyone with zeta numbers up to 300, then to 400

Those in the 300-400 range apparently didn’t consider themselves old-timers. Only one signed up, then pulled out before completing registration.

During the banquet Brother Ockert’s table had an unexpected honor — participating in a young man’s proposal to his girlfriend. They were having dinner in the main dining room near the LXA group. We were asked to present four roses to the young lady, each with a note from her suitor while he was away from their table. Brothers Bob Moore (No. 202), Richard Gaines (No. 217) and Tom Akers (No. 189) were enlisted to help — the roses presented in succession.

She said yes.

A memorial service Sunday morning concluded the reunion, honoring brothers who have died. Brother Bob Harrelson (No. 119) presented an inspirational message and read a poem he had written especially for the occasion.

The names of deceased brothers up to zeta number 400 were read by Brothers Charlie Crow (No. 81), Charles Long (No. 20), Warren Dupwe (No. 139) and John Phelps (No. 245). The list had 71 names.