A message from Bro. Thomas McKessey Clark, 1999
President, Bowdoin Alpha Delta Phi Society Alumni Association
Dear Bowdoin Alpha Delt,
It is my pleasure to officially invite you to the 2013 Bowdoin Alpha Delta Phi Reunion, Thursday, August 1st through Sunday, August 4th. In cooperation with Bowdoin College, we will once again gather at 228 Maine Street/Howell House. Also as in previous years, the upstairs rooms will be available for sleeping accommodations starting Thursday, August 1st. As always, this Reunion is open to all Alpha Delts and their loved ones, not just those who graduated in years ending in 3 or 8.
To access the on-line registration form, please click here (http://www.adpsbowdoin.org/2013registrationform).
Starting in 2009, our reunions no longer coincide with the full College Reunion weekend at the end of May. Some of you may recall that Bowdoin College representatives requested this change in 2008. Following a series of negotiations, the College continues to honor our 2000 agreement by providing this alternate option, opening the House for our annual gatherings during the first weekend in August. After four rather successful Reunions (some of the largest that we’ve had in years), the College agreed to the same arrangement for this year’s gathering.
During Reunion Weekend, the Bowdoin Alpha Delta Phi Society Alumni Association will hold its annual meeting on Saturday, August 3rd at 11 a.m. at the House. Among the topics that we will discuss are: how we can do a better job re-engaging our fellow alumni brothers and plans for future reunions. I look forward to reporting on some dynamic literary activities on campus which were supported by the Bowdoin Alpha Delta Phi Society Literary Fund, and discussing your ideas for future literary events. The annual meeting will also focus on our ongoing role in the national Alpha Delta Phi Society—where the Bowdoin Chapter continues to lead, literally, with Bro. Craig Cheslog ’93 becoming the Society’s Honorary Chairman, and Bro. James Sabo ’92 joining Bro. David Clodfelter ’89 and myself on the Society Board of Governors this year.
For the first time, brothers will be able to participate in the annual meeting virtually. Thanks to decision approved at the last annual meeting, brothers will be able to participate in our meeting from around the world, provided that they have an Internet connection. Please contact me if you will be unable to make it to the House on August 3rd in person, but still want to attend the annual meeting online.
Here are some additional details about the weekend:
• Dinner will be served at the House on Friday and Saturday, and brunch will be available on Saturday and Sunday. All meals will be buffet-style. You can sign up for these meals on the registration form.
• Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be served by Bowdoin College at the House, and this is covered in your fee. There will be open bars at the House on both Friday and Saturday evenings.
• We have arranged for guided tours of the Bowdoin Special Collections and the Bowdoin Art Museum on Friday afternoon. These tours are free with your registration. Just sign-up for the tours on the registration form.
• In honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, we will be remembering our Bowdoin Alpha Delt brother and the Hero of Little Round Top, Bro. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (Class of 1852) with guest speakers and a tour of his house and museum on Saturday afternoon. Just sign-up for the tours on the registration form.
• This year we will also be offering a tour and tasting at a Maine brewery free with your registration and you can sign-up when you arrive.
Enclosed is a registration form, so that you can sign up for the weekend’s slate of activities. You may register online if you would prefer. To do so, simply go to the Reunion website (http://www.adpsbowdoin.org/2013). If you need assistance with some or all of your Reunion fees, please contact me directly at your earliest convenience by email at thom.clark@gmail.com or by phone at 703-786-8164. ADP Board members have worked together to implement a grant application form, and we will be happy to assist you with this detail.
Our continued use of Howell House for Alpha Delt gatherings is dependent on our demonstrating to the College that we have an ongoing interest. In other words, how many members register and participate does make a difference. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by email at thom.clark@gmail.com. My mailing address is 6031 Fifth Rd N., Arlington, Virginia 22203.
On behalf of the Bowdoin Alpha Delta Phi Society Alumni Association, I look forward to welcoming you all back to the House August 1st – 4th for our 2013 Reunion.
Xaipe,
Bro. Thomas McKessey Clark ‘99
President, Bowdoin Alpha Delta Phi Society Alumni Association