HAPPY 48TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RHO ALPHA CHARTERING Happy Birthday Rho Alpha! The Rho Alpha chapter of Phi Gamma Delta was chartered exactly 48 years ago today on May 13, 1972. These 26 names are forever enshrined on our Phi Gamma Delta charter, delivered to us on that day: Brad Abrams, Ed Arnold, Stacey Cole, Bill Cross, Rabbit Dunn, Steve Garnsey, Ron Gheen, Brady Gorman, Michael Griffith, Bob Iantosca, Michael Martirano, Scott Mohun, Bob Moore, Tom Payne (1st president), John Price, Tom Rau, Dave Russell, Mark Russell, Eddie Sparkman, Vern Tydings, Skip Umstead, Rick Vaden, Bill Watts, Dale Weldon, Don Whittaker, and Tom Wuest. Who remembers our very first Purple Legionnaire Dr. Harold McNair (Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, retired and still living in Blacksburg)? Who remembers Archon President Bill Hauser who was instrumental in shepherding the local fraternity Phi Alpha Chi towards affiliation with Phi Gamma Delta in 1971-1972 when Virginia Tech finally relented and allowed national Greek organizations to colonize? Who remembers working with Tim Kilduff at Phi Gamma Delta IHQ to work the logistics of the chartering weekend (Tim is still serving as a FIJI volunteer in the Boston area)? Since that day 48 years ago, we've initiated approximately 850 men into the chapter, and Rho Alpha has grown into being one of the top tier chapters on the Virginia Tech campus. Although the coronavirus has wreaked havoc on college life for everyone this semester, we are on track to come back strongly in the fall with 110 returning undergraduates, and will hit the ground at least running, and more likely sprinting, as the undergraduates continue to lead by example. Rho Alpha continues to thrive, as was evidenced by our virtual Pig Dinner held a few weeks ago, with an attendance of over 200 (by far the largest attendance reported of any chapter's virtual Pig Dinner this semester). The Phi Alpha Chi/Charter brother generation has met several times virtually online since then and will continue to meet monthly on Zoom going forward. Other groups/eras of Rho Alpha brothers and their families are also meeting regularly via Zoom for happy hours, since we can't all get together in person. Heartfelt gratitude to all Brothers who have contributed (and continue to contribute) time, energy and treasure to ensure that Not For College Days Alone isn't just an empty marketing slogan, but rather a demonstration of our shared fraternal values, and of our desire to keep alive the best memories made with the best friends we've ever had. \r\nHappy birthday Rho Alpha, here's to the next 48 years! Fraternally, The Graduate and Undergraduate Leaders of the Rho Alpha Chapter p.s. Save the dates for the next two Pig Dinners: April 24th, 2021 (49th pigger) and multi-day gala 50th Golden Owl Pig Dinner (April 27-May 01, 2022). Perge!