National Convention a
Big Success, New Orleans Style
This year's National Convention took place in the sizzling atmosphere of New Orleans from August 5-10. Epsilon Chapter and the Crescent City Alumni organized a jam-packed week to show all of our brothers what the Big Easy is really all about.
Convention officially began with the opening of meetings at Loyola University on Wednesday, August 6. Those in attendance joined the now former Loyola University President, Fr. Bernard Knoth, in mass before lunch in the famous Orleans Room on campus. Upon the conclusion of meetings, several of the actives took part in an Epsilon athletic tradition known as Delt Ball. That evening, many of the local alumni joined us at the beautiful Epsilon Chapter House for a barbeque.
Throughout the rest of the week, several presentations were given in the meeting room at the Chateau Sonesta Hotel just off of Bourbon Street. Past National President Jack Dardis took some time to discuss long-term investment strategies with the delegates. Following Jack, another Epsilon Alumni, Daryl Fletchinger, discussed his business success with Plush Appeal and his business associations in China. Other presenters included Loyola Greek Advisor Jill Styx and Past National President Mike Blackstock. Attendees also received an introduction by Epsilon alumnus Bill Detweiler before taking a tour of the National D-Day Museum. 
Convention delegates were treated to the flavor of New Orleans with lunch at the Crescent City Brewhouse followed by beignets at Café Du Monde. All of those in attendance spent many quality hours at the establishments that Bourbon Street has to offer. Some of the hot spots of the week included the Cat's Meow, Tropical Isle, Pat O'Brien's, Utopia and the most popular spot of all, Howl at the Moon.
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( This menu cover was borrowed from the 29th National Convention held in the International Room of the Roosevelt Hotel. )
The closing banquet took place at the Court of Two Sisters with a phenomenal dinner including turtle soup, a house salad, lobster ettoufee and bread pudding. Mrs. Margaret Blackstock gave the keynote address discussing situations she faced as National President of Phi Mu Sorority, and how many of those situations are similar to what we as greek men face as well.
The closing banquet also gave us opportunity to bid farewell to one of the truly great men that ADG has been blessed to know very well for the last 25 years. Brother Anthony P. Smulders, CFMM retired as our National Moderator this year. A thank you ceremony took place at the closing banquet with Past National Presidents Wayne Palmer-ball, Bernard Sandalow and Mike Blackstock all speaking before Br. Smulders gave his farewell address. In appreciation, the fraternity presented Tony with an engraved watch. .
Thank you to all who attended this year's national convention and for all those who helped make it a success. We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Fort Lauderdale next August!
More Convention Coverage Here!
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