Turning Points

Meridian, Idaho

July 31, 2021

"Turning Point" by Tyrone Davis was released in 1975.

"Turning Points" by Ken Oder was published yesterday. Drop everything and go read it at https://kenoder.com/blog/

Ken's post, as they always do for me, caused me to pause and think. And it occurred to me that he, my other brother in law, Bob and Bob's brother Richard played a pivotal role in perhaps the key turning point in my life -- pledging Pi Kapp at UVa. They all were brothers in Pi Kapp and as an a rather ambivalent rushee I checked out the House during second semester. Somehow I received a bid and pledged. I still remember at my first fraternity party, I had my first beer -- yes, ever. I reached down to pick up something from a table and felt like my head was going to keep on going and hit the table. What a naive 18 year old I was (and I remain naive at 62).

So much flowed from becoming a Pi Kapp. I'm overwhelmed to think of all of them. The opportunity to be friends with such amazing guys. Rolls. Lab partners. Football games. Basketball games. Ethel. Watching "Dance Fever" on Saturday nights with John Clifford. Rose Ball date with Stacey. Friendships that have lasted to today with Jeff, Ron, Steve, Jeff, Jack, Tom, John, Jim, Dana, Chuck, Don, Hugh, Steve, Pete, Chirs, Ashley, Gordon, Alex, my big brother George, (I know it sounds corny but it is true!), Frank -- and so many others. We've been at each others weddings -- and in some cases those of our children -- we've celebrated Wahoo victories -- although more often we have comforted ourselves after Wahoo defeats. Lacrosse games. Golf trips. Just knowing that you have friends who will be there for you when you need a friend. People who have accepted me for who I am. My marriage, Courtney and Lucian. Pi Kapp was inside of me during my career as it gave me confidence to lead and manage. The Tams, Janice, Archie Bell, the Dads.

I have left out hundreds of more friends and benefits that flowed from my joining Pi Kapp.

Many criticize fraternities today. I get it. But for the few times I did something stupid there are hundreds of times I have been a better person because I am a Pi Kapp, because of that turning point.