Leading up to the Awards Banquet were several days of Fraternity fun and fraternalism.
On Thursday, evening following the dinner, a raucous two-hour Trivia Night was host by National Chaplain Lentini and Brooklyn A.C. members Ralph Parmegiani and Will Fiore.
On Friday, two events honoring special groups of our brothers were held: The Alumnus Emeritus Luncheon honoring our 50-year-plus brothers and our Military Reception held to recognize the service of our brother who served in our nation's Armed Forces. That evening after dinner, "Dueling Pianos" provided a great evening of musical entertainment.
On Saturday, the morning began with our Executive Committee meeting, which was followed by the Alumni vs Undergraduates Softball Game (the alumni won, once again). That afternoon a Fraternity picnic was held, with many brothers in attendance. As Saturday afternoon became Saturday evening, brothers and convention guests gathered at 6 p.m. for the 2018 Memorial Mass at which 134 deceased brothers from 2017-18 were remembered. Following Mass, the Award Banquet began, with a delicious dinner and an excited crowd.
On Saturday night, the Awards Banquet began with a recognition of the eight Past National Presidents (Carfang, Valeriano, Fafara, Rodriguez, Sundo, Franki, Mancusi and Miller) who were on hand, along with current National President, Todd Cusato. This was followed by presentations from the Alpha Phi Delta Foundation, recapping its successful year, outlining its programs, and announcing its 2018 Scholarship winners (many of whom were on hand to received their well-deserved awards). The Foundation also announced its 2019 Gala to be held in Washington D.C. in April. Outgoing National President Jim Miller was honored in a special presentation by National Secretary Paul Zammit who presented him with the Pin of the Past National President; Miller's wife Joy was given the honor of pinning this symbol of service on husband.
National Awards. Then, soon after dinner concluded, the 2018 National Awards Program, chaired by Past National President Alexander Fafara began. In Academy-Awards-like fashion, Brother Fafara announced nominees and winners, to the thunderous approval of the conventioneers filling the banquet room. The winners this year were:
- Outstanding Undergraduate: Alec Knaust (Gamma Mu)
- Outstanding Alumnus: Jeffrey Breen (Gamma Sigma)
- Outstanding District: Delaware Valley District
- Outstanding Chapter: Delta Epsilon (John Jay)
- Most Improved Chapter: Beta Iota (Utica)
- Outstanding Community Service: Epsilon Gamma (St. Joseph)
- Outstanding Alumni Club: New York Alumni Club
- Outstanding Alumni Association: Delta Epsilon Alumni Association.
The evening concluded with an address by National President Cusato, a report from Convention Chairman John Russo, and Benediction by National Chaplain Lentini. It was an terrific convention, and now we prepare for our 2019 National Convention at the DoubleTree Hotel in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.