The 2009 Founder's Day Dinner was held, as it normally is, at The Catmaran Hotel in Mission Beach on Friday, March 6th. Much like last year the turnout was outstanding, with 155 brothers in attendance, about half of them undergraduate members from CA-TH, at San Diego State and CA-AG, at Cal State San Marcos.

Brother Mark McMillin, CA-TH '79 was recognized as the Richard A. Troncone, Brother of the Year. Mark was well supported by his chapter cronies from the late 70's. Clearly they were in good voice and enjoying themselves, along with some adult beverages. We hope his posse and more of those from that decade will join the Association and become active participants in our events/programs. In his comments Mark reflected upon the need to give back to his community that was bred in him by his parents, from a young age. His most recent philanthropy was to donate $500,000 to the new SDSU Alumni Center, to have the library named after the former Dean of the College of Business, Allan R. Bailey, who has recently passed away. Mark expressed interest in "Helping to grow the Association membership to 300 or 400 members, from the normal 200."

One of the highlights of the evening was the Opportunity Drawing developed by board members Cliff Bee, Frank Arrington and Bill Vogt. The tickets for the drawing were sold by three SDSU Pi Beta Phi members Sammy, Nikki and Shannon. As evidenced in the photos (visit the "Images" page, where 60 photos from the event are published) they were all very attractive and quite popular with the brothers, who purchased approximately $1300 worth of tickets, raised to support the association and our programs.

NOTE: One of the raffle prizes went unclaimed. If the person with ticket # 5444999 will contact me (e-mail from the contact page), you have won the SLAM autographed basketball and Aztec t-shirts.

The evening's program was, as always, hosted by the mercurial Don Harrington. Brothers Alex Hand, EA of CA-AG and Ryan Thorsen, EA of CA-TH both gave very positive reports on their strong and growing chapters. Dick Troncone spoke after them explaining that all SAEs should be very proud of the vibrant chapters we have in our area and the quality and academic strength of the men in those chapters.

CA-TH recognized Brother Mark Mays with the Eddie Basko Alumni Service Award, for his ongoing committment to the rushing and pledging activities of the chapter. This award was especially notable as the chapter has not given this recognition for many years.

The fraternity's Emminent Supreme Recorder and Executive Director Steve Priepke was included at the head table and he gave an encouraging talk about the vitality of the Fraternity, in spite of the economic challenges they are facing. He stated that, like almost all organizations who are sustained by donations, our donations are down significantly and they are having to make accomodations for these losses.

I spoke briefly about this newly redesigned website and how much more dynamic it should prove to be in communicating with our members and other interested persons. I also asked for any SAEs who would like to be placed on our SAESDAA Listserv to e-mail me, via the "Contact" page on this site, with their request. Membership in the Association, while preferred, is not a requirement for being on the listserv. Both alums and undergraduates are welcome.

As is our custom, the program was concluded with Brother Bob Battenfield leading the band of brothers in singing Violets, Friends and Come Sing to Sig.

Thanks to all who attended! A reminder that dues are due at the beginning of each year. If you didn't heed Dick's request to send in your 2009 dues in the Founder's Day envelope, please save him the effort of sending reminders by visiting the "Join" page on the website, printing up the .pdf membership application, and mailing in your dues, now. It will be GREATLY Appreciated!

In the Bonds, John McMullen