[PhiPsiRuss]

March 13, 2004

Dear Brothers,

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to the undergraduate and alumni Brothers of Alabama Alpha_ hosted a spectacular 40th Chapter Anniversary Celebration and Founders Day Observance in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on the weekend of February 27-29.

I was very pleased to accept the invitation to attend and was joined by Executive Director Emeritus''Mr Phi Psi''_ Dud Daniel Arizona Alpha '47 and Deputy Attorney General Lee Reid Louisiana Gamma '93 for a special three day chapter anniversary reunion in which almost every living founding chapter charter member was in attendance. The weekend events at the Alabama Alpha Chapter House and the University of Alabama included a Friday evening chapter house reception that was highlighted by a visit and gracious remarks by the University President Dr. Robert Witt who complimented the reorganization of the chapter and our Phi Psi student members who have distinguished themselves in strong scholastic achievement and host institution relations.

On Saturday, February 28, 2004, the chapter hosted a Ritual Chapter Meeting in the beautiful newly renovated Alabama Alpha Chapter House in which Phi Psi alumni brothers of the original charter group shared some very inspirational and_ personal reflections of life long Phi Psi experiences in the presence of it's young members. A special Chapter House Corporation report led by longtime Alabama Alpha stalwarts Brothers Fred Clay Alabama Alpha '67, Shannon Price Alabama Alpha '83, Tryon Hubbard Alabama Alpha '64 and Chapter Advisor Jay Massingill Alabama Alpha '68. included a discussion on future physical plant plans and chapter educational foundation goals. (Twelve years ago the Alabama Alpha Chapter House Corporation that also included members Mark Moore , Freddie Stakes was faced with the daunting and successful task of moving its three story red brick chapter house across campus to its present day location)

At the conclusion of the Chapter Meeting......we all joined together outside the spacious front lawn and dramatic setback of the Alabama Chapter House and dedicated a tree in memory of the Dr. John Ramsey , California Gamma '28 who served as \ the original colony advisor - chapter mentor and served on the University of Alabama faculty. Each spring the Dr. John F. Ramsey Award is presented by the campus administration in recognition of outstanding university students.

Later that evening ....over 125 Phi Psi Brothers, spouses and guests joined and enjoyed a wonderful banquet in which it was my distinct honor to present Executive Council proclamations in honor of the 40th Chapter Anniversary_ to Chapter G.P.Thomas ''Buz'' Miller Alabama Alpha 2003 (who that evening donated his received $500.00 Alabama Alpha Foundation check back to the Chapter Capital Campaign) and to Brothers Fred Clay and Jay Massingill for their_ tremendous volunteer service and immense loyal devotion rendered over several decades to the Alabama Alpha Chapter and to Phi Kappa Psi. It was indeed a very enjoyable and happy occasion and the banquet culminated into a dance reception that went into the early hours.

The next day.....The Brothers of Alabama Alpha then traveled and gathered together for
an early morning breakfast trip to the historic family farm cabin home of Brother Farley M. Snow Alabama Alpha '64 in which they sang songs, posed for pictures and shared good-byes.

It was a truly inspirational weekend and one that I will never forget as the Band of Brothers within our Alabama Alpha chapter truly reflect the life long friendships and Brotherhood that we are proud to share in Phi Kappa Psi.

Fraternally,
John V. Ciccarelli...
58th President of Phi Kappa Psi