June 2020
DKEs, Family, Friends –
I hope this newsletter finds you all well amidst a year like any other. While the past semester was full of positives for the house, it was also a trying time. It is hard not to feel for the graduating fourth-years who missed out on their last few months on Grounds. The next school year will present challenges as well. As it stands now we do not have specifics to plan around yet other than the students will be returning to Grounds as originally scheduled. I write this to let you know that the alumni will work diligently with the active brotherhood to prioritize safety first at the house. We are confident that the active brotherhood will have a plan in place to follow the necessary protocols while still enjoying their school experience.
We will certainly benefit from the strong leadership exhibited by the active brotherhood each and every year. I want to recognize the house for donating a majority of their golf registration fees to charity despite no tournament being held this year. It is yet another example of the quality of the individuals representing the house currently.
Best to all, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions now or as the semester starts to ramp up.
Best,
Martin Couric
Alumni Advisor
President Tommy Elia has lead DKE through an outstanding year, though it was cut short. He shares updates on the pledge class and more below.
During this year’s spring recruitment, we were lucky to have 16 new members join DKE. We had a wide array of backgrounds and personalities including a mix of first and second-years, as well as multiple varsity athletes. We are truly excited to welcome them into the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and we are looking forward to our remaining time with them.
Although our spring recruitment was successful, the remainder of the semester unfolded with uncertainty and abnormality as it was cut short by COVID-19. From what I have heard, everyone’s families are remaining safe and healthy which is all we can hope for during this unfortunate time. The actives, although saddened by the abrupt end of the semester and graduation of our fourth-years, are looking forward to the 2020-2021 school year with excitement and optimism amidst the challenges ahead.
We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Albert Stinnie, our beloved chef from the early 2000s. Albert was a kind and gentle man who cared deeply about the Charlottesville community and the DKE house. In fact, it is fair to say he was our biggest fan. We were informed that even 13+ years after retiring he still has many pictures of his friends from the house decorating his walls at home. Albert had a deep love for his family and would frequently bring his grandkids to the house as he cooked meals. He also loved gardening and collecting hats that he enjoyed wearing at the house. Our house was better for having him and he will be deeply missed!