Sam D. Sisto ’14
I am happy to report that the 2012-13 school year was quite successful for St. Elmo Hall, although our RUSH results turned out to be somewhat mixed. On February 2nd we gave out seventeen bids, and fifteen were accepted. Unfortunately, for various reasons, six of the new pledges subsequently dropped out, leaving a class of nine. Each of the new members, who were officially initiated in April, are outstanding individuals who will be a credit to St. Elmo and the University over the next three years.
As is customary, the Brothers have been involved in several philanthropic activities during the Spring Semester. On April 20th a large group ran in the Virginia Institute of Autism 5K, with several of them leading their division. Later that day the House held its annual kickball tournament, raising money to benefit the One Love Foundation. And earlier in the month, as part of the Parent’s Formal weekend, a shotgun golf tournament was held at Birdwood to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Parent’s Formal Weekend was held on the weekend of April 5-6, and like the previous two years was a big success. The activities started Friday night with a cocktail party at the House. The gala black tie Dinner Dance was held on Saturday at the Boar’s Head Inn, with almost 200 members, dates and parents attending. This has become a very popular event with the parents, and we look forward to hosting it again next year.
The Elmo undergraduates, along with several of the Alumni Directors, celebrated another successful year for the Elmo House at the annual Chan Dan Dinner on April 22. The buffet style dinner, catered by the well known local restaurant L’etoile, was served in the living Room, where eight long tables had been set up. Presenting the awards on behalf of the Alumni Board were Frank Shea, Tommy Brannock, James Zehmer and David Callaghan. The Channing W. Daniel ‘08 Award was won by Andrew Magee ’13, with Matt Hamilton ’14 receiving the William V. Daniel ’50 Service Award. There were two winners of the Gordon C. Burris Award (formerly called the Alumni Award): Brad Taylor ’13 and Sam Sisto ’14. And in addition to the individual awards, the eighteen Fourth Yearmen received the customary Elmo neckties, along with everyone’s thanks for their leadership and contributions to the House. And the nine new members were officially welcomed into the Brotherhood with the traditional Delta Phi certificates and badges. Everyone agreed that the evening was a big success.
Several of the members distinguished themselves this past year with their University and community service activities, and many of them were recognized for their academic achievements. Matt Hamilton ’14, who is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Economics, has had an especially notable career, and will have the honor of living on the lawn next year. St. Elmo is also proud that six of our rising Third Yearmen have been accepted in the McIntire School of Commerce, a remarkable statistic given its popularity and prestige, and the difficulty of gaining admission.
The members are very excited about St. Elmo’s 105th Reunion this fall, and we are committed to doing everything we can to making sure that the House is in great shape. We look forward to meeting many of you, and hope that you will stop by 130 Madison Lane whenever you’re in Charlottesville.