Let's share a "Virtual Toast" on behalf of Brother George N Charlton, Jr... Back in 1982 the BE Chapter was at the beginning of serving a 2+ year suspension from taking on a pledge line...At that time, the local Alumni Chapter were not supportive of our pledge efforts and historically no "fans" of BE...We knew there was strong interest in Kappa at Carnegie Mellon and Pitt and we wanted to take you guys on!....Howard Simms (BE '75) was our chapter advisor and he suggested that we arrange a meeting with the Province Polemarch, George Charlton to make our case.... Brother Charlton was a no-nonsense former Lt Col whom I did not know well...He was 'made' at BE so he seemed to be particularly peeved at his undergrad chapter's recent transgressions....We had two (2) mishaps within a 5-year period. Both were under Brother Charlton's 'watch' as Province Polemarch......I remember when I approached his front door, Bro. Charlton had one of those signs in the window that showed a picture of a gun with the caption: "To hell with the Dog, Beware of the Owner!"...I suddenly felt a little scared....I thought that this meeting could go really badly and this guy would ban me from the frat or somethin'... Needless to say, Brother Charlton was courteous and his wife Nadine was gracious and kind.... Brother Charlton granted our request to take on the pledge line that would later become "Omniscience". At the end of our meeting, Brother Charlton looked at us and said "I'll give you guys this chance".. When I attended the 75th anniversary it was announced that Brother Charlton was sick and could not attend...He passed away back in 2013.... I don't presume to give "words of wisdom" to grown men who have accomplished so much...I can only say that you're celebrating an anniversary many years after someone decided to "give you guys this chance" when he had legitimate reasons not to....Maybe we can individually share that second-chance spirit for someone or something in our lives, in recognition of the birth of Omniscience.
Happy 35th Omniscience!!
YITB and Love to You Always,
C
