St. Anthony Hall - University of Pennsylvania

7 dignity and integrity indicative of his overall personality. For Alex, simply spending time with Gunner over a cup of morning coffee came to be a favorite part of his routine. "We all cherished his sense of humor, his ribbing, and his jokes. However, far more than that, his authenticity and trusted loyalty created fierce bonds of friendship with those that earned it." Not only was Gunner the glue to the Top Bananas, but he was also the glue for the entire Hall. Each day he would personally ensure the immaculate cleanliness that came to be associated with the Delta Chapter. His dedication to The Hall's physical structure was evident, yet his dedication to The Hall's members became even more so. Acting as a mentor and confidant to the young men that walked through 3637 Locust Walk's halls, Gunner crafted a home away from home. In one of their yearly reunions, as a way to honor Gunner, the Top Bananas arranged a dinner at Gunner's favorite restaurant, Bookbinders. "In booking the reservation we explained that we were lucky to have the world backgammon champion coming to dinner and that it was a special night for him. We were celebrating his long, illustrious career and the restaurant treated him like visiting royalty," Tom said. Today, Gunner would be proud of the Top Bananas, their accomplishments, and lifelong friendships. "My best memories of the living in The Hall relate back to having that oasis in the university environment, which was reinforced by the close friendships, shared experiences, and comfortable living spaces," Brad explained. Later, Arch proposed the Top Bananas hold reunions with their families as a way to stay in touch and reinforce this strong friendship. Tom became the first host of the Septathalon Top Banana Weekend at Hilton Head, S.C. "When we arrived, Arch brought with him a lovely silver tray engraved on the top edge with 'Joseph P. Gunner Gaskins Trophy' and our initials spaced evenly on either side," Tom said. The Top Banana in charge of hosting the upcoming annual event chooses the location and is in charge of organizing seven events to determine the winner of the Joseph P. Gunner Gaskins Trophy. Blood was spilled during one of the events and competition remained fierce the first decade. However, the second decade became devoted to the Top Bananas and their families. The event has become a cornerstone for 35 years. "We have all been to amazing places together and have wonderful memories of these travels and times together," Brad shared. "A favorite example is the time and patience Tom Moore gave to me at Pohoqualine (2014) while helping me learn to fly fish. With his guidance I successfully caught and released a few trout making it a great day." For Chris, the variety of these events added to the fond memories. Whether diving for rum bottles on the reefs of North Eleuthera, fly fishing for tarpin off Islamorada, participating in moped-led scavenger hunts in Bermuda, or canoeing races on Upper Saranac Lake, New York, it was the sharing of these experiences that the Top Bananas remember. Yet, while the Top Bananas all enjoyed various aspects of their time with the Delta Chapter, they remain resolute in their support of The Hall for two reasons. "First, I have a strong desire to memorialize my association with these five close friends of mine," Alex explained. "Secondly, I have a profound sense of loyalty to, and love for, Gunner. He was, simply put, a man whose integrity was unassailable and whose standards were never compromised. The loyalty and devotion of his friendship with each of us is mirrored in the friendships we share." The Top Bananas Our ability to contribute to the campaign is inadequate compared to all Gunner gave to us in love and respect, but it is done as a symbol of our respect and affection for him. Left: The Top Bananas enjoy their trip to the Bahamas. Right: The Top Bananas and their families partake in the annual reunion's fun-filled events.

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