Beta Sigma Psi - Purdue University

deaths of Jim Edge '77, Bill Dierking '78, and Stan Hoffman '80 within a five-month span made them realize how special the time is that they share together. While the Raccoon Lake group wishes that Jim, Bill, Stan, and other late brothers could be by their side during the annual trip, their presences are felt through- out the weekend. "I think our faith also keeps us closer than a lot of fraternities. During the two or three days that we're all together, a fair amount Page 2 Beta Tidings T he last weekend of July has become a favorite time of year for many Beta Chapter brothers who graduated in the early to mid-1980s. For the past three years, Dane Griffin '82 has welcomed around 20 Beta Sigs to his lake house at Raccoon Lake for a weekend full of fun and fellowship. Each reunion has included countless games of cornhole, card games, golf, great food and, most importantly, stories and memories that will last a lifetime. "There are certain guys who have kept in contact and seen each other every five, six, or seven years, but there are guys we haven't seen since college that have showed up the past couple of years. That's just tremendous to see guys you haven't seen in 30-some years," Gary Felger '80 said. "What's really crazy about it is that when you're together, it's just like it was 30 years ago. We all look older and some of us are moving slower, but for the most part, we're still comfortable together." Regular attendees cherish that Beta Sigma Psi helped them grow spiritually, scholastically, and socially. They have leaned on the core values of the Fra- ternity in recent years during some tragic times. The sudden BETA SIG BROTHERS LIVE IT UP AT RACCOON LAKE GROUP REUNIONS Above: Brothers enjoy breakfast before a round of golf at during the reunion. Below: Dane Griffin '82 spends time with brothers at his lake house on Raccoon Lake. of time is spent talking about guys who have passed away," Gary said. "I think we've lost seven or eight guys. We try to make it a point to talk about them and keep their memories alive because they were all very special to us." A few brothers have been interested in attend- ing Raccoon Lake group reunions but haven't been able to due to various conflicts. The group is optimistic it will grow, as the last weekend of July has become a traditional time frame of the reunion and brothers can tentatively mark their calendars in advance. If you would like to be a part of the next Rac- coon Lake group reunion, please connect with Dane at dgriffin@reesewholesale.com.

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