Kappa Alpha Order - University of Texas

OMICRON UPDATE 3 BOnded By BOOts, BarBecUe, and BrOtherhOOd at alUmni reUniOn O ver 150 Omicrons and friends gathered in April for the UT KA reunion in Tyler. Pledge classes ranging from '76 to '82 put on their boots and headed out to the Smith Cattle and Pig Farm for a fun night of barbecue, live music, and drinks. "Let's be honest," David White '80 notes, "the guys looked pudgy and pasty, but the women were even prettier than in college!" Nestled in the piney woods of East Texas, the Cattle and Pig Farm was the perfect setting for renewing old friendships. Perched on a hilltop, the farmhouse and pavilion provided a peaceful, relaxing setting for the gathering of good friends. The sun sets over the pine trees, the cows graze lazily in the north pasture, and the chickens and pigs run free and beg for treats from the guests. The West Lakes party bus arrived with a standing room only group of Highland Park's finest. "We like to bring our own water from the Park Cities," Mike Lafitte '80 says. "Plus, the bus helps us avoid awkward encounters with locals." Upon arrival, everyone hugged a neck, grabbed a drink, and hustled onto the pavilion porch for a group photo. Soon after, the dinner bell rang and the Omicrons were treated to Stanley's Famous Pit Barbeque and a whole hog smoked by farm owner and pitmaster Steve Smith '80. "Susan and I treat guests like family, which means we cut corners whenever possible. I bought all the wine off a three-for-one sale rack at the feed store; I don't think anyone got terribly sick, which I thought was a positive." As dinner was winding down, the band was cranking up! Everyone hit the dance floor as The Gary Patrick Band played all the great songs from the '70s and '80s. "I saw some moves I haven't seen in a long time and hope to never see again," Robert Dozier '83 jokes. No serious injuries were reported, and "the king was in the house!" Scott O'Connell '77 took the stage and once again broke hearts with "Last Kiss." The music ended, the lights came on, and what happened next was heartwarming. Melissa Herring Allen giggled and said, "My goodness, it was inspiring to see the younger pledges from the '80s so eager to help John Allen '77 and Jody Thornton. John and Jody called them over, and next thing you know they're singing songs and picking up trash! I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure John and Jody are motivational speakers." The party was over, the West Lakes bus loaded, and everyone sadly said goodbye. But for one night, the fond memories of 2515 Leon Street came alive. In the distance, someone heard Greg Pipkin '77 say, "That's the best party I never attended. I'm already looking forward to the next one!" Fraternally, Steve Smith '80 Members of the 1978 pledge class reminisce about their days at 2515 Leon Street. From left: Randy Shipman '79, Riley Stephens '79, Bob Carter '79, Loren Bennett '79, Rick Gartner '79, Doak Raulston '79, Eric Mundinger '79, Gary Griffin '79, Jody Thornton '79, and Lee McGee '79. Front row, from left: Doug Brown '81, Jeff Brown '81, and Todd Nordeen '81. Back row: Chris Simons '81, David White '81, David Shetler '81, Kent Lance '80, and Robert Holmes '81. Rob Addington '80, Andy Guinn '78, David Gowdey '78, and Loren Bennett '79 enjoy a night of barbecue, live music, and drinks. Tim Hartman '80, Cedric Burgher '80, Jay Gerrie '80, and Rick Gartner '79 share laughs and memories. Lance Bell '80, Cedric Burgher '80, Mary Anne Bell Burgher, and Harry J. Brusenhan '80 dance to The Gary Patrick Band.

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