Kenneth Cheung's Alpha Phi Omega Universe

Reunion

By Kenneth Cheung
            It has been 4 weeks since the big Alpha Phi Omega, Gamma Beta Reunion and now I begin to write about it. The reason why I write now is because I wanted to take a break from all the work it took to make it happen. After all, I prepared for the big day for over a year, since I first pledged for Alpha Phi Omega in Fall 2003. I know a few alumni were anticipating this event as well and they prepared for an even longer time. 
The alumni, the chapter's Alumni Secretary, and I have been in contact with alumni preparing for the 65th Anniversary. The first phase was filling the database with alumni contact information. The second phase was the Anniversary on December 6, 2003. The third phase was the larger reunion in the Spring of 2005.
We, the A Phi O GB Reunion Committee, consisted of Robert Peeks, Carl Ketchum, Fredrick Roettger Dave Gilman, Dennis Wong, Tom Gallatin, Neil Ehrenburg, Tom Gilpin, Tony Vega, Bob Kavenaugh, Marie Guiab Harvey, Judy Lee, Eugene Wong, Steve Kraft, Alice Tsai and me. We met once, twice, or three times a month to discuss preparations for the big event This was a very efficient group, for everybody who participated wanted to make this event the best possible. Some people were anxious to see their old brothers whom they have not seen in a long time
            I will spare you the details of the committee. The main goal was to get as many people to attend the event as possible. I promoted this event very widely to inform as many people as possible. In addition to that, it had to be an event of a high standard. These veteran members of Alpha Phi Omega have held important positions in planning events when they were active.
            Thanks to everybody's efforts, everything turned out the way we had planned it on the big day of April 23, 2005. That day, we all went to Vasona Park in Los Gatos. Pledge member Dominic Foss led the volunteers to assist setting up the event. Eugene Wong and Marie Guiab Harvey was in charge of registration, Bob Kavenaugh was in charge of the Memorabilia display, Kathy Tran was in charge of the video booth, I manned the computer to scan photos (I only ended up scanning 3 pictures). Robert Peeks brought his laptop to show his Reunion Video. We also had two other laptops present to show the 65th Anniversary Commemorative and Banquet Video. 
We took many pictures of the people there. There was special time set aside for photos and people of each decade and a large group photo. 
            The food was catered by well-known restaurant called Lou's Barbecue. We ate Freshly barbecue Chicken, tri-tip ribs, baked beans, salad, and garlic bread. The food was mouthwateringly delicious. All those people attended agree with me. 
            For the program, the Keynote speaker was Bob Daley, who was a prominent person in SJSU. Then we went down the decades where an alumnus from each decade of our history came up and spoke about what life was like when they were active. The speakers definitely had a lot to say and we learned a lot from each other. All those who attended were very happy to see their old friends A few folks from the 1940's were able to talk to each other. The turnout was large, about 150 people total attended the event. Many people brought memorabilia to share like old clothes, mugs, and photos.
            There was so much to do that one day was not enough. The next day on Sunday, April 23, some Alumni went to SJSU's University room for a sit-in breakfast. It was nice to have an event on the campus where the alumni once attended. They could see how much as changed. The plaque for the barbecue pits on 7th St. was there so that people could sign it if they did not already in the park. I took some more video footage. It was very humbling setting. I also brought the 65th Anniversary Banner for everyone to see and sign it.
After the breakfast, we all went to the pits that alumni built 30 years ago and one of the builders, Tony Vega, told the story of how the Alpha Phi Omega, Gamma Beta Chapter rebuilt it with their own hands. It was a time for reminiscence.
            A Professional Photographer was present and took may photos (to view them, visit http://www.digiproofs.com/jmp/ and enter the password APO). If you are interested in the videos played at the event, you can contact me at kennethcheung1@iwon.com.

06.10.2005