Traditions
For over 35 years, a small group of brothers from Epsilon Sigma Chapter at Wagner College have held onto a tradition that reminds me every year why Theta Chi is more than just a fraternity—it’s family. Each December, eight of us—Mike Shannon (1987), Rich Cecchi (1987), Ray Menna (1988), Brian Meyerberg (1986), Matt Byrne (1986), Jeff Witte (1988), John Mattheson (1988), and I (1987)—together with our significant others, gather to celebrate Christmas and our lifelong friendship.
The tradition begins on Friday when I fly from North Carolina to New York and stay with Rich Cecchi, who generously opens his home each year, as he has done for decades. By Saturday, the others begin to arrive, and the weekend quickly takes on a familiar rhythm of brotherhood and camaraderie. Saturday evening is our highlight: the group heads to dinner, where laughter and storytelling carry us late into the night. More often than not, we close the restaurant, retelling the same stories we’ve shared for decades. They never grow old nor lose their charm; in fact, each retelling reinforces the depth of our brotherhood.
Sunday morning continues the tradition with a shared breakfast. These moments are filled with updates on children and now, grandchildren—a reminder of how far we’ve all come since our college days. After breakfast, most of us start the journey home while on Monday morning, I board my flight home to North Carolina with a full heart, already anticipating next year’s gathering.
These weekends are more than just reunions. They are proof that the bonds we built as young men–sharing the same ideals and Ritual–have only deepened with time. I want to encourage all alumni to reconnect, whether through weekend trips, reunions, small gatherings, a simple meal together, or through Zoom. The joy of reliving memories while creating new ones is truly priceless. Staying connected matters! Brotherhood matters and it is one of Theta Chi’s greatest gifts—don’t let it fade my brothers!
