“In The Green”
Of Southeast Ohio
Presidents Annual Letter
68th year-2025 Annual Letter
Over the next couple of years, we will be approaching two milestones, one for our active fraternity and one for our alumni association. The Fraternal Order of Archon will be celebrating our 70th anniversary in 2027 and the alumni association will be celebrating 60 years since its founding in 2026. Many significant accomplishments have transpired from both of these organizations over this long period of time. Leading up to 2026, I believe it is important for us to become acquainted with the history and origin of the Archon Alumni Association. Below, brother Kurt Williams has prepared a short history of how and why the alumni association came about. In this mailing you will also find and in-depth annual letter, the 2025 dues invoice, your membership card.
THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF ARCHON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
HISTORY
The Fraternal Order of Archon was recognized by Rio Grande College in 1957.The original 13 members became the Founders of Archon. They were denied recognition by the college president for a year. During that year, they proved they were an asset to the college. They provided community projects beginning with the construction of a sidewalk along the Student Center. This convinced the president that Archon was more than a fraternity party group. This repositioning of “Archon”, as a beneficial organization dedicated to helping Rio by assisting in many campus tasks, provided our Order with the valuable experience of team organizational skills, as well as creating a loyal brotherhood that greatly enhanced their Rio Grande experience. This is still true today when you look at what we have accomplished as an alumni association.
In 1966, upon graduation, brother Kurt Williams did not want to lose the strong bonds of brotherhood. Therefore, he wrote a constitution to formalize the Fraternal Order of Archon Alumni Association. It became a fellowship of brotherhood that has sustained itself and enjoyed over six decades of service to our brothers and the college.
When you pledged, looked into the flame of those thirteen candles and repeated the words of the Archon Oath, you became an Archon…for life! Always remember that! When you left Rio Grande, you then automatically became a member of the Archon Alumni Association…for life!
The Archon Alumni Constitution states: “The purpose of the Association is to promote the welfare of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College, support the Active Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Archon to ensure future members, and to enhance the overall quality of the student experience at the University making enrollment more enticing to students in Appalachian Ohio and regions of the world” …. and have a lot of fun doing so!
Archon Alumni Assoc. & Alumni members held many events in 2024:
January 26th. The scholarship committee held a fundraiser “Blanton Bourbon Tasting” at the ParksEdge Event Center in Jackson Ohio. This popular and successful event included guest speaker Dominic Guglielmi, a live auction, a silent auction, and dinner. The proceeds benefit the Archon Alumni Scholarship Fund. Active recipients of the Archon Scholarship were in attendance and helped with the production of the evening.
February 24th. Some alumni gathered for a surprise birthday party for Brother Nick Kostis ’64, 81st birthday at his Pickwick n Frolic Restaurant and Club. His daughter Dina helped us plan the event and kept him from seeing us enter the restaurant and seat us at our table. Nick greets each of his patrons as they are having their dinner, and to his surprise there were several brothers he was an active with waiting to be greeted. These included Len Longo ‘63, Ron Glover ’61, and Bill Gorscak ‘65. Others attending were Kurt Williams ‘66, Larry Guglielmi ’73, Petrea Brown ’74, Kelly Robson ’81, and Brad Varney ’82.
March 4th. The Archon actives held a social gathering for alumni at their house to meet and greet. They served hot dogs, chips, and BYO drinks. Great time!!
March 23rd. John “Jersey” Taylor hosted an Alumni luncheon in Whitsett, NC, at the Red Oak Brewery. Those attending were Russell Chafin, Ron Thornton ‘73, George Patterson ‘71, John Taylor ’83 and visiting from Ohio, Brad Varney ‘82, and Kelly Robson ‘81. Everyone shared stories of pledging and their experiences with brothers, events, and our Rio campus.
May 3, 4, 5th. On Friday evening the 67th Archon May Day weekend began with the annual Len Longo Party, providing a relaxing opportunity for fraternity and fellowship. Saturday events included golf, a euchre tournament and luncheon. Our 67th annual banquet was held that evening. Alumni who were honored at the banquet Alumni of The Year David Wells, Founders Awards Scott George & Kris Kauffman. Both events were held at the Parksedge Event Center in Jackson. The weekend was capped off on Sunday morning at Paul ’86 & Marla Haller’s home for brunch. This year, you don’t want to miss this!
July 19, 20, & 21st. The Archon Alumni annual retreat was held again at Brother Rusty Bookman’s ’81, Airbnb in Racine, Ohio. This event is held concurrently with the Archon Alumni Association annual meeting held in nearby Pomeroy Ohio at the Pomeroy Gun Club. This is a weekend of cookouts, euchre, and who can tell the biggest story!! What happens at Rusty’s stays at Rusty’s!! This year’s annual meeting will be coming out soon with location, date and time.
August 17th. Saturday, the 26th Anniversary Archon Golf Classic was held in Wilmington, Ohio at the Wilmington 797 Elks Golf Course. Event chairman Kevin Hollingsworth planned this memorable event with alumni, family and friends of Archon. After dinner, a silent auction and live auction was conducted. This event for the benefit of our scholarship was a huge success. We thank all our brothers who sponsored holes and other expenses, as well as those who participated in golf. Brothers traveled from Florida, Kentucky, and all over Ohio. Alumni participation in this event continues to grow each year and is demonstratable with the growth of hole sponsorship by alumni. All proceeds from this event go to the Archon Scholarship Fund.
October 19th. John Jersey Taylor held his 2nd annual event of the year in Burlington, NC at the Piedmont Ale House. We also gathered at the Longhorn Steak House the evening before Oct. 18th. Those attending were Brother’s Russell Chafin, George Patterson, John Jersey Taylor, Ron Thornton all from NC and traveling from Ohio were Len Longo, Petrea Brown, Kurt Williams, Kelly Robson, and Brad Varney. Details for this spring meeting are coming soon.
Christmas Party’s December 18 & 21. Wednesday Dec. 18, the Annual Joe Ullery Christmas Party luncheon was held at Warehouse Steak n Stein owned by Brother John Larson ’70 in Coshocton, Ohio, at Roscoe Village. This luncheon is our longest running holiday event. We enjoyed great atmosphere, food, and most importantly the brotherhood. Saturday Dec. 21, we held our Christmas Archon Legacy Luncheon at BJ Brewhouse & Restaurant at the Tuttle Mall on I-270 in Columbus. These are two great events for brothers and families to share the spirit of an Archon Christmas.
Archon Business
Trustee and committee meetings are held quarterly, or when called. These meetings are held through Zoom and conference calls. Presently, we have chaired committees for May Day, The Archon Classic, and Scholarship & Investment. Committee chairs are assigned by the president and chairman of the different committees appoint members to that committee.
The Board of Trustees are elected at the annual meeting in July. Contact Brad Varney archon.alumni13@gmail.com to enquire about information or express your interest in becoming involved. The Fraternal Order of Archon Alumni continually seeks diversified expertise, knowledge and enthusiasm to lead our fraternal organization into the future.
Board of Trustees
Meetings were held February 28, July 10, (Annual meeting), May 10, July 20, July 15, Sept. 29, Oct. 25, and Dec. 4. During the annual meeting the previous year’s meeting minutes were approved, also held election of board of trustee’s members. All current trustees were unanimously reinstated.
Scholarship Committee Meetings
Meetings for the new year began on January 3, 18. Committee meeting on January 17 for the Blanton Bourbon Tasting event with a follow up meeting on February 7 on the results of event. A meeting was held on April 24 discussing the University administered endowment award in the amount of $2665. FTY 2024-25. The amount in this endowment as of June 30th, 2023, was $55,771. Spring semester 2024 active awardees include Travis Hunt and Joshua Gilmore-Vaughn who received $1500 each from a combination of both the University and Alumni administered endowments. May 17 Meeting for the approval of a budget and location for the annual Archon Classic. October 13, selection and approval of active scholarship 2024-25 awardees, Jasher Abraham, Donovan Davis, Zachery Thomas and Ethan Pannell. Each will receive $1500 per semester (fall & spring). Total $12,000. Nov. 3, Dec. 4, began planning on Blanton Bourbon Tasting Event 2025.
Deceased Brothers
Please remember Steve Gilmore ’65 and Joseph Reipenhoff ‘58.
“To us who remain, the roll call will always symbolize the departed friends and the promise of reunion in the future.”
“Never Let a member down, as a student, man, or as a brother!”
Amaque
President
Brad Varney ‘81
Executive Board
President Brad Varney ‘82, Vice-President Rusty Bookman ’81, Treasurer Michael C Warner ’79, John Jersey Taylor ’83, Kelly Robson ’81, and Sargent of Arms Kurt Williams ’66.
Committees
Scholarship Committee Chairman Rusty Bookman ’81, committee members include Taylor Omran, Michael C Warner ’79, Kurt Williams ‘66, Brad Varney ‘82, Paul Haller ‘86 and Larry Guglielmi ‘73. Archon Classic committee Chairman Kevin Hollingsworth ’79. May Day committee Chairman John Jersey Taylor. Bourbon Tasting committee Paul Haller.
68th Annual May Day Announcement
May 3,4, & 5, 2025
We are happy to announce that we are holding our 68th May Day Weekend in Jackson, Ohio.
601 E Main St, Jackson, OH 45640 enjoyparksedge.com
The cost is $40.00 in advance and $ 50.00 at the door. We hope everyone pays in advance to save The Alumni Association money and guarantee your meal. Rowdy’s Smokehouse ⭐⭐⭐⭐ will cater for our event. This worked out well last year and saved from over ordering and Rowdy’s is about having extra servings.
Mailing payment: Make checks payable to: Archon Alumni Association in memo: Write Charitable contribution
Michael C Warner, Treasurer
43991 Forest Run RD
Racine, OH 45771
What do you get for $40.00pp. Well, you get tremendous value. A DJ for music to dance to. Your meal consists of 4 meats, yes 4 meats, Chicken breast, Brisket, Spareribs, pulled pork, salad and all the side dishes prepared by Rowdy’s Smokehouse. Also, the Alumni Association will be paying the first $1000 of the bar tabs then we go to a cash bar.
Hotel Accommodations are at the newly remolded Quality Inn which is right next door. Call 740 395 0894 select #2 Front Desk best to all after 3pm. Tell them you are with Archon.
May Day Weekend Event
Friday 2nd – 1pm: we meet at the hotel to go to lunch at a place we all choose.
6pm: the annual Len Longo cookout at Parks Edge a donation is appreciated.
Saturday 3rd – 8:00 am: Golfing starts at 9am at the Fair Greens $40.00 for 18 holes and cart to be paid at the golf course. Golfers meet in the Quality Hotel lobby.
10am: fellowship, Euchre and other games in the Parks edge.
5:30pm: The 68th May Day begins at Parks Edge and continues until midnight.
Sunday 4th- 8:30 am– until noon the fare well breakfast at Paul & Dr. Marla Haller’s. 3 Robin Hood Lane. Jackson, OH.
Amaque,
John Jersey Taylor
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Please send this part to: John “Jersey” Taylor 1841 Lambert Rd. Graham, NC 27253-9615 or Michael C Warner 43991 Forest Run Rd. Racine, OH 45771 with your check payment.
Friday May 2nd
6pm I will be attending Len Longo’s Party # ___
Saturday May 3rd
I will be golfing at Fair Greens at 9:00 am.____ the cost is $40.00 with the cart which you pay for at Fair Greens.
I will be attending May Day at Parks Edge Jackson, OH. 5:30 pm Cost prepaid $40/pp #______
Sunday 4th – 8:30am brunch: will be served at Brother Paul & Marla Haller’s home. #_______ to attend. 3 Robin Hill Lane, Jackson, Ohio. 45640. Just off Rt. 93, south to 4-mile road, look for Robin Hill Lane Street sign on the right side of road.
“#7. I FURTHERMORE, PROMISE AND SWEAR THAT I WILL SUPPORT THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF ARCHON WITH MY TIME, TALENTS, AND SUBSTANCE, AS FAR AS IT IS IN MY POWER TO DO SO, SO HELP ME GOD!” (From the Archon induction ceremony).
Gentlemen.
2024 has proven to be an excellent year for the Archon Alumni Association. The many successful Archon social events and projects you will find detailed in the Annual Presidents letter will bear witness to this. Since our founding in 1966, The Archon Association has constantly performed and lived up to the oath we all took as new actives. Our achievements are a direct result of the dedicated time and hard work your Archon Alumni Board, the men who chair the committees that plan and organize events and projects, and you, loyal Archon alumni. We ask you to take to heart the meaning and practice of the above quote. Your thoughtful response provides the means that fuels the Association’s ability to communicate, report and involve you in the business and purposes for which we exist. Accompanying this invoice is a detailed list of what those expenses are. All funds we collect through our annual due’s solicitation are used exclusively for the administration of the alumni association.
Our accomplishments have been considerable in 2024 and we believe you would like to continue this into 2025. As stated above, your attention to the financial needs of the Alumni Association have been instrumental in the success we have enjoyed. The common concerns you as alumni have demonstrated have allowed us to support the Active Order and continue as an important component of service to the University of Rio Grande. The alumni association is a designated charitable organization under section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Because of this, certain contributions to Archon are tax deductible. Donations made to Archon for projects at the University, the continued endowment of our scholarship fund, and other charitable projects we undertake are tax deductible. Your dues are especially important for expenses incurred in the process of the day-to-day business of the Order. All other monies collected, go to scholarships or service projects.
Please join us in carrying forward the spirit of common interest and Strong Bonds we share by
completing the invoice found below and returning it in a timely manner. If you have already tendered 10 year or lifetime dues, you will receive your 2025 membership card.
Michael Warner, Treasurer………………………………………See you at May Day!
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| Archon Alumni Association
2025 Dues – $50.00 |
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| Please remit one of the amounts shown below to:
Archon Alumni Association Michael C Warner, Treasurer 43991 Forest Run Rd Racine, OH 45771 $50- Annual Dues- your dues are paid for the next calendar year. $250- 10 Year Dues– your dues are paid for the next 10 years. $500- Lifetime Dues– your dues are paid for lifetime. If you have any questions, please email Michael at: archon.alumni13@gmail.com
To participate in the annual election of officers, dues must be paid prior to the annual meeting. |
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PLEASE…PLEASE…PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY!!
Name _________________________________________
Address ________________________________________ _______________________________________________
E-Mail _______________________________Size______
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