On Saturday, April 28, 2018, the Psi chapter hosted a retirement barbecue and golf tournament for our long-standing Chapter Advisor, Brother, Professor and Dr. Kenneth Sinclair. Brother Sinclair is retiring from Lehigh University effective this May, and has served as the Chapter’s advisor since 1973. With this being said, it was our mission as a chapter to bring together alumni, active brothers, school officials, and other members of the community to celebrate his eternal commitment to Chi Phi.
The event started at 8:45am, with the first tee time at Wedgewood Golf Course. Here, active brothers, alumni, and family played in an 18 hole golf tournament. 27 alumni, 16 undergraduates, and 8 fathers of the undergraduates played in the tournament. Awards and bragging rights were given for guests who achieved the longest drive, the drive closest to the pin, and lowest stroke count. A beautiful morning on the green was a great start for the day to come.
Starting at 2:00pm, the barbecue at the Psi Chapter House began. The barbecue featured food grilled by House Chef, Steve Novak, alumni and guests, lawn games such as cornhole and horseshoes, as well as conversations and connections that transcended decades of the Psi Chapter. 4 members of the Lehigh administration, 1 faculty member, 65 alumni, 7 parents of actives, and 40 active members took part in this memorable day to pay thanks to Brother Sinclair and many gave speeches to honor Brother Sinclair’s long lasting impact on their lives. Over 108 individuals with a love for Chi Phi were in attendance.
Alumni and brothers bonded both on the course and in the Chapter House by sharing stories of memorable things that occured during their time at Lehigh and their appreciation for Chi Phi, particularly those that related to contributions from Brother Sinclair. Alumni told stories of how, in some cases even fifty years after graduation, they still are in close communication with Brothers, proving their ties to Chi Phi to be everlasting. Each interaction with alumni left active members with a sense of confidence that the values instilled in us during our four years at Lehigh will extend into our everyday lives outside of the boundaries of our involvement with the Psi Chapter. This experience as a whole gave the active members a great sense of pride and appreciation for the strong values taught and bonds formed within the Psi Chapter, as well as with the Briarfield association, through which events such as this are made possible. Dr. Sinclair’s retirement celebration heightened our brotherhood’s appreciation for the fact Chi Phi has been an integral part of the lives of hundreds of Brothers before us, and will continue to be for hundreds after us.