A reunion of Phi Phi alumni in New York in spring 2015. Pictured (L to R): Paul Hiller '65, G. Morris '69, Vincent Mannino '69, William Schmidt '69, Charles O'Neil '69, J. Halpern '67 (friend), J. Gardner Colins '68 and Tom Farrell '68.
For Tom Farrell ’68, his Phi Phi experience developed a fine sense of camaraderie and loyalty to his brothers and the chapter. That’s why he, along with other members from his era, have organized frequent reunions for the group in the years since graduation—like last spring’s event in New York.
In past decades, the group was fueled by the traditional party hosted by Mike Cavanaugh ’69 every two years following the Penn vs. Yale football game in New Haven.
The group—and Mike’s spirit—lives on through continued, though more infrequent, reunions. Tom has organized dinners in New York, John Dickerson ’69 in Rhode Island, and Jim Colins ’68 in Philadelphia.
As undergraduates, as Tom recalls, the lives of he and his brothers revolved around the chapter house—even if they were living elsewhere. Most meals were eaten there. There were pre-football game lunches and post-game cocktails and dinner followed by a party with a band. Other parties occurred throughout the year (many followed by drinking games into the wee hours) as well as the formal Sweetheart Ball.
Have you recently participated in a Phi Phi reunion? Share your pictures and story in the Alumni Updates section.