TAU brothers celebrate golden anniversary
By Steve Seepersaud
One of the largest alumni reunions in recent history took place on campus during the spring when the Tau Alpha Upsilon Alumni Society returned to Binghamton to celebrate the fraternity's 50th anniversary. More than 250 brothers enjoyed a weekend filled with golf, Texas Hold'em Poker, a semi-formal dinner and, of course, lots of reminiscing about good times. Many of the alumni in attendance said they just had to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event.
"This was the first time that I had been back to Binghamton since 1991," said Adam Robbins '87. "I wasn't sure I was going to come back. But, I pledged with 14 other guys and our pledge captain kept e-mailing me and saying 'Adam, we really want to get the whole group.' That was such a strong draw, and I had such a great experience here that I had to come back."
When the alumni talk about what TAU has meant to them over the years, a common thread is deep friendship. Those relationships have remained strong even though life has taken the brothers in different directions over the years.
"Ever since TAU began, there was a certain feeling -- an intangible feeling -- of togetherness and support, all kinds of shenanigans, and fun and craziness. But, underneath it...there's a feeling of love and support," said Neil Henry '67.
"One of the great things about TAU is the friendships that you make, and the camaraderie that goes on for years," said Jose Moreira '00, MBA '03, a TAU brother and member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
In addition to holding events and getting together, the members of Binghamton University's oldest fraternity have been very active in giving back to their alma mater. The Bearcat Room in the Events Center and the press box at the Bearcats Sports Complex are just two examples of the group's generosity and love for the University.
"The guys at TAU are all about giving back to the school. It has been great to all of us," said Joel Cohen '83.
"The University is the place that gave us our start in life," said Sonny "Sal" Caruana '73. "It gave many of us a start with our families and our wives, and our friendships. And, it's something that all of us have treasured since the day we left."
TAU members left campus and headed home with even more memories and plans to get together again soon for a golf outing on Long Island.
"TAU is thrilled to be involved in the culture of Binghamton University for the past 50 years, and we truly hope that there will be another 50 years that we can celebrate all together," said Geoff “Gerrry” Epstein '89.
"It's wonderful to be a part of what these guys are experiencing," said Dan Polhamus '00, associate director of alumni relations. "To see the relationships they've made and sustained, I just can't describe what it's like to see these different pockets of people reuniting. Some people who haven't been back to campus for decades have come back to Binghamton to be a part of something like this. It's just incredible."
The Alumni Relations office can help your class year or special-interest group with planning a reunion anywhere and at any time of the year. Contact our office by e-mail if you'd like to talk to someone about planning a reunion.
