Alumni eat, reminisce at 'Brew and Barbecue' event

Not even a torrential downpour could keep the esteemed SU alumni from celebrating Friday night, as over 100 alumni gathered under a tent on the quad for the 'Cuse Brew and Barbecue.

Alumni were treated to a selection of beer and wine, as well as some of the best barbecue Syracuse has to offer. Local talent Letizia and the Z-Band serenaded the alumni throughout the event, performing hits of the past and present. OttoTunes, the SU male a cappella group, also performed.

Guests also piled into a photo booth to take pictures with old friends, or sat with their spouse as a caricature was drawn of them. Also - per usual - alumni of all ages made sure to snap a picture with Otto, greeting him like an old friend.

Besides the festive atmosphere, most prevalent throughout the night was the immense pride the alumni had for their alma mater. No matter how changed the campus seemed to them, it was clear they were happy to be back. Some alumni drove over 400 miles to be here this weekend for the festivities. It is a true testament to the impact this campus has on all its students.

Alumni were eager to reminisce on the days they spent on campus. With a smile, Phil Scatterday, '58, recalled some of his favorite memories from college. “I always looked forward to the lead up to the football games on Saturdays. In fact, I still look forward to Fridays, even to this day.”

Stacey Watson, '08, and Dana Lucas, '06, were sisters in the same sorority during their time at SU, and found both of their husbands in the same fraternity on campus. “It’s cool to have someone to share your love of Syracuse with,” Lucas said. She was recently married at Hendricks Chapel.

Chuck Wainwright, '68, built a sturdy foundation for the rest of his career at SU. “The foundations I got here in my career were important to my success.” Wainwright graduated studying special education and moved on to spend over 20 years in the special education field.

Wainwright was not the only alumnus whose on-campus opportunities helped him prepare for his life. When asked what she remembered most about campus, Roxanne Bocyck, '10, said, “The bulletin board of opportunity.”

Bocyck remembered a bulletin board she used to look at daily. The announcements on that board from various clubs and organizations prompted her to step outside of her comfort zone and try something new.

Meg Goldberg-Umlas, '88, remembers being involved with her campus community as well. “I was a campus tour guide and a disc jockey for WJPZ.” Meg is now an alumni director for the university.

Brian McLane, '69, recalls the words of a professor he once had: “Your education begins when you stop accepting what I say and start trying to prove me wrong.”

Countless stories and laughs were shared throughout the night as old friends caught up and new friends were made. The alumni who traveled here this weekend stand as living proof of the wonderful effects this university has on its students long after they have graduated.