The past few days have been incredible in DC. I have gotten a chance to experience the Fraternity in a way I haven't before. Undergraduates and alumni from all over the US and Canada congregated to celebrate another biennium of brotherhood. When I arrived to DC, I quickly got dressed for the opening General Session of convention. On Thursday night, we went out to the Sports Pub in Crystal City for a bite to eat. Then we turned in for the night due to a long day of traveling. Friday we traveled to the capital to meet up with Michael McLean who was working in Congressman Tiberi's office. Mike gave us an insider's tour of the Capitol. We grabbed lunch at the Capitol Lounge and then returned to Crystal City. We made it back in time for me, Kevin Chung our voting delegate, and Nazar Zhdan to attend a "meeting of the candidates" for general council. After that, Greg White and I worked out in the hotel's gym and relaxed the rest of the afternoon. Friday night we had dinner in DuPont at Scion. After that the undergrads went to an OWU friend's apartment to prep for a night out. She took us to the U-Street night scene and we stopped in at U-Hall and Codmother, where we found some more OWU friends. Saturday was awards day where we all attended the awards luncheon, and grand banquet for dinner. At the Awards Luncheon, Ohio Beta was recognized for both campus involvement and being a Silver Star chapter. Jim Warner, Ohio Beta's and the rest of Sigma South chapters' province president, won Province President of the year. At the grand banquet for dinner, we enjoyed fellowship with all of the other Phi's as the 4 premiere chapter awards were given out. Overall, it was an excellent experience. You really got to see the power of The Bond all the brothers shared. Tempted to already schedule plans for the next convention in Vegas 2014. All for now.
-MM