Pi Sigma Chi Fraternity

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written by Camilo Suarez , October 15, 2009

Just a few words about Angel..., and my experiences at his wake.
To say he was a good man , would be gross understatement. He was one of a handful or people Ive met in my life, that do not have an ounce of malice in their being. Not a bad bone in his body. Something I cant say about the vast majority of the people I know & love.

While some of us here have little or no ties to Angel, past his being a brother, there are others , including myself, who have long time ties to him. High School classmate, College classmate & rooomate, Basketball team mate, and then Brother.
His passing hit me extra hard, especially since he just recently started reaching out to us, never mentioning ANYTHING about not being well, fighting cancer, or anything even close.
Looking back, I now realize , he was tying up loose ends. Reaching out to those people in his life, that maybe he had forgotten about, maybe because he knew his time was running out.

If Angels passing can teach us a lesson, that lesson might be, to continue what Angel started. To reach out to those who weve forgotten, for whatever reasons, and make those connections strong again. I hope well all take the ball he handed to us & run with it.


It was good to see the brothers I got to see last night, even under the sad circumstances. Vin, Oscar,...who I havent seen in many years, and Nelson who I see more than them, but still way too little. Genaro I see fairly frequently, but was still good to have that support, of people who share your loss. I missed Big Miguel, he was there earlier in the day, but I got to speak to him on the phone, something I havent done in maybe 5-6 years also. I heard Ron was there, wished I wouldve seen him, as again, someone I havent seen in years.

It was good to see Jason Sanchez, who while not a brother, lived with Angel, Big Miguel & Myself, and therefore lived his college life "on the outside looking in". He's one that while he doesnt wear my letters, is my brother.

It was good to hear about guys I havent heard about in ages. Im glad weve made plans to hook-up next week, and see some of these guys I missed, and hear even more about the others.

Its sad that it takes tragedy like this to bring this out of me. But I feel I havent shared enough over the last few years. Not enough with Angel, and not enough with the rest of the brotherhood.

I want to formally apologize to the brotherhood as a whole, for not BEING a brother.

I hope to make steps to remedy this in the very near future.

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written by ROC , October 17, 2009

Beautiful and poignant words, Camilo! Very well said and I commend you for opening up a bit of your heart like you did!
Your brother,
Jeff ROC

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written by Vincent Pritchard , October 20, 2009

Brothers,

Last week when I read Camillo’s comment, something struck a chord in me. I remembered being an active myself, and going through the trouble of contacting the many alumni brothers just to be able to create a contact list. Being young, naïve, and energetic, I couldn’t comprehend how those that pledged the organization and were a part of it could later turn their backs and forget about it. And then it happened to me. I joined the group on the other side. Although there are some of you that still stay somewhat active, many of us have contracted amnesia. Friends and family have come across letters of mine, or memorabilia, only to garner a response of, “Oh yeh, I was in a fraternity in college.” The sad part of it is, most of us joined the brotherhood so that we could have a family. We wanted to be part of something great. We knew we’d end up doing great things. But after “passing over”, we found our careers, made families of our own, fell into a new circle of friends, and FORGOT about our roots. We forget, or (dare I say) refuse to bother with, the organization that (probably) created us. I am guilty of the above. And, as stated by one of my brothers so perfectly, I want to apologize for NOT being a brother.
A situation like this ignites a fire within to organize some kind of event. But nowadays I find myself way too busy to consider doing anything beyond the boundaries of my small bubble. It’s a psychological game I play with myself to keep me productive. However, I think now would be the perfect opportunity for the actives to collaborate with some of us alumni, to organize a get-together. It does not have to be fancy. I spoke briefly with Beli on this, and even having something in the student union, with food and drinks would be sufficient. The only thing I would be adamant about is having it AT Pratt. I think all of us have gotten way too disconnected from our roots, and need to come back “home”. I know we have dinners, and the Quo Vadis, but this is something we should also have once or twice a year. Somewhat of an informal get-together where we can come and go, exchange stories, walk around Pratt to see what changed, exchange information, make new connections, etc. And since the idea was spawned as a result of Angel’s passing, it could even be named after him somehow. I would love to try to organize this myself, but I have neither the time nor the resources to pull it off. Someone take the reigns please, and I’ll be more than happy to help out…

Sincerely,

Vincent “Johnny 5” Pritchard

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written by Andre Garabedian , October 21, 2009

These sentiments are precisely what I have felt for years. Perhaps as a FF that is natural. This organization was intended to be more than your typical fraternity of beer guzzling and swapping stories of the latest sexual conquest. We always wanted to be more.

A few months back, I became incredibly frustrated by the apathy in this brotherhood. I did something I rarely do. I lashed out a bit. Many were surprised at my strong comments. Some even suggested I keep my frustration to myself and it was that display of frustration that "turned people off to the fraternity." I became even more dismayed, and retreated. I even considered turning in my letters and walking away!

I am pleased that Vinny has made these remarks—and equally happy that Camillo was inspirational in his remarks to remember one of our own who's time came much too fast.

I don't remember Angel much. He arrived at Pratt after I graduated and I only met him once or twice. Nonetheless, he clearly was a dear friend and brother to so many. I am only sorry that it took this tragedy to perhaps start this ball rolling.

I have limited time as well. My work and family are dominating much of my time. But I have always pledged to be there for this brotherhood. That everlasting fire is still with me somehow. If planning and help organizing an event is needed—call on me. I have executed numerous functions like this and can help. The thing we need more than anything is resolve to do it, and the funds to get it done. With those two key elements, nothing will stop us.

I concur that an even AT PRATT is paramount. Too many times, this fraternity has been making an effort to move away from the Pratt Campus. As such, we have struggled to maintain an on campus identity. Having an annual "reunion" of sorts—be it in the Student Union, the Pratt House, or where ever on the Pratt Campus would be wonderful. Count me in for both participation AND leg work to get the event off the ground.