The theme for the 1998 Lee University Homecoming was, "Going the Distance" and many Upsilon alumni did just that, returning to Cleveland for the annual reunion festivities. Approximately 60 alumni joined with the current club membership to celebrate 36 years of continuing excellence in brotherhood. Among the alumni in attendance at this year’s breakfast were Dan Boling, Bill George, Dale Bain, Ted Gee, Robert O’Bannon, John K. Vining, Bill Winters, Nick Humble, and many others.

After the meal and fellowship, current Upsilon Xi president Clark Medlin gave the annual "State of the Club" speech. His comments were very brief, but included an overview of the changes made to the structure of induction. Induction was cut this year from one week to one day by Lee University President Paul Conn. This puzzling development has been the source of considerable debate and discussion, especially given the tremendous spiritual benefits that each of us have derived from the process.

Once Clark had concluded, two awards were handed out. The first presentation was given to Dr. Robert O’Bannon for his ongoing service to the club and help with the planning and execution of another successful Sadie Hawkins.

The second presentation was the 1998 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year award. This year Upsilon selected Dr. G. Dennis McGuire as the honoree. Dr. McGuire was one of the first members of Upsilon, joining the club during its third active semester in the fall of 1963. Over the years, his work in the Church of God has been exemplary and his leadership and achievement is unquestioned. This past August, Dr. McGuire was re-elected to his post as Second Assistant General Overseer of the Church of God (the third highest post in the Church of God.) Dr. McGuire also serves as the Executive Committee Liaison for Family Ministries, Director of Military Ministries, and is a Ministerial Care boardmember.

Dr. G. Dennis McGuire

The final order of business was the formation of the Upsilon Xi Alumni Association. Bill George, who had spent considerable time over the previous months writing the constitution, explained to the club the basics of what the alumni association would be for and what needed to be done to get the association started. Four provisions were voted on and ratified by the membership of the club including the setting of dues and the election of an executive committee.

Two other occurrences at Homecoming 1998 are worthy of special mention. Upsilon Sweetheart Laurin Brasseaux was named the 1998 Lee University Homecoming Queen at halftime of the Homecoming basketball game. Also at halftime, Upsilon Alumnus and current Lee University head basketball coach and athletic director Larry Carpenter was honored as one of the original seven athletes inducted into the newly begun Lee University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Several Upsilon members on the court:
Front row : Laurin Brasseaux (red dress),
and Nicole Daniels (far right)
Back row : Lee Seals, Clark Medlin, and Christian King.



Larry Carpenter

--Reported by Joe Giove