Monthly Archives: May 2012
In Memoriam: Jerry Garati
Posted on by Nik VanDenMeerendonk
It is with a sad heart that we come to terms with the loss of a wonderful friend and brother. On the morning of May 11th, 2012, Brother Jerry Garati ’89 passed away due to complications from a recent cardiac arrest. Jerry will be laid to rest in a private family service. The Minnesota Alumni Society will be collecting donations for a memorial fund in his memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are preferred. DNR Nongame Wildlife Fund 500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25 St. Paul, MN, 55155 Led by the efforts of Br. Steve Ehrfurth and Br. Brian Bergson, MN alumni from all over have been tirelessly sharing memories and stories at this page to help keep Jerry’s legacy alive. Throughout the past week, I have been deeply moved and touched at the response of brothers — those that knew him and those that didn’t. The loss of Jerry is undeniably tragic, but it has served to reunite old friends and bring otherwise silent brothers out of the woodwork to honor a man that had immeasurable impact on people. Some select quotes from those Alpha Delts fortunate enough to know Br. Garati in person: “I remember living in the house during the summer of 1990 with Jerry. I lived in the room a top of the stairs and Jerry was next door. He rode his 10 speed bike everywhere he went. Both of us were trying to figure out what to do with school in Fall. We helped each other get through that summer as we dealt with our own personal situations.” “He was a great guy and true Brother….I have nothing but positive memories…always a smile…..Heaven is a better place tonite by his mere presence….RIP Jerry Garati…I loved his great Lou Holtz imitation.” “He was always very low [read more…]
LEARN ALL THE THINGS!!!
Posted on by Nik VanDenMeerendonk
To the active members of Alpha Delta Phi, Finals week is approaching, and on behalf of the alumni, I’d like to wish all of our active members luck on their final exams. It’s always great to see how much work you put into your philanthropic and social efforts throughout the school year, and it’s important to let you know that your academic pursuits are not forgotten. Finals week can be one of the biggest hurdles you face throughout your college career, and when it becomes daunting, it’s easy to feel isolated in frustration. Please know that the alumni are here to support you and hope you are doing all you can to not only maintain a good name for your fraternity, but for yourselves as well. We’ve all been there, and while the material may have changed, some study methods remain tried and true. – Find study partners and quiz each other. – Make sure you understand all your notes. – Make charts, diagrams, graphs, lists and flash cards. – Try to avoid pulling all-nighters if possible (although this works better for some) – Turn off the video games for the week. – Turn off or silence phones during study sessions. – Limit your use of Facebook, Twitter, etc. to minimize potential distractions. – Remember to eat healthy and exercise. – Get plenty of sleep. – Help other brothers study and prepare for their own exams when you can. Finals week should be viewed as a time when your normal routine may need to be changed a bit to prepare for everything you’ve been learning this past semester. Keep your priorities in check for the week and you’ll do great. You may even discover some new study aides to help you along the way. If you never listen to Taylor [read more…]