The University of Toledo

Phil Alpha Theta's 2009 Fall Cookout

      On the 20^th of September the History honors fraternity Phi Alpha Theta (PAT) held a cookout on Tucker lawn to mark the beginning of the fall semester.  The event contained everything necessary for an enjoyable Sunday afternoon, friends, family, home-cooked foods, libations, and laughter.  A majority of the UT History Department was in attendance, as well as close friends and family who were invited.  The most anticipated appearances were made by our new faculty and graduate additions: Dr. Todd Michney, Dr. Roberto Padilla, Mr. Cliff VanBuskirk, and Ms. Jennifer Geiger.

       The mood on that Sunday afternoon was one of communal fellowship, everyone enjoying the fresh foods hot off the grill.  A bounty of vibrant vegetables prepared and served in salads or on skewers, plenty of cold beverages to raise our spirits, and mounds of hot coals which smoked and perfumed the air around us. The wind was slight, but on occasion brought gusts of cool air which balanced the warm waning sun.  Summer and fall coalesced to form a classic Ohio Indian summer day, one that would have delighted even the most disheartened Rocket football fan from the loss to Ohio State.

       The highlight of the day may well have been the final game of the “cornhole” tournament, which culminated with Mr. David Conn and Dr. Glenn Ames losing valiantly to a pair of collegiate beanbag ringers.  All proceeds from the tournament will be used by Phi Alpha Theta to continue our tradition of academic excellence, fraternity, and stewardship.
 
       If you are a student and would like to get involved in Phi Alpha Theta, please contact your professor or teaching assistant in your history class or stop by the office at Tucker Hall.