Kicking off a new era of alumni spirit Running on the heels of the best season in soccer history, soccer alumni returned en masse to Reunion 2011 to keep the team spirit alive, partaking in events both on and off the field. “We wanted to create something you go to once and want to come back for year after year,” said soccer reunion committee co-chair Daniell Robertson ’06 ’10MBA. “We were able to show alumni how important it is to keep these relationships alive and to give back to the program.” The highlight of the weekend was a Saturday afternoon game at Cahall-Sandspur Field, where Rollins alumni faced off against bygone players from longstanding rival University of Central Florida. Former men’s soccer coach Gordie Howell ’64MAT, associate professor emeritus of physical education and soccer reunion committee member, coached the first half of the match. “It was a friendly rivalry with great intensity,” shared Howell, who was pleased with the reignited camaraderie but disappointed with Rollins’ 2-0 loss. “It was a special moment to have Gordie back there and have so many fellow teammates playing again,” said Mike Fogle ’77. “We got several of the guys who couldn’t make it on our cell phones so they could speak to Gordie. It was almost like they were there with us.” “The stands were full of soccer families and the participation in the games was above and beyond what we imagined,” said Alicia Milyak ’02 ’11MHR, women’s soccer coach and soccer reunion committee co-chair. “The reunion was a great way for our current players to experience the rich tradition of Rollins soccer.”
(l-r) Ryan Dodds ’06, Matthew Gowan ’06, Justin Corrado ’03, Brian Wonderly ’07 ’08MBA, Ben Munson ’04 ’05MBA, James Taylor ’06 ’08MBA, and Daniell Robertson ’06 ’10MBA
FACTS ABOUT REUNION 2012 AFFINITIES Kappa Kappa Gamma Founded at Rollins in 1932 National philanthropy: Reading is Fundamental Residence Hall: Rollins Hall Chi Psi Founded at Rollins in 1977 Residence Hall: Hooker Hall, aka “The Lodge” First fraternity to be established upon principles of brotherhood as a social fraternity Black Student Union Celebrating more than 40 years at Rollins Signature Event: Soul Food Sunday Stands for community, inclusivity, and connection Crew
(l-r) Lenny Rosow ’79 and former men’s soccer coach Gordie Howell ’64MAT
Stephen Robinson ’81
Rowing with racing shells began at Rollins in Fall 1903.
(l-r) Gwen Ogilvie ’60 and Don ’59 Salyer cheer on former Tars
Officially became a part of the Rollins athletic program in 1928 Alumna Elizabeth Harbison Spear ’38 is considered the founder of women’s rowing at Rollins.
“It was amazing how many people came back,” committee co-chair Laura McClelland ’02 rec a l l e d . “ Eve r yo n e Chi Omega Alumnae Beach Party connected ahead of time and indicated their plans to attend, so we all knew our friends would be there.” Under a starlit night with the sounds of calypso music floating through the air, Chi Os from as far back as 1961 celebrated their years at Rollins. “It was like watching branches from a tree,” Evangelista said, “seeing the younger girls talk to the older girls, now friends on Facebook. It didn’t matter what year you were from; we were all connected. The weekend made the chapter so much stronger.”
(l-r) Lisa Sigman Crouch ’88, Cary Chicone Hollfelder ’86, Laura Thompson Evangelista ’87, reunion committee member Virginia Frederick Nucci ’86, reunion committee member Chris “Jungle” Newton ’86, Trish Coomes Gallagher ’86, and Donna Rollins Pentrack ’86
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