TRI-CON 2021: Together Online Again From 1942 through 1945 Triangle Conventions were cancelled. The cause was the world-wide calamity known as World War II. Almost 80 years later it was a global viral pandemic that forced us to cancel a planned Convention in Orlando and postpone the in-person event until 2022. Refusing to see this as a defeat, Triangle’s National Council and HQ staff designed an online two-day event called TRI-CON 2021. Held June 26 and 27, the virtual event involved over 130 alumni and undergraduates who participated in the business of Convention and celebrated Triangle’s successes through one of the most challenging years of our history. It was a great example of how Triangle solves problems and adapts to overcome difficulties – and we also had fun doing it! Months before the event, we worked with chapters to communicate proposed legislation and encourage them to select their delegates. Because it was a virtual event that did not require travel or overnight stays, it was easier for many chapters to have their president or other executive officer(s) attend. This meant we were able to have more delegates who were leaders and decision makers in their chapters. Alumni delegates also were drawn mostly from alumni chapter officers and leaders, but we were glad to have alumni and student attendees who registered just to see what TRI-CON was all about. With few barriers to participation, it was easy for those who had never participated in a previous Convention to get an idea of what we do and why. Perhaps some will be motivated to attend a future event in person. The business of any Convention includes reports on the various entities of Triangle, proposed legislation, the Court of Appeals, and the installation of National Council. These were addressed in the business session on Saturday June 26, where five items each were nearly unanimously approved to make changes to the Constitution, Bylaws, or Ritual.
FALL 2021
I Triangle Review
What Legislation was adopted? • Approval for active members to alter the fastening design of the badge • Simplification of the requirements for induction as a Distinguished Fellow • Updates for fire safety on the official Ritual list of materials • Update of the Chapter Eternal Ceremony (non-secret) • Reduction of National Active Fee and creation of National Education Fee Changes to the Constitution and Ritual are now being ratified by our chapters. There was no business brought before the Court of Appeals, which exists to consider appeals to modify or reverse national decisions. The new National Council was Installed by former President Dick Beaubien mich64, current Chairman of the Triangle Building & Housing Corporation (a listing of Council members is on page 2), and attendees heard from Immediate Past President Joe Cerrato os05 and new National President John Cottage ps04. The Sunday program was a celebration of the work chapters and individuals have done over the previous year to support or represent Triangle as leaders, scholars, and servants (award winners listed on the next page). While the pandemic may have changed the campus experience for our students, many members overcame adversity to help their chapters grow and succeed. We also hosted a spirited Triangle Trivia game, coordinated by Kevin Fong ucla84 and Merle Newlon lou73, as well as several fun gift card “giveaways” during breaks in the program. Top chapter awards recognized our top four high-scoring chapters in the Building Better Men competition: Iowa State, Michigan State, Ohio State, —Continued on next page 20 and Wisconsin. 19
