Alumni Update

In last month’s e-letter, we sent out a survey to our SAE at Penn alumni. Now, we’d like to thank those who answered and share their responses with you! Here are your brothers’ responses. If you’d like to weigh in yourself, email us at alumninews@affinityconnection.com and we’ll include it in our next e-letter!

“Where was your favorite place to go in Philadelphia, why was this place so special to you? What was your favorite event, tradition, or activity to partake in during your college years? Why was it so important to you? Do you still engage with that event, tradition, or activity? As an alum, what do you see as the most valuable part of your SAE experience? Share an update of what’s new in your life!”

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Enrique Abeyta ’95

“My favorite place to go in Philadelphia was Smokes. I still remember the Russell P. Heuer trail walking from Smoke’s to the house and hitting the lamp post along the way. I try to do it anytime am back. The most valuable part of my SAE experience was the Brotherhood and friendships that I carry with me to this very day. Still super tight with a half-dozen guys and communicate with another dozen beyond that.

Can’t remember when I last updated but 1) New kid on the way due in November. Will be our 3rd adding to our 7-year old (Kai) and 3-year old (Nava), 2) moved from NYC to Cave Creek, AZ a year ago, 3) started investment newsletter business (Empire Financial Research) with my colleague Whitney Tilson, 4) my digital media/eCommerce company acquired the #1 brand in tattooing – Inked Magazine – and the #1 brand in music satire – The Hard Times, 5) just bought a house and we are moving in tomorrow and 6) in the process of launching a venture incubator – Project Capital.”

William Thomas Robinson ’72

“Collectively, my favorite places were the many great restaurants; from the former white-tablecloth Deux Chiminees for fancy dinner to Pat’s cheesesteaks in the middle of the night. Skimmer on the beautiful Schuylkill River banks. Alas, never more.

Hopefully, there is no record of me memorializing the silly things we did. I hope Cardinal Puff has retired for good. The fraternity gave me an oasis — a manageable, comfortable group of friends and a sense of belonging in the vastness of a large university and a major city.

I just retired after a 48-year career in advertising and public relations with some of the better agencies in the country and most recently client-side at the Medical University of South Carolina.

If not for COVID-19, I would be starting my second year as a substitute teacher in Title I schools, working with ESE kids (Down Syndrome, intellectually impaired, behaviorally problematic, blind/deaf, etc.) I am on the public policy council of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and a volunteer Guardian ad Litem, a “Court Appointed Special Advocate,” representing kids in the foster care system — and also serving on the board of Florida’s GAL Foundation.

I graduated way back in 1972, live in Florida after several moves, and have lost touch with my brothers. My connection to Penn today is an admissions alumni interviewer, a paltry donor to the Penn Fund, and the very occasional connection with the alumni club in Jacksonville, FL.”

Mike Schaedle ’89

“As an undergrad, my favorite places were, in descending order – (i) the Walk from just over the bridge down to Franklin Field in the fall; (ii) the pool room at SAE; (iii) as a freshman, Troy’s after hours; and (iv) Murphy’s Tavern in the 50s on B’more. The Walk means Penn as a community to me and it is pretty in fall. I remember fencing Columbia. They were the competition. Fling was always fun. It was a bacchanal and always lived up to expectations. I liked the t-shirts for Paddy Murphy. The best part of being in the fraternity was having a house to come home to.”

Chris Pham ’10

“Koch’s Deli and Bui’s. Hangover cures. Building brotherhood and making friends for life. VP/Head of Sales at a Proptech company called Dealpath.”

Harold Denmark ’52

“I am 99 as of July 3, 2020. I majored in entomology and acarology at the U of Florida after serving 5 years in the navy and 1 year at the U Penn. I served as head of entomology for the Florida Department of Agriculture for 40 years. It is one of the best-curated collections because it was developed last. I have published over 100 publications mostly mites. I never shared any of this before now because agriculture was not a subject that members at Penn are interested in.”

Dan Povia ’80

“My favorite place in Philadelphia was Pat’s Steakhouse to end a Friday night of fun. Soccer was always at the top of my list of activities along with parties at the house. The best part of my experience was simply socializing with my brothers and the greater Penn community. And yes I still socialize with the Brotherhood and community…I still meet SAE alums today from other schools and have an immediate bond and common interest.”

James Tito ’59

“My favorite place in Philadelphia was Silver Moon on 40th St. across from the dental school. It was the nearest bar to the house. Smokey’s was on 36th St at the time. My favorite activity was Skimmer Day. I have no Interchange with other chapters and their brothers–I helped while in undergrad and for many years. I am now retired.”

Guy Antonioli ’75

“On campus, Smokey Joe’s was our go-to for either lunch & a beer or at night to hang out with friends and The Deck had great roast beef sandwiches. Downtown on Sansom St. it was Artemis, a great Bar & Disco (on weekends) with an upstairs VIP Lounge with a pool table. Not one in particular, but there were usually good Frat parties after the Home Football games or on other special occasions.

The best part of my SAE experience was the friendship with my three brothers – I was the Best Man at Wally’s wedding and John was my Best Man. Dan is a very good friend of all of us. My daughter got married on February 8th this year in Cuernavaca, Mexico at the Hacienda San Antonio. She and her husband Jorge live in Austin with us in the loft above the garage. My son, his wife, and my grandson (almost 4) drove down from Detroit where he works for Maserati to spend the indefinite “Covid Season” with us in Austin. Great having the entire family under one roof. “

Shawn Bleam ’91

My favorite place was the Penn campus and various restaurants around the city. I loved watching Penn basketball with fellow SAE brothers! Love college hoops! My first kids are off to college! Obviously seeing a shift of quality of life choice due to COVID. Lots of NYers moving our way! I now live in Boulder (near a few other SAE brothers).”