The great turnaround for last summer’s Work Week.
If you can’t make it to reunion weekend or are just looking for another reason to get back to Ithaca this summer, Work Week is for you. All brothers, young and old, are invited to join us for our annual summer work week at the house. We’ve been doing this since 2020 and every year the list of improvements speaks for itself — repainting the house interior, new Greek letters on the exterior, refinishing the chapter room table, and plenty more. Last year, we rebuilt the retaining wall by the kitchen entrance, saving the fraternity over $10,000 in contractor fees.
This year’s projects are shaping up to be another solid list. Lee O’Connor ’76 and Dean Collamer ’79 are organizing the week, and planned work includes refreshing the bar area, repainting wood trim throughout the house, refinishing the upper lounge table, improving the steps and hallway leading to the fourth floor, yard cleanup, and rebuilding the wooden fence along the back property line. For that last one, we could use a younger volunteer or two who don’t mind getting their hands dirty digging post holes — pizza and beer provided.
Beyond the work itself, these gatherings are just a great time. You’ll be working alongside brothers you may not have seen in years, sharing a meal at the end of the day, and leaving knowing you made a real difference for the house. No special skills required — just show up ready to work.
As in years past, brothers coming up for work week are welcome to stay in the house in an open bedroom — just reach out to Lee to coordinate. It’s always been one of the better parts of the week, getting a few nights back in the old place with good company. If you haven’t seen how beautiful the Rockledge deck is in the summer, this is your chance!
If you’re interested or have any questions, get in touch with Lee O’Connor at [email protected].
We hope to see you there.