Brother Blaine Chastang of Xi Chapter at Auburn University received a phone call in 2001 from his long-time friend, Brother Wade Bullard of Xi Chapter, who had just received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. Years after his diagnosis, Brother Bullard told Brother Chastang that he wished he could see everyone again, and Brother Chastang made that possible by organizing a reunion.
“We would sit around and talk about all the good times we had, and he (Brother Bullard) said, ‘Man, I’d like to see everybody one more time,’ — you know, from that era,” Brother Chastang shared.
He, Brother Bullard, Brother Greg Phillips (Xi Chapter) and Brother Hooper Matthews (Xi Chapter), would consistently get together near the Kennesaw River. When Brother Bullard kept bringing up the idea of getting everyone together again, Brother Matthews told them that if they wanted to put something together, he would gladly host everyone.
Music was a topic that all the brothers loved, and they enjoyed listening to live music. Brother Chastang contacted a local band and convinced them to come out for what would become their reunion. He then took to social media and other forms of communication to spread the word of a get together hosted by Brother Matthews.
In 2021, they held their first reunion, which brought together nearly 200 people; brothers and their families. Brother Chastang said the event wasn’t centered around Brother Bullard, but rather an opportunity to reconnect and meet new brothers.
“We had brothers that I didn’t know — who graduated before me. We had brothers who came years after me,” Brother Chastang said.
The three brothers were able to fulfill Brother Bullard’s wish of getting to see everyone again, and he couldn’t wait for the next time in 2023.
The reunions usually consist of a pot-luck style dinner. Brothers and their families are invited to mingle and network with old friends and make new ones. Games like cornhole were also another way brothers got to bond and have fun at the event.
Unfortunately, in 2024, Brother Bullard’s health began to decline. Despite the complications from his health, he was excited for the 2025 reunion. Brother Chastang would call Brother Bullard or vice versa, and the reunion was what Brother Bullard wanted to talk about.
“It gave him something to do — to look forward to,” Brother Chastang said.
Brother Bullard passed away March 23, 2025, just a few months before their reunion. Even though Brother Bullard would not be there to enjoy the festivities, Brother Chastang and the others chose to still hold the reunion this year, allowing everyone to get together.
“Life’s too short not to visit and make memories with friends,” Brother Chastang said.
He said this year the turn out wasn’t as big as previous years, but everyone had a great time.
Brother Ken Barlow was one of the several Xi Chapter brothers in attendance and shared how much he enjoyed getting together with his brothers. He attended the first reunion in 2021 and now, the third this June.
Brother Barlow said he truly enjoyed seeing everyone and getting to connect with people who had the same interests as him, including getting some advice.
“I like getting together ... that’s what the whole idea is about — networking,” Brother Barlow said. “Working and playing together, that’s what it was all about, I thought.”
Brother Chastang said they plan to continue hosting the reunion every two years, and Brother Bullard’s wish and memory will be carried on with the meeting of Xi Chapter brothers every year the reunion is held.
