[16698] in APO-L
Saying goodbye
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Elliot Echlov)
Fri Apr 25 13:45:01 1997
Date: Fri, 25 Apr 1997 13:37:14 -0500
Reply-To: Elliot Echlov <cfknights@INFOAVE.NET>
From: Elliot Echlov <cfknights@INFOAVE.NET>
To: Multiple recipients of list APO-L <APO-L@VM.CC.PURDUE.EDU>
Today, Psi Omega learned the meaning of brotherhood. It is a lesson they
would not wish upon anyone else.
You probably read earlier in the week about the tragic passing of Amanda
Largent, 22, who was the Service Vice-President for Psi Omega this semester.
Today, Amanda was laid to rest in her hometown of Tallahassee, FL. More
than 20 brothers from Psi Omega made the 4.5-hour trip from Orlando to be
there...in the middle of their exam period.
Amanda pledged Alpha Phi Omega in the Spring 1994 semester. During that
semester, Amanda had decided to transfer to another school. As is customary
at Psi Omega, she was roasted at their banquet. When she later reconsidered
her decision, the brothers were very happy. The chapter benefited as a result.
During her time as an active brother, Amanda served as Publicity Chair,
Treasurer, Fellowship Vice-President, Membership Vice-President, and of
course, Service Vice-President. She was the proud big to three little
brothers: Christina Odom, Stuart Kessler, and Amy Albers-Hillis.
Amanda had two missions in Psi Omega. One was to try and convince everyone
she met that Steak 'n Shake was the best place to eat in Orlando. When
chapter meetings ended and the brothers were trying to decide where to go
for dinner, you could count on Amanda to vote for Steak 'n Shake.
Her other mission was not as big a challenge. In the past few semesters,
Amanda worked hard to convince brothers who had gone inactive that they were
missing something, as well as being missed. As the chapter experienced some
of the problems that all chapters do from time to time, Amanda was there,
helping hold things together until they calmed down.
Less than two weeks ago, Psi Omega showed its appreciation to Amanda for all
her hard work. At the chapter's banquet, she was named this semester's
recipient of the Chapter Service Award. This is no small honor. There are
never fewer than five nominees, and the entire chapter votes by ballot.
Hopefully, this will be the image of Amanda that Psi Omega remembers above
all others.
Amanda's parents came to Orlando this week to collect her belongings. When
they arrived at her apartment, they found six brothers there to help them
pack. Later, they left to arrange for a storage unit for the items they
could not bring. When they returned to the apartment, more than 30 brothers
were there to help.
This Sunday at 7:00pm, the brothers of Psi Omega are going to fulfill both
of Amanda's missions. The chapter will hold its own memorial service at the
Arboretum on the University of Central Florida campus. After the service,
the brothers will proceed to Steak 'n Shake for a burger, some fries, and a
lot of wonderful memories. The restaurant has already been warned to expect
as many as 40 people. The brothers of Psi Omega will wish she could be
there to see it.
She will be...forever in the spirit of brotherhood.
Elliot Echlov
Section 77 Chair
Psi Omega Alumnus
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The brothers of Psi Omega are putting together a scrapbook for Amanda's
parents. It will include various items from Amanda's years as a brother in
Alpha Phi Omega. They will also include your notes of condolence and
sympathy. You can e-mail the chapter at a_phi_o@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu, or
regular mail to Alpha Phi Omega, Psi Omega Chapter, University of Central
Florida, Box 168061, Orlando, FL 32816-3222.
