It seems that Mr. Kendall recalls very little about the advantages of fraternal life. Yes, there is a tradition of celebration following the initiation of new brothers at most fraternities on our campus. I can also tell you that there were quite a few nights that I returned to my residence hall after a fraternity party to find students and their friends far worse off than those that I left on North Pleasant Street. Many students make mistakes in their experimentation with alcohol at UMass. However, fraternities do not accelerate these mistakes.
Fraternity life does create tightened bonds that last long after graduation day.
So, Mr. Kendall, I am sorry that you have such unpleasant memories of your fraternal experience. It is unfortunate that after fifteen years, your memories circle back to the least important component of fraternal life. HOW much I enjoyed your article on the Drake . As far back as I can remember I have heard stories about this place, quite often the same stories several times over. When my family owned the hotel I understand it was a grand place in the small town of Amherst.