Delt Alumni, Undergraduates and friends of Epsilon Upsilon Chapter gathered from far and wide in Marietta to honor longtime Chapter Advisor Robert “Fergie” Ferguson during Marietta College’s 2025 Homecoming weekend in 2025.
It was a weekend to share memories and make new ones as we celebrated Fergie’s retirement as Chapter Advisor. With more than 200 people in attendance, it was one of the greatest gathering of Marietta Delts in the Chapter’s history and a fitting way to say thank you to the Delt largely responsible for the Chapter’s success.
The weekend kicked off on Friday, Oct. 17, with a reception welcoming Delta Tau Delta International President Anthony Albanese to campus. This was followed by a performance of the Fraternity’s public ritual, The Rite of Iris.
The Undergraduate Delts conducted the Rite in the Anderson Hancock Planetarium, which displayed the night sky as it looked on the night of Dec. 3, 1993, the day Brother Albanese initiated into Delta Tau Delta at American University in Washington, D.C.
Delts and Friends Honor Fergie’s Half-Century of Service
On the morning of Saturday, Oct. 18, Fergie received the Marietta College Alumni Association’s Honorary Alumnus Award.
This award is presented to a person who is not an alumnus or alumna of the College, but has given specific and meritorious service to the institution. In addition to advising the Delts, Fergie has also taught classes and facilitated student internships and job placements for Marietta College students.
The marquee event took place the evening of Saturday, Oct. 18, with a reception and dinner honoring Fergie and to install Michael Conaty ‘89 as Epsilon Upsilon Chapter Advisor.
More than 150 Marietta Delt Alumni, Undergraduates and other friends of the Epsilon Upsilon Chapter; Delta Tau Delta International President Anthony Albanese; Delta Tau Delta CEO Jack Kreman; former International President Bruce Peterson; past and present Marietta College faculty; and members of Fergie’s family took part in the celebration, which was held at the Tower Event and Conference Center.
During the dinner, outgoing Marietta Delt Association President Matt Dole ‘01, incoming MDAA President Alex Nourse ‘15, Marietta Delt Educational Foundation Chairman Jess Raines ‘96 and MDAA/MDEF Fundraising Director Barrie Yochim ‘90 made a special announcement.
Dole and Nourse explained that as the Chapter’s 55th anniversary approached in 2023, the MDAA leadership turned their thoughts to the Chapter’s 60 anniversary in 2028.
The leaders of the MDAA decided on a goal to raise $60,000 from Marietta Delt alumni and friends to be donated to the Marietta Delt Educational Foundation to honor the 60th anniversary.
In announcing the start of this 60th anniversary fundraising, campaign, Yochim revealed that campaign’s quiet phase had already raised more than $42,000 toward the $60,000 goal.
Raines announced that Foundation will use the money raised from this campaign, once it is finished, to create the Robert and Ginny Ferguson Awards for Academic Achievement.
The endowment for the Ferguson Awards will fund 10 cash prizes a year for the Epsilon Upsilon Undergraduates:
Highest Freshman GPA
Highest Sophomore GPA
Highest Junior GPA
Highest Senior GPA
Highest Overall GPA
Most Improved Freshman GPA
Most Improved Sophomore GPA
Most Improved Junior GPA
Most Improved Senior GPA
Most Improved Overall GPA
The MDAA campaign to raise $60,000 to endow the MDEF for the Ferguson Awards received more pledges and contributions during the dinner. Fundraising will continue until we reach the $60,000 goal. To contribute or pledge a monthly gift, visit the MDEF Paypal donation page or make a contribution with Venmo.
