In memory of Psi Upsilon Brother Warren “Rib” Hall ’37, a commemorative flag from Senator Chris Dodd’s (D-CT) Office will wave on Psi Upsilon’s new flagpole come Homecoming Weekend. Hall, who died on April 17, 2006, served his country during World War II and was a frequent visitor of Psi U after graduating.
Jeff Bizinkauskas ’10, the current president of Psi U, explained that receiving the flag is a great honor.
“He was a faithful and respected alumni,” Bizinkauskas said. “It is an honor to get the flag from Senator Chris Dodd’s office and an additional honor that ’Rib’ served his country.”
Tristan Tully ’09, a Psi U brother who knew Hall, remembers hearing of his experiences and stories of the old Wesleyan.
“He was hilarious, and quite the jolly, old man,” Tully said. “He was the most active alumnus I knew. He was part of the governing committee of graduated Psi U brothers and the most beloved alumni.”
When Psi U heard of Hall’s passing, the fraternity wanted to dedicate something memorable to the veteran. Property manager Ed Dunham knew that the capital building in Hartford issued special flags for veterans and put in a proposal requesting a flag for the World War II veteran.
“After about two weeks, I received an official letter from Senator Chris Dodd, who had an available flag, certifying the dedication of the flag to Warren [’Rib’] Hall, for his past service for the country,” Dunham said. “The flag was flown over the [nation’s] capital building in Washington D.C. on June 27, 2008.”
The official flag will be presented to Hall’s family during Homecoming Weekend. A memorial service will be held on Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. in the Memorial Chapel, with a dedication ceremony and brunch to follow.
Bizinkauskas will present the flag to the head of the Psi U alumni association, Jim Killough. After the ceremony, the flag will fly on the newly acquired flagpole, which was funded by alumni donations.
“The new flag pole will be more visible, symbolic to ’Rib,’ and will also bind the alumni together,” Bizinkauskas said.
The city approved the new pole partially due to a positive relationship between Psi U and Middletown—every semester the Psi U brothers invite the Middletown Police Department to a Public Service Dinner at their house. This semester’s dinner was held on Thursday, Sept. 25.
“Through events like the Public Service Dinner, we were allowed to get the flag,” Bizinkauskas said. “This event is also a great way for us to let Middletown Police know that we value their services and respect them.”
Ultimately, Bizinkauskas hopes the Homecoming Weekend ceremony will bring together current brothers and alumni in honor of Hall’s service.
“Because of this ceremony that is going to take place during Homecoming Weekend, alumni will be brought together for the memorial service,” he said. “It will generate pride for the fraternity and remembrance of the friendships that the alumni shared during their time at Wes and still do today.”
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