Clarke Glennon’s 90th Birthday

By Dan Olson, ’99, alumni Communications VP

On Sunday, January 15th, Clarke Glennon, a member of the SPEcial Penn Delta Class of 1955, a class which gave us so many participatory and loyal members and which banded together to provide a $50,000 gift for chapter house improvements several years past, celebrated his 90th birthday at brunch organized by his wife, Irene McNeil.

Clarke was elected to the Pennsylvania Delta Foundation’s alumni board, which eventually included fellow ’55 classmates George Quinn, Aram Jerrehian, and Bob Johnson in the late 50’s. Clarke served on the alumni board for nearly 50 years and through that time and even after he “retired” from Penn Delta alumni board service, Clarke participated in many of the events which brought alumni (and often undergrads) together.

Countless senior dinners, New York City gatherings, local Balanced Man Scholarship presentations dinners, and Homecoming gatherings were graced by Clarke’s and often Irene’s presence.  (Who could forget the memorable Homecoming at 4028 Walnut Street many years ago, held on Hallowe’en, no less, when Clarke and Irene fronted in their Vampire best?)

I had the treasured pleasure to get to know Clarke over the 20 plus years since I graduated, learned of his family’s Irish heritage on both sides of the ocean, and found that we shared a strong interest in Penn sports.  At Clarke’s 90th brunch, one guest recalled how one year, the entire crowd at a Palestra basketball game joined together in singing happy birthday to Clarke, an example of how well Clarke was known to and appreciated by Penn alumni.

I always looked for Clarke at Penn sporting events and made sure to find him and say hello, for he always had something interesting to say, usually accompanied by his recognizable laugh and maybe even a funny remark or observation.  His 90th brunch was no different.

Everyone was happy to share a story or two about how they knew Clarke.  For those who may not know, Clarke’s wife Irene is known for creating warm, welcoming, and engaging social times.

Brett Danko, ’90, ‘Pennsylvania Delta Foundation President, mentioned how Irene brought an Irish Dancer Troupe, bag pies and all, to Clarke’s 80th birthday, leading all of us wonder what Irene may have had in store for us this time for his 90th . . . and Irene did not disappoint:-  a Philadelphia Mummers string band trio dropped by and wowed us all.  

Brett, fellow alum Gren Foote, ’56, and I were so pleased to join Clarke’s family and friends and beamed with pride as Brett spoke of how much Clarke means to our brotherhood.  And Gren led the singing of “Drink a Highball” as we anticipated the “tossing” of specially made “toast” when that word was mentioned in one of Penn’s favorite anthems.    (See Penn Traditions – University of Pennsylvania Athletics (pennathletics.com)

The photo is a reminder of the long-term bonds that we have made over the years and represent one of the main reasons why I joined SigEp. The lifetime bonds we make “as kids in college” transcend time, and are a pleasure to share.  And upon that nostalgic note, I hope all of us raise a golden goblet with the SigEp heart upon it to our dear friend and brother, Clarke Glennon.

Fraternally,

Dan Olson, ’99