Well, after 10 1/2 years of cooking Italian Sloppy Joes, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and much much more, Perina Braaten has retired. On April 26, 2003, we threw her a retirement party and invited all the alumni from the past 11 years.

There were around 40 alumni and guests as well as actives and pledges who came to say goodbye. Alumni we haven't seen in a while, and alumni we see every day. Curtis Porcello, David Bowlen, Alexis Martinez, Boyle Liu, and Chris Magerhans were just a few of the alumni that came to visit Perina one last time.

Perina was always there for us, she played poker with us (and took all our money), she gave many of us advise and guidance, she even taught someone to knit an afghan. Of course, we could never get out of line. Drop the "F-Bomb" and she'd come running after you with her wooden roller, a wooden spoon or just her hand. Perina kept us in line, while also feeding our bellies.

Thanksgiving Dinner will never be the same without her. Perina and her sister-in-law Judy would slave over the ovens for our annual Alumni/Faculty Thanksgiving Dinner. Senior Dinner, she'd boil the lobster and stand over the grill all day cooking steaks. Parents Day and any other special day, she'd always be ready and willing to cook for us.

Of course, she had her difficulties with some Kitchen Stewards over the years (me being one of them). She always put up with us. It's sad to see her go and we will definetly miss her.