2024 University of Minnesota Table Lodge

 

On November 12, 2024, representatives from the University of Minnesota, the Grand Lodge of Minnesota and from Minnesota Masonic Charities gathered at the McNamara Alumni Center for an annual Table Lodge.

The Table Lodge has been a long-standing tradition but was interrupted for a few years due to the pandemic. It felt good to be back on the university campus to celebrate this extraordinary partnership between the Masons of Minnesota, and the University of Minnesota.

Walking into the McNamara Center toward the reception area, I passed the elegantly set dining room. There was an undeniable buzz of excitement in the air to be able to gather together once again.

I had the opportunity to meet several cancer researchers, and children’s health researchers. I also met Dr. Damien Fair of the Masonic Institute for the Brain. Everyone displayed great enthusiasm and passion for their work.   It was inspiring to listen to them discuss their projects, the possible break throughs and advancements, along with the potential for improving the countless lives of people.

The researchers were very grateful for the Mason’s support and explained how important that the funding they receive from the Minnesota Masons thru Minnesota Masonic Charities is extremely important to allow for them to continue their valuable work.

Connie W. Delaney PhD, Dean and Professor School of Nursing

I had a wonderful conversation with Dr. Connie W. Delany, the Dean of the School of Nursing, discussing a wonderful new project she is working on for the Science and Care for Healthy Aging initiative. Her passion for helping people is unsurpassed.

We proceeded to dinner where we were seated in a delightful blend of university staff and Masons. This assigned seating format allowed for the opportunity to meet new people, meaningful conversations, and cheerful banter.

Dr, Rebecca Cunningham President of the University of Minnesota, and CEO of Minnesota Masonic Charities John Schwietz

The Master of Ceremonies for the Table Lodge was the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Minnesota Masons, Foster D. Solem.

PGM Eric Neetenbeck, gave a humorous and lighthearted set of instructions to all newcomers. He reminded all that this is not a drinking game and provided helpful hints on the toasting procedures to avoid splashing, sloshing and spraying their liquid libations onto their fellow dinner guests.

He explained that the toast is completed by shouting with gusto either the French version of Vivat, meaning long live or the British version Huzzah. When it came time for the toast to the University of Minnesota the toast was completed by shouting Ski-U-Mah, the schools victory slogan.  These expressions are to demonstrate enthusiastic support for the subject or person being toasted.

These cheers truly enhance the festive atmosphere of the evening and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and friendship.

In our Masonic Table Lodge the seven toasts are an essential part of the evening’s celebration. Each individual toast usually represents a shared value, that provides for a moment of reflection, deepening the bonds between the Brothers and attendees in friendship and fraternity.

This year the toasts were a blend of traditional Masonic toasts plus some additions to encompass the projects supported by Masonic Charities and the University of Minnesota.  Below is a listing of the toasts.

Toast 1- To our country (MWB John Cook)

Response - Reed Endersbe 

Toast 2- To a future without cancer (Bro. Chuck Dietz)

Response - Dr. Jakub Tolar, Dean of Medical School  

Toast 3 - To happy hearts and healthy minds of children (WB Roger McNear)

Response- Dr. Joseph Neglia, Head of Department of Pediatrics 

Toast 4 - To healthy aging (Barb Brihn, PWGM) 

Response - Dr. Jim Pacala, Head of Family Medicine. 

Toast 5- To the Grand Master (RTW Keith Reirson)

Response - Grand Master, Foster Solem 

Toast 6 - To the University of MN (MWB Steve Johnson)

Response - Dr. Rebecca Cunningham, President 

The chant here was Ski-u-Mah, the U of M cheer.

Toast 7- Tyler's toast (MWB John Gann)

 

To conclude the Table Lodge, the University of Minnesota Acapella Choir performed “Auld Lang Syne”, which is by Free Mason Robert Burns. The song title is Scottish which means time gone by or long, long ago. 

As a Minnesota Freemason and a supporter of Minnesota Masonic Charities attending this event was incredibility fulfilling.  To meet the people performing the research and to know that my contributions are making a positive impact on the people of Minnesota is gratifying and that the support of Minnesota Masonic Charities has an impact beyond our borders and will have a lasting legacy that impacts future generations. 

It was also pretty nice to meet the 18^th President of the University of Minnesota, Rebecca Cunningham, as well and hear her say thank you to Masonic Charities.