A Warm and Festive Gathering for the Mendel Family

As the holiday lights sparkled and the spirit of the season filled the air, members of the Mendel Alumni Association reunited to share laughter, stories, and friendship at the 2024 Christmas R.O.M.E.O. (Random Old Monarchs Eating Out). On Thursday, December 12, 2024, Monarchs from across the decades gathered at The Original Pancake House in Orland Park—graciously hosted by the family …

ROMEOs Gather for a Special Mendel Alumni Lunch

On November 13, 2024, a group of Mendel alumni affectionately known as the “ROMEOs” (Random Old Monarchs Eating Out) met at Beggars Pizza in Blue Island, Illinois, for a day of camaraderie and connection. This special gathering brought together proud alumni: The ROMEOs tradition exemplifies the enduring bonds of the Mendel community, showcasing the pride and joy of reconnecting with …

Join Us for the Next R.O.M.E.O. Gathering on February 22

We’re excited to announce our upcoming R.O.M.E.O. (Random Old Monarchs Eating Out) event, scheduled for Thursday, February 22, 2024. This gathering promises to be a delightful blend of camaraderie, nostalgia, and fun at Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant, located at 5157 Main St, Downers Grove, IL 60515. The event will run from 12 PM to 3 PM. Hosted by our …

Mendel Alumni Unite for Festive Cheer and Charity at ROMEO Christmas Luncheon

In the latest installment of our cherished ROMEO gatherings—Random Old Men Eating Out—the Mendel Alumni Association turned the page to the festive chapter of our recurring reunions. This All-Class Christmas Celebration at JJ Kelleys in the South Suburbs was a feast for the palate and a toast to our enduring brotherhood. From 11 AM to 2 PM, the air was …

R.O.M.E.O. Gathering Takes Over J.J. Kelleys!

This month, the Monarchs took their royal appetite to J.J. Kelleys in Lansing, Illinois, and let’s just say, it was an afternoon to remember. A huge shoutout and heartfelt thank you to Terry Lynch for hosting this wonderful rendezvous. With 32 Monarchs in attendance, there was no shortage of laughter, memories, and of course, delicious food. But that’s not all! …

Las Vegas Hosts a Mini R-O-M-E-O Meetups

On Wednesday, May 26, 2023. John Lotito (’68). Greg Morin (’68) and Mike Dreznes (’68) conducted a “Mini R-O-M-E-O (Random Old Monarchs Eating Out) at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas Nevada. John and Greg live in Las Vegas, and Mike was visiting Las Vegas to give Vegas his money so they could build more casinos and hotels!Inline imageJohn Lotito …

ROMEO II Connects SW Side Alums

We had a great R-O-M-E-O (Random Old Monarchs Eating Out) Event on Monday, May 15, 2023, at the Original Pancake House in Orland Park.  We had 56 Monarchs in attendance. The food was great, and the comradery was even better. The highlights were a rousing rendition of the Mendel Fight Song and the presentation of a plaque to Lisa, the …

Inaugural ROMEO Breakfast brings Alumni Together from Across Chicagoland

This is a new concept that the Mendel Alumni Association has initiated to encourage more camaraderie and socialization among Mendel Alumni. Three or four times a year, we will choose a restaurant to meet for breakfast and to catch up on Mendel Alumni News. Our first R-O-M-E-O was held in Morgan Park at Lumes Pancake House and was a great …