How it all began..
The VIP’s organized during the spring semester of 1966 by a group of former Sigma Phi Epsilons and some independent transfer students. It soon became a social organization that played a very important part on the Parsons’ campus. Its purpose – to enlighten the values associated with the college experience – has been fulfilled by providing a worthwhile extra-curricular supplement to a college world which is often times frustrating.
Determined to create a group of college men dedicated to having great social parties, and other extra-curricular activities, without being restricted by campus and student body rules of a “dry campus”, the VIP’s began a search for a party house that would accommodate their goals for fun times. The first party house was secured that spring of ’66 and was located just two miles north of the campus. After extensive remodeling that included a main floor bar room with a 12 foot bar and cold beer on tap, a dance room with a juke box, and basement bar called “The Cave”, the original group began to enjoy a party house admired by all who were there for a good time. Traditions were established such as “the initiation ceremony”, “Pig of the Month”, and pre and post group meetings at The Den.
The highlight of the summer of ‘66 was that of hosting The Serendipity Singers at the party house. The fall semester brought more great parties on weekends including Homecoming Weekend with a “live” band. Great times prevailed throughout the spring semester as the group grew to over 35 members. Featured parties included, “underwear only” Valentines Day Party and the semester was culminated by the “Shotgun Wedding” and reception party of our dog “Danny” to the Stag House’s “Lady”.
The VIP’s excelled in student government and athletics as well. Dave Hutto was elected senior class president and Teddy Tsuris was captain of Parsons renowned varsity baseball team. Excellence in intramurals prevailed with awards for swimming and basketball. Also, awards were received for excellence in the annual Spring Fling events, the independent counterpart of Greek Week.
The end of Spring Semester ’67 brought devastating news to Parsons College and to VIP’s as well. Without warning, and almost simultaneously, the college’s accreditation was suspended and the lease on the party house was broken by the owner. Over half the established members of the group either graduated or left school due to accreditation concerns. Some members left for more established groups (WTBA) leaving the remaining members to search for a new party house. During the summer of ’67 a new house was secured in Salina about 7 miles east of school. It had a separate facility next to the house that was quickly remodeled as a bar and dance room. In addition, it had a good size lake in the backyard for swimming and rafting by day and “skinny dipping” by night. The summer was culminated by an all weekend “Pig Roast" party with continuous live music.
As the fall semester of ’67 began, and with more than 50% of the student body not returning to Parsons forever, the VIP’s began to rebuild its members and fun times by throwing a “Hippy Party” with homemade red wine purchased from the Amish colonies. Live band music and beer on tap was the “norm” for a great party weekend. Members became active in student government, the business – marketing club, and college sports car club featuring many corvettes. In addition, the group was active in intramurals and took first place in men’s volleyball with its “California Beach Style” play from the team of Harper, Harper, Johnson, White, Truett, and Neal. A charity slave sale was run by the members and proceeds donated to the Town of Fairfield’s Christmas Fund. The year of ’67 was completed with a wild Christmas break party celebration.
Disaster once again befell the group upon return from Christmas break, only to discover that the party house was broken into and had been vandalized by local teenagers. All furniture, memorabilia, juke box, pictures, and beer equipment had been destroyed. The winter of ’68 began with a new search for another party house and a chance to rebuild the great times of the past two years. Soon a new house was secured 9 miles north of the campus and a remodeling project was undertaken. With support from the local Budweiser distributor and the assistance of the new farmer/landlord, the VIP’s were back to fun times and parties. The annual pig roast was held with much success in late spring of ’68. The summer of ’68 featured an “All Night Underwear” party to celebrate the elimination of women student’s curfew hours. The party was open to all summer students and featured JC and the Penetrators’ Band from midnight to 6AM in the morning. Jim Lewis’ famous “Summer Punch” (w/Missouri grain alcohol) was the “ladies choice” of drink. Attended by over 300 students this party set the standard for a “party of the times.”
The fall of ’68 and spring of ’69 continued to have a declining student enrollment at Parsons College. Accreditation concerns, college costs, and the ever escalating turmoil in the United States had a profound effect on the remaining student body. Continued graduation of members continued to shrink all the independent groups. It soon became popular to hold combined group parties as a way to reduce costs. The VIP’s found it necessary to give up the party house located almost 10 miles from campus. Some members moved to a new house located in town at 104 East Burlington Avenue. This became the final location of “fun parties” including the “Moon Walk Party” celebrating the landing on Moon by Neil Armstrong. The fall ‘69 Homecoming Party "Draft Lottery" celebration culminated the end of the VIP’s as a group. Individual success lay ahead.
Today, many of those same “party guys” are celebrating successful careers. Some are corporate executives, some are professionals, and some are successful entrepreneurs. Many are family men with sons and daughters in college, and some are even grandparents. They successfully survived the struggle of the ’60s & ‘70s and were able to maintain good values. Whatever they are doing today, the “good-times” can never be forgotten. Hopefully, those times are still being shared with family, friends and in their own memories. This website is dedicated to those good-times, great friendships, and wonderful memories.