The event commenced on Friday at De Ranch Restaurant Maryland Avenue Cheverly. Meanwhile I flew into America on Wednesday 30th August through Ethiopian airline from Emene and was hosted with deep hospitality by the family of Sir Peter Ogwulu. The restaurant, interestingly is owned by a SPACO Agubuzo Pascal 1979 set. A very flourishing joint. He offered the place for part of the convention activities. A hand full of members turned up for the opening ceremony which started around 9pm. The convention planning chairman Sir Peter Ogwulu welcomed members and introduced the commencement of the convention. Members took turns to introduce themselves, some even came with their families. Nigerian contingent included my humble self Rev. Fr. Chijioke Eze, Mr Oliver Obiekwe and wife plus three other SPACOs. The session was mainly interactive, exchange of pleasantries, cracking of jokes and announcements. Around 11pm, after food, drinks and snacks were served, the 'intro' came to an end. We retired to the Metro Points hotel were bookings had already been made for us. I was lodged in room 807, an exquisitely furnished apartment in the 8th floor of the 15 storey magnificent five-star hotel. 

On Saturday, we had a morning exercise at the hotel gym which was later followed by a free breakfast from the hotel. We later drove to field nearby where a beautifully organized football match between SPACO and SEMPE was played. It ended in 1-1 draw, not minding the very chilly showers that attended it. We later went into refreshments and exchange of pleasantries. 

In the evening we came together again at De Ranch restaurant. There more members joined, meetings and more introductions were done. The day ended with a sumptuous self-served dinner. 

On Sunday 3rd , the day started as usual with complimentary breakfast at the Metro Points hotel. I with some old boys went for the Sunday mass at the Shrine of our Lady of Immaculate Conception Washington DC. A magnificent church that attracts thousands of pilgrims around the world. We attended the 10.30am mass celebrated by Msgr ..... the rector of the shrine. After the mass we had some time in prayers and taking pictures at different centers of the shrines' architectural monuments and religious historical arts. It was indeed great and inspiring. 

The Old Boys later met at the De Ranch restaurant were they held an executive session. At the session, election for new executive was held and the incumbent EXCOs were returned unopposed. The convention climax came around 10pm at the Metro Points hotel with the gala night and fundraising dinner. Friends and family members of SPACO-USA graced the event. The high point of the event included the following:

1. Keynote address by Rev. Fr. Chijioke Eze, the principal of the college 
2. Cultural dances and masquerade display 
3. Fundraising in which at least $15,000 was raised.
4. Distribution of SPACO Emene publications (students handbook, Patriarch magazine and VCD of our 2017 social day) and private lunching of Msgr Ikeme's books.
5. Dance, dance, dance by all.

There was also high class dinner served with assorted types of liquor. Members and guests were reluctant to go due to the great reunion it later turned out to be, but because of the hotel regulations, the event was rapped up by 2.15am.

On Monday, members who lodged at the hotel gradually checked out and departed to their homes. 

I sincerely thank the SPACO-USA for this wonderful celebration. It was indeed an improvement from former convention held in 2015 at Los Angeles. I also thank Sir Peter Ogwulu who headed the committee that executed the successful event. This convention has truly shown that the college Alumni has come to stay. This was their 3rd biennial convention and each was always followed by infrastructural development in the college. This special group of alumni not minding that they're far from home has also taught us that out of sight is not always out of mind. We pray that this convention will bring greater development in the college and instill in our students love for God and work. 

Written by Rev. Fr. Chijioke Eze.